What is GRE? Do you need to take the GRE when applying to graduate school in the US?
GRE is one of the most popular standardized tests for candidates applying to graduate, master's, doctoral, and some international MBA programs. If you're planning to study abroad in the US or pursue postgraduate programs taught in English, understanding GRE will help you choose the right test, set score targets, and develop a more effective study plan.
GRE is not limited to a single field of study
Unlike GMAT which is more commonly associated with business schools, GRE is used more broadly for various postgraduate programs: social sciences, engineering, education, public policy, data science, economics, management, and even MBA.
Clever Academy's perspective: If you're uncertain whether you'll apply to MBA or Master's/PhD programs outside business, GRE might be a more flexible choice. However, if you're only focused on business school, compare it with GMAT before making a decision.
What is GRE?
GRE, short for Graduate Record Examination, is a standardized test used by many universities to assess the academic abilities of graduate applicants. The GRE General Test focuses on three skill areas: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
GRE scores help admissions committees have a common basis for comparing applicants from different educational systems, countries, and fields of study. However, GRE is only one part of your application. Schools also evaluate GPA, research/work experience, essays, recommendation letters, portfolios, and fit with the program.
- Verbal Reasoning: tests reading comprehension, text analysis, and academic vocabulary.
- Quantitative Reasoning: tests quantitative thinking, basic mathematics, and problem-solving.
- Analytical Writing: tests reasoning, argument development, and analytical writing.
Latest GRE General Test Structure
GRE General Test currently has a duration of approximately 1 hour 58 minutes, consisting of Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.
| Test Section | Number of Questions / Tasks | Time | What Does It Assess? | Test Prep Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 1 Issue Task | 30 minutes | Ability to analyze issues, build arguments, provide examples, and write structured essays. | Practice outlining quickly, developing clear thesis points, and controlling academic grammar. |
| Verbal Reasoning | 27 questions | 41 minutes | Reading comprehension, academic vocabulary, reasoning from context, and logical analysis within texts. | Difficult areas typically include Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence, and Reading Comprehension. |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 27 questions | 47 minutes | Quantitative reasoning, algebra, arithmetic, geometry, data, and problem-solving. | Don't just memorize formulas; practice reading questions carefully, avoid data traps, and manage your time. |
Reference: ETS GRE General Test structure and GRE scoring information.
Who Needs to Take the GRE?
Not every graduate program requires the GRE. However, for many applicants, the GRE remains an important tool to demonstrate academic ability and strengthen their application competitiveness.
Master's Applicants to the US
Many master's programs in the US may require, encourage, or accept the GRE as part of their admissions application.
PhD Applicants
For certain research fields, the GRE can help demonstrate academic ability, especially when applicants come from international education systems.
MBA Applicants Considering GRE
Many business schools accept the GRE alongside the GMAT, suitable for those wanting to keep their options open beyond MBA programs.
Applicants Needing to Offset GPA
If your GPA isn't outstanding, a strong GRE score can help reinforce your academic credentials, especially for competitive programs.
Career Changers
The GRE can help demonstrate foundational skills when applicants transition from one field of study or work area to another.
Scholarship Seekers
A competitive GRE score can support your scholarship application, depending on the policies of each school and program.
How is the GRE Score Calculated?
The GRE General Test reports scores by section rather than a single overall score. Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning are scored on a scale of 130 to 170, while Analytical Writing is scored from 0 to 6.
Verbal Reasoning: 130-170
The Verbal section assesses academic reading comprehension, vocabulary, reasoning, and analysis of text meaning. This is often challenging for Vietnamese learners without a strong foundation in academic vocabulary.
Quantitative Reasoning: 130-170
The Quant section tests basic math and quantitative reasoning. While the knowledge level isn't overly advanced, the test demands careful reading, quick data comprehension, and avoiding logical traps.
Analytical Writing: 0-6
The Writing section assesses your ability to build arguments in academic English. High scores require not only good grammar but also clear essay structure, relevant examples, and well-developed reasoning.
Verbal Requires a Vocabulary Strategy
Don't learn isolated words. Study vocabulary in context, collocations, nuances of meaning, and usage in academic sentences.
