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The GRE and Graduate School Admissions, Explained

The GRE plays a smaller and more variable role in graduate admissions than it used to. Here is how the test and the process actually work.

It measures general reasoning skills, not subject knowledge

The GRE General Test is built around verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing, and is used across a wide range of graduate and many business programs β€” not just math- or writing-heavy fields.

The test was significantly shortened in recent years

ETS cut the GRE General Test down to well under two hours in 2023, removing an unscored experimental section and reducing question counts from a format that used to run close to four hours. Always confirm the exact current section structure and timing on ets.org before test day, since testing formats can be adjusted.

Verbal and quant are scored on a 130-170 scale

Verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning are each reported on a 130-170 scale in 1-point increments, while analytical writing is scored separately on a 0-6 scale in half-point increments.

Many programs no longer require it

A growing number of graduate programs β€” and many MBA programs in particular β€” have made the GRE optional or dropped it entirely in recent years, so it is worth checking a specific program's current requirement rather than assuming the test is mandatory.

GRE Subject Tests are a separate, shrinking category

Beyond the General Test, ETS has historically offered separate GRE Subject Tests for specific fields, though the lineup of subjects offered has narrowed over time β€” confirm whether a subject test relevant to your field is still offered before registering.

Scores are valid for a limited window

GRE General Test scores are typically reportable for five years from the test date, after which a program will no longer accept them, requiring a retake if scores are still needed.

You can retake it, within limits

Test-takers can generally retake the GRE General Test, but ETS enforces waiting periods between attempts and a cap on how many times it can be taken within any rolling 12-month period.

Whether scores are combined across attempts depends on the program

Some graduate programs will consider your best section scores across multiple test dates ("superscoring"), while others only look at a single, most recent sitting β€” this policy is set entirely by the individual program, not by ETS.

It is one input among several, not the whole decision

Admissions committees generally weigh GRE scores alongside undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and relevant research or work experience, rather than ranking applicants by test score alone.

Why the test changed so much

ETS shortened the GRE General Test in 2023 partly in response to long-standing complaints about test length and fatigue, cutting an unscored experimental section and trimming the number of questions per section while keeping the same overall content areas and 130-170 scoring scale.

The test-optional movement reshaped how much the GRE matters

Following broader trends across US higher education, many graduate and MBA programs began treating the GRE as optional or eliminating it as a requirement, so its actual weight in an application now varies enormously by school and program rather than being uniform.

Treat the GRE as one part of a larger application

Because admissions decisions are typically holistic, investing disproportionate effort into the GRE at the expense of a strong statement of purpose, meaningful letters of recommendation, or relevant experience is often not the highest-value use of an applicant's time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all graduate programs require the GRE?

No. A growing number of graduate and MBA programs have made the GRE optional or dropped it entirely, so requirements now vary significantly by school and program.

How is the GRE scored?

Verbal and quantitative reasoning are each scored on a 130-170 scale, and analytical writing is scored separately from 0-6 in half-point increments.

How many times can I retake the GRE?

You can generally retake it, but ETS enforces waiting periods between attempts and a limit on the number of times it can be taken within a rolling 12-month period.

Is the GRE the same as the GMAT?

No. They are separate tests. The GRE is accepted by many MBA programs alongside the GMAT, but they have different formats and question styles, and program acceptance of each varies.

How long are GRE scores valid for reporting?

Typically five years from the test date, after which a program will generally no longer accept them for admission.