2025 GRE Test Format Changes: A Complete Guide to the Shortened GRE

The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is one of the most important standardized tests for prospective graduate students around the world. If you are planning to apply to a graduate program, then understanding the structure and format of the GRE is critical. As of September 2023, the GRE has undergone some significant changes that affect the overall test experience. These changes have been designed to improve the test-taking experience and ensure that the test is more relevant and accessible for today’s students.

The revised GRE test will be shorter, with fewer questions and a more streamlined format. However, despite these changes, the core skills that the GRE assesses—quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing—will remain the same. The test continues to evaluate students’ abilities in reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving, but the changes will make the test feel less daunting and more manageable. If you are planning to take the GRE soon, it’s essential to be aware of these changes to effectively prepare for the new format.

In this section, we will focus on the most important alterations to the GRE, starting with the overall structure of the test. We will also discuss the reasons behind these revisions and how they will affect test-takers.

The New GRE Format: What Has Changed?

The new version of the GRE test, which will be available starting September 2023, will be notably shorter than the previous version. One of the most significant changes is the reduction in the overall test time. The original GRE, which had been in place for many years, lasted approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. This included a 10-minute break. In contrast, the new GRE test will take only 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete. This is a drastic reduction in testing time, and it will make the exam feel less exhaustive for many test-takers.

Another change is the reduction in the number of questions. On the older GRE, there were a total of 100 questions—20 questions each for the two Quantitative Reasoning sections, 20 questions for the two Verbal Reasoning sections, and an unscored section. In the new format, the number of questions is reduced to 54, with 27 questions for each of the two Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections. Furthermore, the unscored section has been eliminated, meaning that all of the questions you encounter on the test will count toward your score.

In terms of essay tasks, the previous GRE format included two writing tasks: Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument. The new GRE will only include one essay task—Analyze an Issue. This means that you will need to write only one essay instead of two, reducing the overall writing workload and making the test a bit more manageable.

These changes have been made with the aim of reducing test fatigue and anxiety, which are common concerns for many students. In addition to making the test shorter and less stressful, the new format is designed to allow for a more focused assessment of critical skills, without the extra sections and time pressure that could detract from the overall experience.

Why Is the GRE Changing?

The decision to revise the GRE test was made by ETS, the organization responsible for creating and administering the GRE. According to ETS, the changes are part of an ongoing effort to improve the test and better meet the needs of today’s test-takers. There are several reasons behind the revision of the GRE:

Improved Test-Taker Experience: One of the primary goals of the new format is to enhance the test-taking experience. Many students find the existing GRE to be long and tiring, with the 3-hour-and-45-minute test taking a toll on concentration and mental stamina. By shortening the test, the new format aims to make the experience less draining, helping students to perform better by the end of the test.

Increased Relevance for Current Students: Another key reason for the change is to ensure that the GRE remains relevant in the context of modern graduate admissions. Educational standards, student needs, and testing methods are always evolving, and the GRE needs to reflect those changes. By reducing the test length and simplifying the format, the GRE can better align with the needs of today’s students while maintaining its rigor and academic value.

Enhanced Accessibility: Reducing the number of questions and sections also makes the GRE more accessible to students who may have test anxiety or need additional accommodations. With fewer questions to answer, students may feel more confident and better able to manage their time and energy throughout the exam. This change could lead to a more positive and equitable testing experience for all test-takers, regardless of background or ability.

Greater Efficiency for Admissions: By streamlining the test, the GRE is also able to provide graduate programs with a more efficient means of evaluating applicants. The changes are designed to make the test results more useful and representative of students’ true academic potential, without the need for excessive or unnecessary testing.

What Does the New GRE Look Like?

The revised GRE test will consist of four main sections:

1. Analytical Writing: This section remains unchanged in terms of content, but now only includes one essay task—Analyze an Issue. The writing section will be 30 minutes long, down from the previous 60 minutes.
2. Quantitative Reasoning: There will still be two Quantitative Reasoning sections, but each will contain fewer questions. Each section will last 47 minutes and include 27 questions.
3. Verbal Reasoning: Similar to Quantitative Reasoning, there will be two Verbal Reasoning sections, each containing 27 questions. The total time for the Verbal sections will be 41 minutes.
4. No Unscored Section: In the previous format, the GRE included an unscored experimental section. This section did not count toward your score, but test-takers were not informed which section was unscored. The revised GRE eliminates this section, which means that all sections you encounter will directly impact your score.

As a result of these changes, the total test time has been cut down to 1 hour and 58 minutes, making the new GRE significantly shorter and less tiring than its predecessor. This revised format will allow students to focus more on the questions at hand, without worrying about the extra time and sections that were previously required.

