GRE Frequently Asked Questions
GRE General Test — FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about the GRE: what it tests, how it is scored, how to prepare, and what to expect on test day.
Last updated: 2026 · 12 min read
About the GRE
What does the GRE test?
The GRE General Test measures three areas: Verbal Reasoning (reading comprehension, vocabulary, and text analysis), Quantitative Reasoning (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis), and Analytical Writing (the ability to construct and support a written argument). It is designed to reflect the kind of thinking required in graduate-level academic work.
Who requires the GRE?
The GRE is required or accepted by most graduate programs in the United States and many international universities. This includes PhD programs, Master's programs, and an increasing number of MBA programs. Over 1,300 business schools now accept GRE scores. Requirements vary by program — always check the specific admissions page for each program you are applying to, as some have made GRE optional or dropped it entirely in recent years.
How much does the GRE cost?
The GRE General Test costs approximately $220 in most countries (prices may vary by region). This fee includes score reporting to up to four programs at the time of registration. Additional score reports cost $30 each. Fee reduction vouchers are available for eligible test takers in the United States who demonstrate financial need.
How long is the GRE?
The total GRE test time is approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, including a mandatory 10-minute break after the third section. The Analytical Writing section (30 minutes) comes first, followed by five additional sections: two Verbal Reasoning (30 min each), two Quantitative Reasoning (35 min each), and one unscored research or unidentified pretest section. You will not know which section is unscored.
Can I take the GRE at home?
Yes. The GRE at Home option (officially called GRE General Test at Home) lets you take the same GRE General Test from your own computer, proctored online by ProctorU. The test, content, timing, scoring, and validity are identical to the testing center version. You need a reliable internet connection, a webcam, and a quiet private space. Check ETS's website for current availability in your country.
Scores and Percentiles
What is the GRE score scale?
Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning are each scored on a 130–170 scale in 1-point increments. Analytical Writing is scored on a 0–6 scale in 0.5-point increments. Your total GRE score is the sum of your Verbal and Quantitative scores (260–340). Writing is reported separately and is not included in the total.
What is a good GRE score?
"Good" depends on your target program. As a general benchmark: a 310+ total (155+ Verbal, 155+ Quant) is competitive for most graduate programs. A 320+ total is competitive for highly ranked programs. A 330+ total puts you in the top 5% of test takers. For context, the average GRE scores are approximately 150 Verbal, 153 Quant, and 3.5 Writing. See our GRE Scoring Guide for program-specific benchmarks and full percentile tables.
Does GRE superscore?
ETS does not officially superscore the GRE (combining best Verbal from one sitting with best Quant from another). However, many graduate programs review all scores and informally consider your best performance in each section even across multiple test dates. With ScoreSelect, you can choose which test date scores to send, so programs only see what you send — they will not automatically see all attempts unless they require it.
How long are GRE scores valid?
GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the test date. For example, a test taken in March 2023 will be valid for applications through March 2028. Scores older than 5 years cannot be reported to schools.
What percentile does a 160 Verbal or 160 Quant correspond to?
Approximately: Verbal 160 corresponds to the 84th percentile. Quant 160 corresponds to the 76th percentile. Percentiles differ between sections because the test-taking population performs differently on each section. The Quant distribution is more compressed near the top — a 167 Quant is roughly the 90th percentile, while a 163 Verbal is roughly the 90th percentile. See the full percentile table in our GRE Scoring Guide.
Test Sections
What types of questions are on the Verbal section?
Verbal Reasoning includes three question types: Text Completion (passages with 1–3 blanks, select the best word(s) to fill them), Sentence Equivalence (select two words that both complete the sentence and produce sentences alike in meaning), and Reading Comprehension (multiple passages with 1–6 questions each, covering main idea, inference, author's purpose, and vocabulary in context). Reading Comprehension makes up roughly half the section.
Can you use a calculator on the GRE Quantitative section?
Yes. An on-screen calculator is provided for all Quantitative Reasoning questions. It performs basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square root) and has a transfer-answer function to input your result directly into Numeric Entry questions. You cannot bring your own calculator. The on-screen calculator helps with arithmetic but does not substitute for understanding mathematical concepts.
What types of questions are on the Quantitative section?
Quantitative Reasoning uses four question formats: Multiple Choice — Select One Answer, Multiple Choice — Select One or More Answers (no partial credit — all correct choices must be selected), Numeric Entry (type your own answer), and Quantitative Comparison (decide which of two quantities is greater, or if they are equal, or if the relationship cannot be determined from the given information). Content areas include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
What is the Analytical Writing section?
The Analytical Writing section has one task: Analyze an Issue. You are given a brief position on a topic of general interest and specific instructions on how to respond. You have 30 minutes to plan and write an essay arguing your perspective with specific examples and reasoning. Your essay is scored holistically on a 0–6 scale by one human rater and one automated scoring engine (e-rater).
What is the unscored section of the GRE?
The GRE includes one unscored section — either a Verbal or Quantitative section used by ETS for research and question pretesting. You will not know which section is unscored. Treat every section as if it counts. This unscored section does not affect your score, but there is no way to identify it during the test.
Preparation
How long should I prepare for the GRE?
Most test takers need 4–12 weeks of focused preparation, depending on their starting point and target score. A rough guide: if you are within 5–10 points of your target score on a diagnostic, 4–6 weeks of targeted practice may be enough. If you need to improve by 20+ points, plan for 10–12 weeks of structured study. Take a full-length practice exam before starting to establish your baseline.
How many times can I take the GRE?
There is no lifetime limit on the number of times you can take the GRE. However, ETS restricts retakes to: once every 21 days, and no more than 5 times within any continuous 12-month period. Scores from all test dates within the past 5 years are retained in your record and can be sent via ScoreSelect.
