STUDY GUIDE
GRE — Info & Overview
Everything you need to know about the GRE General Test — format, scoring, graduate school requirements, and how to prepare.
THE GRE
Understanding the GRE
The GRE General Test is the most widely accepted graduate admissions exam in the world, used by thousands of programs across every discipline.
The GRE General Test is administered by ETS and accepted by thousands of graduate and professional schools worldwide, including many business programs. The current version of the GRE, updated in September 2023, is shorter and more streamlined than previous editions. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills — the core competencies that graduate programs value most.
1 hr 58 min
Duration
The shorter GRE takes under two hours of testing time, making it one of the most efficient graduate admissions exams available.
3 Sections
Exam Format
Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Each section tests a distinct set of graduate-level skills.
260–340
Score Range
Combined Verbal and Quantitative score. Each section is scored 130–170 in 1-point increments, plus a separate Writing score of 0–6.
EXAM BREAKDOWN
Test Structure
The GRE General Test has three sections testing verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing abilities.
Verbal Reasoning
Topics Covered:
- Reading Comprehension
- Text Completion
- Sentence Equivalence
Quantitative Reasoning
Topics Covered:
- Arithmetic & Number Properties
- Algebra & Equations
- Geometry
- Data Analysis & Statistics
Analytical Writing
Task:
- “Analyze an Issue” essay task
- Evaluate a claim and develop a position
- Support ideas with reasoning and examples
SCORING
GRE Score Breakdown
Understanding how the GRE is scored helps you set realistic goals and plan your preparation effectively.
Verbal Reasoning
130 – 170
Scored in 1-point increments
Quantitative Reasoning
130 – 170
Scored in 1-point increments
Analytical Writing
0 – 6
Scored in half-point increments
Combined Score (V+Q)
260 – 340
Total of Verbal and Quantitative sections
~308
Average
50th Percentile
315+
Good
Top 30%
325+
Competitive
Top 10%
330+
Elite
Top 5%
TARGET SCORES
Graduate School GRE Requirements
Average GRE scores for admitted students at leading graduate programs. Texas schools highlighted.
| University | Avg. GRE (V+Q) |
|---|---|
| Caltech | 332 |
| MIT | 330 |
| Stanford University | 329 |
| Harvard University | 328 |
| Princeton University | 327 |
| University of Chicago | 326 |
| Yale University | 325 |
| UC Berkeley | 325 |
| Columbia University | 324 |
| Georgia Tech | 322 |
| University of Michigan | 321 |
| UCLA | 320 |
| Rice University TX | 320 |
| UT Austin TX | 318 |
| USC | 315 |
| Texas A&M TX | 312 |
| SMU TX | 310 |
| Baylor University TX | 305 |
PREPARATION
How to Prepare for the GRE
A proven five-step approach to maximizing your GRE score.
1
Take a Diagnostic
Start with a full-length practice GRE to establish your baseline score and identify which sections need the most work.
2
Build a Study Plan
Create a structured timeline based on your target score, test date, and available study hours per week.
3
Focus on Weak Areas
Dedicate the majority of your study time to the sections and question types where you have the greatest opportunity for improvement.
4
Use Official Materials
Practice with ETS’s official GRE prep materials and PowerPrep practice exams to simulate real testing conditions.
5
Work with a Tutor
An expert GRE tutor provides personalized strategies, accountability, and targeted coaching that self-study alone cannot match.
COMMON QUESTIONS
GRE FAQ
The GRE General Test takes 1 hour and 58 minutes of testing time. It consists of three sections: Analytical Writing (30 minutes), Verbal Reasoning (41 minutes across two sections), and Quantitative Reasoning (47 minutes across two sections). Total appointment time is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes including check-in.
The GRE Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are each scored on a scale of 130 to 170 in 1-point increments, giving a combined score range of 260 to 340. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately on a scale of 0 to 6 in half-point increments. You receive unofficial Verbal and Quant scores immediately after the exam, with official scores and Writing scores available approximately 8 to 10 days later.
You can take the GRE up to 5 times within any continuous 12-month period. There must be at least 21 days between each attempt. You can use the ScoreSelect option to send only your best scores to schools. GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the test date.
A “good” GRE score depends on your target programs. Generally, a combined Verbal + Quantitative score of 315+ is competitive for many well-regarded graduate programs. A score of 325+ puts you in a strong position for top-25 programs. For elite schools like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard, aim for 330+ on the combined sections.
If you are applying to a wide range of graduate programs beyond business school, the GRE is typically the better choice because it is accepted by virtually all graduate programs and many MBA programs as well. If you are applying exclusively to MBA programs, the GMAT may carry slightly more weight at some business schools. Take a diagnostic of both exams to see which format suits your strengths, and check with your target programs to confirm which tests they accept.
Most students benefit from 8 to 12 weeks of dedicated preparation. Start by taking a diagnostic exam to establish your baseline score. If you need to improve by 10 or more points on either section, plan for 2 to 3 months. For larger improvements, consider 4 to 5 months. Begin studying well before your application deadlines so you have time for a retake if needed.
Yes. The GRE provides an on-screen calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning section. You are not allowed to bring your own calculator. The on-screen calculator is a basic four-function tool with a square root button, so you should still be comfortable with mental math and estimation. The calculator is not available during the Verbal Reasoning or Analytical Writing sections.
The GRE General Test registration fee is $220 USD. Additional costs may include late registration ($25 extra), rescheduling ($50), and additional score report sends ($35 each). Some international test centers may charge a local supplement. ETS offers a fee reduction program for students who demonstrate financial need.
Ready to Start GRE Prep?
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