Free GRE Practice Test - Prepare for Your Graduate School Admissions Exam
Take our comprehensive GRE practice test to prepare for your actual exam. This assessment includes authentic question types from all sections of the GRE, with detailed scoring and explanations.
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Understanding the GRE Exam
The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for many graduate schools in the United States and other English-speaking countries. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills.
GRE Test Structure
The current GRE consists of three main sections:
- Verbal Reasoning: Measures reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence skills
- Quantitative Reasoning: Measures problem-solving ability using arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis
- Analytical Writing: Measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills through two essay tasks
GRE Scoring System
The GRE is scored on the following scales:
- Verbal Reasoning: 130-170 (in 1-point increments)
- Quantitative Reasoning: 130-170 (in 1-point increments)
- Analytical Writing: 0-6 (in half-point increments)
| GRE Score Range | Percentile | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| 165-170 (V/Q) | 95-99 | Exceptional |
| 160-164 (V/Q) | 85-94 | Excellent |
| 155-159 (V/Q) | 65-84 | Very Good |
| 150-154 (V/Q) | 45-64 | Good |
| 145-149 (V/Q) | 25-44 | Average |
| 140-144 (V/Q) | 10-24 | Below Average |
| 130-139 (V/Q) | 1-9 | Poor |
History of the GRE
The GRE was established in 1936 by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. It was created to provide a standardized measure for comparing applicants from different educational backgrounds. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) was founded in 1947 and took over administration of the test in 1949.
The GRE has undergone several significant revisions throughout its history. In 2002, the Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) format was introduced. In 2011, the test underwent a major overhaul with changes to question types, scoring scale, and test design.
GRE vs. GMAT
While both tests are used for graduate admissions, they have different focuses:
- Focus: The GRE is more general and accepted by a wider variety of graduate programs, while the GMAT is specifically designed for business school admissions
- Quantitative Section: The GMAT has more data sufficiency questions, while the GRE focuses more on quantitative comparison
- Verbal Section: The GRE places more emphasis on vocabulary, while the GMAT focuses more on grammar and logical reasoning
- Scoring: The GMAT has a total score range of 200-800, while the GRE has separate scores for each section
How to Prepare for the GRE
Effective GRE preparation involves several strategies:
- Take Practice Tests: Familiarize yourself with the test format and question types
- Build Vocabulary: Focus on learning advanced vocabulary words for the verbal section
- Review Math Concepts: Refresh your knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis
- Practice Writing: Develop your analytical writing skills with timed essay practice
- Learn Test-Taking Strategies: Develop approaches for different question types and time management
GRE Question Types
The GRE includes several specific question types:
- Verbal: Reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence
- Quantitative: Quantitative comparison, multiple-choice, numeric entry, and data interpretation
- Analytical Writing: Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument essays
When to Take the GRE
Most students take the GRE during their junior or senior year of undergraduate studies, or at least one year before they plan to attend graduate school. The GRE is offered year-round at testing centers worldwide, and you can take it once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period.
FAQ: GRE Testing
How long is the GRE?
The GRE General Test is approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes long, including breaks.
How many times can I take the GRE?
You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period.
What's a good GRE score?
A "good" GRE score depends on the programs you're applying to. Generally, scores above 160 in each section are considered competitive for top programs.
Should I take the GRE or GMAT?
If you're applying to business school, check the requirements of your target programs. Many now accept both tests. If you're applying to other graduate programs, the GRE is typically required.
How is the GRE scored?
The GRE uses section-level adaptive testing, meaning your performance on the first section determines the difficulty of the second section. Your raw score is converted to a scaled score through a process called equating.
Can I use a calculator on the GRE?
Yes, an on-screen calculator is provided for the quantitative reasoning sections.
GRE Test Day Tips
- Get plenty of sleep the night before the test
- Eat a healthy breakfast on test day
- Arrive at the test center early with all required identification
- Pace yourself during the test - the GRE is a marathon, not a sprint
- Use the process of elimination on difficult questions
- Manage your time wisely, especially on the analytical writing section