Graduate entrance exams

Taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is used as a factor for admission to general graduate-level degree programs.

The test assesses the verbal, math, and analytical skills of graduate school applicants. Testers usually take the GRE on computers, but it is still offered on paper in some regions.

On the GRE, you receive a "scaled score" of 200–800 for each of the three sections (verbal, quantitative, and analytical).

Scheduling exams

Test dates are by appointment only. Call ETS at (609) 771-7330 to schedule an appointment.

Registering for exams

Visit ETS.org to register for:

Preparing for exams

When you visit ETS.org or register for the GRE test, you will have free access to the official test preparation materials for the computer- and paper-based tests.

Test structure

VerbalOne 30-minute section
Total of 30 sentence-completion, analogy, reading-comprehension, and antonym questions
MathOne 45-minute section
Total of 14 quantitative questions and 14 multiple-choice questions
AnalyticalOne 60-minute section
Total of 24 analytical questions and 11 logical reasoning questions
WritingSee below
One 45-minute essay (present your perspective) and one 30-minute essay (analyze an argument)

Reviewing test scores

Computer-based General Test: Score reports are mailed to you and up to four institutions 10–15 days after you take the test. These institutions must be designated on test day.

Paper-based General Test: Score reports are mailed to you and up to four designated institutions approximately four to six weeks after your test date. These institutions must be selected before taking the test.

For additional GRE scoring information, download the GRE Guide to the Use of Scores (PDF, 286KB).


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