Understanding The Changes in the GRE General Test: A Comprehensive Guide

The GRE General Test is undergoing a significant change, and test takers need to understand what’s changing and why. The test is being shortened from nearly 4 hours to under 2 hours. Yet, it continues to measure the same skills – verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing. This guide will help you understand these changes in detail and prepare effectively for the new format.

Changes in GRE General Test: What You Need to Know

The revised GRE General Test will now take approximately 2 hours, cutting the duration by nearly half. Each section will be reduced in this shorter version while removing the unscored section and scheduled break. Your GRE scores will be delivered faster, within 8–10 calendar days, a significant reduction from the current 10–15 days. Let’s take a look at the changes in a tabular format:

Sections	Current GRE Tasks/Questions	Current GRE Total Time	New GRE General Test Tasks/Questions	New GRE Total Time
Analytical Writing	2 essay tasks Analyse issues Analyze an Argument	60 minutes (30 minutes) (30 minutes)	1 essay tasks Analyse issues	30 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning	40 questions (QR Section 1 – 20 question) (QR Section 2 – 20 question)	70 minutes (QR Section 1 – 35 minutes) (QR Section 1 – 35 minutes)	27 questions (QR Section 1 – 12 question) (QR Section 2 – 15 question)	47 minutes (QR Section 1 – 21 minutes) (QR Section 1 – 26 minutes)
Verbal Reasoning	40 questions (VR Section 1 – 20 question) (VR Section 2 – 20 question)	60 minutes (QR Section 1 – 30 minutes) (QR Section 1 – 30 minutes)	27 questions (VR Section 1 – 12 question) (VR Section 2 – 15 question)	41 minutes (VR Section 1 – 18 minutes) (VR Section 1 – 23 minutes)
Unscored section	Varies	Varies	None	None
Scheduled break	NA	10 minutes	NA	None
Total	NA	3 hours, 45 mins	NA	1 hour, 58 mins

Reason Behind The Change

The decision to shorten the test is based on feedback from test takers and expert analysis. Test takers expressed the need for a less time-consuming test experience, and experts agreed that a shorter test could still effectively assess necessary skills. This change prioritizes a better test-taking experience without compromising the reliability and validity that schools expect from GRE scores.

Does Shorter Test Time Mean Less Time Per Question?

The answer is no. The number of questions has been reduced, but the average time to answer each question remains the same.

Is The Current GRE Still Valid?

Yes, the GRE test maintains its high-quality standard, with valid and reliable scores informing graduate and professional program admissions and scholarship decisions.

When Will The new GRE Be Available?

The current GRE will be available until September 20, 2023. Students who schedule a test appointment on or after September 22, 2023, will take the shorter GRE test.

Stay tuned for the next part, where we’ll delve into which version of the test you should take, how the scoring will work, and changes in the registration process.

Understanding the Shorter GRE: Everything You Need to Know (Part 2)

Crucial Considerations about GRE Registration

In part 1, we explored the changes to the GRE® General Test and its structure. Now, let’s delve into the essential details related to test registration.

Registration and Appointments

1. When will registration for the shorter GRE open?

Registration is already live. To register for the shorter GRE test, choose a test date on or after September 22, 2023.

2. When will testing appointments for the shorter GRE begin?

Starting on September 22, 2023. If you register for the GRE General Test on or after this date, you will be registered for the shortened version.

Cost and Rescheduling

1. How much will the shorter GRE test cost?

GRE fees will remain the same. You can see all the fees on the ETS website.

2. Can I switch my test appointment to the current GRE if I’m registered to take the GRE after September 22, 2023?

Yes, you can reschedule your test appointment via your ETS Account. Since we are changing the test version, you can reschedule without charges. Head over to your ETS Account and follow the rescheduling link to a test date on or before September 20, 2023.

1. If I’m registered to take the GRE before September 22, 2023, can I switch to taking the shorter GRE after September 22, 2023?

Indeed, you can reschedule your test appointment via your ETS Account. However, you’ll need to pay a rescheduling fee for this.

