The Graduate Record Examination (GRE®) is a standardized test that many graduate, business, and even some law schools use to evaluate applicants. Many law schools accept GRE scores as an alternative to the LSAT, which gives students more flexibility in the admission process.
You will be provided with a complete GRE study guide to inform you about every essential detail about the exam, varying from what the test includes, how it works, to how you can register for it with confidence.
About The GRE Practice Test
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a test that many graduate programs use to evaluate applicants. It is especially common in business schools and law schools. Some Law school’s accept GRE scores as an alternative to the LSAT.
Who Needs to Take The GRE?
Not every graduate student must take the GRE. It is usually required if you are applying for programs, like:
- A Master’s in Business
- MBA
- JD
- Doctoral degrees
Schools use the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) to understand how prepared applicants are for advanced study. This test gives students a fair way to show their skills, knowledge, and potential because the academic standards differ around the world.
Even though your GRE score is only one part of your application, it helps show your readiness for the program, which you can also analyze by taking the GRE practice exam before the execution of the actual exam.
Take A GRE Mock Test Free
Taking a GRE practice test online helps you familiarize yourself with the exam format, timing, and question types. You can track your progress, identify weak areas, and build confidence for the real test with free resources.
GRE Test Contents
The GRE consists of five sections, each timed between 18 and 30 minutes, with a total test duration of about 1 hour and 58 minutes. The GRE practice test helps you improve your skills in each of these sections and prepares you for the actual test.
Analytical Writing (One Section)
The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is the essay part of the GRE, comprising 30 minutes. You are required to present a clear thesis and support it with evidence. The general statement or topics are related to politics, education, or culture, with which you are affiliated through the GRE practice test, where you are taught to take a clear position while analyzing the issue.
Verbal Reasoning (Two Sections)
The Verbal Reasoning section is divided into two sections:
Sections | Questions | Time Limit |
Section 1 | 12 | 18 minutes |
Section 2 | 15 | 23 minutes |
It evaluates your ability to understand relationships between words and concepts, evaluate written information, and analyze relationships among parts of sentences. The GRE practice test prepares you for the exam in a detailed manner.
There are three types of questions asked through this section:
- Text Completion (TC): Fill in the blanks with the correct word. But, there are some sentences that have multiple blanks, and some GRE practice questions also affiliate you with the kind of fill-in-the-blank that extends throughout the paragraph.
- Sentence Equivalence (SE): You are required to choose two words that logically complete a sentence.
- Reading Comprehension (RC): Answer questions based on passages ranging from 100 to 450 words. These passages cover topics from multiple fields, like science, literary critique, and social sciences. GRE test prep helps you understand these subjects to understand the questions accurately.
One tip to remember that students are always taught in GRE test prep is to avoid looking at the answer choices immediately. Many are designed to seem correct. Cover the seemingly accurate answers, think carefully, and only choose your answer after analyzing the sentence.
Quantitative Reasoning (Two Sections)
The Quantitative Reasoning section also has two parts:
Sections | Questions | Time Limit |
Section 1 | 12 | 21 minutes |
Section 2 | 15 | 26 minutes |
Quantitative Reasoning focuses on high-school-level subjects, like basic properties of shapes, integers, exponents, word problems, rates, and probability. GRE practice questions help you understand these concepts. There is no involvement of complex-level math, like calculus, trigonometry, or geometry proof.
On one hand, the GRE tests your ability to deal with number properties and geometric figures, and on the other side, it tests your way of solving problems, which is the real purpose of this section. The GRE sample questions sharpen your ability to reason with numbers.
There are three types of Quantitative Reasoning questions:
- Quantitative Comparison: The student is required to compare two quantities to see which is greater or if they are equal.
- Multiple-Choice: You are required to select one or more correct answers from five options.
- Numeric Entry: Enter your answer as an integer, decimal, or fraction.
Click below to see all of the formulas you should know:
You must know that GRE test prep provides you with many tips, such as you can use the on-screen calculator during the test, but depending on it too much can slow you down or lead to mistakes. Being able to estimate and do mental math can save time. Unlimited scratch paper is also provided to work through problems.
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Here is a look at our GRE study materials that you will receive:
We understand that everyone learns in their own way. That is why our online GRE test prep course is carefully designed to provide flexible, personalized resources, practice materials, and strategies to help every student fully prepare for the GRE exam.
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Get our GRE study materials, like flashcards, to easily understand even the most complex concepts.
How Does Computer-Adaptive Testing Work?
The GRE is a computer-adaptive test, which means the difficulty of your exam adjusts based on your performance. Here’s how it works:
The GRE test begins with a section of medium difficulty that you get to know through our GRE preparation online course as well. The next section may be easier or harder depending on how well you do. If you perform well on the first math section, the second math section will become more challenging. If you struggle in the first section, the next one will be easier.
The general rule is that the fewer questions you miss, the more likely you are to face harder sections, even though the scoring algorithm is not exact. Our GRE test prep helps you understand that tackling only easy sections limits your maximum score, so your goal should be to reach the more difficult sections. You can skip questions and return to them later within the allotted time for each section. Skipping should generally be reserved for tougher questions, so you don’t spend too much time on them, which allows you to answer more questions overall.
Each question carries the same weight as you get to know through GRE practice questions, so it is better to answer more questions than get stuck on a few difficult ones. Moreover, the GRE does not penalize wrong answers, so always attempt every question, even if it means taking a wild guess.
