Everything You Need To Know About Graduate Record Examination: GRE Test 2024

A fact you probably didn’t expect: the average GRE test taker spends over 90 hours studying—and some even push it to 150 hours. That’s nearly four days straight, without a break, just for one exam! It’s no wonder the GRE has a reputation for turning life upside down for a few months.

But let’s be real for a moment. Between work, classes, and maybe trying to have a social life, squeezing in hundreds of hours of study time feels like climbing Everest. And yet, the pressure to hit a high GRE score keeps you tossing and turning at night. The good news? You don’t need to pull all-nighters or give up your weekends. With a solid study plan, a few strategic GRE practice tests, and a carefully picked GRE test day, you can tackle this beast without burning out.

What Is The GRE Test All About?

The GRE test (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized exam designed to assess your readiness for graduate-level education. Created and administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), it is widely accepted by universities around the world for various graduate programs.

Unlike other exams, the GRE is adaptable, meaning the difficulty level changes based on your performance. The better you do, the harder the next section gets, which can make the experience a bit intense. But it’s not just about knowing facts or formulas; it’s about how well you can apply logic, reasoning, and analysis to solve complex problems. 

Here are a few things you need to know to appear for the exam:

Category	Details
Registration Fees	$220 (General Test) in most countries. Fees may vary based on location (e.g., $231 in India, $228 in China). Subject test fees: $150 globally.
Test Types	– GRE General Test (assesses verbal, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing) – GRE Subject Tests (specific to fields like Biology, Physics, etc.)
Test Dates	Available year-round for the GRE General Test. You can select your preferred test date from various options. Subject tests are offered three times a year.
Test Pattern	GRE General Test: Verbal Reasoning: 2 sections (40 questions) Quantitative Reasoning: 2 sections (40 questions) Analytical Writing: 2 tasks
	GRE Subject Test: Focuses on a specific field (e.g., Biology, Chemistry)
Eligibility	No specific eligibility criteria. Anyone can register for the GRE, regardless of education level or age, though it is typically taken by graduate program applicants.
Cutoff	There is no official GRE cutoff. Each university sets its own requirements. Generally, top-tier programs prefer GRE scores of 320+ for the General Test.

How Many Types Of GRE Exams Are There?

If you are serious about taking the test t, you should know and have a clear idea of which one to go for. Right, there are two types of GRE exams, and choosing the right one depends on your academic goals and the GRE universities you’re applying to. These two types are the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test.

Here’s a breakdown of the differences between the two:

Feature	GRE General Test	GRE Subject Test
Purpose	A general standardized test that measures verbal reasoning, GRE quantitative reasoning, and GRE analytical writing skills.	Focuses on specific subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Literature, Mathematics, and Physics.
Test Format	Computer-based test (most common) or paper-delivered GRE (in regions without computer-based testing).	Paper-delivered only.
Test Sections	– Verbal Reasoning (2 sections) – Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections) – Analytical Writing (2 tasks)	One section specific to the subject, covering detailed subject knowledge and advanced problem-solving.
Test Frequency	Can be taken once every 21 days, up to five times in a year.	Offered only three times a year (April, September, October).
Test Availability	The GRE General Test is offered year-round at designated test centers and can be taken as a test at home.	Only available on specific dates and at certain test centers.
Who Should Take It	Students applying for a wide range of graduate and business programs that accept the GRE General Test.	Students applying to specialized graduate programs requiring deep subject knowledge in specific fields.
How to Register	Can easily register for the GRE on the ETS website or through test prep providers like Kaplan Test Prep.	Registration is also done through the ETS website.
Test Preparation	Requires GRE prep for verbal, quantitative, and writing sections. Practice with Kaplan Test Prep or other resources recommended by the makers of the test.	Requires focused preparation on specific subjects. Specialized materials can be helpful for test prep.

How To Register For GRE Exam?

You know what? it’s actually quite simple to register for the GRE exam once you know the steps. Whether you’re aiming for the GRE General Test or the GRE Subject Test, registering early ensures you get the best test date and location. Plus, it gives you enough time to prepare for the GRE test and feel more confident on test day.