Test Repetition

1. How many times can I take the shorter GRE?

The GRE General Test can be taken once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period (365 days).

Scoring: What Has Changed and What Hasn’t

We’ve explored the registration process; now let’s focus on understanding scoring for the shorter GRE test.

1. Are there any changes to the Official Score Report for the shorter GRE?

Official Score Report and Scoring Process

No, there won’t be any changes to the Official Score Report for the shorter GRE.

1. Will there be changes to the way scoring is done?

The scoring processes for all three measures will remain the same. However, your Analytical Writing score will be based on your performance on a single essay task instead of two.

Score Scales and Question Weightage

1. Will the score scales change?

The score scales for the shorter test will remain the same as the current test.

2. Within each measure, will each question count more toward the final score?

Yes, since there are fewer questions and the score scale isn’t changing, each question will hold more weight toward the final score.

Comparing Performance Across Test Versions

1. How will schools/programs compare performance across the two different versions of the exam?

The GRE team ensures that the technical properties of the score scales are maintained so that schools can continue to use the scores consistently for candidates who test before and after September 2023. They provide schools with specific guidance and information to consider when comparing scores.

Score Delivery

1. Will schools get scores faster?

The score delivery timeframe for test takers will be reduced from 10–15 days to 8–10 days, which may result in schools receiving scores faster, depending on their chosen delivery method. Electronic scores are delivered to schools twice a week.

1. Will the GRE Diagnostic Service be available for the shorter test?

Yes, the GRE Diagnostic Service will still be available for free, so you can gain insight into your performance on the test questions in the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections about two weeks after you take the test.

Stay tuned for part 3, where we’ll cover changes in the test preparation process and resources available for the shorter GRE test.

Understanding the Shorter GRE: Everything You Need to Know (Part 3)

Test Preparation: Adapting to the New Format

Let’s explore how the new changes to the GRE® General Test format will affect your preparation process and the resources available to help you adapt.

Adjusting Your Test Prep Strategies

1. How should I adjust my test preparation for the shorter GRE?

The core content of the GRE remains the same, and the reduction in length means that you should still focus on the key skills the GRE is designed to measure. However, the new format means you should also:

• Practice time management: With fewer questions to answer, each one counts for more of your score, so spend enough time on each.
• Sharpen your essay writing: There will only be one rather than two, so focus on writing a clear, well-structured, and convincing argument.
• Review strategies for each type of question: There will still be the same questions, just fewer.

Preparation Materials and Tools

1. Will ETS provide updated test prep materials for the shorter GRE?

Yes, ETS will provide updated versions of their test prep materials. The POWERPREP® Online free and paid test preparation products will reflect the new, shorter test format starting from September 2023. The official GRE® Guide to the Use of Scores will also be updated.

1. Will third-party test prep materials be updated?

While ETS cannot control the actions of third parties, it is expected that major test prep companies will update their materials to reflect the new format. Make sure to use the most recent prep materials available.

2. Will the GRE® Comparison Tool be updated?

Yes, the GRE® Comparison Tool will be updated. The tool lets you compare predicted GMAT® scores with actual GRE® scores, which can be helpful for prospective students and admissions officers.

FAQ on the Transition to the New GRE

To wrap things up, let’s go through some frequently asked questions about the transition to the shorter GRE.

Addressing Concerns

1. Will the shorter GRE still be a reliable measure of the skills it’s supposed to assess?

Yes. The ETS has stated that the shorter GRE will maintain its reliability as a measure of the skills it’s designed to assess. The change is intended to increase convenience for test takers without sacrificing the validity of the test.

2. Why is the GRE being shortened?

The change to a shorter format is part of ETS’s ongoing efforts to enhance the test-taking experience and make it more convenient for test-takers. It is not a reflection of a change in the abilities the test is measuring.

3. Is the change to a shorter GRE in response to competition from other tests like the GMAT®?

While ETS did not specify why the GRE is being shortened, they have said it is part of their ongoing efforts to improve the test-taking experience. The change is not explicitly linked to competition from other tests.

