In a move mirroring recent changes in the GMAT exam, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), renowned for its ubiquitous presence in graduate and professional program admissions, including business and law, has decided to modify its exam format.

As of September 22, 2023, the GRE General Test will no longer be a four-hour marathon. Instead, it will be reduced to just under two hours, with scores being reported more swiftly, aiding students in completing their applications promptly.

What has Changed?

The new format, while reducing the overall time investment, retains the same topics, chapters, content, and question types, aligning with the GRE’s longstanding philosophy of measuring a broad set of skills.

Summary of Changes in the New GRE:

• Duration: The new GRE exam is now under two hours, making it a significantly shorter assessment compared to the older version, which took approximately four hours to complete.
• Number of Questions: There has been a reduction of 46 questions on the GRE.
  • Previously the GRE had 100 total questions and now it will have only 54 questions.
  • Both the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections now have a total of 27 questions each.
  • Previously the quant and verbal sections used to have a total of 40 questions each and the exprimental section had 20 questions.
• Section Time: The time allocated for the TWO Verbal Reasoning sections is now 41 minutes, and for the TWO Quantitative Reasoning sections is now 47 minutes, a shift from the previous duration. Previously the time for the two math sections was 70 minutes and for the two verbal sections it was 60 minutes.
• Analytical Writing Section: The Analytical Writing section now only includes one essay, specifically the “Analyze an Issue” task, as opposed to two in the previous version.
• Scoring Speed: Official GRE scores will now be delivered within 8–10 calendar days, faster than the previous 10–15 calendar days, allowing for more efficient application completion.
• Higher Stakes: With fewer questions, the weight of each question has increased, making every answer more critical to the overall score. This potentially increases the difficulty of the exam.
• No Experimental Section: In the new GRE format, the experimental section, which was previously used for ETS research purposes and was not scored, has been removed. This further contributes to the reduction in overall test duration.

What hasn’t Changed?

• Adaptivity: The section-level adaptivity for the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning measures remains unchanged.
• Time per Question: Despite the reduction in the overall number of questions and total testing time, the new GRE format maintains a similar time per question ratio as the current version. The average time per Quantitative Reasoning question is 1.7 minutes, whereas the average time per Verbal Reasoning question is 1.5 minutes.
• Number of Sections: While the duration and number of questions have changed, the new GRE retains the original format of having two sections each for Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning. This consistency ensures a balanced evaluation of a candidate’s skills across these areas.
• Content Coverage: The new GRE continues to assess verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills.
• Vocabulary: The GRE Verbal section continues to rely heavily on a strong vocabulary foundation, making vocabulary mastery just as crucial in the new GRE as it has always been.
• Question Types and Topics: There has been no change in the question types, and the topics tested in the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections, such as Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence, Problem Solving, Quantitative Comparison, Geometry, Arithmetic, Algebra, Data Analysis, Statistics, and Word Problems remain the same.
• Use of Calculator: The provision to use an on-screen calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning section still stands.
• Test Price: The cost of the test remains unchanged.
• Accommodations: Existing accommodations for test-takers with disabilities or health-related needs continue to be available.

Here is a simplified comparison between the old (current) GRE and the new GRE, focusing on the number of questions and sections:

Here is a comparison between the old (current) GRE and the new GRE, focusing on the time per section:

New GRE Test Overview

The revised GRE, commencing on September 22, 2023, will feature the following structure: 

• Analytical Writing: 1 section, 1 essay task, to be completed in 30 minutes.
• Quantitative Reasoning: 2 sections, with a total of 27 questions, to be completed in 47 minutes.
• Verbal Reasoning: 2 sections, with a total of 27 questions, to be completed in 41 minutes.
• This comes to a total test duration of 1 hour and 58 minutes.

Despite the changes, all existing prep materials remain valid since there are no changes to the content, topics and questions types tested.

A Focus on Simplicity and Efficiency 

The “Analyze an Argument” essay task has been eliminated from the Analytical Writing section, simplifying the structure and reducing the time commitment. Additionally, official GRE scores will be delivered within 8–10 calendar days, faster than the current 10–15 calendar days, allowing test-takers to complete their applications more swiftly.

Test-takers will benefit from this streamlined approach, reducing the test-taking fatigue without compromising on the comprehensive skill evaluation that universities expect.

Why the Change?