Impact on Test-Takers

The reduction in time and questions has the potential to benefit students in several ways. First and foremost, the shorter test duration will help reduce the feeling of fatigue that many students experience during the exam. A shorter test will likely result in better performance, as students will be able to maintain their focus and energy levels throughout the entire test.

Moreover, the elimination of the unscored section simplifies the test and removes an element of uncertainty. Test-takers will no longer have to guess which section is unscored, which can be a source of stress for some. With the new format, every question counts toward your score, which could lead to a more straightforward test-taking experience.

For many students, the reduction in essay tasks is another positive change. The Analytical Writing section now requires only one essay, rather than two, which reduces the overall workload and allows students to focus on a single, high-quality response. The shorter length of this section also makes it easier to manage your time effectively.

Despite the changes, the core skills assessed by the GRE—critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical reasoning—remain unchanged. The revised test is still a rigorous assessment of these abilities, but the changes to the format make it more manageable and less overwhelming. The overall goal is to provide a more efficient, focused, and accessible testing experience, which can ultimately lead to better outcomes for students.

Breaking Down the Key Changes in the New GRE Format

As we continue exploring the changes to the GRE format, we’ll take a closer look at how the specific sections have been modified and what you can expect on test day. From a shortened testing time to fewer questions, the new GRE has been designed to improve efficiency without sacrificing the rigor needed for graduate admissions. In this part, we will break down the main differences between the standard and the new GRE, including the impact on test-takers and the structure of the sections.

Shorter Testing Time: What Does It Mean for Test-Takers?

One of the most noticeable changes to the new GRE is the dramatic reduction in the overall testing time. Previously, the standard GRE lasted 3 hours and 45 minutes, with a 10-minute break midway through. This lengthy duration often led to fatigue and, in some cases, a drop in performance as test-takers struggled to maintain focus for such a long period.

Now, with the new GRE format, the test time has been slashed to just 1 hour and 58 minutes. This change represents a significant reduction in time spent answering questions, making the test feel less overwhelming and allowing test-takers to better manage their concentration. The new testing duration eliminates the need for a break, which, while a departure from the old format, makes sense given the overall shorter duration of the test. However, students who need breaks for medical or other reasons can still apply for accommodations, ensuring that all students can take the test in an environment that suits their needs.

This reduction in time is especially important because it addresses one of the most common complaints about the GRE—the time commitment. By shortening the test, the experience is likely to be less stressful for most test-takers, allowing them to perform at their best.

Fewer Questions: A More Streamlined Experience

Another major change in the new GRE is the reduction in the number of questions you will need to answer. In the older version of the test, the GRE consisted of 100 questions: 40 questions each in the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections, as well as an unscored section, which added another 20 questions. This meant that test-takers had to juggle multiple sections with varying numbers of questions, all within the same lengthy test duration.

In contrast, the new GRE format includes only 54 questions across both the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections. Specifically, each section contains 27 questions—12 in the first section and 15 in the second. This change reduces the overall number of questions by 46, which lightens the cognitive load on test-takers and allows them to focus on answering the questions without feeling rushed.

Furthermore, the elimination of the unscored section means that every question you see on the test is important and will contribute directly to your score. This can help reduce anxiety, as students will no longer have to guess which section is unscored and try to focus on every question equally.

Despite the reduction in questions, the core skills tested—quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and critical thinking—remain the same. The test still evaluates your ability to think analytically and solve problems, but it does so in a more efficient and manageable way.

No Unscored Section: A Major Relief for Test-Takers

For many years, the GRE included an unscored experimental section, which was added to test potential future questions. The unscored section was randomly selected and could either be a Quantitative or Verbal section. Test-takers were not told which section was unscored, meaning they had to dedicate full attention and effort to answering all questions, even though some of them wouldn’t count toward their final score. This added another layer of uncertainty and stress, particularly since there was no way to know which section might be unscored.

The new GRE eliminates this unscored section. This means that test-takers no longer need to worry about an experimental section, and every question they encounter during the exam will impact their score. With the removal of this unnecessary component, the test becomes more straightforward, allowing you to focus fully on answering the questions that matter.

For those who were concerned about the unpredictability of the old format, this change will likely be a welcome relief. It simplifies the overall test structure, ensuring that the focus is solely on the sections that count. Now, test-takers can approach the test with greater confidence, knowing that there is no “mystery section” to worry about.

One Essay Task: A More Focused Writing Section

In addition to the changes in the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections, the new GRE also simplifies the Analytical Writing section. Previously, the GRE required test-takers to complete two essay tasks: the Analyze an Issue task and the Analyze an Argument task. Both essays were 30 minutes long, and the two tasks combined to make the Analytical Writing section a full hour of the test.

