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Expert Guidebook: The Short GRE General Test (Post-September 2023)
This guide focuses exclusively on the mandatory, shortened format of the GRE General Test, effective September 22, 2023.
GRE examination.
I. Test Structure and Key Changes
The total testing time is approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes . This change shifts the focus to high-intensity, continuous concentration, as there is no scheduled break.
A. Structure Overview
|
Measure |
Sections |
Questions |
Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Analytical Writing (AWA) |
1 task |
1 task |
30 minutes |
|
Verbal Reasoning (VR) |
2 sections |
27 total |
41 minutes (18/23 min) |
|
Quantitative Reasoning (QR) |
2 sections |
27 total |
47 minutes (21/26 min) |
B. Strategic Implications
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The Analytical Writing section now includes only one task, "Analyze an Issue".
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The previously included unidentified/unscored experimental section has been removed.
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The GRE uses section-level adaptive testing: high accuracy in the initial 12-question VR or QR section is critical, as it determines the difficulty and potential score ceiling of the corresponding second section.
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Attempt all questions; ETS confirms there is no penalty for incorrect answers.
II. Scoring, Reporting, and Benchmarks
The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are scored from 130 to 170. The AWA is scored from 0.0 to 6.0.
|
Measure |
Score Range |
Competitive Goal |
|---|---|---|
|
Verbal Reasoning |
130–170 |
157+ |
|
Quantitative Reasoning |
130–170 |
165+ (for STEM/Business) |
|
Analytical Writing (AWA) |
0.0–6.0 |
4.5+ |
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ScoreSelect Strategy: Utilize the "Any" option after test day to selectively send only the highest scores achieved across all testing dates .
III. Content and Preparation Tactics
A. Verbal Reasoning (VR)
VR evaluates analysis, synthesis, vocabulary, and reasoning from incomplete data.
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Reading Comprehension (RC): Requires summarizing, inferring, and analyzing text structure from various academic/nonacademic passages. Question formats include selecting a single answer, selecting multiple correct answers, and selecting a sentence within the passage.
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Text Completion (TC): Filling 1–3 blanks in short passages. Credit is given only if all blanks are filled correctly.
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Sentence Equivalence (SE): Selecting two choices that result in two coherent sentences with the same meaning. Credit is given only if both choices are correct.
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Pacing Tip: Prioritize rapidly determining the necessary tone (positive, negative, or neutral) of the missing words based on context.
B. Quantitative Reasoning (QR)
QR assesses skills up to high school algebra and introductory statistics.
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Core Subject Areas:
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Arithmetic: Divisibility, factorization, percent, ratio, rate, and absolute value.
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Algebra: Expressions, equations, inequalities (linear/quadratic), and coordinate geometry.
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Geometry: Lines, angles, triangles, circles, area, perimeter, volume, and Pythagorean theorem.
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Data Analysis: Descriptive statistics (mean, median, standard deviation), probability, and counting methods (combinations/permutations). (Inferential statistics is excluded).
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High-Score Focus: Targeted mastery of Data Analysis concepts (probability, standard deviation) is crucial for competitive scores (165+).
C. Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
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Task: Solely "Analyze an Issue" (30 minutes).
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High-Score Requirements (4.5+): Focus on sustaining an insightful, in-depth analysis; developing points with logically compelling reasons/persuasive examples; and demonstrating sophisticated organization and language fluency. Simple 5-paragraph structures may be insufficient for top scores.
IV. Logistics and Official Preparation
A. Essential Preparation Tools
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Preparation should be limited primarily to Official ETS materials, as they uniquely replicate the test's design mechanics.
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Key Resources:
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POWERPREP Practice Tests (simulates the computer exam).
Math Review and Math Conventions (crucial for understanding GRE-specific notation and rules).
B. Test Fees (Approximate)
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Registration Fee: $220 (USD) / ₹ 22,550 (INR) ``.
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Rescheduling Fee: $55 (USD) / ₹ 5,000 (INR) ``.
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Additional Score Reports: $40 (USD) / ₹ 2,900 (INR) ``.
C. Test Day Protocol
ID Requirements: Must bring a valid, non-expired passport; the name must match the registration exactly.
Prohibited Items: Phones, smartwatches, personal calculators, notes, and scratch paper (at home test, must use an approved whiteboard) are strictly prohibited inside the testing room.
Non-Stop Focus: Be prepared for continuous concentration for the full 1 hour 58 minutes
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