チートシート
GRE Cheat Sheet: Complete Test Guide
Everything you need to know about the GRE General Test - structure, scoring, question types, formulas, and expert strategies.
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GRE General Test Overview (Shorter Format)
Total Duration: ~1 hour 58 minutes
Test Format: Computer-based adaptive
Score Range: 260-340 (combined V+Q)
Score Validity: 5 years
Test Fee: $220 USD
Score Release: 8-10 days
GRE Test Structure
| Section | Questions | Time | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing (AWA) | 1 essay | 30 minutes | 0-6 (0.5 increments) |
| Verbal Reasoning (2 sections) | 27 questions (12+15) | 41 minutes (18+23) | 130-170 |
| Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections) | 27 questions (12+15) | 47 minutes (21+26) | 130-170 |
Verbal Reasoning Question Types
- ▸Reading Comprehension: ~10 questions per section. Passages range from 1-5 paragraphs. Question types include multiple choice, select-in-passage, and multiple answer.
- ▸Text Completion: ~6 questions per section. Fill in 1-3 blanks with vocabulary words. No partial credit for multi-blank questions.
- ▸Sentence Equivalence: ~4 questions per section. Select TWO answer choices that create sentences with equivalent meaning.
Quantitative Reasoning Question Types
- ▸Quantitative Comparison: ~7-8 questions per section. Compare Quantity A vs Quantity B. Four fixed answer choices (A greater, B greater, equal, cannot determine).
- ▸Problem Solving: ~9-10 questions per section. Standard multiple choice (single or multiple answer) or numeric entry.
- ▸Data Interpretation: ~3-4 questions per section. Questions based on graphs, tables, or charts. Often grouped together.
GRE Quant Topics Breakdown
Arithmetic (~25%)
- • Number properties
- • Fractions & decimals
- • Ratios & percentages
- • Exponents & roots
Algebra (~25%)
- • Linear equations
- • Quadratic equations
- • Inequalities
- • Functions
Geometry (~25%)
- • Lines & angles
- • Triangles & polygons
- • Circles
- • Coordinate geometry
Data Analysis (~25%)
- • Statistics (mean, median)
- • Probability
- • Counting methods
- • Data interpretation
Analytical Writing (AWA)
Task: Analyze an Argument (Issue task removed in Sept 2023)
Time: 30 minutes for one essay
Scoring: 0-6 scale in 0.5 increments (human + e-rater average)
AWA Scoring Criteria:
- • 6: Sustained, insightful analysis with compelling reasoning
- • 5: Thoughtful analysis with well-developed support
- • 4: Competent analysis with adequate support
- • 3: Some competence but flawed reasoning/writing
- • 2: Serious weaknesses in analysis or writing
- • 1: Fundamental deficiencies
GRE Score Percentiles (2024–2026)
| Verbal Score | Percentile | Quant Score | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 170 | 99% | 170 | 96% |
| 165 | 96% | 168 | 90% |
| 160 | 86% | 165 | 85% |
| 155 | 69% | 160 | 73% |
| 150 | 48% | 155 | 57% |
| 145 | 27% | 150 | 39% |
Note: Quant percentiles are lower because more test-takers score high on Quant (especially international students).
Essential GRE Quant Formulas
Geometry
- • Circle: A = πr², C = 2πr
- • Triangle: A = ½bh
- • Pythagorean: a² + b² = c²
- • Special triangles: 30-60-90, 45-45-90
- • Cylinder: V = πr²h
Algebra & Statistics
- • Slope: m = (y₂-y₁)/(x₂-x₁)
- • Distance: √[(x₂-x₁)² + (y₂-y₁)²]
- • Average: Sum/Count
- • Probability: Desired/Total
- • Combinations: n!/(r!(n-r)!)
GRE Time Management Strategy
Verbal: ~1.5 min per question. Don't spend more than 2 min on any single question. Skip and return to difficult RC passages.
Quant: ~1.75 min per question. Use the on-screen calculator strategically. QC questions should be faster (~1 min).
AWA: 5 min planning, 20 min writing, 5 min reviewing. Aim for 4-5 paragraphs (400-600 words).
Pro Tips from Our GRE Experts
- 1.Section-Level Adaptive: The GRE adapts at the section level, not question level. Your first V and Q sections determine difficulty of second sections.
- 2.Mark & Review: Use the review feature liberally. Flag uncertain answers and return if time permits.
- 3.No Penalty for Guessing: Never leave a question blank. Even random guesses have ~20% chance of being correct.
- 4.Score Select: You can choose which scores to send to schools (ScoreSelect option).
- 5.Retake Policy: You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to 5 times in a 12-month period.
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