GRE: What You Need to Know About the Graduate Record Examination

When you’re planning to go to grad school in the U.S. or other countries, you’ll likely run into the GRE, a standardized test used by graduate programs to assess readiness for advanced study. Also known as the Graduate Record Examination, it’s not just a formality—it’s often the first major hurdle between you and your degree. Unlike undergrad admissions, where GPA and essays carry weight, grad schools use GRE scores to compare applicants from wildly different backgrounds. A strong score can open doors. A weak one can shut them—even if your grades are perfect.

The GRE isn’t about memorizing facts. It’s about how you think. The test breaks down into three parts: Verbal Reasoning, your ability to understand complex text and use vocabulary in context, Quantitative Reasoning, basic math skills including algebra, geometry, and data interpretation, and Analytical Writing, your ability to build and critique arguments under time pressure. Schools don’t just look at your total score—they care about how you do in each section. A 165 in Quant won’t save you if your Writing score is 3.0. And yes, some programs care more about one section than others. Engineering? They’ll focus on Quant. Humanities? Verbal is king.

You won’t find a one-size-fits-all prep plan. Some people crush the GRE after three weeks of daily practice. Others study for six months and still feel unprepared. What works? Knowing your weak spots. Most people struggle with the Verbal section because it’s not about big words—it’s about context, nuance, and logic. Flashcards help, but only if you’re reading full passages and learning how questions are tricked. Quant is easier to improve if you’ve been out of math for a while. The key is practice with real GRE questions, not generic SAT or GMAT material. And don’t ignore the Writing section—it’s the easiest part to improve with structure. Learn the template. Practice timed essays. That’s it.

The GRE is expensive, time-consuming, and stressful. But it’s also one of the few things you can control in the grad school process. Your GPA? Fixed. Your recommendation letters? Out of your hands. Your GRE score? You can raise it. And that’s why so many people—whether they’re from rural India or a big city—spend months grinding through practice tests. It’s not about being smart. It’s about being strategic.

In the posts below, you’ll find real advice on how to prepare, what scores to aim for, and how the GRE fits into bigger plans like studying abroad or switching careers. Some posts talk about how it compares to other tests like the GMAT or GRE Subject Tests. Others break down what scores actually mean for admission chances. No fluff. No hype. Just what works.