The GRE^® Tests

Testing the skills you need to succeed.

The questions on the GRE^® General Test are based on the kind of thinking you will do and the skills you will need to get ahead in today’s demanding graduate and business school programs. Depending on your intended area of study, you may also want to take a GRE^® Subject Test to strengthen your application.

All about the GRE^® General Test

The computer-delivered GRE^® General Test measures the skills you will need in graduate or business school, and features a test-taker friendly format.

3 Number of scores you will receive – one each for Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning

4 Number of FREE score reports you can send to schools

03:45 Time it takes to complete the test

Computer-delivered Test Sections

Analytical Writing

Timing:
30 minutes per task

Number of tasks:
2

Tests how well you:

Apply your critical thinking and analytical writing skills
Articulate complex ideas

More about Analytical Writing

Verbal Reasoning

Timing:
Two 30-minute sections

Number of questions:
20 per section

Tests how well you:

Understand what you’ve read
Apply your reasoning skills

More about Verbal Reasoning

Quantitative Reasoning

Timing:
Two 35-minute sections

Number of questions:
20 per section

Tests how well you:

Interpret and analyze quantitative information
Solve problems using mathematical models

Focuses on basic mathematical skills of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis.

More about Quantitative Reasoning

Unscored Sections

One of two types of unscored sections may be included on the computer-delivered test:

An unidentified Verbal Reasoning or Quantitative Reasoning section – can appear anywhere
An identified research section – always the last section of the test

More about the Unscored Sections

The paper-delivered test is offered in areas of the world where the computer-delivered test is not available.

Click here to learn more if you are taking the test in the paper-delivered format.

The GRE^®
General Test Facts

Explore the test by the numbers.

Test sections
and scores

Where GRE^®
scores are accepted

Benefits of taking the test again

Results of GRE^®
test takers survey

The GRE^®
General Test Facts

Test sections and scores

Where GRE^® scores are accepted

Benefits of taking the test again

Results of GRE^® test takers survey

3

The GRE^® General Test contains 3 scored sections:
Analytical Writing
Verbal Reasoning
Quantitative Reasoning

95%

of GRE^® test takers changed at least one answer, and most improved their scores.

10-15

days after your test date, you can view your scores online in your ETS Account.

130-170

Scoring scale for Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections

0-6

Scoring scale for Analytical Writing section

5

Your scores are valid for 5 years after the year in which you tested.

1,200+

More than 1,200 business schools, including the world's top-ranked business schools, accept GRE^® scores for admission to their M.B.A. programs.

92/94

92 of the top institutions on the U.S. News & World Report 2018 Best Business Schools Ranking accept GRE^® scores.

30/30

All of Bloomberg Businessweek's top 30 U.S. M.B.A. programs accept GRE^® scores.

9/10

9 of the top 10 institutions on The Financial Times 2017 Global M.B.A. Ranking accept GRE^® scores.

7/10

7 out of 10 GRE^® test takers earned the same or better scores on the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections when they took the test a second time.

80%

Nearly 80% of those who took the test a second time scored the same or higher on the Analytical Writing Measure.

1/4

Nearly 1 out of 4 people take the GRE^® General Test more than once.

68%

of test takers rely on official GRE^® software and apps to prepare for the GRE^® General Test.

35%

of test takers prepare from 1-4 hours per week.

3

Top 3 study snacks among GRE^® test takers: fruits, nuts, chocolate

1/3

1 out of 3 GRE^® test takers starts preparing less than 1 month before test day.

At a Glance – Registration for the GRE^® General Test

Most people register for the computer-delivered or paper-delivered GRE^® General Test online. Here are the three key steps and some helpful tips. Register at ets.org

Create an Account ID Requirements Test Location & Date Helpful Tips

Create an ETS Account

Before you register for the test, you will need to create an account. You will be asked to provide your name and contact info and create a username and password.

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Screenshot of My GRE Homepage - with First of Given name highlighted

Understand the ID Requirements

It’s important that when you create your account, the spelling of your full name matches exactly with the ID you will present at the test center. Depending on where you plan to test and your country of citizenship, there may be other requirements. See all ID requirements

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Choose a Test Location and Date

Once you have an account, you will be prompted to register and choose where and when you would like to take the test. Be sure to allow enough time for your scores to be sent to your chosen schools.

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Keep these things in mind:

Register early so you can get your preferred testing location and time
Consider where you might want to send your scores and check their admissions deadlines to plan your test dates
When you register, sign up for the GRE^® Search Service to help schools find you
After your test, you can use your ETS Account to view your official scores

Skip to nav

Skip to next section

At a Glance – Registration for the GRE^® General Test

Create an Account

Create an ETS Account

Before you register for the test, you will need to create an account. You will be asked to provide your name and contact info and create a username and password.

ID Requirements

Understand the ID Requirements

Test Location & Date

Choose a Test Location and Date

Once you have an account, you will be prompted to register and choose where and when you would like to take the test. Be sure to allow enough time for your scores to be sent to your chosen schools.

Helpful Tips

Keep these things in mind:

Register early so you can get your preferred testing location and time
Consider where you might want to send your scores and check their admissions deadlines to plan your test dates
When you register, sign up for the GRE^® Search Service to help schools find you
After your test, you can use your ETS Account to view your official scores

Is a GRE^® Subject Test Right for You?

The GRE^® Subject Tests are designed to measure your knowledge in a particular field of study. They can help you stand out from other applicants by emphasizing your skill level in specific areas.

Biology / Chemistry / Literature in English / Mathematics / Physics / Psychology

Learn what is on the GRE^® Subject Tests

Testing the skills you need to succeed.

All about the GRE® General Test

Computer-delivered Test Sections

Analytical Writing

Verbal Reasoning

Quantitative Reasoning

Unscored Sections

The GRE®General Test Facts

Test sections and scores

Where GRE® scores are accepted

Benefits of taking the test again

Results of GRE® test takers survey

The GRE®General Test Facts

Test sections and scores

Where GRE® scores are accepted

Benefits of taking the test again

Results of GRE® test takers survey

3

95%

10-15

130-170

0-6

5

1,200+

92/94

30/30

9/10

7/10

80%

1/4

68%

35%

3

1/3

At a Glance – Registration for the GRE® General Test

Create an ETS Account

Understand the ID Requirements

Choose a Test Location and Date

Keep these things in mind:

At a Glance – Registration for the GRE® General Test

Create an ETS Account

Understand the ID Requirements

Choose a Test Location and Date

Keep these things in mind:

Is a GRE® Subject Test Right for You?

Connect with Us

All about the GRE^® General Test

The GRE^®
General Test Facts

Test sections
and scores

Where GRE^®
scores are accepted

Results of GRE^®
test takers survey

The GRE^®
General Test Facts

Where GRE^® scores are accepted

Results of GRE^® test takers survey

At a Glance – Registration for the GRE^® General Test

At a Glance – Registration for the GRE^® General Test

Is a GRE^® Subject Test Right for You?