Schools differ in how they use your GRE score. Some consider it very important, while others view it as a formality. We recommend asking your prospective programs—most will be quite willing to tell you what part the test plays in their admissions decisions.
What’s the breakdown of the GRE?
The GRE consists of an Analytical Writing section that contains two essay questions, a Verbal Ability (vocabulary and reading) section that contains 30 multiple-choice questions and a Quantitative Ability (math) section that contains 28 multiple-choice questions.
There is also a fourth, experimental section that will be either Verbal or Quantitative. This portion will not count towards your final score—ETS uses it to test questions for use on future exams. Unfortunately, you’ll have no way of knowing which part is experimental (it will look identical to the real Verbal or Quantitative section), so you’ll need to do your best on the entire test.
How is the GRE scored?
The GRE is a computer-adaptive test. The computer will use your performance on each question to determine which question you will be asked next. If you get a question right, the next question will be more difficult. Conversely, if you get it wrong, you’ll receive a slightly easier question.
You will receive separate Verbal and Quantitative Scores; these are reported on a scale from 200 to 800, and rise or fall only by multiples of ten (so you can’t score a 715, for example). The Analytical Writing section is listed separately, and is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments.
What are the GRE Subject Tests?
The GRE Subject Tests are similar to SAT IIs, in that they test your knowledge of a particular subject like chemistry or literature. Not every school requires a GRE subject test, but many of the most competitive programs do. ETS offers the tests three times a year—they are not part of the standard GRE.
How can I prepare for the GRE?