# Graduate Record Examination (GRE): Definition, Scoring, and Cost

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## What Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?

The graduate record examination (GRE) is a standardized exam used to measure one's aptitude for abstract thinking in the areas of analytical writing, mathematics, and vocabulary. The GRE is commonly used by many [graduate schools](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/042914/when-grad-school-worth-it.asp) in the U.S. and Canada to determine an applicant's eligibility for the program.

The GRE today is primarily offered via computer; however, in areas that lack the appropriate computer networks, a paper-based exam may be given.

### Key Takeaways

*   The GRE is a standardized graduate program aptitude test that measures abstract thinking in areas such as reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics.
*   The GRE score scale is 130 to 170, with top graduate programs looking for those scoring in the mid-to-high-160s.
*   The GRE is available at online testing centers and, in most countries including the U.S.
*   In most countries, the GRE costs $220 to take; the test costs $231.30 for test-takers in China.

## Understanding the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

The GRE consists of three key sections designed to measure verbal, [quantitative](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/active-trading/111214/quants-what-they-do-and-how-theyve-evolved.asp) reasoning, and analytical writing skills.

The verbal reasoning section analyzes the test taker's ability to draw conclusions, distinguish major and relevant points, and understand words and sentences, among other things. It’s structured to measure the test taker’s ability to analyze and evaluate written material.

This section also gauges their capacity to process the information they gather from written material and see and analyze relationships between different parts of sentences.

In the quantitative segment, the test taker’s ability to solve problems is measured through the use of concepts of geometry, [data analysis](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/data-analytics.asp), and algebra. Test takers must solve problems using mathematical problems, and interpret and analyze quantitative data.

The final section, meanwhile, measures the test taker’s capacity for critical thinking and analytical writing—in particular, how well they can articulate complex ideas and provide effective support for those concepts.

## History of the GRE

The GRE was introduced in 1936 by a consortium of four universities and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. In 1938, the University of Wisconsin became the first public university to ask students to take the GRE.

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) was created in 1947 and currently oversees GRE testing. Initially, the GRE test included only verbal and quantitative sections. An analytics and logic section was later added but then replaced, after 2002, with the analytical writing assessment.

New questions were introduced in 2007, together with fill-in-the-blank style questions in the math section, while 2008 brought style changes to the reading comprehension questions.

The biggest changes came in 2011, with a new design that includes the current 130 to 170 scoring scale, doing away with particular question types, and making the computer adaptive testing adjustments based on sections and not questions.

Despite its ubiquity, some universities have begun dropping GRE requirements, amidst criticism that the exam is unfair and biased, and moreover does not provide a good prediction of [graduate student](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/031915/should-i-go-grad-school-after-college.asp) success or further employment in academia.

In 2023, the ETS announced a shortening of the GRE. Instead of a 4-hour long exam, test-takers will receive a condensed exam that will take less than two hours to complete, about half the time of the current test. The shorter test removes and condenses some of the sections on the GRE such as the argument essay, and experimental (unscored) section, and alters the number of questions in the quantitative and verbal sections.

## How the GRE Is Scored

There are three different sections of the GRE; these are scored in two different ways:

1.  **Verbal Reasoning:** The Verbal Reasoning score range is typically between 130 and 170, in one-point increments.
2.  **Quantitative Reasoning:** The Quantitative Reasoning score range is also between 130 and 170, in one-point increments.
3.  **Analytical Writing:** Each task is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments. The two scores are then averaged to get the Analytical Writing score, which ranges from 0 to 6.

Your final GRE score is the combination of your Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores. These scores are reported on a scale of 260 to 340, in one-point increments. The Analytical Writing score is reported separately.

## How Admissions Use the GRE

The GRE General Test is used broadly by graduate and [business schools](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/b-school.asp) to screen applicants. Some schools may require applicants to take GRE Subject Tests, which measure knowledge in particular fields of study. As of 2024, only three subjects are offered: physics, psychology, and mathematics.

The subjects offered for subject tests have frequently changed over time. Many previously offered tests have been discontinued such as chemistry, English literature, and biology.

### Business School Admissions

Most business schools prefer that applicants attempt the [GMAT](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/graduate-management-admission-test-mba.asp) before applying for an [MBA](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/mba.asp) program, although many of them will also accept GRE scores as an equivalent.

The GRE features a writing section and the GMAT does not. However, the GMAT math section is considered more difficult. Nevertheless, many business schools, including the top business schools in the U.S., accept the GRE as an entrance exam for their MBA programs.

To get a better idea of typical scores for the GRE, here are the average GRE scores for students entering in 2023.

## How to Take the GRE and the Costs

The GRE can be taken at testing centers or at home. The test takes one hour and 58 minutes to complete. There are five sections: writing and two sections each for the verbal and quantitative parts.

While there is no limit on the number of times one can take the exam, there must be a 21-day gap between any two consecutive test attempts. The exam also cannot be taken more than five times in a calendar year.

A test taker might take the exam multiple times in order to improve their test scores and increase their chances of being accepted into the graduate schools they are interested in attending. Test takers choose which scores they send to graduate schools, unlike other standardized tests that are reported without input from the applicant.

The cost of the exam in the U.S. is $220. That same fee applies to most other countries in the world with two exceptions. In China, the exam costs $231.30 and in India, the exam costs 22,550 Indian rupees.

## Signing Up and Preparing for the GRE

Individuals can sign up to take the GRE on the ETS website. Taking the computer test requires a free ETS account, then the test taker can sign up for a test date and center—although they must register at least two calendar days prior to the planned test date. At-home testing is also an option. Payment for the test can be made via credit or debit card, [PayPal](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/paypal.asp), or AliPay+.

In terms of preparing for the GRE, the ETS website offers a range of resources, most of which are free. The ETS offers free practice tests, math skills reviews with definitions and examples, and instructional videos.

The ETS also offers paid materials, which include additional practice tests. Section-specific questions, such as verbal reasoning, can be purchased, too. In addition, there are online writing practice features available through the service, which allow you to write two essays and get scores and feedback.

## How Long Is the GRE?

The total testing time for the GRE is 1 hour and 58 minutes. The writing section is 30 minutes. The verbal reasoning portion has two parts lasting 18 and 23 minutes. Lastly, the quantitative reasoning portion has two parts lasting 21 and 26 minutes.

## Can You Retake the GRE?

Yes, you can retake the GRE. There is no strict limit on how many times you can take the test, but there is a waiting period of 21 days between attempts. You can take the GRE up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period.

## Can I Send Only My Best GRE Score to Schools?

Yes, you have the option to send only your best GRE scores to schools. The ScoreSelect option allows you to choose which scores are sent to institutions, giving you control over which scores they see.

## Do All Schools Require GRE Scores?

No, not all schools require GRE scores for admission. More and more schools have been dropping the requirement.

## The Bottom Line

The GRE is a standardized test used for admissions into graduate and business school programs. It assesses a student's readiness for advanced academic studies by evaluating their verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.

The test consists of three main sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. GRE scores range from 130 to 170 for each of the Verbal and Quantitative sections, and from 0 to 6 for Analytical Writing.

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