The decision to modify the test format stems from a multifaceted understanding of the evolving landscape of graduate and professional program admissions.

Firstly, the GMAT, a chief competitor of the GRE, has recently revised its format, reducing its test duration. It was imperative for the GRE to keep pace with these changes to maintain its market position. Thus, to pre-emptively counter any potential encroachment by GMAT into its market, the GRE instituted these changes.

Secondly, the preferences and behaviors of the current generation of test-takers have been taken into account. Notably, GEN Z, the primary demographic of test-takers, is known for having a shorter attention span than previous generations, as evidenced by the popularity of short-video applications like TikTok. The modifications to the GRE test format are, in part, a response to this trend. By shortening the test duration, the GRE hopes to align better with the attention span of its primary demographic and to reduce the potential for test-taking fatigue.

Overall, the goal of these changes is to enable test-takers to exhibit their potential in a comprehensive yet efficient manner. Feedback from previous test-takers, expert analysis, and a keen awareness of the competitive landscape have all contributed to the design of a test that retains strong validity and reliability while enhancing the test-taking experience.

Preparation for the Shorter GRE 

Given the similarities in content and question types between the current and shorter versions of the GRE, the only significant change in test preparation is the elimination of the “Analyze an Argument” essay task in the Analytical Writing section. Official GRE Prep resources remain useful, and two POWERPREP practice tests designed for the shorter GRE will be available on the ETS website starting from September.

However, given that the test is shorter, test-takers may need to focus more on time management skills. It is essential to solve each question within the allotted time without compromising on accuracy.

Scoring and Reporting

Scoring for the revised GRE will remain consistent with the current GRE. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections will continue to be scored on a scale of 130–170 in 1-point increments. The Analytical Writing section will be scored on a scale of 0–6 in half-point increments.

One major change is the reporting of scores. Test-takers can now expect their official GRE scores to be delivered within 8–10 calendar days, faster than the current 10–15 calendar days. This quicker turnaround time will allow candidates to complete their applications more swiftly.

Content Changes

A key distinction between the new GRE and its main competitor, the GMAT, lies in the area of content changes. While the GMAT has recently removed certain topics, notably Geometry from the Quantitative section and Sentence Correction from the Verbal section, the GRE has not followed suit.

The content and topics tested in the new GRE remain the same as before, a feature that will likely resonate with prospective test-takers. This means that candidates will still encounter a broad mix of question types including Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence in the Verbal Reasoning section, and Problem Solving and Quantitative Comparison questions in the Quantitative Reasoning section.

In terms of mathematical content, the GRE will continue to assess knowledge in Geometry, Arithmetic, Algebra, Data Analysis, Statistics, and Word Problems. This consistency in content coverage reflects the GRE’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of the skills needed for success in graduate and professional programs.

The New GRE: Math Section Insight

The Quantitative Reasoning, or the Math section of the new GRE, retains its core features and continues to assess students’ ability to understand, interpret and analyze quantitative data, solve problems using mathematical concepts, and apply basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis concepts.

Despite some format changes, the content areas remain unchanged, covering the following topics: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Analysis. That means you will still face questions based on:

• Arithmetic: Topics including integers, fractions, exponents, and roots.
• Algebra: Concepts such as algebraic expressions, functions, and equations.
• Geometry: Questions covering geometric shapes, figures, and principles.
• Data Analysis: Topics like statistics, standard deviation, interquartile range, tables, graphs, probability, permutations, and Venn diagrams.

In the new GRE, the Quantitative Reasoning section consists of two parts with a total of 27 questions to be solved within 47 minutes. The types of questions include Quantitative Comparison and Problem Solving. As before, an on-screen calculator will be available for use during this section of the exam.

The shift to fewer questions could potentially make each question more impactful on your overall score, meaning it’s more crucial than ever to understand and execute each question type successfully. However, the total time per question stays relatively similar, which means you will have roughly the same amount of time to solve each problem.

Therefore, while the format and the number of questions have changed, the skills required to excel in the Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE remain the same. Your preparation strategy should still focus on building strong foundations in the aforementioned topics and honing your problem-solving skills. Practice and familiarity with the question types and test-taking strategies are key to achieving a high score in this section.

