GRE: What you need to know

Free preparation materials are available on the ETS website. These include sample questions and even full-length practice tests, to give you an idea of exactly what to expect. Further official preparation guides and materials can also be purchased through the site. You should start preparing for the GRE at least three to six months before the test date, and try not to cram at the last minute. Follow some of these GRE preparation strategies to help you prepare.

Find out how to decide if you're ready to take the GRE test.

The GRE General Test has three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing. The first section aims to assess how well students can understand and interpret passages of text. The second section has more of a numerical focus, testing students’ ability to interpret sets of data. The third section consists of two timed essays – one analyzing an issue, and one analyzing an argument.

Adequate preparation will ensure you don't need to blindly guess answers to the GRE, as you should be able to eliminate some of the multiple choice options logically. Moving through questions quickly is important so don't be afraid to make an educated guess rather than remaining stuck on a question.

You should allow plenty of time to get to the test center, as it’s very important not to be late. No personal items are allowed in the test room except for your identification documents (not even a watch!), so the test center staff will advise you on where you can store your things.

From 22 September 2023, the GRE test will be shortened, to feature three 45-minute sections: 

The new GRE® test will be rolled out from 22 September 2023. There will be no difference to the way applicants register for the test. Those with an appointment before that date will take the current test and those with an appointment from 22 September will take the shorter test.  

Learn more about the updated version of the GRE test and what to expect.

The standard fee for taking the test is currently US$205 everywhere in the world except China, where it is US$231.30, Australia, where it is US$230, Nigeria, where it is US$220, and Turkey, where it is US$255.

You’ll need to pay additional fees for special handling requests such as rescheduling or changing your test center.

Yes, a limited number of Fee Reduction Certificates are available for those who meet criteria for demonstrating financial need, which mean a 50 percent reduction in the fee of either one GRE General Test or a GRE Subject Test.

This depends on which form your test was delivered in – if you took the computer-delivered GRE test, your official scores will be available online in your account and sent to your designated institutions approximately 10-15 days after your test date. If you took the paper-delivered test, your scores will be available online and sent to the institutions within five weeks after your test date. 

*Based on the performance of GRE test takers between 2012 and 2015

Research has shown that students who thoughtfully change their multiple choice answers manage to improve their overall score.

Yes – if you took the paper-delivered test, you can retake it as many times as it’s offered. If you took the GRE test via computer, you can retake it once every 21 days, and up to five times in a year. 

If you have a low GRE score, it's worth considering a retake or delaying your business school application.

As part of the fee for taking the test, you have the option to send your scores to up to four graduate schools or prospective employers. (You can send your score to more organizations later for an extra US$27 each).

If you’ve taken the GRE General Test more than once, you can use the ‘ScoreSelect’ option to choose which scores from the past five years to send.

ETS will keep your score on file for five years after your test administration date. Check with your chosen university to find out if they require test scores from within a certain period.