GRE — Graduate Record Examination
Master the GRE with comprehensive guides covering Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing. Understand scoring, percentiles, and strategies for top graduate programs.
Test Structure & Scoring
Verbal Reasoning
Duration: 2 sections, 18 min each
Questions: 20 questions per section
Types: Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence, Reading Comprehension
Score: 130-170
Quantitative Reasoning
Duration: 2 sections, 21 min each
Questions: 20 questions per section
Types: Quantitative Comparison, Multiple Choice, Numeric Entry
Score: 130-170
Analytical Writing
Duration: 2 essays, 30 min each
Questions: Issue Task, Argument Task
Types: Write analytical essays
Score: 0-6 (half-point increments)
GRE Scoring Breakdown
VERBAL REASONING
130-170
Reading, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence
QUANTITATIVE REASONING
130-170
Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis, Arithmetic
ANALYTICAL WRITING
0-6
Issue & Argument essays
Combined Verbal + Quantitative Score: 260-340 (most common)
Percentile Guide
| Score Range | Percentile | Competitiveness |
|---|---|---|
| 160-170 | Top 10% | Excellent—competitive for top schools |
| 155-159 | Top 20% | Very Good—accepted at most elite programs |
| 150-154 | Top 40% | Good—competitive for many programs |
| 145-149 | Top 60% | Acceptable for most schools |
| 140-144 | Below Top 60% | Limited options; consider retake |
| 130-139 | Bottom 40% | Below competitive threshold |
Top Graduate School GRE Score Benchmarks
| School & Program | Verbal | Quantitative | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford University (Engineering) | 160+ | 167+ | 327+ |
| MIT (Computer Science) | 157+ | 170 | 327+ |
| Harvard University (Graduate) | 160+ | 162+ | 322+ |
| Princeton University | 158+ | 162+ | 320+ |
| UC Berkeley (Engineering) | 155+ | 165+ | 320+ |
| Columbia University | 161+ | 160+ | 321+ |
| University of Toronto (Canada) | 150+ | 155+ | 305+ |
| LSE (UK) | 160+ | 158+ | 318+ |
8 Test Day Strategies
Use the scratch paper provided—write down key information for Verbal and Quantitative problems
Read questions and answer choices carefully before diving into calculations
Manage time: Spending too long on one question costs you time on easier ones later
In Quantitative Comparison, estimate first to eliminate impossible answers
For Reading Comprehension, read the question first, then skim the passage for relevant sections
The exam is adaptive at the section level—harder second section means you did well on the first
Take the two practice exams (GRE PowerPrep Plus) in full under timed conditions
Review errors carefully to identify patterns (careless mistakes vs. concept gaps)
GRE vs GMAT Comparison
| Aspect | GRE | GMAT |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3.75 hours (Verbal 36 min, Quant 42 min, Writing 60 min) | 3.5 hours (Quant 62 min, Verbal 62 min, IR 30 min, AWA 30 min) |
| Scoring | Verbal 130-170, Quant 130-170 (add together) | 200-800 composite (based on Quant & Verbal) |
| Verbal Format | Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence, Reading | Critical Reasoning, Reading, Sentence Correction |
| Quantitative Focus | Math concepts, geometry, data interpretation | Problem solving & Data Sufficiency unique format |
| Writing | Issue & Argument essays (both scored) | Analytical Writing Assessment (one essay) |
| For whom | Graduate research programs, STEM, non-business | MBA and business graduate programs |
Start Learning
Verbal Reasoning
Master Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence, and Reading Comprehension with 30+ practice questions.
Quantitative Reasoning
Learn Quantitative Comparison, Problem Solving, and Data Analysis with step-by-step solutions.
Analytical Writing
Master Issue and Argument essays with rubric analysis and 4 practice prompts.