Your GRE General Test Roadmap to Global Graduate Programs

Thinking about grad school abroad? You’re not alone. Each year, over 300,000 students gear up for the GRE General Test, hoping to unlock doors to top universities across the globe. Whether you're eyeing a master’s, MBA, or PhD program, the GRE often plays a starring role in your application journey.

This guide is your go-to resource for understanding the Graduate Record Examination General Test (nope, not the Subject Tests!). We’ll break down everything, from what’s on the test and how it’s scored to smart prep strategies and tips for navigating the application maze. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or already working with study abroad consultants, you’ll find plenty here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Ready to take that first step toward your international academic adventure?

What is the GRE General Test?

If you’re planning to apply to grad school, especially overseas, you’ve probably heard of the GRE General Test. It’s a standardised exam run by ETS (Educational Testing Service), and it’s designed to measure the skills that really matter in graduate-level education: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing.

Unlike subject-specific exams, the GRE General Exam focuses on broad academic abilities you’ve built up over time, no matter your major. That’s why it works for such a diverse crowd, from engineers and literature buffs to future MBAs and law school hopefuls.

Now, don’t confuse it with the GRE Subject Tests. Those dive deep into specific fields like Psychology, Math, or Physics. Most universities only ask for the General Test, but if you’re aiming for a super-specialised or competitive program, you might need both.

GRE General Test Format and Structure

The GRE got a makeover in September 2023, now it’s shorter, smarter, and still packed with the rigour grad schools expect. With just five sections and a total test time under two hours, it’s designed to be efficient without cutting corners.

From essay writing to adaptive Verbal and Quantitative sections, plus flexible delivery options (test centre or at-home), there’s a lot to know before exam day. This includes how the test flows, what tools you’ll have access to (like an on-screen calculator and review features), and how your performance in one section can influence the next. Understanding the structure ahead of time can help you manage your time, reduce stress, and walk in feeling fully prepared.

Curious about how the GRE exam really flows, from essay prompts to adaptive sections and timing tricks? Dive into our GRE test structure and format guide for a section-by-section walkthrough, expert tips, and everything you need to feel confident on test day.

Understanding GRE Scoring

So, how is the GRE scored? The GRE General Test doesn’t just count how many questions you get right, it also considers how tough those questions were. GRE scoring can feel a little mysterious at first. From adaptive scoring to ScoreSelect® options, there’s a lot to unpack.

If you’re wondering what counts as a “good” score, how long your scores stay valid, or how to decide which ones to send to schools, you’re not alone. These decisions can impact your entire application strategy.

From understanding when your scores will be available to choosing which ones to send (and how), there’s a bit to navigate. Want the full breakdown? Head over to our GRE scores guide for everything you need to know, including timelines, ScoreSelect® options, free reports, and smart tips for choosing what to share.

How to Register for the GRE General Test?

Common Steps for GRE General and Subject Tests

Getting ready to register for the GRE General Test? Great! Whether you're signing up for the General Test or a GRE Subject Test, there are a few things they have in common: 

• Create an ETS Account

  • Register at ets.org to manage bookings, scores, and personal info.

• ID Requirements

  • Your name must match your ID exactly, no nicknames or typos.

• ScoreSelect® Options

• Send up to 4 free score reports on test day.
• Choose to send:

• Most recent scores
• All scores from the past 5 years
• Specific test dates (after test day, for a fee)

GRE General Test Availability & Frequency

• Available year-round
• Take it at a test centre or from home
• Up to 5 attempts per year, with 21 days between tests

GRE Registration Process

• Flexible booking through the ETS portal
• Register well in advance or just days before (subject to availability)

GRE Exam Fees

• Standard fee: ~$220 USD
• May vary by location

Is the GRE General Registration Process Different?

Yep, there are some key differences between the GRE General Exam and the GRE Subject Tests, even though they share the same ETS platform:

• The GRE General Test is super flexible: available year-round, and you can take it at home or at a test centre
• The Subject Tests? Not so much. They’re only offered on three fixed dates per year, and you’ll need to show up in person at a designated centre.

So while the registration portal is the same, the scheduling and delivery are worlds apart. If you’re planning to take both, make sure to map out your timeline early.

GRE General Preparation Strategy

Getting ready for the GRE? Whether you’ve just started or you’re tweaking your game plan, having a clear strategy can be a total game-changer. Need help crafting your study plan? Dive into our full guide on GRE general prep strategies. It’s packed with timelines, tools, and tips.

Must-Have Study Resources

• Official ETS and GRE general test practice and guides
• Highly rated GRE general test prep books
• Handy apps and online courses for learning on the go
• Free tools like vocab lists and GRE general exam sample questions

Smart Study Techniques

• Kick off with a diagnostic test to find your baseline
• Focus on weak spots with targeted GRE general prep
• Build vocab with flashcards or word apps
• GRE general quantitative practice is important
• Take full-length mock tests to build stamina and master pacing

From GRE General to Global Classrooms: You're Almost There

Preparing for the GRE General Test is more than just memorising vocabulary or brushing up on math, it’s about understanding the full journey. From decoding the test format and scoring system to mastering registration and building a personalised study plan, this blog has equipped you with the essential tools to approach the GRE general exam with confidence.

Whether you're aiming for a top-tier university abroad or exploring a range of graduate programs, the GRE is a critical part of your application toolkit. And the more informed you are, the better your chances of performing well, not just on test day, but throughout the entire admissions process.

We’ve covered everything from study timelines and test-day strategies to score sending and common myths. If you’ve made it this far, you’re already ahead of the curve. Bookmark this guide, revisit key sections as you prep, and share it with friends who are also navigating the GRE general exam.

And if you’re looking for expert guidance to take your prep and applications to the next level, Uscholars is here to help. From test prep support to university selection and application strategy, we make your study abroad journey smoother, smarter, and more successful.