What Is the GRE? Complete Guide to the Graduate Record Examination 2026
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test used by graduate and business schools to evaluate applicants. Administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the GRE measures your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing abilities. Since September 2023, the GRE has been offered in a shorter format — under 2 hours instead of the previous 3 hours 45 minutes — making it significantly less exhausting while maintaining the same scoring scale.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the GRE in 2026: who needs to take it, how the test is structured, how scoring works, and how to register. For specific study plans, see our GRE 3-Month Study Plan and our GRE Verbal Strategies.
Who Needs to Take the GRE?
The GRE is used for admission to a wide range of graduate programs:
- Master's programs: Most Master's degree programs in the US accept or require the GRE, including MA, MS, MFA, MPP, MPH, and similar degrees
- PhD programs: Nearly all PhD programs in the US accept the GRE, and many strongly recommend or require it
- MBA programs: An increasing number of business schools accept the GRE as an alternative to the GMAT. Most top-50 MBA programs now accept both equally
- Law schools: A growing number of law schools accept the GRE alongside or instead of the LSAT, including many top-20 law schools
- International programs: Many graduate programs in Canada, UK, Europe, Australia, and Asia accept GRE scores
If you are considering both an MBA and a non-business Master's degree, the GRE is the more versatile choice — it is accepted by both business and non-business programs. The GMAT is only accepted by business schools.
GRE Test Structure (Shorter GRE 2023+)
The current GRE takes approximately 1 hour 58 minutes to complete, making it one of the shortest major graduate admissions tests:
Section 1: Analytical Writing (30 minutes)
- One 'Analyze an Issue' essay task
- You present your perspective on a general-interest topic and support it with reasons and examples
- Scored on a 0-6 scale in half-point increments
- The 'Argue' task that existed before September 2023 has been removed — you only write one essay now
Section 2: Verbal Reasoning (41 minutes)
- 27 questions split across two sections
- Question types: Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence
- Vocabulary-heavy: strong vocabulary is essential for Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence
- Scored on a 130-170 scale in 1-point increments
Section 3: Quantitative Reasoning (47 minutes)
- 27 questions split across two sections
- Question types: Quantitative Comparison, Problem Solving, and Data Interpretation
- Tests arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis at a high school level — no calculus or advanced math
- An on-screen calculator is provided
- Scored on a 130-170 scale in 1-point increments
The adaptive mechanism works at the section level: your performance on the first Verbal section determines the difficulty of the second Verbal section (same for Quant). Higher difficulty sections give access to higher scores.
GRE Scoring: How It Works
The GRE produces three scores:
- Verbal Reasoning: 130-170 (in 1-point increments)
- Quantitative Reasoning: 130-170 (in 1-point increments)
- Analytical Writing: 0-6 (in half-point increments)
Your total GRE score is the sum of Verbal and Quantitative, ranging from 260 to 340. The Analytical Writing score is reported separately and is not included in the total.
GRE Score Percentiles
- Verbal 170: 99th percentile
- Verbal 163: 90th percentile
- Verbal 157: 75th percentile
- Verbal 152: 50th percentile (median)
- Verbal 147: 25th percentile
- Quantitative 170: 96th percentile
- Quantitative 166: 90th percentile
- Quantitative 160: 75th percentile
- Quantitative 154: 50th percentile (median)
- Quantitative 148: 25th percentile
- Writing 5.0: 93rd percentile
- Writing 4.0: 56th percentile
- Writing 3.5: 38th percentile
Note that Quantitative percentiles are compressed at the top because many STEM applicants score very high on the Math section. A 170 in Quant is 96th percentile, not 99th, because 4% of test-takers achieve a perfect Quant score.
What Is a Good GRE Score?
A 'good' GRE score depends entirely on the programs you are applying to and the field. Different disciplines have very different score expectations:
- Engineering and STEM PhD: Quant 165+ is competitive; Verbal 155+ is sufficient for most programs
- Humanities and Social Science PhD: Verbal 163+ is competitive; Quant expectations are lower (150+)
- Top-20 MBA programs: Combined 325+ (Verbal 160+, Quant 165+) is competitive
- Top-20 law schools: Verbal 165+ is the primary focus; Quant matters less
- Clinical psychology PhD: Verbal 160+, Quant 155+ is typical for competitive programs
- Public policy (MPP/MPA): Verbal 160+, Quant 158+ is competitive for top programs like Harvard Kennedy School and Princeton SPIA
For advanced quantitative strategies, see our GRE Quantitative Techniques guide.
GRE Registration and Costs
You can register for the GRE at ets.org. Here are the key details:
- Test fee: $220 worldwide (2026 pricing)
- Score report fee: 4 free score reports are included with registration; additional reports cost $35 each
- Rescheduling fee: $50 if done at least 4 days before the test date
- The GRE is offered year-round at Prometric test centers in most major cities worldwide
- GRE at Home is also available — you take the test on your own computer, monitored by a proctor via webcam. The content, scoring, and validity are identical to the test-center version
- You can take the GRE up to 5 times in any 12-month period, with at least 21 days between attempts
GRE vs GMAT: Which Should You Take?
