The Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the format of which was updated in late 2023, is a standardized test widely used for graduate school admissions in the United States and other countries. To achieve the best possible score, it is crucial to understand the structure and content of the GRE. The test is designed to assess a wide range of skills and knowledge and is divided into three sections - Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the GRE structure and each of the GRE parts, enabling you to approach the exam with confidence and clarity.

The GRE standardized test for graduate school admissions consists of three main parts:

• Analytical Writing (also known as “AW”)
• Verbal Reasoning (also known as “Verbal”)
• Quantitative Reasoning (also known as “Quant”)

These three main exam sections are designed to test your basic knowledge of reading, writing, and mathematics at the graduate-school level. Each part is distinct in the way it is designed and presented. The Analytical Writing section has just one section consisting of an essay, with 30 minutes allotted. The Verbal Reasoning section has two parts consisting of 12 and 15 questions with 18 and 23 minutes allocated respectively. The Quantitative Reasoning section has two parts, consisting of 12 and 15 questions with 21 and 26 minutes allocated, respectively.

The Analytical Writing section of the exam always comes first. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are next, but their order is randomized.

The GRE's Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are designed to be “section-level adaptive.” That means the test software can analyze your proficiency level once you answer some initial questions of average difficulty, and then cater the difficulty of the remaining questions to your level. If you do well on the initial part of the section, the second section will be adapted to be more challenging. If you have a difficult time with the first section, the second section will be adapted to be somewhat easier. The rationale behind this customization for the individual test-taker is that it can remove some test anxiety. The adaptive software helps to ensure that questions won’t be perceived as being too difficult for some

The advanced adaptive platform also allows for the test taker to answer questions in their preferred order within each section. This allows for answering the most obvious questions earliest.

The big change to the GRE format that was implemented in late 2023 was the decision to make the exam considerably shorter in all ways. It now presents substantially fewer questions and requires just over half the total time—two hours instead of almost four hours—to complete.

As part of this change, unscored “research” sections were removed from the exam, and scheduled breaks that were previously granted due to the exam’s original length have been eliminated.

ETS, the organization responsible for the GRE, made these substantive changes to the exam for the benefit of test-takers, noting that preparation for a four-hour test, along with the actual number of questions and time required for the original test format itself, could create fatigue and unnecessary stress for test-takers. ETS collected feedback from test-takers and graduate schools to arrive at this decision.

Keep in mind that with substantially fewer questions, each GRE question now carries more weight toward the final test score. In addition, some argue that there is now less of an opportunity for students to showcase their skills and knowledge in a shorter exam.

Test prep organizations recommend spending a minimum of four weeks and a maximum of twelve weeks preparing for the GRE. You can assess your “baseline” score by taking a sample test without doing any preparation. The free GRE practice test online will enable you to mimic the actual test experience.

Knowing your baseline score will be helpful in developing your study plan. Your initial score will reveal your stronger areas and those where you are weaker and need more preparation.

From there, you want to establish what your target GRE score is. Look at the average test scores of the incoming class in the graduate programs you are considering and see how your practice score compares. Ideally your score should equal to or above the average score for the top schools and programs on your list.

Now it’s time to begin your prep. Take some time to decide which method of preparation works the best for you, as this will support your ultimate success. In addition, scrutinize the way you get to your answers, because your approach is much more important and often overlooked. Such self-awareness will be an important part of successful preparation.

As part of your preparation, strive to build your GRE vocabulary by exposing yourself to more challenging literature, such as academic papers. It’s also advised to practice solving Quant questions with and without the calculator that will be supplied during the exam.

The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections represent the “meat and potatoes” of the exam. Each section carries a potential score of 130 to 170. The combined sum comprises your total GRE score. The Analytical Writing section, on the other hand, earns a separate standalone score for the required essay writing. Some test takers are under the mistaken impression that the Analytical Writing score doesn’t really matter. The reality is that your essay for Analytical Writing is given at least some weight for all candidates in all programs... and more weight for those pursuing a graduate degree in a program with significant writing requirements.

Since September 22, 2023, the ETS (Educational Testing Service) has administered a new shorter GRE to all test-takers. The first major change is that the time will be reduced by half, from approximately 4 hours to just under 2 hours of test time. This is a significant change aimed at reducing test fatigue and improving focus for test-takers. The decision has been made to also remove the “Analyze an Argument” Task in the Analytical Writing Section. Quantitative and Verbal sections will have the number of questions per section decreased from 40 to 27, and the removal of the Unscored Section and all scheduled breaks will make the test much shorter. You can also expect faster results — within 8-10 calendar days compared to the previous 10-15 days.

The Analytical Writing section is the first of three GRE components you will need to complete. It’s designed to evaluate your ability to discuss difficult concepts clearly and effectively, think critically, and express complex ideas coherently. The information below describes the new Analytical Writing section.

Duration: 30 minutes

Format: one essay

• "Analyze an Issue" Task - In this task, you are presented with a statement or topic and asked to provide your perspective and to support your stance with relevant examples and reasoning.

The Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE assesses your ability to understand written material. You will need to read, interpret, or complete text-related tasks successfully to get points.

Duration: 41 minutes total

Questions: 2 sections - 27 questions total

• Reading Comprehension: You are presented with passages from various topics and asked to answer questions based on the information presented in the text.
• Text Completion: This task involves filling in the blanks in a passage with appropriate vocabulary and wording to create a coherent text.
• Sentence Equivalence: You are given a sentence with one blank space, and you must select two answer choices that produce sentences with equivalent meanings.

The Quantitative Reasoning section assesses your mathematical proficiency. You will be tested on your ability to do basic arithmetic, algebra, and geometry, as well as problem-solving and data analysis skills. When answering Quantitative Reasoning questions, you will have access to an onscreen calculator.

Duration: 47 minutes total

Questions: 2 sections - 27 questions total

• Problem-Solving: You are presented with quantitative problems and asked to choose the correct answer. The problems cover various topics, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
• Quantitative Comparison: This task involves comparing two quantities and determining the relationship between them, such as greater than, equal to, or less than.

Familiarizing yourself with the GRE sections is crucial for success in the exam. Each section assesses different skills and knowledge, so understanding the GRE format and components of the GRE can significantly impact your preparation and performance. By being aware of the sections' content and time constraints, you can develop effective study strategies and allocate your time wisely during the test. Remember, your GRE score is a significant factor in the graduate school application process, so investing time and effort to better understand and prepare for each section is essential. By preparing thoroughly and practicing with sample questions, you can more confidently approach the GRE, knowing you are well-informed about each section's demands. Good luck on your GRE journey!