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Resources > Testing  >  GRE

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

What is the GRE?

The GRE is a standardized test that some PA programs use to gauge readiness for graduate-level coursework. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Many programs no longer require it, so check every school on your list before you register. If the programs you're applying to do ask for a score, a strong one is another way to show you're ready for a rigorous curriculum.

Overview

  • Computer-based test (most common), with limited in-person testing options.

  • Approximately 1 hour 58 minutes in total testing time.

  • Divided into three scored sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.

  • Section-level adaptive: Performance on the first Verbal or Quant section influences the difficulty of the second.

Scoring

Verbal Reasoning: 130-170 (1-point increments)

Quantitative Reasoning: 130-170 (1-point increments)

Analytical Writing: 0-6 (half-point increments)

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Maximum Total Score: 340 (Verbal + Quant). Analytical Writing is reported separately.

Competitive Scores for PA Applicants:

  • Total Score: 310 or higher (Verbal + Quant)

  • Analytical Writing: 4.0 or higher

Do You Need It?

  • Check first. Not every program requires the GRE, and each school's admissions page is the only source that counts.

  • Waivers are common. Some programs drop the requirement above a certain GPA, and a few accept the MCAT or PA-CAT instead.

  • Optional isn't the same as ignored. A strong score can help a borderline application, and a weak one is better left unsent.

  • Scores stay valid for five years from your test date, so testing early still counts.

Timing Your Test

  • Test early. Aim for 2 to 3 months before you submit your application, so there's time to retake if your first score falls short.

  • Retakes are allowed. ETS currently permits a retest after 21 days, up to five times in any rolling 12-month period.

  • Scores take about two weeks. Official results typically reach programs two weeks after your test date.

Inside the GRE

Verbal Reasoning

This section measures your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, understand relationships between words and concepts, and reason critically.

STRUCTURE & TIMING

The Verbal Reasoning section has 27 questions divided into two sections.

  • Section 1: 12 questions, 18 minutes

  • Section 2: 15 questions, 23 minutes​

TYPES OF QUESTIONS YOU MAY ENCOUNTER

Reading Comprehension — Passages of varying lengths, followed by questions that ask about main ideas, supporting details, the author's tone, and logical inferences. Some passages may present short arguments that require you to evaluate reasoning.

  • Format: Multiple choice (single answer, select-all-that-apply) or select-a-sentence.

  • Skills tested: Critical reading, argument analysis, inference-making.

Text Completion — Short passages with 1-3 blanks where you select the best word or phrase for each blank. The goal is to make the sentence flow logically and maintain consistent meaning.

  • Format: Multiple choice with one correct option per blank; longer passages may require choosing multiple answers.

  • Skills tested: Vocabulary in context, grammar, logical reasoning, sensitivity to tone.

Sentence Equivalence — A single sentence with one blank where you must choose two words that both fit the context and create sentences with the same meaning. 

  • Format: Select two correct answers out of six choices.

  • Skills tested: Synonym recognition, contextual understanding, precise word choice.

Quantitative Reasoning

This section measures your ability to interpret and analyze quantitative information, solve problems using mathematical concepts, and apply logical reasoning to numerical data.

STRUCTURE & TIMING

The Quantitative Reasoning section has 27 questions divided into two sections.

  • Section 1: 12 questions, 21 minutes

  • Section 2: 15 questions, 26 minutes​

TYPES OF QUESTIONS YOU MAY ENCOUNTER

Quantitative Comparison — Two quantities are presented, and you must determine their relationship (greater than, less than, equal to, or indeterminable).

  • Format: Multiple choice with one correct option.

  • Skills tested: Algebraic reasoning, estimation, number sense, comparative analysis.

Problem-Solving — Traditional math problems that require applying arithmetic, algebra, geometry, or data analysis to reach the correct solution. These are the "standard" word problems and calculations you'd expect.

