Thinking about going to grad school for business or law? You’re probably gearing up to tackle the GRE General Test. This bad boy is the most popular admissions test out there for grad programs. The GRE measures your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills—all super important for academic success. Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), it’s known for being one of the most reliable ways to gauge if you’re ready for grad school.
Now, here’s the scoop: ETS is shaking things up! They’ve revamped the GRE to make it quicker and less stressful for test-takers. Starting September 22, 2023, the GRE General Test has been shortened to under two hours. That’s right! No more four-hour marathons! Plus, you’ll get your scores faster. In this article, we’ll break down the major changes, how they’ll affect your prep, and what you should know before signing up.
What’s New in the GRE?
The revamped GRE isn’t a total overhaul; think of it as a polished version of what was introduced in 2011. They’ve made some key changes that will help make your experience smoother. Let’s dive into what’s different!
Shorter Test Time
First things first: the test duration is cut in half! Instead of the usual four hours, you’re looking at just under two hours now. This is a game-changer for reducing that dreaded test fatigue and helping you stay focused.
How did they do this? They trimmed down the number of questions, ditched one of the analytical writing tasks, and eliminated the unscored section (you know, that part that always leaves you scratching your head about how it affects your score?). Plus, say goodbye to those scheduled breaks!
One Less Essay Task
Speaking of the analytical writing section, it used to have two essay tasks: one where you had to analyze an issue and another for analyzing an argument. Now, you’ll only need to tackle the “Analyze an Issue” task. This means less writing and more time to focus on crafting a solid response!
You still have 30 minutes to write your essay, and it’ll be scored on the same 0 to 6 scale as before. You’ll get a prompt that asks you to evaluate a statement and discuss its implications. Simple enough, right?
Fewer Questions
The number of questions in each section is getting a trim as well. The verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections will now have 27 questions each (down from 40). But don’t worry—fewer questions doesn’t mean they’re going to be easier! Each question will carry more weight, so you’ll want to make sure you answer them carefully.
The types of questions will still be the same, though. Expect text completion, sentence equivalence, and reading comprehension in the verbal section, along with quantitative comparison, problem-solving, and data interpretation in the quantitative section.
Bye-Bye Unscored Section
The old GRE had an unscored section that was purely for research purposes. You’d take it, but it wouldn’t count toward your score, which could be pretty confusing. In the new GRE, that section is gone! Now, you can focus solely on the sections that matter—no more guessing games!
No More Scheduled Breaks
One more thing to note: the revised GRE won’t have any scheduled breaks. The previous version allowed a 10-minute break after the third section and quick breaks between others, but now you’ll need to power through the test in one go.
But don’t fret—you can still take breaks if you need to! Just remember that the clock keeps ticking while you’re on your break. So, plan accordingly!
Faster Score Reporting
You’ll also be pleased to know that you’ll get your scores quicker! You’ll see your unofficial scores for verbal and quantitative reasoning right after you finish. Your official scores for all sections will come in within 8–10 days. This means you can submit your applications sooner and have more time to strategize if you need to retake the test.
Changes to GRE Subject Tests
And there’s more! The GRE Subject Tests have also been updated. Starting in September 2023, the Physics, Mathematics, and Psychology subject tests are now available in a computer format. Plus, the Chemistry test is no longer being offered. These subject tests will also be shorter, lasting just two hours, and there will be more test centers popping up around the world.
Getting Ready for the New GRE
So, how do you prep for this new format? Luckily, the core content is still the same. You’ll still be tested on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing, so your study plan doesn’t have to change too much.
With one less essay task, you can save some time in your prep. You can also practice with sample tests that reflect the new question count and timing. Just keep in mind that, with fewer questions, each one will weigh a bit more in your overall score.
What Stays the Same?
Even with all these changes, there are a few things that won’t change:
- Content: The GRE will still measure your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills.
- Scoring: The scoring scales remain the same, with scores ranging from 130 to 170 for each section and 0 to 6 for the essay.
- Format: It’ll still be a computer-based test and adaptive by section, meaning the difficulty adjusts based on your performance.
- Registration and Fees: The process to sign up and the fees are unchanged, so no surprises there!
- Policies: You can still cancel or reschedule your test, send score reports, and use the Score Select option to choose which scores to send.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, the revised GRE is all about making things easier and less time-consuming for you. It’s designed to help you showcase your real-world skills without overwhelming you. With a more manageable structure, you’ll be less fatigued and more focused when it’s time to take the test.
So, if you’re gearing up for grad school, it’s essential to get familiar with this new format and adjust your prep accordingly. With these changes, you’ll be set up for success on this important academic journey. Happy studying!