GRE
Graduate Record Examinations
The general test for master's and PhD admissions worldwide.
What is the GRE?
The GRE General Test, run by ETS, is the most widely used admissions test for master's and doctoral programmes across many fields, particularly in the United States. It measures skills graduate study relies on rather than subject knowledge: careful reading and reasoning, quantitative problem-solving and clear analytical writing.
Since a major revision, the GRE is shorter — under two hours — with sections for Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and one Analytical Writing task. Many programmes are now GRE-optional, but a strong score still helps, especially for funding and competitive departments.
Its Verbal section is demanding for non-native speakers because it rewards a wide academic vocabulary and precise reading, which is exactly where focused English work pays off.
Who needs the GRE?
- Applicants to master's and PhD programmes, especially in the US
- Candidates competing for graduate funding and assistantships
- Some business and law programmes that accept the GRE
Test format, section by section
Verbal Reasoning · two sections
Reading comprehension, text completion and sentence equivalence, with a strong vocabulary demand.
Tip: Learn high-frequency academic vocabulary in context, and practise eliminating wrong options on completion questions.
Quantitative Reasoning · two sections
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data interpretation, including quantitative-comparison questions.
Tip: Master quantitative comparisons — the format is unusual and quick to learn.
Analytical Writing · ~30 min
One 'Analyze an Issue' essay assessing how clearly and logically you build an argument.
Tip: Structure beats flourish: a clear thesis, well-ordered paragraphs and specific examples score best.
Variants & versions
The GRE General Test (taken at a centre or at home) plus separate GRE Subject Tests in a few disciplines such as Mathematics, Physics and Psychology.
How the GRE is scored
Verbal and Quantitative are each scored 130–170; Analytical Writing 0–6 in half-points. Strong programmes often look for around 320+ combined, with expectations varying by field.
| If you're applying for… | Typical score |
|---|---|
| Many master's programmes | 300–315 combined |
| Competitive programmes | 320+ combined |
| Top departments / funding | 325+ with a strong section in your field |
Where and when to take it
Available almost year-round at test centres and at home under proctoring. You register through ETS.
Results, validity & retakes
Results: Official scores are typically available 8–10 days after the test.
Validity: Scores are valid for 5 years.
Retakes: You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times in a rolling 12-month period.
How much does it cost?
Approximately US$220.
How to prepare: a study plan
- Build advanced academic vocabulary steadily — it underpins much of the Verbal section.
- Drill quantitative-comparison and data-interpretation question types, which reward familiarity.
- Practise the Issue essay against the official scoring guide, focusing on logical structure.
- Take full timed practice tests to build pacing across the shorter format.
- Confirm whether each target programme requires, recommends or ignores the GRE.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Cramming vocabulary as isolated word lists instead of learning it in context.
- Writing a flowery essay without a clear, logical argument.
- Neglecting quantitative-comparison strategy, which is fast to learn.
- Assuming every programme still requires the GRE.
How the GRE compares
The GRE is the general graduate test; for MBAs and management programmes the GMAT is the alternative, and most business schools accept either. Choose the GRE for breadth across fields, or if you're applying to a mix of programme types.
The GRE Verbal and Analytical Writing sections demand high-level academic English — exactly what our advanced courses build, from vocabulary to structured argument.
Official site: ets.org. Always confirm current format, fees and requirements there before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always need the GRE?
No — a growing number of programmes are GRE-optional or waive it. Check each programme; where it's required, a strong score still helps with admission and funding.
What's a good GRE score?
It varies by field, but around 320+ combined is competitive for many programmes, with quantitative-heavy fields expecting higher Quant and humanities expecting higher Verbal.
GRE or GMAT for business school?
Most business schools accept both. The GMAT is tailored to management; the GRE is more general and useful if you're applying across different programme types.