GRE Prep to Elevate Your Grad School Application

Expert support for serious graduate school applicants

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a critical admissions requirement for many graduate and business programs in the United States. Developed by Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE tests the verbal, quantitative, and analytical reasoning skills that are essential for success in graduate-level coursework.

At Presidio Education®, we offer targeted GRE preparation designed for ambitious students aiming to achieve top scores. Our GRE Diagnostic Tests (DTs) are updated to help you identify your strengths and address areas for improvement, allowing you to focus on what matters most for your study plan and graduate school goals.

Start with confidence by taking our free GRE DTs today.

Key Updates to the GRE (2023 Onward)

What Students Should Know About the GRE Test Changes

In 2023, the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) underwent significant updates aimed at making the test more reflective of the skills necessary for success in graduate-level coursework. These changes streamlined the testing process, with adjustments to both the format and content. Understanding these updates is key to ensuring your preparation is aligned with the current GRE structure.

A major change was the revised Analytical Writing section, which now places a greater focus on assessing your ability to craft clear, logical arguments. Additionally, the Quantitative Reasoning section was updated to include more data interpretation questions, reflecting the real-world skills required in graduate programs. These changes were designed to make the GRE even more relevant to today’s academic and professional landscape.

GRE Test Format (September 2023)

The updated GRE is now shorter and more streamlined, with two main sections—Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning—each divided into two adaptive modules. The Analytical Writing section remains a key part of the test. Knowing the format in advance will help students manage time effectively and focus on high-impact strategies:

Verbal Reasoning

• 40 multiple-choice questions

• 35 minutes total

• 2 adaptive modules (20 questions each)

• Focuses on reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence

Quantitative Reasoning

• 40 multiple-choice questions

• 35 minutes total

• 2 adaptive modules (20 questions each)

• Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis

• Calculator allowed for the entire section (on-screen calculator)

Analytical Writing

• 2 tasks: Analyze an Issue, Analyze an Argument

• 35 minutes total (30 minutes for Analyze an Issue, 35 minutes for Analyze an Argument)

• Assesses critical thinking and clear communication of ideas in writing

Additional Notes

• Total Test Time: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes (including breaks)

• Breaks:

  • One 10-minute break after the Quantitative Reasoning section

• Scoring:

  • Total Score Range: 260–340

  • Verbal Reasoning: 130–170

  • Quantitative Reasoning: 130–170

  • Analytical Writing: 0–6 (separate score)

• No penalty for wrong answers — students should attempt every question

• Test is computer-based and section-adaptive

Test Dates and Registration Deadlines

GRE Test Availability and Scheduling

Stay on track with your GRE planning by reviewing the most current test dates and registration windows directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS):

• View GRE Test Dates and Registration Deadlines →
  For students testing worldwide at test centers or at home.

Note: The GRE General Test is offered year-round at test centers and through at-home testing. Availability may vary by location and format (in-person vs. home testing), so we recommend registering early to secure your preferred test date and testing method.

Tips for Students

How to Succeed on the Updated GRE

With the GRE now shorter, more adaptive, and focused on real-world academic skills, success requires more than just content knowledge—it’s about strategy, time management, and understanding how the updated format works. Here’s what every GRE test-taker should know before test day:

GRE Test Sections (September 2023)

The GRE is divided into three key sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Each section is designed to assess essential skills for graduate-level study. Understanding the structure of each section will help you develop effective strategies for test day:

Verbal Reasoning Section

The Verbal Reasoning section evaluates your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, synthesize information, and understand the meaning of words and sentences in context.

• Key Skills Tested:

  • Critical Reading: Ability to interpret and analyze texts, identify main ideas, and understand inferences.

  • Vocabulary: Contextual understanding of vocabulary and ability to use words in the right context.

  • Sentence Equivalence and Text Completion: Evaluates ability to identify relationships between sentences and determine appropriate words to complete sentences.

• Success Tips:

  • Focus on reading comprehension: Regularly practice reading complex passages and summarizing key ideas.

  • Build a strong vocabulary: Use GRE vocabulary lists and context clues to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words in context.

  • Practice eliminating incorrect answers: Since GRE questions often have two seemingly correct answers, focus on eliminating incorrect choices to improve your odds.

Quantitative Reasoning Section

The Quantitative Reasoning section assesses your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information and solve problems using mathematical concepts.

• Key Skills Tested:

  • Basic Math Knowledge: Understanding arithmetic, algebra, and geometry principles.

  • Problem-Solving: Ability to work through word problems that require logical reasoning.

  • Data Interpretation: Analyzing charts, graphs, and tables to extract meaningful information.

• Success Tips:

  • Practice mental math: Work on improving speed in basic arithmetic and algebra to solve problems quickly.

  • Familiarize yourself with the on-screen calculator and know when it is best to use it during the test.

  • Break down complex word problems into simpler parts to improve accuracy and speed.

Analytical Writing Section

The Analytical Writing section evaluates your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively in writing, with an emphasis on logic and reasoning.

• Key Skills Tested:

  • Critical Thinking: Ability to evaluate arguments and think critically about issues.

  • Clarity and Organization: Structuring essays logically, presenting ideas clearly, and supporting arguments with evidence.

  • Argument Analysis: Ability to dissect an argument’s strengths and weaknesses and provide a coherent response.

• Success Tips:

  • Practice writing essays under timed conditions to simulate the test environment.

  • Focus on developing strong, coherent arguments in your essays, using clear examples to back up your points.

  • Pay attention to grammar and syntax—clear, concise writing will help you make a stronger impression.

Test Structure Tips

• The GRE is section-adaptive, meaning performance on the first module determines the difficulty of the second. Focus on answering each question carefully to ensure you're placed in the most challenging module.

• There’s no penalty for wrong answers, so be sure to answer every question—even if you're unsure.

• Time management is key. Practice pacing yourself to ensure you have enough time to review your answers, particularly in the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections.

• The Analytical Writing section requires strong writing skills. Practice writing clear, well-organized essays within the time constraints.

• The GRE is computer-based, with questions presented in an adaptive manner. The test tailors its difficulty based on your performance in earlier sections, so doing well early can boost your score potential.

By understanding each section of the GRE and practicing smart strategies, you can approach your test day with confidence. Students who take our free GRE Diagnostic Test receive personalized prep recommendations to help boost their scores quickly.