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About the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Many programs require the GRE General Test for graduate applicants. More and more programs, however, are dropping the requirement. Before investing a lot of time or money into studying, it's a good idea to first develop your program application list and then check to see if if any of your choices require the GRE. You might find that you don't need it!

The test is, in many ways, a "test of the test," so you need to prepare. The good news is you can prepare. Many options are available: face-to-face classes, online classes, online self-paced tutorials, books, flashcards, free apps, etc. Prices are pretty similar between commercial companies. When deciding how to prepare, think about your learning styles, your experience with the SAT or ACT, and your budget. The test itself is usually administered by computer, so any preparation should include practice with the computerized format. Some summer research programs (IRT, Leadership Alliance, SURF, etc.) include GRE prep guidance.

A few fields also require subject tests—English and Math, for example. These tests are given only a few times a year, so you need to plan ahead. They are usually not computerized.

Overall: prepare well and do your best, but don't obsess to the point that you make the GRE a bigger deal than it really is. Doing well is great, but doing well enough is much better than stress. At the end of the day, the GRE is the least revealing part of your academic profile. Take it seriously, aim high, but focus on what matters in your application—your ideas!

GRE FAQs

Where can I take it?

Register with the Educational Testing Service to check dates and locations.
Note that the GRE is also available for "testing at home."
Scores are valid for 5 years

How should I study?

Experts recommend 6-8 weeks of concentrated study (2-3 hours/day, 5-6 days/week). Pick your window, set test date/location, and commit. Dragging out the studying doesn’t improve your score, it just increases the suffering…
Read this one-page GRE tips sheet from David Cordero '16 and/or these more detailed recommendations from Hillary Abe ‘08
Here’s a sample one-month study plan
Use diagnostics to focus on areas you know you can improve, not “general studying”
Learn the 500 “advanced GRE words” (there are apps!)
Take several practice tests under “real” conditions, so you learn how to manage the 3+ hour experience (psychologically and physically). Use the ETS practice tests as well as the ones from test-prep companies.

What are the best study materials?

There’s no fixed answer. You have to find what works for you. ETS has lots of free prep materials. Here are some fee-based resources to check into:

How do I motivate when the work is boring/daunting?

Sneaky: study vocab on the way to doing something else (bus, subway, at the gym, etc.)
Carrot: set yourself up for a treat of some kind after a study session
Stick: tell your study plan for the day/week to someone who can make you feel motivated (or guilty)...ask them to ask you how it went each day/week.
Outsource: Join Magoosh, Princeton, or something else and follow the program for 6-8 weeks. Having modules and coaching helps ensure that you focus on what you need to do/learn to maximize your score.

How important is the quantitative for Humanities?

Not very. Here is some information about GRE Scores for Arts & Humanities Programs.

What’s a good score?

Depends. Remember that engineers take the same test as poets. So, a “good score” for one program might be above or below average in another context. Some departments and schools publish the average scores of their admitted students, which gives a general idea. Some even publish minimums, which is definitely helpful (more common in the sciences).

Averages and medians don’t tell you what you really want to know: what were the highest and lowest scores of admitted students? Folks both above and below the average or median were admitted.
Here’s a general guideline that goes into more detail on this point. In short, if you find it helpful to have a target, study up on what your preferred programs say. If that stresses you out, just study to do your best and move on.
Do you want to know stats for your programs? Collecting this info as you read admissions pages can be helpful: if you’re studying for the GRE, it can give you targets for practice tests; it can be motivating and even comforting. On the other hand, too much data can be overwhelming and distracting. Depends on your personality.
What is best for you? Ignore, browse, or delve into the stats? Do whatever keeps you sane and growing in confidence + performance. Of course you want to put forward the best numbers you can! Then focus on the fundamentals: who do you want to work with and why? are the students writing interesting dissertations? does the department and/or graduate school seem aware of professional development issues? When you find places you like, you craft the best “story” you can and see what happens. Neither high nor low GRE or GPA will determine the outcome. Take the GRE seriously, but keep it relative.

What should I expect on test day?

Get lots of sleep the night before. "Research shows" well rested test takers do better.
Bring supplies: water, snacks, and sweater to stay comfortable for whole duration; anything that will help you feel UP and awesome for 3 hours in front of the screen.
BRING: a photo ID (drivers license/passport) and print out of your confirmation. Prepare for a high-level security screening...some centers are more unfriendly than others. Don't be startled if it feels invasive.
Expectations: there are 5 modules/segments to the test. Whichever type you get first (verbal / quant) is the one that you will have 3 times because they alternate each segment. One of three is "experimental" and doesn't count, but you don't know which one.
You can send score reports to 4 schools on test day. You can see your scores before you decide to send them. Later, official score reports cost $27/each.

My score is below the average on the admissions page. Should I even apply?

Yes! Folks with scores “below the average” were definitely accepted (you’ll just never know how many, or how much lower).

Use(less) anecdotes. Someone with a 70% verbal got into a top program that reported a 90% average; someone with a 95% verbal/quant did not get into a top program that reported a 90% average; the guy with perfect scores who dropped out before completing the first term. The GRE was not the deciding factor in any of these cases.
Read more about how you don’t need 100% of qualifications to be qualified, and how competent people sometimes underestimate their qualifications.

I’m worried my score isn’t good enough. Should I take it again?

Depends. Ask yourself these questions.

What do your target schools say about GRE scores of admitted students? You might be above the minimum required of some schools and below the average of others; maybe some don’t require scores.
How did your study methods the first time compare to the recommendations above?
Was there some specific event or circumstance the day of the test that affected your performance or concentration, such that you scored lower than on your practice tests?
Request your diagnostic report from ETS. Do you have the time AND motivation to do what's needed to seek a significantly higher score (more than a few points)?