GRE Grad School Entrance Exam Practice
Overview
The GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination. It is a standardized test used for admission into many graduate programs, including master’s and some doctoral programs.
The exam is developed and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
Graduate schools use the GRE to assess a candidate’s readiness for advanced academic work.
GRE Test Sections
The current GRE General Test has three main sections:
Verbal Reasoning
Measures:
Reading comprehension
Text completion
Sentence equivalence
Vocabulary-in-context
Analytical reasoning
This section evaluates your ability to analyze written material and understand complex academic language.
Quantitative Reasoning
Measures:
Algebra
Arithmetic
Geometry
Data analysis
Problem-solving
Math is high school level in theory, but the reasoning and time pressure make it challenging.
A calculator is provided on-screen.
Analytical Writing
Measures:
Critical thinking
Argument analysis
Structured essay writing
You will typically write:
One “Analyze an Issue” essay
This section evaluates clarity, organization, logic, and evidence-based reasoning.
Format & Scoring
Computer-based test
Approximately 2 hours
Verbal: 130–170
Quantitative: 130–170
Writing: 0–6
Scores are valid for 5 years.
GRE Outcome
The purpose of the GRE is to:
Strengthen graduate school applications
Qualify for competitive programs
Increase chances of scholarship consideration
Demonstrate academic readiness
Higher scores improve admission competitiveness, especially in:
STEM programs
MBA programs
Research-based master’s and PhD tracks
Strategic Insight
For competitive programs:
160+ in Quant is strong for STEM
160+ in Verbal is strong for the humanities
4.5+ in Writing is competitive
Preparation strategy:
Master vocabulary systematically
Practice timed quant sections
Write multiple practice essays
Take full-length simulated exams