If you are applying to business school, you may be deciding between the GRE and GMAT. Here is a practical comparison:
- Acceptance: Most top MBA programs accept both equally — Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Kellogg, and others explicitly state no preference
- Versatility: The GRE is accepted by both business and non-business programs. The GMAT is only accepted by business schools. If you might apply to non-MBA programs, take the GRE
- Math: The GMAT Focus Edition's Quantitative section is generally considered harder than the GRE's, with more complex word problems and data sufficiency questions. If math is not your strength, the GRE may be more favorable
- Verbal: The GRE Verbal is more vocabulary-intensive. The GMAT Verbal tests more critical reasoning. If you have strong vocabulary skills, the GRE may favor you
- Scoring: GRE scores are 260-340; GMAT Focus scores are 205-805. Universities have internal conversion tables
ScoreSelect: Controlling Which Scores Schools See
The GRE offers ScoreSelect, which lets you choose which test date scores to send to schools. You can send scores from your most recent test, or from all your tests. You cannot cherry-pick individual section scores from different test dates (unlike SAT superscoring). Each score report shows a complete set of scores from one test date.
GRE for International Students
The GRE is particularly important for international students applying to US and Canadian graduate programs. Here is what international test-takers need to know:
- The GRE is offered at Prometric test centers worldwide — major cities in India, China, South Korea, Turkey, UAE, Brazil, Nigeria, and most other countries have testing facilities
- GRE at Home is available internationally with the same content, scoring, and validity as the test-center version
- Most US graduate programs require international applicants to submit GRE scores even when domestic applicants can apply test-optional — check each program's policy
- International students typically also need TOEFL or IELTS in addition to the GRE — the GRE does not replace English proficiency tests
- Score reports are sent electronically worldwide and typically arrive within 10-15 days
- The $220 fee is the same worldwide — there is no international surcharge (unlike the SAT which charges extra for international test-takers)
How to Prepare for the GRE
Effective GRE preparation depends on your starting point and target scores. Here is a practical approach:
Take a diagnostic test — Use the free ETS PowerPrep practice tests to establish your baseline scores in Verbal, Quant, and Writing
Identify your gap — Compare your baseline to your target program's expected scores. A 5-point gap requires 4-6 weeks of focused study; a 10+ point gap requires 8-12 weeks
Build vocabulary systematically — For Verbal improvement, learn 15-20 new words daily using flashcards (Anki or Magoosh GRE vocabulary apps). Focus on words that appear frequently on the GRE, not obscure words
Practice quantitative reasoning — Work through official ETS practice problems and the Manhattan Prep GRE Quant guide. Focus on problem types where you make the most errors
Take timed practice tests regularly — Take a full-length practice test every 2 weeks to track progress and build stamina
Review the Analytical Writing rubric — Read the official ETS scoring rubric and sample essays at each score level (available free on the ETS website) to understand what constitutes a 5.0+ essay
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GRE harder than the SAT?
The GRE is designed for college graduates, so the content level is higher than the SAT, which is designed for high school students. GRE Verbal requires a larger vocabulary and more sophisticated reading comprehension. GRE Math covers similar topics to the SAT but with more complex problem setups. However, if you scored well on the SAT, you have a strong foundation for GRE preparation.
How long should I study for the GRE?
Most students study for 2-4 months. If you are starting from a strong academic background and need only moderate improvement, 6-8 weeks may be sufficient. If you are targeting top scores (325+) or have been out of school for several years, plan for 3-4 months of consistent preparation. For a detailed study plan, see our 3-Month GRE Study Plan.
Can I use my GRE score for multiple applications?
Yes. GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the test date. You can send your scores to as many programs as you like (4 free reports are included; additional reports cost $35 each). This makes the GRE efficient for students applying to multiple programs across different fields.
Should I take the GRE at a test center or at home?
Both options are equally valid — scores from the at-home GRE are treated identically by admissions committees. The at-home version offers convenience (no travel, flexible scheduling) but requires a quiet private room, a reliable internet connection, and a webcam. If you are easily distracted at home or have unreliable internet, the test center provides a controlled environment that may reduce technical issues.
Start your GRE preparation with WitPrep's GRE Practice Hub. Vocabulary building, quantitative practice, and verbal reasoning exercises to hit your target score.
Key Takeaways
- The GRE is a 1 hour 58 minute test with three sections: Analytical Writing (one essay), Verbal Reasoning (130-170), and Quantitative Reasoning (130-170)
- Total scores range from 260 to 340 — competitive scores vary by field, with STEM programs emphasizing Quant and humanities programs emphasizing Verbal
- The GRE costs $220 and is offered year-round at test centers and at home — you can take it up to 5 times per year
- The GRE is more versatile than the GMAT: it is accepted by business, law, and non-business graduate programs
- Scores are valid for 5 years, and ScoreSelect lets you choose which test date scores to send to schools