  • Format: Multiple choice (single answer, select-all-that-apply).

  • Skills tested: Mathematical reasoning, application of formulas and concepts.

Data Interpretation — A series of questions tied to a single chart, graph, or dataset. 

  • Format: Multiple choice or numeric entry.

  • Skills tested: Graph/table interpretation, applied statistics, real-world data analysis.

Analytical Writing

This section measures your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively, construct well-supported arguments, and evaluate the logic of given claims.

STRUCTURE & TIMING

The Analytical Writing section has 1 task total. 

  • "Analyze an Issue" Task: 30 minutes​

TASK OVERVIEW

Analyze an Issue — You'll be presented with a statement or claim about a general topic. Your task is to take a position, support it with reasoning and examples, and organize your response in a clear, logical way.

  • Format: Typed essay (30 minutes).

  • Skills tested: Critical thinking, persuasive reasoning, ability to structure an argument, clarity of written expression.

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Study Resources

Official Practice & Resources

  • ETS Official GRE Website: Register, find official test guides, and use free practice tests.

  • PowerPrep Online Practice Tests: Full-length official practice tests that simulate real test conditions.

  • Official Guide to the GRE General Test: Comprehensive review with practice questions for all sections.

Popular Review Books

  • Manhattan Prep GRE Strategy Guides: Highly detailed, especially for quantitative and verbal reasoning.

  • Kaplan GRE Prep Plus: Practice tests, review sections, and test-taking strategies.

  • Princeton Review GRE Premium Prep: Includes drills, strategies, and timed practice tests.

Online Prep Courses & Apps

  • Magoosh GRE Online Prep: Affordable and flexible, with video lessons and practice questions.

  • Kaplan or Princeton Review Live/Online Courses: Structured courses with instructor support and timed practice exams.

  • Mobile apps: Magoosh, Varsity Tutors, and Manhattan Prep.

Preparing for the GRE

A General Study Timeline

  WEEKS 1-2: FOUNDATIONS              

  • Verbal Reasoning — Begin practicing Reading Comprehension daily (short passages: main idea, tone, inference). Introduce a small set of high-frequency GRE words using a trusted source. Review sentence structures (clauses, connectors).

  • Quantitative Reasoning — Review foundational math: algebra, arithmetic, fractions, ratios, percentages. Do 10-15 practice problems per day.

  • Analytical Writing: Read, annotate, and outline responses to sample prompts.

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End of Week 2: Complete a mini practice set in both Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning. 

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  WEEKS 3-4: BUILDING SKILLS          

  • Verbal Reasoning — Work on Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence. Prioritize Reading Comprehension with longer passages, emphasizing argument evaluation. Continue light vocabulary study.

  • Quantitative Reasoning — Move into geometry and data interpretation using timed question sets.

  • Analytical Writing: Write 1-2 timed essays per week. Prioritize structure and supporting arguments.​

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End of Week 4: Take a full-length practice test. Review each wrong answer in detail and take notes of subjects needing improvement.

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  WEEKS 5-6: TEST READINESS          

  • Verbal Reasoning — Mix all question types in timed practice sets. Refine strategy: eliminating wrong answers, recognizing trap words ("although," "despite").

  • Quantitative Reasoning — Work on word problems and quantitative comparison. Start practicing mixed sets that combine multiple math topics.

  • Analytical Writing: Write 2-3 essays per week, under timed conditions. Refine grammar and transitions.​

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End of Week 6: Take a full-length practice test. Analyze timing and accuracy.

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  WEEKS 7-8: FINAL REFINENMENT   

  • Verbal Reasoning — Prioritize Reading Comprehension endurance (long passages, back-to-back). Review tricky question types and high-frequency GRE words.

  • Quantitative Reasoning — Target weakest math areas with focused review.

  • Analytical Writing: Write 1 timed essay per week for rhythm.​

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Final Week: Light review only. 

GRE PREPARATION TIMELINE

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