Everything You Need to Know About the New GRE Format for 2024

If you’re planning to take the GRE, you might have heard about some major changes to the format for 2024. The ETS, the organization behind the GRE, recently revamped the test, shortening it significantly and making it more straightforward. For anyone preparing for graduate school applications, this update brings several advantages—most notably, a faster test-taking experience. Here’s a detailed look at the changes and what they mean for you.

Why the GRE Format Changed

The revised GRE format, effective in 2024, aims to reduce the time and stress involved in test-taking. ETS made these changes based on feedback from students, test prep professionals, and graduate programs. Many applicants reported feeling fatigued by the old format, which could stretch to nearly four hours. ETS streamlined the GRE, making it closer to two hours and removing non-essential sections. This new structure aligns more closely with recent trends in standardized testing, where shorter exams aim to measure core skills with fewer questions, offering a smoother experience for test-takers.

Key Changes in the New GRE Format

1. Shortened Test Duration: The most significant change is the reduced test length, bringing the exam down from nearly four hours to about two. This change alone reduces test fatigue and can help test-takers maintain focus throughout.

2. Revised Section Structure:

   • Quantitative Reasoning: The Quant section is now shorter, with fewer questions, focusing on essential arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. This means you’ll need to be efficient and accurate, as every question counts more.

   • Verbal Reasoning: Similarly, the Verbal section has been reduced. While it still includes reading comprehension, sentence equivalence, and text completion questions, the question count has been decreased.

   • Analytical Writing: Previously, test-takers had to complete two writing tasks—an “Analyze an Issue” essay and an “Analyze an Argument” essay. Now, there’s only one essay: the “Analyze an Argument” task, which you’ll have 30 minutes to complete.

3. No More Unscored/Research Section: The old GRE format included an unscored or research section, which ETS used to test out new questions. With the new format, this section has been removed, meaning there’s no longer an extra mystery section that adds to test time without contributing to your score.

Section-by-Section Breakdown of the New GRE

• Quantitative Reasoning: This section covers the same topics—arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis—but with fewer questions. Expect a similar mix of problem-solving and data interpretation questions, just more condensed. Since each question now carries more weight, focusing on accuracy is key.

• Verbal Reasoning: This section remains centered on critical reading and vocabulary, with questions designed to assess your understanding of written material and your ability to analyze relationships within text. The revised format still includes reading comprehension, sentence equivalence, and text completion, but with fewer questions overall.

• Analytical Writing: The single “Analyze an Argument” task allows test-takers to focus on one well-constructed essay instead of two. This task asks you to critique the logic of an argument, which tests your ability to analyze and communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively. Preparing for just one essay will let you streamline your writing practice without worrying about balancing two different prompts.

What These Changes Mean for Test Takers

• Time Management: With the test now clocking in at about two hours, you’ll experience less fatigue and less mental strain. The faster pace may initially seem challenging, but the reduction in questions helps balance this out.

• Strategic Prep: Fewer questions mean that every answer counts, so it’s more important than ever to focus on core topics and question types. With just one essay to prepare for, you can spend more time perfecting your argumentation skills on a single task, which may be a relief for those who felt overwhelmed by the two-essay format.

• Quicker Score Reports: ETS has committed to releasing scores faster with this new, streamlined format. This means you can apply sooner and, if needed, plan for a retake without as much delay.

How to Prepare for the New GRE Format

The new GRE calls for some adjustments in study strategies. Here are some tips:

• Refocus Your Practice: Instead of spreading your energy across a large pool of potential questions, concentrate on the essentials in each section. For Quant, make sure you’re sharp on fundamental math principles. For Verbal, work on enhancing reading comprehension and vocabulary.

• Optimize Your Time for the Single Essay: Since the Analytical Writing section now has just one essay, focus your efforts on mastering the “Analyze an Argument” task. This allows you to delve deeper into critical thinking and concise expression rather than juggling two different prompts.

• Use Updated Practice Resources: Be sure to practice with materials that reflect the new format. ETS and other test prep companies are beginning to release resources aligned with the 2024 GRE, so look for official updates and revised practice exams.

The new GRE format is a welcome change for test-takers, offering a shorter, more focused exam without compromising the test’s ability to assess critical skills for graduate programs. By understanding the updated structure and adapting your preparation accordingly, you can walk into test day ready to tackle this new version of the GRE confidently. Good luck!