General Record Exam (GRE)Basics of the GRE

What is the GRE?

The General Record Exam (GRE) is a standardized admissions test for graduate and business schools. It is a way for school admissions and fellowship panels to supplement your undergraduate records, reference letters, and other application materials. There are many types of test. The General GRE is a non-subject test that tests general knowledge. Then, there are subject tests. There is a psychology GRE. Both tests will be described in the following pages. This test is significantly different than the ACT/SAT. It is not recommended to take the test on the assumption that it is the same test. 

For more information, please visit the GRE webpage: https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about/ 

Sections of the General GRE

There are 3 primary sections to the GRE:

1. Verbal Reasoning
   1. Vocabulary
   2. Reading comprehension & verbal reasoning skill testing
2. Quantitative Reasoning
   1. Arithmetic
   2. Algebra
   3. Geometry
   4. Data Analysis 
3. Analytical Writing
   1. Write a main idea backed by evidence

The general order is to write 2 analytical writing papers, 1 verbal reasoning section, 1 quantitative reasoning section, another verbal reasoning section, and a final quantitative reasoning section. You will have about 30 minutes to complete each writing section and 35 or so minutes for each quantitative and verbal reasoning section. You will get 10 minutes break midway through the test (i.e. after the first quantitative reasoning section is complete). 

Sections of the Psychology GRE

This test has approximately 205 multiple choice questions

There are 6 scores from this test: 

1. Biological
2. Cognitive
3. Social
4. Developmental
5. Clinical
6. Measurement/Methodology/Other

For more content specifics, please visit the Psychology Subject GRE webpage: https://www.ets.org/gre/subject/about/content/psychology 

How Do I Know What Test to Take? 

Ask your graduate programs! Some programs prefer the psychology subject test and many accept the general GRE. Most students take the general GRE. 

Where Do I Take the Test & What is the Format? 

There are many test centers throughout MN; however, the GRE is available worldwide. To find the location and type of test best for you, visit the GRE website here: https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/register/centers_dates .

The test can be taken by paper or electronically. 

How Do I Send My Scores? 

You will receive an email from ETS who will bring you to your scores. Since you will have an account with ETS, there will be an option to send your scores. Please note that there are fees to send your scores to your programs. 

How Expensive is the GRE? 

For more information, please visit the Psychology GRE Test Fees and General GRE Test Fees pages.