What are the best study strategies for the GRE?
The most effective strategies: (1) take a full diagnostic exam first to know your baseline and weaknesses, (2) study vocabulary daily using GRE-specific high-frequency word lists (for Verbal), (3) review math fundamentals if you have not used algebra or geometry recently, (4) practice each question type with targeted drills, (5) take 3–4 full-length timed practice exams in the weeks before your test date, and (6) review every wrong answer to understand the reasoning, not just the correct answer.
Does vocabulary matter a lot on the GRE?
Yes — vocabulary is a significant component of Verbal Reasoning. Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions directly test precise vocabulary knowledge. Even Reading Comprehension includes Vocabulary in Context questions. Building a strong GRE vocabulary (focusing on the 500–1,000 most commonly tested words) is one of the highest-return investments for Verbal preparation. The GRE tests sophisticated vocabulary — words like "ebullient," "laconic," "tendentious," and "pellucid" are representative of the difficulty level.
Test Day
What do I need to bring to the GRE?
Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (passport recommended for international test takers) that exactly matches the name you used to register. Do not bring phones, watches, wallets, food, drink, or any personal items into the test room. Everything is stored in a locker outside the testing area. At GRE at Home, you must show your ID via webcam before the exam begins.
Is scratch paper provided?
Yes. At testing centers, you are provided an erasable notepad (similar to a whiteboard sheet) and a marker. You can request additional scratch material during the exam by raising your hand. You cannot bring your own paper. For GRE at Home, you are allowed up to 5 sheets of blank white paper and a pen or pencil — you must show these to the proctor before the exam.
Are there breaks during the GRE?
There is one mandatory 10-minute break after the third section of the test (following Analytical Writing and two additional sections). You may also take a 1-minute rest between any other sections, but the timer continues running. Use the 10-minute break to get water, use the restroom, and have a light snack from your locker. You cannot access your phone during the break.
When do I get my GRE scores?
Unofficial Verbal and Quantitative scores are displayed on screen immediately at the end of the test (before you decide whether to keep or cancel scores). Official scores — including Analytical Writing — are available in your ETS account approximately 10–15 days after your test date. Scores are also sent directly to programs you designated at registration.
GRE vs Alternatives
GRE vs GMAT: which should I take for an MBA?
Both are accepted by virtually all top MBA programs. The GRE is typically better for applicants with strong vocabulary skills or those also applying to non-MBA programs. The GMAT is typically better for applicants with strong quantitative reasoning skills and those applying exclusively to business school. The GMAT's Quant section is harder (includes Data Sufficiency questions not found on the GRE) but its Verbal section tests different skills (Critical Reasoning, Sentence Correction) rather than vocabulary. Cost: GRE ~$220, GMAT ~$275.
GRE vs MAT: what is the Miller Analogies Test?
The MAT (Miller Analogies Test) is accepted by some graduate programs (primarily in psychology, education, and library science) as an alternative to the GRE. It tests only analogy-based reasoning (110 analogy questions in 60 minutes) and costs less (~$100). However, the GRE is accepted by far more programs. Unless a specific program recommends the MAT, the GRE is the safer choice for broader applications.
Are GRE Subject Tests still used?
GRE Subject Tests (in Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology) are still offered but their use has declined significantly. Some highly competitive PhD programs in those fields (particularly Mathematics and Physics programs at top universities) still recommend or require the Subject Test. Always check the specific program requirements — most programs have made Subject Tests optional or dropped them entirely.
Score Reporting
What is ScoreSelect?
ScoreSelect is ETS's option to choose which GRE scores to send to programs. At test registration, you get four free score reports to programs you select at that time — these are sent automatically and include your most recent scores. For additional reports after test day, you can choose to send: your most recent test, any specific test date(s), or all scores from the past 5 years. The cost for additional reports is $30 per recipient. Note that some programs require all scores be submitted regardless of ScoreSelect.
Can schools see how many times I took the GRE?
Only if you choose to send scores from multiple test dates. With ScoreSelect, you control which test date(s) you report. If you send only your best performance, programs only see that test date. They cannot see how many times you have taken the GRE from the scores report itself. However, if a program requires all scores, you must comply — sending only selected scores when all are required is a violation of ETS policy.
GRE Statistics
The GRE is one of the most widely taken standardized tests in graduate admissions. Key statistics:
500,000+
Tests per year
~150
Average Verbal
~153
Average Quant
~3.5
Average Writing
71%
International test takers
5 years
Score validity
India and China consistently rank as the top two countries by GRE test volume. The United States ranks third. Approximately 71% of GRE test takers are international students. The most common intended graduate field is engineering, followed by life sciences, social sciences, and business.
FullPracticeTests — GRE Specific Questions
What does FullPracticeTests offer for GRE preparation?
FullPracticeTests provides full-length GRE General Test practice exams with AI-generated content — unique passages, problems, and essay prompts on every attempt. All three sections (Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing) are included with realistic timing. Writing essays are scored using AI with the official 6-point rubric, giving instant detailed feedback.
Is the GRE practice exam free?
Yes — a full-length GRE practice exam is available completely free with no account required. You can start immediately. After completing the exam, you can view scores, question-by-question breakdowns, and writing feedback. Creating a free account unlocks score history and allows you to track progress across multiple exams.
How accurate is the AI scoring on Writing?
The Writing scoring uses an AI model calibrated to GRE-specific rubric parameters and standardized test writing evaluations. Scores are benchmarked against ETS's published descriptors for each score level (0–6). AI scoring is highly reliable for evaluating organization, argument clarity, and language quality — the core components of the GRE Writing rubric. As with any AI scoring, treat it as a high-quality approximation, not an official ETS score.
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