The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test used for admission into graduate programs, business schools, and legal institutions. It has been an essential part of the application process for students with dreams of higher education. However, taking the GRE can be a daunting experience, with its lengthy duration and extensive content. In an effort to improve the test-taking experience and respect the time of the candidates, the Educational Testing Service (ETS) has announced a major change in the GRE format. Starting September 2023, the GRE General Test will be significantly shorter, reducing the test time by half. This article will explore the changes in the new GRE and what it means for test-takers.

Introduction – New GRE is shorter! | GRE Update

The GRE has been around since 1949, and over the years, it has undergone several changes to keep up with the evolving educational landscape. However, the most significant change in the GRE format is yet to come. ETS has announced that starting September 2023, the GRE General Test will be shortened, making it the shortest and most time-efficient graduate school admissions test available. This change aims to enhance the test-taking experience, reduce test anxiety, and respect the time of the candidates. With this update, the GRE is set to enter a new era, making it easier for students to pursue their academic goals.

What are the Major Changes in the Shorter GRE?

The most significant change in the new GRE is the reduction in test time. Currently, the GRE takes approximately three hours and 45 minutes to complete, including breaks. However, the revised GRE General Test will only require less than two hours to complete, cutting the current test time in half. This change will make the GRE the shortest graduate school admissions test available, making it more appealing to potential test-takers.

Another significant change in the shorter GRE is the elimination of the unscored research section. Currently, the GRE has an unscored research section that is used for ETS to gather data on new questions for future tests. This section adds an additional 30 minutes to the test time and does not contribute to the overall score. With the shorter GRE, this section will be removed, further reducing the test duration.

Comparison between Current GRE & Shorter GRE

To better understand the changes in the new GRE, let’s compare it with the current GRE format.

As seen in the table above, the shorter GRE will have fewer sections and no unscored research section, making it significantly shorter than the current GRE.

What will remain unchanged in the transition from the current GRE to the shorter GRE?

Despite the significant changes in the GRE format, there are some aspects that will remain unchanged. The content and skills tested in the GRE will remain the same, ensuring that the test continues to measure the same abilities and knowledge. Additionally, the scoring scale and score reporting process will also remain unchanged. This means that the scores obtained in the shorter GRE will be comparable to those obtained in the current GRE.

Another aspect that will remain unchanged is the availability of accommodations for test-takers with disabilities or health-related needs. ETS is committed to providing equal access to the GRE for all test-takers and will continue to offer accommodations as needed.

When will the Shorter GRE be available?

The shorter GRE will be available from September 2023. This means that if you are planning to take the GRE General Test in or after September 2023, you will be taking the shorter version of the test. However, if you plan to take the GRE before September 2023, you will still be taking the current GRE format.

Shorter GRE – Exam Structure and Number of Questions

The new GRE format will have four sections, just like the current GRE. These sections are Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning (two sections). The number of questions in each section will also remain the same, with 40 questions in Verbal Reasoning and 40 questions in Quantitative Reasoning. However, the number of questions in the Analytical Writing section may vary, as it depends on the prompt given for the essay.

What is yet to be announced?

While ETS has announced the major changes in the shorter GRE, there are still some details that have not been revealed. These include the specific duration of the breaks between sections and the exact number of questions in the Analytical Writing section. Additionally, the scoring scale for the shorter GRE has not been announced yet. ETS has stated that they will provide more information about these aspects closer to the launch date of the shorter GRE.

Which version of the test should you take- Shorter GRE vs. Current GRE

If you are planning to take the GRE before September 2023, you will have to take the current GRE format. However, if you plan to take the GRE after September 2023, you will have a choice between the shorter GRE and the current GRE. So, which version of the test should you take?

The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences and circumstances. If you are someone who struggles with test anxiety or has a busy schedule, the shorter GRE may be a better option for you. The reduced test time can help alleviate some of the stress associated with taking the GRE. Additionally, if you have a tight schedule and cannot spare almost four hours for the current GRE, the shorter GRE may be a more convenient choice.

On the other hand, if you are someone who prefers to have more time to complete the test or feels more comfortable with the current GRE format, then you may want to stick with the current GRE. It is essential to remember that the content and skills tested in both versions of the GRE will remain the same, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Shorter GRE and your current preparation

If you have been preparing for the GRE using study materials and resources designed for the current GRE format, you may be wondering how the changes will affect your preparation. The good news is that the content and skills tested in the shorter GRE will remain the same as the current GRE. This means that your current preparation will still be relevant for the shorter GRE.

However, it is essential to keep in mind that the shorter GRE will have a different structure and duration. Therefore, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the new format and practice accordingly. ETS is expected to release official practice materials for the shorter GRE closer to the launch date, which will help you prepare effectively.

Shorter GRE – FAQs

1. Will the shorter GRE be easier than the current GRE?

No, the content and skills tested in both versions of the GRE will remain the same. The only difference is the duration and structure of the test.

2. Will the scoring scale change in the shorter GRE?

No, the scoring scale will remain the same, ensuring that scores obtained in the shorter GRE are comparable to those obtained in the current GRE.

3. Will the shorter GRE be available for online testing?

ETS has not announced any plans for online testing for the shorter GRE. However, they have stated that they are continuously exploring new ways to deliver the test in a more convenient and accessible manner.

4. Can I switch between the shorter GRE and the current GRE if I am not satisfied with my score?

No, once you have taken the shorter GRE, you cannot retake the current GRE format. You will have to wait until the next testing year to take the shorter GRE again.

Conclusion

The changes in the GRE format are significant and will have a significant impact on future test-takers. The shorter GRE aims to enhance the test-taking experience, reduce test anxiety, and respect the time of the candidates. While there are still some details yet to be announced, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the changes and prepare accordingly if you plan to take the GRE after September 2023. With this article, we hope to have provided you with all the necessary information about the shorter GRE and what it means for test-takers. Remember, the GRE is just one aspect of your graduate school application, and with proper preparation and determination, you can achieve your academic goals.