The new GRE reduces this requirement to just one essay: the Analyze an Issue task. This task still asks test-takers to respond to a statement of opinion, but now you will only need to complete one essay in 30 minutes. The Analyze an Argument task, which required you to evaluate and critique an argument, has been eliminated from the new GRE format.

While the removal of the Analyze an Argument essay might seem like a reduction in the rigor of the writing section, it is a simplification that makes the test easier to manage. Writing one essay, rather than two, will give you more time to focus on producing a high-quality response. The decision to remove one essay task is consistent with reducing the overall time commitment and streamlining the test without compromising the assessment of writing skills.

It’s worth noting that the Analyze an Issue task still requires a thoughtful and well-organized response, but the reduction to just one task makes it more manageable for students. The rest of the Analytical Writing section remains the same in terms of the types of skills it evaluates—your ability to think critically and communicate effectively.

No Change to the Core Skills Tested

While many aspects of the new GRE have been streamlined or altered, one thing that remains the same is the focus on core skills. The GRE still tests your abilities in:

1. Quantitative Reasoning: This section evaluates your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information, as well as your ability to solve problems involving mathematical concepts.
2. Verbal Reasoning: This section assesses your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, understand relationships among words and concepts, and draw conclusions based on the information provided.
3. Analytical Writing: The writing section evaluates your ability to articulate complex ideas, support your arguments with reasoning and examples, and communicate clearly and coherently.

Despite the reduction in time and number of questions, the GRE continues to measure the same fundamental skills that graduate programs require for success. The new format is simply a more efficient way of assessing those skills, with fewer distractions and a more focused approach to testing.

Will the Shorter GRE Be Easier?

One common question that arises when changes are made to a standardized test is whether the new version will be easier. While the new GRE is shorter and has fewer questions, it is not necessarily easier. The reduction in time and questions makes the test more manageable, but the difficulty level remains largely the same.

The core material tested in both the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections will still require a solid understanding of high school-level math, critical reading, and analytical thinking. The skills needed to perform well on the GRE have not changed, so test-takers should continue to prepare as thoroughly as they would for the previous version.

The new GRE is not designed to be “easier,” but it is intended to provide a better experience by reducing fatigue and eliminating unnecessary sections. The core competencies the test measures are still as challenging as before, and the goal is to maintain the test’s ability to assess these skills effectively.

What Test-Takers Need to Know About Preparation for the New GRE

As the new GRE format rolls out in September 2023, test-takers need to understand not just the structural changes but also how these changes affect the preparation process. From the revision of the sections to the different scoring timelines, there are several factors to keep in mind as you adjust your study plans. In this part, we will explore how to effectively prepare for the shorter GRE, what’s different about preparation materials, and how you can optimize your study time for the new test.

How to Prepare for the New GRE: A Strategy for Success

The new GRE format, with its reduced time and fewer questions, may seem like it will be a simpler test. However, preparation still requires careful planning and dedication. While the structural changes make the test feel more efficient, the underlying content and skills being tested remain the same. You will still need a strong foundation in quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing.

Given that the new GRE is shorter, it’s important to adjust your pacing. One of the benefits of the new test format is that the reduced number of questions means you won’t need to spend as much time on each section. However, the key to doing well on the GRE remains a combination of strategy, content knowledge, and time management. Here are a few strategies for preparing effectively:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the New Test Format: Understanding how the test is structured is the first step. As we’ve already discussed, the new GRE consists of two Quantitative and two Verbal Reasoning sections, along with a single essay task. Get comfortable with the number of questions and time allotted for each section so you can plan accordingly during your study sessions.
2. Focus on Core Content: The key to performing well on the GRE hasn’t changed; you still need to master the same core content. This includes algebra, geometry, arithmetic, and data interpretation for the Quantitative section, and reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and vocabulary for the Verbal section. Review the foundational concepts in both sections and make sure you’re proficient with the types of questions you’ll encounter.
3. Practice with Full-Length Tests: Even though the new GRE is shorter, it’s still important to take practice tests that simulate the full experience. This will help you get used to the pacing, ensure you’re comfortable with the time constraints, and improve your stamina. Many practice tests are available online, and you should take them under real testing conditions to get the best sense of what to expect on exam day.
4. Review Test-Taking Strategies: Time management is a critical part of the GRE, particularly now that the test has become shorter and faster-paced. Work on strategies like answering the easier questions first, skipping over difficult ones to come back to later, and pacing yourself throughout the test. Additionally, ensure that you can quickly identify key information in reading comprehension and math questions to maximize your time.
5. Polish Your Analytical Writing Skills: While the new GRE only includes one essay task, the Analyze an Issue task still requires a thoughtful response. To prepare for this task, practice structuring your essays clearly and presenting your ideas logically. Ensure that you can support your arguments with examples and reasoning, and that your essay demonstrates good organization and coherence.

