Everything You Need to Know About the GRE
As early as 2006, the GRE has been an accepted equivalent to the GMAT for selected MBA programs. Today, the GRE is accepted by thousands of business schools world-wide.
As an alternative to the GMAT, the GRE is formatted so that test-takers can alternate freely between questions, skipping over questions and going back to check their work. It is also possible to take the GRE many times; every 21 days up to five times within any continuous 12-month period. Even better, the GRE offers a ScoreSelectSM service that allows test-takers to send only their best scores to prospective schools.
MBA Programs which accept GRE scores
The Computerised GRE Revised General Test Structure
| GRE Section | Number of Questions | Description | Time Allotted |
| Analytical Writing | 2 Writing Prompts |
Prompt 1: "Analyze an issue." Prompt 2: "Analyze an Argument." |
60 Minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning |
50 Questions |
Multiple choice and fill in the blank questions on reading comprehension and interpretation. You will be asked to make conclusions on the author’s intent and the multiple meanings of the text, identify important points and understand and identify the meanings of words and the relationships between words and concepts. |
60 Minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning |
50 Questions |
Multiple choice and numeric entry questions on the application of basic mathematical skills, and the understanding, interpretation and analysis of quantitative information and models. | 70 minutes |
| Maximum Total Time | 3 hours, 10 minutes |
In areas of the world where computerized testing is not available, written test will be administered, with the following structure:
| GRE Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
| Analytical Writing | 2 Writing Prompts | 60 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | 50 Questions (2 sections of 25) | 70 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 50 Questions (2 sections of 25) | 80 minutes |
| Maximum Total Time | 3 hours, 30 minutes |
GRE Scoring
| Analytical Writing |
|
The Analytical Writing portion is graded based on the degree to which the essay has satisfied the following:
|
| Verbal Reasoning |
| Verbal reasoning scores range from 130 to 170, in 1-point intervals. Score percentiles are taken from 2013 ETS Statistics. |
| Percentile | Score | Percentile | Score |
| 95 | 165 | 70 | 156 |
| 91 | 163 | 62 | 154 |
| 81 | 159 | 53 | 152 |
| Quantitative Reasoning |
| The Quantitative Reasoning scores range from 130 to 170, in 1-point intervals. Score percentiles are taken from 2013 ETS Statistics |
| Percentile | Score | Percentile | Score |
| 95 | 167 | 72 | 158 |
| 91 | 165 | 61 | 155 |
| 81 | 161 | 53 | 153 |
| GRE General Test Scoring Prior to August 1, 2011 |
| GRE Section | Score Scale |
| Analytical Writing | 0-6, in half-point intervals |
| Verbal Reasoning | 200-800, in 10-point intervals |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 200-800, in 10-point intervals |
GRE ScoreSelect
With GRE ScoreSelect, you also have the option of sending schools only the scores you want them to see. That means that if you have taken or plant to take the GRE multiple times, you can put your best face forward and only include your best scores.
Preparing for the GRE
Like any test, studying for the GRE beforehand can have a dramatic effect on your scores. Free test prep software is available from the ETS. As an alternative to self-study, online and open courses are also available from a variety or sources.
Registering for the GRE
The GRE is offered at over 700 local testing centers in more than 160 countries. In places where access to computers is limited, a paper version is offered. View you nearest testing center and register for the test here.