In this article
- What is the GRE?
- Structure of the GRE General Test (2023–2025 format)
- GRE scores by programme
- How to prepare effectively for the GRE
- Section-specific strategies
- Logistics: registering for the GRE
What is the GRE?
The GRE General Test (Graduate Record Examination) is the most widely used standardized test for admission to master’s and doctoral programmes in the United States and Canada, and it is accepted by a growing number of programmes in the UK, Australia and Europe. Administered by ETS, it assesses your skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing.
Since it moved to a shorter format in September 2023, the GRE has become more accessible while remaining demanding. Good preparation can make the difference between an ordinary admission and a merit scholarship at the world’s top programmes.
See also: Online GRE Test Preparation.
Structure of the GRE General Test (2023–2025 format)
Following the 2023 revision, the GRE takes about 1 hour 58 minutes (down from 3 hours 45 minutes):
Analytical Writing (AW)
- 1 task: “Analyze an Issue” (30 minutes)
- Score: 0 to 6 (in half-point increments)
- Removed task: “Analyze an Argument” (dropped in the new format)
Verbal Reasoning (VR)
- 2 sections of 12 questions each
- Time: 18 minutes per section
- Score: 130 to 170 (in one-point increments)
- Question types: Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence, Reading Comprehension
Quantitative Reasoning (QR)
- 2 sections of 15 questions each
- Time: 21 minutes per section
- Score: 130 to 170 (in one-point increments)
- Question types: Quantitative Comparison, Problem Solving, Data Interpretation
Total score: 260–340 (VR + QR), plus a separate AW score
See also: Free GRE Preparation Assessment.
GRE scores by programme
Engineering and computer science programmes (top US universities)
- MIT EECS: Q 167–170, V 155+, AW 4.0+
- Stanford CS: Q 167–170, V 155+
- CMU CS: Q 166–170, V 152+
Business programmes (MBA)
Note: many top MBA programmes (Harvard, Wharton, Booth) now prefer the GMAT to the GRE, but accept both. A GRE score of Q 160+ and V 155+ is competitive for most programmes.
Humanities and social sciences
- For PhDs in economics: Q 165+ and V 155+ is standard in the top 20
- For PhDs in psychology: V 160+ and Q 155+ is competitive
- For Master of Laws (LLM) programmes: V 157+, Q 150+
Average score of admitted students
The overall average score of students admitted to top US universities is around Q 159, V 153, AW 3.7. For top 10 programmes, expect Q 165+ and V 157+.
See also: 10-Hour GRE Preparation Pack.
How to prepare effectively for the GRE
Official ETS resources
- PowerPrep Online: 2 free full-length practice tests on the ETS website; save them for last, just before the exam
- The Official GRE Guide: the official ETS book, with 4 additional paid practice tests
Recommended third-party resources
- Manhattan Prep GRE: excellent books and courses, especially for Quant
- Magoosh GRE: online platform with videos, practice questions and analytics; excellent value for money
- Gregmat: YouTube lessons and an inexpensive subscription, very popular for Verbal
- Kaplan GRE Prep: structured online courses with a score guarantee
8-week preparation plan
- Weeks 1–2: diagnostic (PowerPrep test), identifying weak areas, reviewing maths fundamentals (algebra, geometry, statistics)
- Weeks 3–4: intensive GRE vocabulary (200–300 key words), Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence, Quantitative Comparison
- Weeks 5–6: advanced Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation, complex Problem Solving, writing analytical essays
- Weeks 7–8: 2 full-length practice tests (ETS PowerPrep), targeted review of mistakes, time-management strategy
Section-specific strategies
Verbal Reasoning: vocabulary in context
GRE Verbal tests advanced vocabulary in context, not rote memorization. Learn words in semantic families (pejorative/positive, concession/assertion, etc.) rather than memorizing alphabetical lists. For the blanks in Text Completion, read the whole passage first and predict your own answer before looking at the options.
Quantitative Reasoning: speed and traps
QR tests high-school-level math, but in formats that trip up unprepared test takers. Key points: estimate before you calculate (especially in Quantitative Comparison), watch out for questions involving negative values or fractions, and use back-solving (working backwards from the answer choices) when it is faster than calculating.
Analytical Writing: structure and argument
For the Issue essay, always take a nuanced position (neither fully for nor fully against) and structure your essay: an introduction with a thesis, 2–3 body paragraphs with specific examples, and a concise conclusion. Aim for 5 to 6 well-constructed paragraphs.
Logistics: registering for the GRE
- Register at ets.org/gre; fee: USD 220 (about €200)
- The test is available at a Prometric test center or in an at-home format (taken remotely from your own home)
- Verbal and Quantitative scores are available immediately after the test; AW scores within 10–15 days
- ScoreSelect option: choose which scores to send to programs
- Maximum of 5 attempts per year and 8 in total over your lifetime
GRE Subject Tests
In addition to the GRE General Test, ETS offers GRE Subject Tests in specific disciplines: Mathematics, Physics, Psychology and English Literature. Some highly selective PhD programs require them or strongly recommend them.
For further reading, see also: 20-Hour GRE Preparation Pack.
Conclusion
The GRE is a marathon, not a sprint. With 6 to 12 weeks of structured preparation, most candidates can raise their score significantly. Focus on the weak areas identified in your initial diagnostic test and practice regularly with mock tests under real exam conditions. Your Dream School supports you in preparing for the GRE and applying to international Master’s and PhD programs.
FAQ: GRE Preparation Plan and Strategy
How should you study for the GRE? The optimal study plan
An effective GRE study plan lasts 8 to 12 weeks at 10–15 hours per week. Weeks 1–2: full diagnostic (official ETS practice test) and math review (algebra, geometry, statistics). Weeks 3–6: vocabulary (500 key words using Anki or Magoosh), Verbal Reasoning and Quant. Weeks 7–10: intensive practice, with 3–4 full mock tests under exam conditions. Weeks 11–12: fine-tuning, AWA (Analytical Writing) and strategic review.
What is the format and length of the GRE?
The GRE General Test lasts 1 hour 58 minutes (shorter format since 2023): 1 Analytical Writing section (30 min, 1 essay), 2 Verbal Reasoning sections (27 questions) and 2 Quantitative Reasoning sections (27 questions). Scoring: Verbal 130–170, Quant 130–170, AWA 0–6. A good score for a top US university is 165+ in Verbal and 165+ in Quant.
GRE vs GMAT: which should you choose?
The GRE is accepted by 90% of US MBA, MS and PhD programs and professional schools. The GMAT is still preferred by some traditional business schools (Wharton, Kellogg, Booth). Choose the GRE if you are targeting a mix of master’s, PhD and MBA programs, and the GMAT if you are aiming exclusively at top MBAs. See our GMAT vs GRE 2026 comparison.
GRE fees and registration
The GRE costs USD 220 (~€205). The test is available year-round at Prometric test centers (Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes) or as the GRE at Home version. Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
What GRE score should you aim for at top universities?
Stanford, MIT, Harvard, Princeton (PhD/Master’s): Verbal 165+ and Quant 168+ (engineering/sciences) or Verbal 165+/Quant 162+ (humanities). Columbia, UChicago, UPenn, Northwestern: 160+/165+. US universities ranked 30–50: 155+/160+. Use the official ETS comparison tool to check percentiles.
More GRE resources
Author
With a Bachelor's (LLB) from UCL and Assas, and the Grande Ecole program at HEC Paris, Adam co-founded Your Dream School in 2018. Since then the company has coached more than 1,000 students through university admissions and interview preparation for top global institutions.
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