Are Official Preparation Materials for the Shorter GRE Available?

With the introduction of the shorter GRE, you might be wondering if official preparation materials are available to help you prepare for the revised test format. Official resources that are specifically tailored to the shorter GRE will be released in September 2023. Until then, official GRE prep materials that were created for the longer test format will still be useful in your preparation.

The good news is that the question types and the content you’ll encounter on the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections of the new GRE have not changed. This means that any official practice resources or study guides available before the test will still be relevant, even if the test duration and number of questions are different. You can still use existing materials to build your foundational skills and practice problem-solving strategies.

Once the new GRE prep materials become available, you should make sure to incorporate them into your study plan. These will be useful for simulating the shorter test and allowing you to practice pacing yourself effectively.

Will the Shorter GRE Be Easier to Prepare For?

One common question that arises when any major change is made to an exam is whether the new format makes preparation easier. With the new GRE being shorter and having fewer questions, it might seem like the exam would be easier to prepare for. However, it’s important to recognize that the level of difficulty has not changed significantly.

Although you may spend less time on the new GRE due to its reduced duration, the skills required to do well are still the same. The Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections test the same critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and math proficiency as the longer version of the GRE. The key is not to underestimate the importance of thorough preparation. Reducing the length of the exam doesn’t reduce the level of difficulty.

If anything, the shorter GRE may streamline your study process. With fewer questions to answer, you can focus more on quality and strategy rather than sheer volume. Additionally, because the test will likely feel less overwhelming, you may experience less stress during the preparation phase, which can help you perform better.

The Role of Practice Tests: Preparing for the New Timing

As part of your preparation strategy, taking practice tests is essential. However, since the new GRE is shorter and features fewer questions, it’s crucial to adapt your practice tests to match the new test length. Practice tests that were designed for the old GRE may not be a perfect fit for the new format, as they include more questions and a longer testing duration.

When preparing with practice tests, make sure to simulate the shorter testing experience as closely as possible. Use the new, official GRE prep materials once they are available to ensure that you are practicing with a format that closely matches what you will encounter on test day.

You can also find unofficial practice tests that mirror the shorter test length. These will give you a good idea of the pacing you need to maintain throughout each section. Being able to keep track of time and answer questions efficiently will be critical to performing well.

Adjusting to the Reduced Analytical Writing Section

The removal of one essay task means that the new GRE’s Analytical Writing section has become shorter, but this doesn’t mean it’s any less important. The Analyze an Issue task is still a critical part of the exam and requires you to demonstrate strong writing skills.

For preparation, focus on improving your ability to formulate a well-organized argument, support it with relevant examples, and write clearly and coherently within the 30-minute time frame. Practice writing essays that respond to prompts asking for your opinion on an issue, and make sure your responses are logically structured and well-supported. You should be able to outline your ideas quickly and organize your thoughts under time pressure.

This task still plays a major role in showcasing your critical thinking and communication skills, so don’t neglect it while preparing.

Scoring Changes: What You Need to Know

While many aspects of the new GRE format have changed, the way scores are calculated remains the same. The scoring scale is still 130 to 170 for both the Quantitative and Verbal sections. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately, on a scale of 0 to 6. This means that admissions committees will be able to compare scores from the new GRE with those from the previous version, ensuring that there is no disruption in how applicants are evaluated.

Additionally, one of the more useful changes for test-takers is that official scores will be available much sooner. Under the new format, your scores will be available 8 to 10 days after the test, rather than the 10 to 15 days it took with the older format. This gives you more time to review your scores and plan for any retakes or applications.

Conclusion: Preparing for the New GRE

Preparing for the new GRE requires understanding both the structural changes to the test and the way these changes affect the preparation process. Although the test is shorter and has fewer questions, the core skills being tested remain the same. Success on the GRE still depends on your ability to think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively.

Make sure to adjust your study plan to reflect the shorter test duration, focus on practicing pacing, and use official preparation materials as they become available. While the new GRE might feel less daunting due to its reduced length, preparation is still key to performing well. By taking practice tests, honing your analytical writing skills, and mastering core content, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your desired score.

