The GRE General Test is required or accepted at many US graduate programmes and is increasingly used as an MBA application test. This guide covers GRE structure, strategies for each section, and a 3-month preparation plan.
GRE Test Structure (2024 Format — Shorter Version)
ETS updated the GRE in 2023 — the current test is significantly shorter:
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 1 essay | 30 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | 27 questions (2 sections) | 41 minutes/section |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 27 questions (2 sections) | 47 minutes/section |
| Total (excluding research section) | ~55–65 questions | ~1 hour 58 minutes |
The revised GRE eliminated one Verbal and one Quant section, reducing total testing time.
GRE Scoring
| Section | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 130–170 (1-point increments) |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130–170 |
| Analytical Writing | 0–6 (0.5-point increments) |
GRE Quantitative — Strategies
GRE Quant tests mathematical reasoning up to approximately Algebra II / AS-level Mathematics. For most Indian engineers and STEM graduates, Quant is the stronger section.
Question Types
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Comparison | Compare two quantities; determine which is greater |
| Multiple Choice (one answer) | Standard problem-solving |
| Multiple Choice (multiple answers) | Select all that apply |
| Numeric Entry | Type in an exact numerical answer |
Quant Strategies
- Estimation: For Quantitative Comparison, estimate rather than calculate precisely
- Plugging numbers: For algebraic comparisons, try specific values (0, 1, -1, fractions)
- Diagrams not to scale: For geometry, do not assume proportions from diagrams
- Target 165+: For STEM programmes, Quant 165+ is the expected range
GRE Verbal — The Harder Challenge for Non-Native Speakers
GRE Verbal is significantly harder than GRE Quant for most international students because it relies heavily on academic English vocabulary.
Question Types
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Text Completion | Fill in 1–3 blanks with the most appropriate words |
| Sentence Equivalence | Select two words that produce equivalent sentences |
| Reading Comprehension | Answer questions about academic passages |
Verbal Strategies
- Vocabulary is essential: Learn the "GRE 500" high-frequency words — particularly advanced vocabulary in academic contexts
- Text Completion logic: Even without knowing a word, the sentence logic often reveals the correct register (positive/negative/neutral)
- Sentence Equivalence: Both correct answers must create sentences with the same meaning AND each individually complete the sentence correctly
- Reading Comprehension: IELTS Academic Reading preparation directly builds GRE RC skills — they test the same inference and author-purpose skills
GRE Analytical Writing — 30 Minutes for One Essay
The GRE Analytical Writing section asks you to analyse an argument and identify its logical flaws — not write a balanced essay:
The "Analyze an Argument" task: Critically assess a short argument, identify assumptions and logical flaws, and suggest what evidence would strengthen or weaken the argument.
What a Score 5 looks like:
- Clearly identifies the main assumptions underlying the argument
- Provides specific, well-developed examples of logical fallacies
- Suggests specific evidence that would either support or undermine each claim
- Is logically organised; few grammatical errors
3-Month GRE Preparation Plan
Month 1 — Foundations
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Full diagnostic test; understand scoring and question types |
| Week 2 | Quant: Arithmetic, Algebra, review formulas |
| Week 3 | Verbal: Vocabulary building (30 words/day); Text Completion logic |
| Week 4 | Quant: Geometry, Data Analysis; Verbal: Reading Comprehension |
Month 2 — Practice
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 5 | Full timed practice sections (Quant); review every error |
| Week 6 | Full timed practice sections (Verbal); vocabulary review |
| Week 7 | Analytical Writing: 2 practice essays; review structure |
| Week 8 | Mixed: 1 full practice test; deep error review |
Month 3 — Refinement
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 9 | Target weakest area from Month 2 practice |
| Week 10 | Two full official practice tests (ETS PowerPrep) |
| Week 11 | Light review; final vocabulary; AWA practice |
| Week 12 | Rest before test day |
Best GRE Resources
| Resource | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ETS Official GRE Guide | ~$35 | Official practice tests; most accurate |
| ETS PowerPrep (free) | Free | Two full official practice tests |
| Manhattan Prep GRE | ~$100–$200 | Comprehensive strategy guides |
| Magoosh GRE | ~$150 | Video lessons + adaptive practice |
| GRE Prep Club | Free | Practice questions and community |
| Vocabulary.com GRE wordlist | Free | Vocabulary building |
GRE and TOEFL — Timing Your Preparation
For international students who need both GRE and TOEFL:
| Approach | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Prepare both simultaneously | Possible; GRE Verbal and IELTS/TOEFL Reading share vocabulary skills |
| Sequence | TOEFL first (shorter, more focused) → GRE second (longer preparation) |
| Overlapping skills | GRE Analytical Writing and TOEFL Independent Writing develop similar skills |
Prepare for TOEFL with Gabble — while GRE Verbal builds academic vocabulary, TOEFL requires specific test-taking skills that must be practised separately. AI-powered Speaking and Writing practice for TOEFL 100+.