The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized English-language aptitude test required by numerous graduate and business school programs worldwide, especially in the US. In contrast to tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS, the GRE is not solely a language test, but focuses on measuring verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. Required scores vary depending on the university and program, with competitive programs often expecting scores in the upper percentiles. Highly selective law programs typically have GRE scores of 159-170.

The GRE lasts just under two hours. The exam is taken entirely on a computer with an English QWERTY keyboard layout. A preview of unofficial scores for Verbal and Quantitative sections is provided immediately after the test. The official score report is available within 8-10 days. GRE scores are valid for five years. Before the test, you can designate up to four universities or institutions to receive your scores for free.

You can take the GRE General Test once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period. The test can be taken at home or at a test center.

The fee to take the GRE is $220 (ca. € 188). You can register for the GRE online through the ETS website. Creating an ETS student account is free and gives you access to all the necessary information before and after the test. Your account includes preparation resources and tools.

The GRE is offered year-round at testing centers and can also be taken online from home. You can find locations and test dates in the ETS website directory.

The official GRE website offers a range of preparation materials to help you get ready for the test day —many of them completely free. A key highlight is the POWERPREP Online practice tests: you get two free full-length tests that closely simulate the actual GRE. These are very valuable for understanding the test format, timing, and platform. They also help you determine how much more preparation you need before taking the real exam.

Other free tools include sample questions, math review PDFs, and test-taking strategies. Explore the resources here.

Test your skills with the free GRE Mini Quiz. Try five Quantitative Reasoning and five Verbal Reasoning questions from the actual GRE General Test

More resources and information

• Kaplan: kaptest.com/study/gre/

• Manhattan Review: manhattanreview.com/free-gre-practice-questions/

• PrepScholar: prepscholar.com/gre/blog/

• Magoosh blog: magoosh.com/gre/

Be sure to inform yourself beforehand about the procedure, modalities, and individual parts of the test. The GRE Handbook provides all the necessary information about the exam's logistics
 

The GRE is a section-adaptive test, meaning the difficulty of the second section depends on your performance in the first section. You can skip questions within a section, go back and change answers and have the flexibility to choose which questions within a section you want to answer first. There are no breaks during the test.

All test preparation books can be found on bookshelf #1. Books can be borrowed for up to ten weeks.