Key Differences Between the Old and New GRE Formats

As the GRE undergoes its transformation in 2023, test-takers need to understand how the changes will impact their test experience. While the new format is shorter, it still maintains many of the original features, including the sections on Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. However, there are important distinctions that could influence how you prepare. Let’s break down the major differences between the old and new GRE formats and how these changes affect test-takers.

Section Structure: Fewer Questions and Shorter Time

One of the most noticeable changes in the new GRE is the reduction in the number of questions and the overall test duration. In the old GRE format, there were 40 questions in each of the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections, and the total test time was around 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Under the new format, both the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections have been shortened to 28 questions each, and the total test duration has been reduced to about 2 hours and 45 minutes. This change not only reduces the overall time spent on the test but also means that you will have fewer questions to answer in each section. The new test duration is likely to reduce the mental fatigue that takers often experience with the longer format.

The Analytical Writing section, which previously consisted of two tasks (Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument), now only includes the Analyze an Issue task. While this may seem like a significant change, it simplifies the section without diminishing the importance of demonstrating strong writing and reasoning skills.

Scoring: No Major Changes in Scale

Although the number of questions has decreased, the scoring scale for the new GRE remains the same. Both the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections will still be scored on a scale from 130 to 170, while the Analytical Writing section will be scored separately on a scale of 0 to 6.

This consistency in scoring ensures that your scores from the new GRE can be compared to scores from the previous version without any issues. The removal of the second writing task doesn’t mean a significant reduction in the weight of your Analytical Writing score, as the remaining task still requires strong writing skills and critical thinking.

One notable difference is the faster availability of scores. Test-takers can expect their results to be available in about 8 to 10 days, compared to the 10 to 15 days it took with the old format. This gives applicants more time to plan their next steps after taking the test.

Analytical Writing: Fewer Tasks, Same Focus on Writing Skills

In the previous GRE format, test-takers were required to complete two writing tasks: the Analyze an Issue task and the Analyze an Argument task. In the revised version, only the Analyze an Issue task remains. While this reduces the overall time required for the Analytical Writing section, it doesn’t diminish the importance of strong writing abilities.

The Analyze an Issue task in the new GRE still requires you to present a clear argument, support it with examples, and address potential counterarguments. Test-takers will still need to structure their responses logically and demonstrate good writing mechanics, including grammar, punctuation, and coherence.

The decision to keep only one writing task also streamlines preparation for this section, allowing test-takers to focus on improving their skills in crafting a strong, cohesive essay.

Time Management: Faster Pacing

Because the new GRE is shorter, time management will be even more crucial. The reduced number of questions means that you’ll have to answer each question more quickly than before. In the Verbal and Quantitative sections, you’ll have about 35 minutes to complete 28 questions, compared to the previous 40 questions in 35 minutes.

This faster pacing means you’ll need to focus on efficiency during preparation. Practice managing your time effectively, and develop strategies for quickly answering questions in both the Verbal and Quantitative sections. While it’s important to be accurate, speed is also essential to ensure you complete all the questions within the allotted time.

Fewer Sections: Less Test Fatigue

One of the less obvious advantages of the new GRE format is the reduction in the number of sections. In the previous GRE format, test-takers had to work through an additional experimental section that didn’t count toward the score but was used to test new questions. Now, the new GRE omits this experimental section, which reduces the overall test time and alleviates test fatigue.

This change is particularly helpful for test-takers who struggle with maintaining focus and energy over the long duration of the exam. With the new, shorter format, you can feel more refreshed and focused as you approach the final sections of the test, potentially improving your performance overall.

What Stays the Same: Core Content Remains Unchanged

Despite the adjustments in format and structure, the core content of the GRE remains consistent. The test still assesses the same skills in the following areas:

• Verbal Reasoning: Includes reading comprehension, sentence equivalence, and text completion, all of which test your ability to understand written material and analyze arguments.
• Quantitative Reasoning: Focuses on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis, with an emphasis on problem-solving and quantitative reasoning.
• Analytical Writing: Assesses your ability to think critically and communicate your ideas in writing through the Analyze an Issue task.

The reduction in the number of questions or sections does not mean that these core competencies are being tested any less rigorously. You will still need to master these areas and prepare effectively for the test, even though the exam is shorter.

Overall Impact of the New GRE Format

The changes to the GRE format offer both challenges and opportunities for test-takers. On the one hand, the shorter test duration and fewer questions can help reduce test fatigue and make the exam feel more manageable. However, this also means that you’ll need to adjust your preparation strategies to work efficiently within the new time constraints.

The key takeaway is that the new GRE format is designed to make the test experience more streamlined and less stressful without compromising the rigor of the exam. As long as you continue to focus on mastering the content and honing your test-taking strategies, the new format should feel like a manageable, even advantageous, change.