Quant requires accuracy
Many Quant questions are not difficult in terms of formulas but easy to get wrong due to missing conditions, confusing units, or hastily choosing an answer.
Writing requires an argument framework
Learners should practice outlining quickly, using relevant examples, and controlling the essay flow within 30 minutes.
Percentile matters
Don't just look at absolute score. Compare your percentile against target program requirements to set a reasonable goal.
How is GRE different from GMAT, IELTS, and TOEFL?
Many learners confuse GRE with English tests or business exams. In reality, each test serves a different purpose in an international application.
GRE is broader; GMAT is more business-focused
GRE is used for many graduate programs, while GMAT is typically tied to MBA and business schools. If you haven't decided on a field, GRE may offer more flexibility.
- GRE has Analytical Writing.
- GMAT has Data Insights.
- GRE Verbal leans toward academic vocabulary.
- GMAT Verbal leans more toward business-style reasoning and reading comprehension.
GRE does not replace English certification
IELTS and TOEFL demonstrate academic English proficiency. GRE assesses standardized academic ability at a higher level: Verbal, Quant, and Analytical Writing.
- IELTS/TOEFL typically serve as English language entry requirements.
- GRE serves as a graduate-level ability assessment.
- Many schools may require both GRE and IELTS/TOEFL.
- Do not use GRE scores to substitute for English proficiency requirements unless the school permits it.
When should you start preparing for GRE?
Applicants should begin GRE preparation early, especially if they still need to complete IELTS/TOEFL, essays, CV, cover letters, and scholarship applications. For beginners, take time for a diagnostic test before detailed planning.
Basic roadmap
- Phase 1: Take a diagnostic test to identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Phase 2: Build foundations in vocabulary, math, reading comprehension, and writing framework.
- Phase 3: Practice each question type in Verbal, Quant, and Analytical Writing.
- Phase 4: Take mock tests, analyze errors, and optimize pacing.
- Phase 5: Set a test date that aligns with your application deadline.
Common mistakes when self-studying GRE
- Learning vocabulary from overly long lists without understanding context.
- Being overconfident with Quant because you think GRE math is just high school math.
- Doing many practice questions but not keeping an error log or analyzing why you got them wrong.
- Neglecting Analytical Writing until close to test day.
- Not setting a target score based on your target schools.
- Not distinguishing GRE from IELTS/TOEFL in your application strategy.
Strategy: GRE requires systematic learning. Doing many questions is not enough if you don't know why you're wrong—whether due to lack of knowledge, vocabulary gaps, slow reading, logical errors, or poor time management.
Related courses at Clever Academy
Depending on your study abroad goals, you may need GRE, GMAT, IELTS, or TOEFL. Clever Academy helps learners build a test preparation roadmap aligned with their application and deadlines.
Unsure whether you should take the GRE?
Clever Academy can help you assess your learning goals, compare GRE with GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL, determine your target score and build a study plan suited to your graduate application deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions about GRE
What is GRE?
GRE is a standardized test for candidates applying to graduate programs such as Master's, PhD and some MBA programs. The GRE General Test assesses Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing.
What are the sections of GRE?
The GRE General Test consists of Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. Analytical Writing has one Issue Task, while Verbal and Quant each have two sections.
What is the GRE score scale?
Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning are scored on a scale of 130-170. Analytical Writing is scored on a scale of 0-6, with 0.5 increments.
Can GRE replace IELTS or TOEFL?
Generally not. GRE assesses standardized academic ability, while IELTS/TOEFL demonstrate English proficiency. Many schools may require both GRE and an English language certificate.
Should I take GRE or GMAT for MBA applications?
If you're only focused on MBA or business school, GMAT is a very natural choice. If you're applying to many graduate programs outside of business, GRE can be more flexible. It's best to take diagnostic tests for both if you're still undecided.
How long does it take to study GRE?
GRE study time depends on your English foundation, math skills, target score and application deadline. Many students need several months to build a foundation, practice question types, take mock tests and stabilize their scores.
Does Clever Academy offer GRE courses?
Yes. Clever Academy offers GRE courses for students pursuing graduate studies, master's degrees, PhDs, MBA and other international graduate programs.