Do You Need the GRE?
The GRE is required or recommended by most US graduate programs, many Canadian programs, and some European programs. However, the trend is shifting — many programs have become GRE-optional since 2020. Check your target programs before investing in GRE prep. If it's optional and you have a strong profile otherwise, you might skip it.
GRE Score Requirements
Top 10 programs (MIT, Stanford, etc.): 325+ (165Q, 160V) competitive. Top 30 programs: 315+ is usually sufficient. Top 100 programs: 305+ is generally acceptable. The Quant score matters more for STEM programs, while Verbal matters more for humanities and social sciences.
Quantitative Reasoning (170 max)
The Quant section tests high school math — arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. The difficulty is in the tricky question design, not the math itself. Key strategies: master number properties and divisibility rules, practice data interpretation with tables and graphs, learn to use estimation and elimination, and time yourself strictly (35 minutes for 20 questions = 1:45 per question).
Verbal Reasoning (170 max)
Verbal is the hardest section for non-native English speakers. It tests vocabulary, reading comprehension, and sentence equivalence. Key strategies: learn 500-800 high-frequency GRE words (use Magoosh or Barron's word lists), read academic articles from The New Yorker, Nature, and The Economist, and practice identifying the author's tone and argument structure.
Analytical Writing (6.0 max)
Two essays: Issue Task (30 min) and Argument Task (30 min). Most students focus too little on AWA, but a score below 3.5 can hurt your application. Practice writing timed essays and aim for clear structure, specific examples, and varied sentence patterns. A 4.0+ is good enough for most programs.
3-Month Study Plan
Month 1: Diagnostic test. Study vocab daily (30 words/day). Review math fundamentals. Do 20 practice questions daily.
Month 2: Full-length practice test every weekend. Focus on weak areas during the week. Start AWA practice (2 essays/week).
Month 3: Practice tests twice a week. Review all mistakes. Fine-tune timing. Final week: light review and rest.
Free Resources
ETS PowerPrep (2 free official practice tests — the most accurate), Magoosh GRE (free vocabulary app and blog), GregMAT (affordable and highly effective video lessons at $5/month), and Khan Academy for math review.