What's the GRE® General Test?
It's part of the grad school equation.
You've soaked up thousands of words since your second birthday. Shown off your writing skills on countless essays and research papers. And added, subtracted and multiplied thousands of numbers. Yes, you've accomplished quite a lot in college so far. And now, it's time to show what you've learned.
The GRE® General Test measures verbal and quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills acquired over time – skills that aren't related to a specific field of study, but critical to all of them. So, luckily, you're already preparing for the GRE Test just by being in school.
Three sections of the GRE General Test are
- Verbal Reasoning – you'll need to:
- analyze and evaluate written material and parts of sentences
- recognize relationships between words and concepts
- Quantitative Reasoning – you'll need to:
- know basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis
- solve problems in a quantitative setting
- Analytical Writing – you'll need to:
- articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively with reasons and examples
- examine claims and accompanying evidence
- sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion in written English
What's the purpose of the GRE General Test?
When you applied to colleges, you showed a variety of skills to get accepted: grades, SAT® Test scores, and extracurricular activities. For graduate school, it's pretty much the same. GRE scores are used by admissions to supplement your undergraduate record.
But every school and area of study is different, whether it's Business, Engineering, Arts, Sciences, or Humanities and others. It's best to contact the admissions office or department you're interested in and see exactly what they're looking for.
So even if you're not sure about grad school yet, take the GRE Test. That way, once you know, you'll be ready to go. Register for the GRE Test today.
How much does it cost?
Whether you pay on your own or get the parents or Uncle Joe to chip in, taking the GRE General Test is a great investment in yourself. In the U.S., U.S. Territories*, and Puerto Rico, the General Test is $150.
Fees are subject to change without notice. The above amount is exclusive of any value-added or similar taxes. Any tax is payable in addition to the amount quoted.
- There are three ways to register:
- online (credit card only) — the fastest way!
- by phone
- by mail
Visit our registration section to learn more about the process.
*Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands only.
FAQs
We probably can't give you an answer to the meaning of life. But, hey, if it's about the GRE General Test, we've got it covered
Who accepts the GRE General Test?
Thousands of graduate and business programs around the world. Wherever you want to go, the GRE General Test can help you get there.
How can I prepare for the General Test?
It's easy to prepare. In fact, you can start studying right now by downloading our GRE Powerprep® — for FREE.
- You'll get:
- test tutorials
- practice questions with explanations
- two actual computer-adaptive tests for the Verbal and Quantitative sections
- sample topics and essays for the Analytical Writing section
- advice on how to write effective essays
Try some GRE General Test sample questions.
Can I take the GRE General Test if I want to go for my MBA?
Absolutely! In fact, the GRE General Test is accepted for admission to more than 275 MBA programs at business schools around the world — including 7 out of the top 10 global MBA programs1
And there are lots of advantages to taking the GRE General Test over other admission tests accepted by business schools, including more test centers in more cities and a lower test fee.
1Top 10 according to Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2009.
- What scores are reported?
Basically three scores are reported on the General Test: - a Verbal Reasoning score reported on a 200-800 score scale
- a Quantitative Reasoning score reported on a 200-800 score scale
- an Analytical Writing score reported on a 0-6 score scale
When are scores reported?
You can actually view unofficial verbal and quantitative scores right at the center. Your official Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical Writing scores will be mailed to you and your designated schools 10 to 15 days after you take the test.
Learn about how the GRE General Test works.
Can I retake the test if I don't think I did well?
Yes. After the test session, you can choose to view your scores or cancel your scores. Just remember, every school – even their individual programs – is different in the way they use your scores, so you may want to contact your desired schools to see how the GRE General Test counts.
Also, you can take the test again — once per calendar month, up to five times per year.
Learn about how the GRE General Test works.
Can I reschedule if I need to?
Sure, no problem, but there is a $50 fee.
So, what's left?
Other than getting a good night's rest and having a hearty breakfast, don't forget to bring identification and be on time. Visit our registration page to learn more about things to remember.
Are you majoring in any of the Sciences, Math, Computers, Physics or English Lit?
Take a GRE Subject Test – the test that shows
what you know and helps you get noticed.