The New GRE: Verbal Section Insight

The Verbal Reasoning section of the new GRE continues to assess the test-taker’s ability to analyze and draw conclusions from discourse, understand multiple levels of meaning, such as literal, figurative, and author’s intent, select important points and understand the structure of a text, and understand the meanings of words, sentences, and entire texts.

While the format of the GRE has undergone changes, the core content of the Verbal Reasoning section remains unchanged. The section covers the following areas:

• Reading Comprehension: Questions are based on passages of one or more paragraphs that develop an argument or a set of related ideas.
• Text Completion: Questions consist of a passage composed of one to five sentences with one to three blanks. There are three answer choices per blank, and you must select one for each.
• Sentence Equivalence: Questions consist of a single sentence with just one blank, and you have to find two choices that lead to a similar meaning sentence.

In the new GRE, the Verbal Reasoning section consists of two parts with a total of 27 questions to be solved within 41 minutes. Despite fewer questions in this section, the average time per question remains consistent with the previous GRE version, roughly 1.5 minutes per question.

With each question carrying more weight due to the reduced number of questions, test-takers should take note to understand and answer each question type correctly. However, the fundamental skills needed to succeed in this section remain the same. Preparation for the Verbal Reasoning section should still emphasize building a strong vocabulary, honing reading comprehension skills, and familiarizing oneself with the question types and answering strategies. Practice and consistency are crucial to securing a high score in this section.

Unchanged Vocabulary Requirements in the New GRE

The new format of the GRE might have introduced several changes, but one aspect that remains untouched is the emphasis on vocabulary. The GRE Verbal section continues to rely heavily on a strong vocabulary foundation, making vocabulary mastery just as crucial in the new GRE as it has always been.

Questions such as Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence require a strong understanding of high-level, nuanced words to choose the correct words or phrases that complete the sentence in a way that is coherent with the given context. A strong vocabulary not only helps in these specific question types but also enhances the comprehension of complex Reading Comprehension passages. A diverse word bank equips test-takers to quickly and accurately understand the main idea, author’s tone, and intent of these passages.

Therefore, despite changes to the GRE’s structure, the importance of vocabulary remains. Aspiring GRE test-takers should continue to make vocabulary learning a significant part of their preparation strategy. Using flashcards, engaging with word lists, and reading complex, high-level texts are effective strategies for enhancing vocabulary. Also, understanding the usage of words in context is vital, given the GRE’s focus on the practical application of vocabulary knowledge.

The constancy in the vocabulary section should offer some relief to students who have already begun their preparations, allowing them to continue their learning path without worrying about content changes. After all, a rich vocabulary is a skill that goes beyond test-taking and will serve students well in their graduate study and beyond.

Key Takeaways

The new GRE format, starting on September 22, 2023, will be shorter and less time-consuming. However, it will continue to assess the same skills, making existing preparation material still relevant. Improved score reporting speed will aid applicants in their application process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the new GRE going to be easier?

While the new GRE has reduced the overall duration of the test and the number of questions, it’s worth noting that these changes could potentially increase the difficulty level of the exam. With fewer questions on the test, each question now carries more weight and contributes more significantly to the final score. This means that the margin for error has been considerably reduced.

Test takers will need to focus on precision and consistency in answering each question correctly, as each mistake could have a more pronounced impact on their overall score. Thus, the new format, while simpler and more efficient, requires a heightened level of accuracy and a deep understanding of the tested concepts. Additionally, with a shortened test duration, time management skills become even more critical. It’s essential to balance speed with accuracy, ensuring that every question receives the necessary attention without jeopardizing the overall test completion.

Have any topics or questions types been removed or added?

No question types or topics have been added or removed, apart from the “Analyze an Argument” essay task.

Will the current GRE prep material be enough to prepare for the new GRE?

Yes, as the content and question types are the same, current GRE preparation material will still be useful.

Can I Take the GRE new Edition at Home?

Yes, you can. The option to take the GRE at home, introduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will still be available.

Should I Prepare for the new GRE or the current GRE?

If you plan to take the GRE after September 22, 2023, it would be beneficial to prepare for the new GRE format. Ensure you take advantage of the new prep materials and practice tests available from September.

Finally, while the GRE has evolved, its core purpose remains: to measure the skills you’ve developed over time that will contribute to your success in graduate or professional school. The best preparation continues to be broad and deep learning, and a good understanding of the test format and question types. So, prepare, practice, and reach for your highest potential. Good luck!