GRE Registration
Start by creating an online ETS account to register for the GRE. Our GRE preparation online course also includes helping you with the registration process. You can choose a test center near you and select a date that fits your schedule, once your account is set up.
You will need to pay the exam fee when registering. The standard GRE fee is $220, except in Mainland China, where it costs $231.30. The GRE preparation online course further informs you about the registration process in detail.
Test Day
Getting plenty of rest the night before the GRE is essential. Avoid cramming; instead, focus on consistent practice of the GRE sample questions in the weeks leading up to your test. The knowledge and skills needed for the GRE are developed in months, so a few practices question the day before are fine, but staying relaxed is far more important.
Bring a valid ID to the test center. It is also smart to bring some natural, high-energy snacks like nuts, dates, or bananas, whether you are taking the GRE online practice test or the actual test, to keep your energy up.
The GRE lasts about four hours, including check-in and background questions. The test is divided into two 30-minute essays and four math or verbal sections that are taught in detail through our GRE practice test format. You will have a 10-minute break after the third section and one-minute breaks between the others. You can also take breaks whenever you need, but keep in mind that the total time for the test is limited.
Requirements For At-Home Testing
You can take the GRE from home as long as you meet all the equipment and environment rules set by ETS. Our GRE test prep helps you understand all the requirements, including;
Equipment Requirements
- You must use a computer that meets one of the following conditions:
- A Windows computer with Windows 8 or higher.
- A Mac with Mac OS X® 10.5 or later (10.13 High Sierra recommended).
- Internal or external speakers.
- A built-in camera or external webcam that can show a full 360° view of your testing room, including your desk surface.
Environment Requirements
Your testing space must follow strict guidelines to test from home, as you are taught through our GRE test prep course, with environmental requirements as:
- No one else can be in the room during the exam.
- You cannot test in public places like parks, cafes, or libraries.
- All doors to the room must remain closed.
- Your ears must stay uncovered and visible at all times.
- You must sit on a standard desk or dining chair, not on a couch, bed, or cushioned chair.
- You must dress appropriately for the remote proctoring system.
- You can take notes only on a small desktop whiteboard with an erasable marker. At the end of the exam, you must show the proctor that all notes have been completely erased.
- Pens and pencils are not allowed.
GMAT vs. GRE
Even though GRE and GMAT both are entrance exams, they differ from each other in many ways. Our GRE preparation online also helps you understand their differences, assisting you in making the choice to pick the one that is right for you.
Take a look at the details of each exam type:
| GRE | GMAT | |
|---|---|---|
Time | 118 minutes | 135 minutes plus an optional break of 10 minutes. |
Question Count | 55 | 64 |
Sections | 5 | 3 |
Subjects Covered | Analytical Writing (2 Sections), Verbal Reasoning (2 Sections), and Quantitative Reasoning (2 Sections) | Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights |
Test Dates | Throughout the year | Throughout the year |
Fee | $231.30 = China $220 = everywhere else | $275 = in-person $300 = online |
Fee Waiver | Fee reduction is possible | Yes |
Test Results | 10 to 15 days | 1 to 20 days |
Pass or Fail | No | No |
Option to Retake | Yes ( 5 times a year) | Yes (5 times a year) |
Score Sending | You can send four free score reports to programs that you have chosen before you receive your test scores. Additional score reports are available for a fee. | You can send five score reports to programs within 48 hours of receiving your Official Score Report. Additional score reports are available for a fee. |
Test Score Reporting and Analysis
You can send your scores to up to four schools for free after finishing the GRE. Our GRE practice exam informs you about score reporting as well, where you get to learn things like you will have to pay $25 each to send scores to additional schools.
GRE scores are relative, and what counts as good depends on your field. Our GRE online practice test simulation techniques keep students informed about these things as well, like applicants to the top 10 Engineering programs last year had an average Quant score of 165 (around 90%). In contrast, students admitted to the top 10 Education programs averaged 156.6 (about 64%).
Our GRE practice exam helps understand that scoring around 50% is considered average, neither too helpful nor too harmful. A score near 25% can weaken your application, while a score around 75% can make you a stronger and more competitive candidate.
Even though you must give your best for which you can take our GRE practice exam, but keep in mind that your GRE score is only one part of your application. It is because even a perfect score cannot guarantee admission to highly selective schools.
Research the average scores for your target programs or get to know more through our GRE preparation online course, so you understand what you should be aiming for. You can have more or less room to skip questions, depending on your goal. If your goal is about 160 on each section, then you could miss over a dozen questions in verbal and 8 to 9 in math.
Receiving Your Score
You will receive your scores within the range of 130 to 170 scale, immediately after completing the test. A window will appear asking if you want to see your scores. Our GRE practice exam course keeps you informed by letting you know that always choose No when you are given the option to see results; otherwise, you won’t see your results, and they will not be sent to any schools you selected. On the other hand, your essay scores are released about two weeks later and will appear in your ETS account. All GRE scores remain valid for five years.
Retaking the Test
You can retake the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times within a 12-month period. Our complete GRE study guide can prepare you well enough for the test day, whenever you are ready. If you choose not to send your scores on test day, you can simply ignore that attempt and try again later. If you change your mind and want those scores sent afterward, you can request them for an additional fee.
You can also consider retaking the test if your score is quite below your target program’s average. This time, do go for our GRE study materials if you feel your overall application needs a stronger score, if you want to improve your preparation, or if test anxiety affected your performance.
Remember that the GRE test is important for students also take the Graduate Record Examination practice test, but it does not alone determine whether you will be accepted into a program.
