GRE General Test

What is the GRE?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test is a standardized, computer-based exam administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and taken online at home or at a test centre. It assesses your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills.

What’s on it? What kinds of questions can I expect? How long does it take to complete?

It takes approximately two hours to complete. To measure your knowledge and skills, it’s broken down into three sections:

Analytical writing
One task 30 minutes to complete Assesses how you articulate and support complex ideas, construct arguments and sustain a focused and coherent discussion

Verbal Reasoning
Section one features 12 questions with an allotment of 18 minutes Section two features 15 questions with an allotment of 23 minutes Assesses how you: analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize relevant information analyze relationships among component parts of sentences recognize relationships among words and concepts

Quantitative reasoning
Section one features 12 questions with an allotment of 21 minutes Section two features 15 questions with an allotment of 26 minutes Assesses your basic math skills; understanding of elementary math concepts; ability to reason quantitatively and to model and solve problems with quantitative methods.

(ETS, 2024)

For more information around each of the three sections, please review the GRE General Test content.

How can I request a testing accommodation?

Information on GRE general test testing accommodations process can be found on the ETS’ webpage “accommodations for test takers”.

Is there a waiver available to subsidize the cost of test fees?

ETS offers waivers to U.S. citizens and people with permanent residency in the U.S. For more details, their webpage on the fee reduction program.

What test preparation resources can I use to study?

Review ETS’ PowerPrep Practice Tests and the Khan Academy’s Quantitative Reasoning section for additional resources
Consider visiting UWaterloo's Libraries and/or local libraries for admission test resources
Book an appointment with the Centre for Career Development to explore your options further

References

ETS. (2024). Test content. https://www.ets.org/gre/test-takers/general-test/prepare/content.html