In the end, the key to success in the GRE, irrespective of its length, remains a solid understanding of the concepts, a strategic approach, and effective time management. Make sure to utilize updated prep materials and familiarize yourself with the new test format as part of your preparation. Good luck!

Understanding the Shorter GRE: Everything You Need to Know (Part 4)

What to Expect on the Test Day

This section will guide you through the specifics of the test day under the new shorter format of the GRE.

Test Administration

1. How will the test day schedule be affected by the shorter GRE?

The test day schedule will remain the same as before. You should arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled testing time. After check-in, you’ll be escorted to the testing room, where the proctor will guide you through the process.

2. Will the test still be section adaptive?

Yes, the test will remain section adaptive. This means that your performance on the first Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections determines the difficulty level of the second section in each respective area.

3. Will the question types within the sections change?

No, the question types within each section (Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical Writing) will remain the same, although there will be fewer questions per section.

After the Test: Scores and Reporting

Understanding Your Scores

1. How will scores be reported with the shorter GRE?

The scoring scale for the shorter GRE will remain the same. Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores are reported on a 130-170 scale, and Analytical Writing scores are reported on a 0–6 scale. The ETS is confident that the new test format will maintain the reliability and validity of the scores.

2. When will I receive my official scores after taking the shorter GRE?

You will receive your official scores approximately 10–15 days after your test date, the same timeline as with the previous version of the GRE.

Reporting Your Scores

1. Will the process for sending scores to schools change?

No, the process for sending scores to graduate and business schools will remain the same. You can select up to four schools to receive your scores for free on the test day. Additional score reports can be ordered for a fee.

2. If I took the longer version of the GRE, can I still report those scores?

Yes, GRE scores are valid for five years, so if you took the previous version of the GRE, you can still report those scores as long as they are within the validity period.

Understanding the Shorter GRE: Everything You Need to Know (Part 5)

Frequently Asked Questions

This section covers some of the most frequently asked questions about the shorter GRE.

Questions about the Test

1. What does a shorter GRE mean for me as a test taker?

A shorter GRE means less time spent in the testing center and reduced potential for fatigue during the exam. However, it also means that each question will count for more of your score because there will be fewer questions overall. It’s important to adjust your test-taking strategy to accommodate these changes.

2. Can I still take breaks during the test?

Yes, a 10-minute break is provided after the third section, and one-minute breaks are allowed between all other sections.

3. How should I adjust my study plan for the shorter GRE?

While the format and length of the GRE have changed, the core content remains the same. This means you’ll still need to study vocabulary, reading comprehension, math, and writing skills. However, with fewer questions, each one will be more impactful on your score. Therefore, it’s crucial to thoroughly understand each question type and maximize your accuracy.

Questions about Scoring

1. Will the scoring be different for the shorter GRE?

The scoring scales for the Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing sections remain the same, despite the shorter test. However, as there will be fewer questions in the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections, each question will be worth a larger percentage of your score.

2. If I’ve taken the longer version of the GRE, how can I compare my scores?

Since the scoring scale hasn’t changed, scores from the longer version of the GRE are directly comparable to scores from the shorter GRE. However, it’s worth noting that some students might perform differently on a shorter test due to factors like reduced fatigue.

Questions about Test Preparation

1. Do I need new preparation materials for the shorter GRE?

Yes, it would be beneficial to get updated prep materials that align with the new shorter format of the GRE. While the basic content remains the same, getting familiar with the updated structure and timing of the exam will be key to your test performance.

2. Will ETS provide new preparation materials?

Yes, ETS is expected to release updated preparation materials that align with the new format of the GRE. These materials will be available through the ETS store and other major book retailers.

Conclusion

The changes to the GRE are significant, but with a solid understanding of what’s different and a targeted study plan, you can successfully navigate the shorter format. Remember to use up-to-date study materials, understand the impact of fewer questions on your score, and adjust your test-taking strategy accordingly. Good luck with your preparation!

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