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.
Section | Content | Time Allotment | Number of Questions/Tasks |
---|---|---|---|
Analytical Writing | Two essays: Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument | 30 minutes per essay (60 minutes total) | 2 essays |
Verbal Reasoning | Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence, Reading Comprehension | 30 minutes per section | Approximately 20 questions per section |
Quantitative Reasoning | Quantitative Comparison, Multiple Choice (single answer), Multiple Choice (multiple answers), Numeric Entry | 35 minutes per section | Approximately 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.
Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.
130 to 170, in one-point increments.
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
The official source from ETS, providing a comprehensive overview of the GRE General Test structure, content, and scoring.
Detailed explanation from ETS on how GRE scores are calculated, reported, and interpreted, including percentile ranks.
Kaplan's breakdown of the GRE test structure, including section timings and question types, offering strategic insights.
An accessible explanation of GRE scoring, percentiles, and how to interpret your score report from The Princeton Review.
Tips and strategies specifically for the Verbal Reasoning section, focusing on question types and scoring nuances.
Strategies and advice for excelling in the Quantitative Reasoning section, including common pitfalls and scoring considerations.
Official guidance from ETS on the 'Analyze an Issue' essay task, including scoring criteria and sample essays.
Official guidance from ETS on the 'Analyze an Argument' essay task, detailing how to approach it and what graders look for.
A clear and concise explanation of the GRE test structure and scoring, with helpful visuals and tips from Magoosh.
A video tutorial that breaks down the GRE test structure, scoring system, and offers initial preparation advice.