Rachel Villanueva
GRE327
What is the GRE?
The GRE General Test is a computer-delivered exam made by ETS. Graduate schools around the world use it to compare applicants from different backgrounds, and many business and law schools accept it too. Since the shorter format arrived in 2023, the test takes just under two hours and has one essay instead of two.
Who takes it
- Applicants to master's and PhD programs
- MBA applicants at schools that accept the GRE
- Students applying for graduate funding or assistantships
Official information: ETS website.
GRE format at a glance
3 sections118 minutes of testing
| Section | Time | Questions | What it tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 30 min | 1 essay | Building and supporting an argument in writing |
| Verbal Reasoning | 41 min | 27 questions | Reading comprehension, text completion and sentence equivalence |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 47 min | 27 questions | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis |
How GRE scoring works
Each of Verbal and Quant is scored 130–170 in 1-point steps
Rachel's Quant: 165
130170
How to prepare for the GRE
Learn the question types first
Text completion, sentence equivalence and quantitative comparison look unfamiliar at first. Knowing exactly what each one asks saves minutes on test day.
Build vocabulary in context
Learn words inside sentences you will remember, not from long isolated lists. Review them on a spaced schedule.
Make Quant about accuracy
Most GRE Quant is school-level maths under time pressure. Keep an error log and redo every question you got wrong.
Practise the essay to a template
One 30-minute essay is scored 0–6. A clear structure you can reuse lifts your score faster than fancy language.
A sample GRE study plan
Every plan we build starts from your diagnostic. This is a typical shape for a student starting from a solid base.
- Weeks 1–3Diagnostic test, question types, core maths review and daily vocabulary
- Weeks 4–7Timed section practice, error log reviews and two essays a week
- Weeks 8–10Full-length practice tests, targeted fixes and test-day routine
How we coach the GRE
A plan for you
We start from your diagnostic, target score and test date, and plan your hours around them.
Live online sessions
Sessions focus on the GRE skills you need most, with practice and review.
Practice that counts
Timed practice and mistake reviews show exactly what to fix next.
$20 to $40 / hour
Your rate depends on the plan you choose.
GRE student results
Jennifer Frey
ArgentinaGRE319
Nimrat Kaur
GRE314
Balaji
Hyderabad, IndiaGRE322
Anna Sofia
GRE322
GRE FAQs
How long is the GRE?
The GRE General Test takes about 1 hour 58 minutes. It has one Analytical Writing task, two Verbal Reasoning sections and two Quantitative Reasoning sections.
What is a good GRE score?
It depends on your target programs. Check the average scores published by the schools on your list and aim a few points above them. Many competitive programs report averages above 160 in the section that matters most to them.
Can I take the GRE at home?
Yes. ETS offers the GRE General Test at home as well as at test centers. The format and scoring are the same.
How long are GRE scores valid?
GRE scores are reportable for five years from your test date.
How much does GRE coaching at BetterMyScores cost?
Our coaching costs between $20 and $40 per hour, depending on your plan. Message us on WhatsApp to get a plan and an exact quote.
GRE guides
GRE
How to Build a 10-Week GRE Study Plan
Ten weeks is enough for most students to prepare well for the GRE, if each week has a clear job.
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