GRE syllabus
Topics in Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical Writing. This guide is part of our full GRE General Test guide.
Structure of the GRE General Test
Since September 2023 the GRE is under two hours with one essay and no unscored section. Verbal and Quantitative are section-adaptive: your second section's difficulty depends on the first. An on-screen calculator is provided. Scores can be sent selectively with ScoreSelect.
| Section | What it tests | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | One 'Analyze an Issue' essay | 1 | 30 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | Reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence in two sections | 27 | 41 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis in two sections | 27 | 47 minutes |
Types
GRE General Test
The standard test for graduate admission.
GRE Subject Tests
Mathematics, Physics and Psychology tests for specialist programmes, delivered on computer.
Questions
Do I need GRE for a US master's?
Fewer programmes require it each year, especially in computer science and engineering. Check each programme; a strong score still helps for funding.
Is GRE required for UK universities?
Rarely. Some finance and economics master's ask for GRE or GMAT.
What is a good GRE score?
320 or above combined is competitive for top programmes; 300 to 315 is solid for most.
How long is GRE valid?
Five years.
Can I take GRE at home?
Yes, the at-home GRE is accepted by almost all programmes.