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.  

Most successful test takers spend several weeks or months preparing, depending on their goals and academic background. 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 Quantitative Reasoning measure assesses mathematical reasoning, problem-solving and data analysis skills. The third section consists of one 30-minute ‘Analyse an Issue’ essay task. 

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 centre, 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 centre staff will advise you on where you can store your things. 

The standard fee for taking the test is currently US$249 in most of the world. Mainland China is one exception, where the fee is US$231.30.  

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

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. 

GRE scores are currently released eight to 10 calendar days after the test date. Scores are also sent to selected institutions at the same time they become available to the test taker. 

*Performance of GRE test takers from July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023 

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’re able to retake it as many times as it’s offered. If you took the GRE test via computer, you may retake it once every 21 days, and up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period. 

With ScoreSelect®, you can also choose which test scores to send to institutions, giving you greater control over the scores included in your applications. 

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 scores to additional institutions or organisations later for a fee of US$35 per recipient. 

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.