GRE Info & Overview
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GRE General Test: Step by Step
1
Analytical Writing
1 "Analyze an Issue" Task
30 minutes
Always the first section
1 "Analyze an Issue" Task
30 minutes
Always the first section
2
Verbal Reasoning - Section 1
12 questions
18 minutes
Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence, Reading Comprehension
12 questions
18 minutes
Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence, Reading Comprehension
3
Verbal Reasoning - Section 2
15 questions
23 minutes
Section-level adaptive
15 questions
23 minutes
Section-level adaptive
4
Quantitative Reasoning - Section 1
12 questions
21 minutes
Quantitative Comparison, Problem Solving
12 questions
21 minutes
Quantitative Comparison, Problem Solving
5
Quantitative Reasoning - Section 2
15 questions
26 minutes
Section-level adaptive
15 questions
26 minutes
Section-level adaptive
Total Test Time: 1 hour 58 minutes
Format: Computer-based, section-level adaptive
Scoring: Verbal: 130-170 | Quant: 130-170 | Writing: 0-6
Calculator: On-screen calculator for Quant only
Question Types: Multiple-choice, Numeric Entry, Essay
Format: Computer-based, section-level adaptive
Scoring: Verbal: 130-170 | Quant: 130-170 | Writing: 0-6
Calculator: On-screen calculator for Quant only
Question Types: Multiple-choice, Numeric Entry, Essay
Section-Level Adaptive
Second Verbal and Quant sections adjust difficulty based on your performance in the first section.
Second Verbal and Quant sections adjust difficulty based on your performance in the first section.
No Penalty for Guessing
Always answer every question—wrong answers do not lower your score.
Always answer every question—wrong answers do not lower your score.
Test Flexibility
Take at a test center or at home, year-round scheduling.
Take at a test center or at home, year-round scheduling.
2025 GRE Test Dates (US Overview)
GRE General Test: In the US, the GRE General Test is offered year-round at authorized test centers and via the Home Edition. You can typically find available dates throughout every month, with flexible scheduling to fit your needs. Most students can take the GRE on almost any week of the year, subject to seat availability at their chosen center.
How often can you test? You may take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times in any rolling 12-month period.
How often can you test? You may take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times in any rolling 12-month period.
| Month | Sample Available Dates* |
|---|---|
| January | 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31 |
| February | 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 |
| March | 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31 |
| April | 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30 |
| May | 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29 |
| June | 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30 |
*Dates are samples and vary by test center. Always check the official ETS website for real-time availability in your area.
Scores: Typically available 8–10 days after your test date.
Scores: Typically available 8–10 days after your test date.
Registration & Fees
How to Register:
- Visit the ETS GRE Registration Portal.
- Create or log in to your ETS account.
- Choose your preferred test date, location (or Home Edition), and pay the fee.
- Receive a confirmation email with your test details.
- GRE General Test (US): $220
- Rescheduling: $50
- Changing test center: $50
- Additional score reports: $30 each
Official Resources & Practice Tools
Official Practice Tests:
- ETS Free GRE Practice Test
- POWERPREP® Online (2 free, 2 paid practice tests)
- Official GRE Super Power Pack by ETS
- Manhattan Prep GRE Series
- Magoosh GRE Prep App
Test Day Logistics
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Test confirmation email (printed or digital)
- Snacks and water (for breaks)
- Comfortable clothing and layers
- Test Center: Arrive 30 minutes early, follow all security protocols, and bring only allowed items.
- Home Edition: Requires a quiet room, computer with camera, and stable internet. Download and test the ETS Secure Browser in advance.
Accommodations & Accessibility
Special Accommodations:
- Extra time, extended breaks, screen magnification, and other options are available for test takers with disabilities or health needs.
- Requests must be submitted and approved before registering for a test date.
- Learn more and apply at the ETS Accommodations page.
GRE Scoring Explained
- Verbal Reasoning: 130–170 (1-point increments)
- Quantitative Reasoning: 130–170 (1-point increments)
- Analytical Writing: 0–6 (0.5-point increments)
- Average Scores: Verbal: 150 | Quant: 153 | Writing: 3.9
- Top 10%: Verbal: 163+ | Quant: 168+ | Writing: 5+
Tip: GRE scores are valid for 5 years. No penalty for wrong answers—guess if unsure!
Percentiles:
90th: 162–163 (Verbal), 167–168 (Quant)
75th: 157–158 (Verbal), 161–162 (Quant)
50th: 151–152 (Verbal), 153 (Quant)
90th: 162–163 (Verbal), 167–168 (Quant)
75th: 157–158 (Verbal), 161–162 (Quant)
50th: 151–152 (Verbal), 153 (Quant)
How is the GRE scored? Each section is scored separately. Verbal and Quant scores are based on the number of correct answers, then scaled. Writing is scored by trained evaluators and e-rater software.
Section-level adaptive: The difficulty of your second Verbal/Quant section depends on your performance in the first section.
Section-level adaptive: The difficulty of your second Verbal/Quant section depends on your performance in the first section.
Score Reporting & Use
How to Send Scores:
- You can send scores to up to four schools for free on test day.
- Additional score reports cost $30 each.
- Use ScoreSelect® to choose which scores to send.
- Each section (Verbal, Quant, Writing) is reported separately.
- Percentiles show how your scores compare to other test takers.
- Scores are valid for five years.
| Section | Score | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 155 | 69th |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 160 | 73rd |
| Analytical Writing | 4.5 | 82nd |
How to Prepare for the GRE 📚
Develop a daily or weekly schedule covering all GRE sections. Most students need 2–3 months of prep, with 2–3 hours per day. Adjust based on your strengths and weaknesses.
Tip: Start with a diagnostic test to identify your baseline and focus areas.
Tip: Start with a diagnostic test to identify your baseline and focus areas.
Simulate real GRE conditions to build stamina and get used to the test's timing and format. Review mistakes after each test and adjust your study plan accordingly.
Use flashcards and read analytical non-fiction to expand your vocabulary and reading comprehension. Practice with GRE-style passages and questions.
Review arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Practice quantitative comparison and problem-solving questions. Use the on-screen calculator wisely—don't rely on it for every question.
After each practice session, review incorrect answers to spot patterns. Target your weaknesses in future study sessions for faster improvement.
Use official ETS resources, reputable prep books, and consider tutoring for personalized guidance and accountability.
GRE Frequently Asked Questions ❓
You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period.
Register online at the official ETS website. Choose your test date, location (or Home Edition), and pay the registration fee.
Over 4,000 institutions worldwide, including graduate, business, and law schools, accept GRE scores.
A "good" GRE score depends on your target program. Generally, 160+ in Verbal or Quant is considered competitive for top programs. Check the requirements for your specific schools.
No. There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so always make a guess if you’re unsure.
Yes, an on-screen calculator is provided for the Quantitative Reasoning section.
Official scores are typically available 8–10 days after your test date.
Yes. You can retake the GRE up to five times in a rolling 12-month period. Many students improve their scores on a second attempt.
You can cancel or reschedule your GRE test up to four days before your appointment for a fee. Check the ETS website for current policies and deadlines.
GRE scores are valid for five years after your test date.