GRE Test Syllabus
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a 1 hour and 58 minutes, multiple-choice, a multi-stage test required by most graduate schools. The GRE Board oversees GRE tests, services, and research and establishes all policies for the GRE Program, which is administered by ETS.
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The GRE consists of an Analytical Writing section that contains one essay question, two Verbal sections that contain 12 and 15 multiple-choice questions, and two Quantitative sections that contain 12 and 15 multiple-choice questions.
What is GRE Exam Syllabus?
The GRE exam syllabus 2024 is composed of three sections – GRE Analytical Writing, GRE Verbal Reasoning, and GRE Quantitative Reasoning. The GRE exam syllabus measures the candidate’s quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, analytical writing and critical thinking skills that are necessary for success in higher education. ETS, which conducts the GRE, gives an overview of the syllabus covered in these three sections which helps us to understand the content and skills required for the GRE exam.
GRE Test Format
The GRE exam is divided into two sections: the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test.
GRE General Test: The GRE General Test is a standard examination that assesses students’ verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing abilities.
GRE Subject Test: A GRE Subject Test may be required by the college for more specialized courses, as the GRE Subject Test concentrates on judging the candidate’s proficiency in specific disciplines.
GRE General Test Pattern
GRE General Test Syllabus And Question Types
The general test is broken into three components under the revised GRE exam pattern and syllabus. These are the following:
- Writing Analytically
- Quantitative Analysis
- Reasoning with words
The first two components of the GRE test syllabus, GRE Quantitative Reasoning, and GRE Analytical Writing are well-defined, while the GRE quantitative reasoning syllabus is confusing. Let’s have a look at what each segment is made up of to get a better idea of the material that will be covered.
Geometry is likely the most difficult subject in the GRE Quants syllabus. It covers line properties, isosceles, equilateral, and other polygons, circles, and their numerous characteristics, Pythagorean theorems, and the concepts of area, perimeter, and volume. For your GRE preparation, you must download some GRE exam syllabus PDFs and even try to take a GRE sample paper for a better understanding of the GRE exam.
GRE Verbal Syllabus
The GRE Verbal section or GRE Verbal Reasoning measures test takers’ ability to:
- analyze and draw conclusions from discourse; reason from incomplete data; identify author’s assumptions and/or perspective; understand multiple levels of meaning, such as literal, figurative and author’s intent.
- select important points; distinguish major from minor or irrelevant points; summarize text; understand the structure of a text
- understand the meaning of individual words, sentences and entire texts; understand relationships among words and among concepts.
GRE Quantitative Syllabus
The GRE Quantitative Reasoning measures the GRE math syllabus and assesses High school mathematics and statistics – basic mathematical skills, and understanding of elementary mathematical concepts. It does not include trigonometry, calculus, or other higher-level mathematics. The GRE allows using a calculator in the Math section, however, not all questions require you to use the calculator.
Some of the quant questions are based on real-life scenarios while other questions are based on pure mathematical settings.
GRE Analytical Writing Syllabus
The GRE Analytical Writing measures test takers’ ability:
- articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively
- support ideas with relevant reasons and examples
- sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion
- control the elements of standard written English
How to Prepare for the GRE?
The suggested timeline for preparing for your GRE is at least four to twelve weeks depending on your speed and the daily commitment to your studies. You can follow the tips below and plan your preparations accordingly:
- Know Your Base Score: Before beginning, take a full-length practice test available online and see where you stand if you were to take the actual test today. This will help you determine the topics you need to work on.
- Set Your Target Score: Mark out your prospective universities and note the score you need to apply with them. This way, you will know your goal and be able to work towards it.
- Plan Your Ascend: It’s going to take some research to arrive at the perfect plan that will help you rise from your base score to the target score. Look at online testimonials of successful students and follow what suits you best.
- Focus on Technique: Besides having a result-oriented approach, you should certainly pay attention to how you approach each question. Find out the techniques you use to solve the problems and work on bettering them.
- Review Your Performance: Always analyze how you did in the practice tests, search for the patterns in your mistakes, and the questions you consistently have problems with. You will see how useful that is.
- Vocabulary is Key: One way to enrich your vocabulary is by reading reputed academic journals and publications. The Internet will help you do this easily. Having a strong vocabulary takes you a long way in your GRE journey.
How is the GRE Exam Scored?
After completing the GRE, you will receive three scores: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Both Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning have a score scale of 130-170, with one-point increments. Your unofficial scores for both of these sections will appear on your computer screen immediately after you finish the test.
The Analytical Writing section has a score range of 0-6, with half-point increments. This score, along with your official scores for the other two sections, will be available online about 10-15 days after you complete the GRE. When they become available, you will receive an email informing you to check your My GRE account.
GRE General Test Score Range
GRE Section Name
GRE Score Range
GRE quantitative reasoning
130-170 with 1 point increment
GRE verbal reasoning
130-170 with 1 point increment
GRE analytical writing assessment
0-6 with 0.5 point increment
GRE total score
260-340
What Should One Do After Attempting GRE?
GRE is generally taken by students who are willing to study abroad. After taking the GRE the score you obtain is valid for 5 years from the date of the test. Having a GRE score in hand is a vital part of getting admission into top institutes abroad. While applying to a university abroad there are certain documents that an applicant has to submit which are a letter of recommendation, statement of purpose, academic qualifications, extracurricular activities, and many more. After giving the GRE and getting the results, if the results are what you wanted and you are happy with them you should not waste any more time and start refining your resume as it plays a vital part in your study abroad admission process. Another major and important step of the study abroad process is to make a list of the universities you wish to apply to and gather information about what documents the university requires while applying as each university can have different requirements.
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The GRE is roughly 3 hours and 45 minutes long. The GRE AWA section is for 1 hour; the GRE verbal sections are for 30 minutes each and the math sections are 35 minutes each. The GRE experimental section can be for 30 or 35 minutes. Along with the breaks in between, the test is for nearly 3 hours and 45 minutes.
You have to take a diagnostic (full-length) GRE test to set the baseline. This will help you know where you stand and how far are you from your target score. Accordingly, choose a course or books to help you prepare for the test.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for the GRE exam:
1. Know the rules of the game – Get thorough with the structure, format, and scoring of the test.
2. Review the essentials (basic concepts) required for the test. For verbal, learn vocabulary and for math, learn the basics of the math topics tested.
3. Learn techniques, strategies and pacing tips to boost your score.
4. Practice questions from standard GRE materials.
5. Take GRE Full-length practice tests at regular intervals and review the test to learn from the mistakes.
For more on GRE prep, see our guide for making a GRE study plan.
GRE Test Overview
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GRE Test Syllabus
The GRE exam syllabus 2024
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