A Shorter GRE® Test:
The world’s most widely used test for admission to graduate and professional programs, including business and law, is getting better! On September 22, 2023, the GRE® General Test will be shortened from just under 4 hours to just under 2, and will report scores faster, helping you submit your applications sooner!
The shorter test will:
- Be less than 2 hours long, making it the shortest test of general skills for admission to graduate and professional programs (shorter than GMAT® exam, the GMAT Focus and the LSAT®)!
- Have 46 fewer Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning questions, helping reduce test-taking fatigue!
- Have only one Analytical Writing essay (versus two in the current version)!
- Measure the same skills and feature the same question types, so if you’ve already started prepping, you’re in GREat shape!
Test overview
Here’s what to expect for tests starting September 22, 2023.
| Section | Structure | Estimated Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 1 section, 1 essay task | 30 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 2 sections, 27 questions total | 47 minutes |
| Verbal Reasoning | 2 sections, 27 questions total | 41 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour, 58 minutes | |
Prep with confidence
Prep resources and practice tests specifically designed for the shorter test will be available in September, but there’s no need to wait until then to begin preparing!
We are eliminating the “Analyze an Argument” essay task from the Analytical Writing section, but all other GRE General Test question types will remain the same. Therefore, all existing prep materials are still valid and you can use them to help prepare for test day. And think about it: If you’re taking a 4-hour practice test but the actual test will only be 2 hours, you’re well prepared!
There is an abundance of free and low-cost prep materials on our website, and we hold a free, monthly prep webinar as well.
Sign up to receive updates about the shorter test and the availability of new prep materials, as well as invitations to virtual events about the shorter GRE.
Scheduling a test
To register, follow the normal registration process, outlined in the GRE® Information Bulletin (PDF). Registration for the shorter test is open now; simply choose a test date on or after September 22, 2023.
Frequently asked questions
Want to better understand how the shorter GRE will compare to the current test? Want to switch your test date to on or after September 22? Find answers to these questions and more.