LibraryGRE Structure and Scoring

GRE Structure and Scoring

Learn about GRE Structure and Scoring as part of GRE Preparation - Graduate Record Examination

Understanding the GRE Structure and Scoring

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test is a standardized test widely used for admission to graduate programs in the United States and internationally. Understanding its structure and how it's scored is crucial for effective preparation.

GRE General Test Structure

The GRE General Test consists of three main sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The order of these sections can vary, except for the Analytical Writing section, which is always the first section you'll encounter.

SectionContentTime AllotmentNumber of Questions/Tasks
Analytical WritingTwo essays: Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument30 minutes per essay (60 minutes total)2 essays
Verbal ReasoningText Completion, Sentence Equivalence, Reading Comprehension30 minutes per sectionApproximately 20 questions per section
Quantitative ReasoningQuantitative Comparison, Multiple Choice (single answer), Multiple Choice (multiple answers), Numeric Entry35 minutes per sectionApproximately 20 questions per section

There are also unscored sections and a research section that may appear. These are experimental and do not count towards your final score, but you won't know which sections are unscored during the test. They are used by ETS to test new questions and formats.

GRE Scoring

Each section of the GRE is scored on a different scale. Understanding these scales and how your performance translates into a score is vital for setting realistic goals.

Remember: There is no penalty for guessing on the GRE. Always attempt every question, even if you have to guess.

Understanding Your Score Report

Your official GRE score report will include your scaled scores for each section, along with percentile ranks. Percentile ranks indicate the percentage of test-takers you scored higher than. This is often a key metric for graduate admissions committees.

What are the three main sections of the GRE General Test?

Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.

What is the scoring scale for the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections?

130 to 170, in one-point increments.

Is there a penalty for incorrect answers on the GRE?

No, there is no penalty for incorrect answers.

Preparing for Success

Familiarity with the GRE structure and scoring system is the first step towards effective preparation. By understanding what to expect, you can tailor your study plan to focus on the most impactful areas and strategies.

Learning Resources

Official GRE General Test Overview(documentation)

The official source from ETS, providing a comprehensive overview of the GRE General Test structure, content, and scoring.

GRE Scoring Explained(documentation)

Detailed explanation from ETS on how GRE scores are calculated, reported, and interpreted, including percentile ranks.

GRE Test Structure and Format(blog)

Kaplan's breakdown of the GRE test structure, including section timings and question types, offering strategic insights.

Understanding GRE Scores: What They Mean and How They're Calculated(blog)

An accessible explanation of GRE scoring, percentiles, and how to interpret your score report from The Princeton Review.

GRE Verbal Reasoning: How to Score Higher(blog)

Tips and strategies specifically for the Verbal Reasoning section, focusing on question types and scoring nuances.

GRE Quantitative Reasoning: How to Score Higher(blog)

Strategies and advice for excelling in the Quantitative Reasoning section, including common pitfalls and scoring considerations.

GRE Analytical Writing: Analyze an Issue Task(documentation)

Official guidance from ETS on the 'Analyze an Issue' essay task, including scoring criteria and sample essays.

GRE Analytical Writing: Analyze an Argument Task(documentation)

Official guidance from ETS on the 'Analyze an Argument' essay task, detailing how to approach it and what graders look for.

GRE Test Structure and Scoring - Magoosh GRE(blog)

A clear and concise explanation of the GRE test structure and scoring, with helpful visuals and tips from Magoosh.

What is the GRE? Structure, Scoring, and Prep Tips(video)

A video tutorial that breaks down the GRE test structure, scoring system, and offers initial preparation advice.