ETS
GRE
Graduate Record Examinations
Latest Updates (2026)
September 2023: Shorter format (~2 hours), one Analytical Writing task instead of two, section-level adaptive. Score validity remains 5 years.
About This Test
The world's most widely accepted graduate admissions test, required or recommended by thousands of graduate and business schools worldwide. Measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. The shorter, more flexible format (since September 2023) allows section-level adaptive testing with the ability to skip, go back, and choose question order.
Graduate school admissions (Master's, PhD, MBA, law school)
Test Format
Analytical Writing: One 'Analyze an Issue' task (30 minutes)
Verbal Reasoning Section 1: 12 questions (18 minutes)
Verbal Reasoning Section 2: 15 questions (23 minutes)
Quantitative Reasoning Section 1: 12 questions (21 minutes)
Quantitative Reasoning Section 2: 15 questions (26 minutes)
Key Features
- Shorter format: ~2 hours instead of 3+ hours (since Sept 2023)
- Section-level adaptive — second section difficulty based on first section performance
- Skip questions, go back, change answers within sections
- ScoreSelect — choose which scores to send to schools
- Analytical Writing: One 'Analyze an Issue' task
- Accepted by 1,300+ graduate and business schools
- 4 free score reports included
Score Requirements by Level
| CEFR Level | GRE Score | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| C1 – C2 | Advanced / Proficient | Postgraduate entry, scholarships, top employers |
| B2 | Upper Intermediate | Most undergraduate & postgraduate programs |
| B1 | Intermediate | Foundation programs, pathway entry |
| A2 | Elementary | Certificate programs, visa applications |
What Can You Use This For?
Top Institutions Accepting GRE
Official Preparation Resources
- Official ETS GRE practice tests
- ETS GRE PowerPrep Online
- Khan Academy partnership for Quantitative
- ScoreItNow! for Writing practice
Preparation Tip
Focus on vocabulary building for Verbal Reasoning and data interpretation for Quantitative. Use official ETS practice tests. The new format is shorter but more intense — practice under timed conditions. Use ScoreSelect strategically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use GRE instead of GMAT for MBA programs?
Yes. Many MBA programs now accept GRE scores in addition to GMAT. Some schools have no preference between the two. Check with your target programs.
How is the new shorter GRE different?
The new GRE (since Sept 2023) is ~2 hours instead of 3+ hours. It has one Analytical Writing task instead of two, and fewer questions per section. The scoring scale remains the same (130-170 per section).
Quick Facts
Who Accepts This?
Accepted by 1,300+ graduate and business schools worldwide. Required for most US, Canadian, and European graduate programs. Some MBA programs accept GRE in lieu of GMAT.
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