GRE — Graduate Record Examination
Everything you need to know about the GRE exam — its structure, scoring, who should take it, and how CompEx helps you prepare.
What is the GRE?
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service). It is one of the most widely accepted admissions tests for graduate and professional school programs worldwide.
The GRE measures your readiness for advanced academic work by testing verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills — abilities that have been developed over a long period of time and are not specific to any field of study.
Who Should Take the GRE?
The GRE is designed for anyone considering:
- Master's programs — Most MA, MS, and MFA programs accept or require GRE scores
- Doctoral programs (PhD) — The GRE is standard for PhD admissions across most disciplines
- MBA programs — A growing number of business schools accept GRE scores alongside (or instead of) the GMAT
- Law school — Some law schools now accept the GRE as an alternative to the LSAT
- Fellowships and scholarships — Many competitive funding opportunities require GRE scores
If you're applying to graduate school in the United States, Canada, or at internationally recognized programs, the GRE is likely part of your application.
GRE Exam Structure
The GRE General Test consists of three scored sections:
Verbal Reasoning (130–170)
Tests your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, understand relationships among words and concepts, and draw conclusions.
| Question Type | Description | Count |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Analyze passages and answer questions about meaning, structure, and inference | ~10 questions |
| Text Completion | Fill in blanks in a passage with the most appropriate words | ~6 questions |
| Sentence Equivalence | Select two answer choices that complete a sentence and produce equivalent meanings | ~4 questions |
Two sections, approximately 18 questions each, 23 minutes per section.
Quantitative Reasoning (130–170)
Tests your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information, and solve problems using mathematical models.
| Question Type | Description | Count |
|---|---|---|
| Problem Solving | Standard multiple-choice math problems | ~8 questions |
| Quantitative Comparison | Compare two quantities and determine the relationship | ~7 questions |
| Numeric Entry | Calculate and enter the answer (no choices provided) | ~2 questions |
| Data Interpretation | Analyze graphs, tables, and data sets | ~3 questions |
Topics covered: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Analysis.
Two sections, approximately 20 questions each, 26 minutes per section.
Analytical Writing (0–6)
Tests your ability to articulate and support complex ideas with relevant reasoning and examples.
| Task | Description | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Analyze an Issue | Present your perspective on a general interest topic | 30 minutes |
One task, scored on a 0–6 scale in half-point increments.
GRE Scoring
| Section | Score Range | Increment |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 130–170 | 1 point |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130–170 | 1 point |
| Analytical Writing | 0–6 | 0.5 points |
- Total Composite Score: 260–340 (Verbal + Quantitative)
- Average scores vary by program, but competitive programs typically look for scores above 315+
- Scores are valid for 5 years
- You can take the GRE up to 5 times per year, with a minimum 21-day gap between attempts
How CompEx Helps You Prepare for the GRE
CompEx is built to maximize your GRE preparation efficiency:
Comprehensive Question Coverage
Over 1,500+ AI-generated questions covering every GRE topic and question type — Algebra, Geometry, Arithmetic, Data Analysis, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence, Reading Comprehension, and Critical Reasoning. New questions are added continuously.
Targeted Practice by Topic
Use the Explore module to drill into specific topics or question types. If your analytics show Geometry as a Priority Area, you can practice only Geometry questions until your accuracy improves.
Adaptive Difficulty Levels
Questions span 5 difficulty levels. Start with Level 1–2 to build foundations, then progress to Level 4–5 for the hardest problems that separate a 160 from a 170.
GRE Mock Exams
Take full-length timed mocks (1 hour 28 minutes) that simulate real exam conditions. After each mock, your Mock Dashboard shows your score distribution, percentile rank, and trend over time.
Weakness Detection
CompEx's automated analytics identify your Priority Areas, Speed Gains, and Strength Zones — so you never waste time studying topics you've already mastered.
AI Coach Solutions
Every question includes a detailed AI-generated step-by-step solution. When you miss a question, the AI Coach explains exactly why the correct answer is right and where your reasoning went wrong.
Start Preparing
Sign up for CompEx and begin your GRE preparation today. Your first practice session takes less than 5 minutes.