Here are the steps you need to take to register for the exam:

Step	Description
1. Create an ETS Account	Visit the ETS website and sign up for an account. This will be used for managing your test date, registration, and viewing scores on a test taken.
2. Choose Test Type	Select between the GRE General Test or GRE Subject Test, depending on your program requirements. Most schools accept the GRE General Test.
3. Select Date & Location	Pick your preferred test date and center. You can take a computer-based test or, in some cases, a paper-delivered GRE. You may also test at home.
4. Pay Registration Fee	Pay the registration fee (usually $220 for the general test). Double-check your details before confirming.
5. Confirm Registration	Receive confirmation via email with test details. You can modify your registration later if necessary.
6. Prepare for the GRE	Start your test preparation using official ETS materials or Kaplan Test Prep. Focus on the format of the GRE and each GRE section.
7. Retake if Necessary	Not happy with your average GRE score? You can retake the test once every 21 days, up to 5 times a year.

How Much Should You Score In The GRE Exam?

When it comes to the GRE exam, there isn’t a universal GRE cutoff, as it varies depending on the program and university you’re applying to. However, most top-tier schools look for a GRE score range of 310 to 330 for competitive programs. The Verbal and Quantitative sections each have scores ranging from 130 to 170, while the Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6. While these numbers give you a general idea, always check the specific GRE score requirements for the schools you’re interested in.

10 Top Universities That Accept GRE Exams

There are many universities around the world that accept the GRE, trust me—it’s way more popular than you might think! Whether you’re aiming for an MBA, MS, or any other graduate program, having a solid GRE score can open doors at top institutions.

Here’s a list of 10 top universities that accept the GRE:

University	QS Ranking 2024	GRE Cutoff (Verbal/Quantitative)	Average Annual Fees (USD)
Stanford University	3	163-168	$55,000
Harvard University	4	163-168	$51,000
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1	161-166	$53,000
University of California, Berkeley	10	162-167	$44,000
Columbia University	12	161-166	$58,000
University of Cambridge	2	160-164	$50,000
Yale University	17	162-166	$55,000
University of Toronto	21	160-165	$45,000
University of Chicago (Booth)	11	162-166	$72,000
University of Oxford	7	160-164	$50,000

6 Best GRE Strategies To Improve Your GRE Score

You don’t need magic to ace the GRE, but the right strategies and a solid GRE study plan can make a huge difference. Since the GRE is a standardized test, your goal should be to approach it with tactics that help you understand the test format, improve your weak areas, and boost your confidence. Here are six practical strategies to help you achieve the best GRE score possible.

1. Understand the Test Format and Content

Before diving into GRE prep, make sure you fully understand the format of the GRE and each section of the test. The GRE consists of three main sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Knowing how these sections are structured and what the test focuses on will help you allocate time to the areas that need the most attention.

2. Take Practice Tests Early and Often

Practice tests are your best friend when preparing for the GRE. They simulate the real test environment, helping you manage time and stress. The ETS website provides official GRE practice tests, and other services like Kaplan Test Prep offer valuable resources. Take a computer-delivered GRE to experience the feel of the actual test at home. Aim to complete multiple practice tests during your preparation to track your progress.

3. Focus on Your Weak Sections

It’s easy to focus on what you’re already good at, but to truly improve your GRE score, you need to target your weaknesses. Whether it’s GRE Analytical Writing or the Quantitative Reasoning scores, invest extra time in the areas where your performance is lagging. Identify your weak points through practice tests and create a targeted study plan to address them.

4. Study Consistently, Not Just Cram

Consistency is key when it comes to test preparation. Rather than cramming a few days before the exam, spread out your study sessions over weeks or even months. Most GRE test takers recommend studying for at least two to three months before the planned test. By preparing for the GRE general over time, you’ll feel more confident on test day and retain information more effectively.

5. Use Reliable Study Materials

Whether you’re using Kaplan Test Prep, Magoosh, or other prep courses, make sure you’re working with high-quality, reliable resources. The makers of the test, ETS, offer official GRE study materials, which are excellent for learning the test content and practicing the types of questions you’ll encounter.

6. Plan for Retakes (If Necessary)

Not everyone gets their ideal score on the first try, and that’s okay. You can take the general test once every 21 days, up to five times a year. If your first score doesn’t meet your expectations, use your results to pinpoint areas to improve, then retake the exam. Many universities also accept GRE scores from previous test taken dates, so always check the policies of the programs you’re applying to.

Conclusion

The GRE is a huge challenge, but with the right preparation and mindset, it’s entirely manageable. You don’t need to burn out or stress yourself into sleepless nights. The test is tough, sure, but it’s predictable. Stick to a solid study plan, focus on your weak points, and remember to take care of yourself mentally and physically throughout the process.

If you hit a roadblock, know that you’re not alone—many test takers need more than one attempt. The goal is progress, not perfection. In the end, your GRE score is just one piece of your graduate school application puzzle. So take the exam seriously, but don’t let it define your entire academic journey.

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