GRE General Test: Analytical Writing, Verbal, and Quant in under two hours

How the GRE General Test is structured

Analytical Writing is always first. Verbal and Quant sections may appear in either order. The second section in each skill adapts to your performance on the first.

• Analytical Writing, 1 essay · 30 minutes
• Verbal Reasoning, section 1, 12 questions · 18 minutes
• Verbal Reasoning, section 2, 15 questions · 23 minutes
• Quantitative Reasoning, section 1, 12 questions · 21 minutes
• Quantitative Reasoning, section 2, 15 questions · 26 minutes

The three scored skills

Study each skill below, then use GRE General Test Exams quizzes to rehearse under time pressure.

High-yield GRE prep topics

Verbal

• Main idea and inference in dense passages
• Text completion: one word per blank, context clues
• Sentence equivalence: pick two answers that complete the sentence alike

Quant

• Quantitative comparison without solving fully when possible
• Charts and tables under time pressure
• Geometry and algebra at GRE difficulty, not olympiad level

Writing

• Clear thesis in the first paragraph
• Specific reasons, not vague generalities
• Leave five minutes to proofread grammar

Score targets

• Look up program median Verbal and Quant scores
• Plan AWA practice even if programs emphasize percentiles

What to expect on test day

GRE is delivered at a test center or at home per ETS rules.

• Bring acceptable ID. Check ETS policies for your appointment type.
• The on-screen calculator is available for Quant only.
• There is no scored break in the shorter format; plan stamina for the full session.

GRE study strategies

1. Take full practice tests in one sitting before your official date.
2. Review every missed item and tag whether it was content or timing.
3. Build vocabulary steadily for Verbal, not only the night before.

Common GRE prep mistakes

• Ignoring the essay until the last week.
• Drilling only easy Quant items and skipping data interpretation.
• Re-reading entire passages for every detail question.

Six-week GRE outline

Weeks 1-2: Diagnostic test and Verbal/Quant content refresh.

Weeks 3-4: Timed section practice and essay outlines twice weekly.

Weeks 5-6: Full-length simulations and error log review.

Final week: Light review and one last timed mixed practice using the 7 GRE General Test Exams quizzes on this page (156 practice questions) ; review every missed rationale the same day.