graduateshotline logo
Last Updated: November 03, 2023

GRE- Frequently Asked Questions

ETS conducts the GRE General tests and Subject tests for students who have completed their undergrad courses and wish to continue with their education. The test proves the student’s ability in science-related courses and is even considered by Business Schools and Law Schools making the exam popular among all students. There have been numerous modifications made to the GRE General and Subject tests as of September 22, 2023.

The popularity of the exam calls for a lot of confusion and doubts regarding the exam from the time of registration to the test day and even about the score report. Since hunting for the answers to different queries can be a task, this page offers you the answers to the most frequently asked questions of GRE.

What are the formats in which the GRE test is available?

The GRE test is available as a computer-based and as an at-home test. The GRE at-home option was provided by ETS due to the Corona pandemic.

What is the cost of applying for a GRE test?

In China, the GRE test costs $231.30, but it costs $220 everywhere else in the world. The fee is always calculated only in U.S. dollars.

Does ETS charge an additional amount for changing the test center? If yes, what is the amount?

ETS charges an additional fee of $50 for changing the test center.

What is the additional cost of rescheduling the GRE test?

Rescheduling the GRE test costs $50 anywhere in the world except in Mainland China where it costs $53.90.

What is the format of the GRE General Test?

The GRE General Test is divided into 3 sections- Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The Verbal and Quantitative sections have 2 sub-sections while the Analytical Writing section has one section with two separately timed writing tasks.

What is the time provided to take the GRE General Test?

The General Test has a time duration of 1 hour and 58 minutes without any breaks, starting September 22, 2023. The clock will not stop if the test-taker takes an unplanned break.

What is the cost of sending additional score reports?

ETS charges an additional fee for each Additional Score Report requested. The fee is $35 per recipient and has no limits on the number of recipients.

How is the GRE General Test scored?

The Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections are scored on a scale of 130-170 with 1-point increments for each right answer marked. The Analytical Writing section is marked on a score scale of 0-6 in 0.5 increments depending on the proficiency the student has in language and in articulating thoughts coherently.

What is the role of the computer algorithm in GRE testing? How does it work?

ETS uses a computer algorithm that is adaptive in nature to provide questions of different difficulty levels to students. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections have a mixture of both easy and difficult questions. Students who are unable to answer difficult questions will be provided easier questions and students who ace the difficult questions will be provided more difficult questions. This difficulty level is considered while scoring through a process called equating.

What is the process of Retaking the GRE Test?

Students can retake the test every 21 days but only 5 times in a year. This includes the times in which the student has canceled their scores after the test.

Which subjects are provided by ETS for the GRE Subject Tests?

ETS offers GRE Subject Tests for the subjects Biology, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology.

When can a candidate request a change in the test date or test center?

Candidates will have to apply/ request a change in test date or test center at least 4 days before the scheduled date of the test. If the candidate is applying from Mainland China, they have to request 10 days before the test date.

Is it necessary to have an ETS Account?

Yes, candidates must have an ETS Account to apply for both the GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test. Candidates who do not have one are requested to create one at the beginning of the registration procedure.

What does it mean when ETS says that the sections are section-level adaptive?

The first two sections of the GRE General Test are section-level adaptive. This implies that the first half of both these sections comprises moderately difficult questions. The difficulty level of the second half of the section will be determined by how the student has performed in the first half.

Will a partial credit be awarded in the multiple-choice multiple-answer questions?

No. For the multiple-answer questions, it is required that students correctly mark all the right answers to avail the score. Missing out on any right answer will result in losing credit. There is no partial credit offered.

Are calculators allowed in the Quantitative Section of the test?

Yes, candidates are allowed to use a calculator for the Quantitative section. But candidates are not allowed to bring calculators of their own. They are expected to use the on-screen calculator made available by ETS. The calculator will let the student perform basic mathematical calculations like add, subtract, multiply, and divide.

When will the scores be available?

Candidates will be able to either report or cancel their scores right after the test. If they choose to report their scores, they will see their unofficial Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores at the test center.

The official score report will be displayed on the ETS account of the candidate and sent 8-10 days after the test day to the colleges that were chosen by the candidate.

For how long will the GRE scores be valid?

GRE scores remain valid for five years from the date of the test. Students can choose to add their GRE score information in their work areas after the duration of 5 years if their score is considered exceptional, although it might not be considered by institutions as an official acceptable score.

What is the "Scoreselect" option?

After completing the test, the candidates will be able to avail themselves of the option of canceling the test. In case they do not wish to cancel their scores, they can make use of the "scoreselect" option and choose where and which scores to send.


About GRE - Complete Information

GRE or GMAT

GRE Quantitative

GRE Verbal

GRE Analytical Writing