Get Ready for the New GRE Format with IMFS!
Hey there, aspiring students!
We at the Institute of Management and Foreign Studies (IMFS) are excited to bring you the latest information on the updated GRE format. As your trusted advisors, we’re here to help you navigate these changes and equip you with the necessary knowledge to ace the test. This blog post breaks down the updates, provides helpful insights, and includes easy-to-read charts so you can be fully prepared for your exam.
Keep Calm: Familiar Features Are Here to Stay!
First and foremost, let’s address any concerns you might have. While the GRE format has changed, many of the features you’re used to will remain:
- You can still skip around within a section.
- You can still flag questions for review.
- You can still edit previous answers.
- You still have access to an on-screen calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning sections.
- Testing accommodations are still available for those who need them.
IMFS Advice: Don’t stress! You still have the flexibility to skip, flag, and edit questions, plus you’ll have an on-screen calculator for Quant sections.
The pattern of the New GRE
Total Time: 1 hour, 58 minutes
The new GRE effectively gives you 1.74 minutes per question in Quantitative Reasoning and 1.52 minutes per question in Verbal Reasoning.
This is great news since you had 1.75 minutes per quant question and 1.50 minutes per question in verbal in the older version of the GRE.
Shorter GRE Test Time – An Advantage for You!
The reduced test time is one of the most significant changes to the GRE format. The previous GRE version lasted 3 hours and 45 minutes, but the new GRE is just 1 hour and 58 minutes. Less time in the test center means less fatigue and a more focused test-taking experience.
Note that while the older GRE included a 10-minute break, the new GRE does not. However, a break may not be as necessary with the shorter testing time. If you need breaks for medical reasons, don’t worry! You can still apply for accommodations.
IMFS Advice: Use the reduced test time to your advantage! Stay focused throughout the shorter exam and capitalize on the opportunity to perform at your best.
Reduced Number of Questions – Focus on Quality!
The new GRE has fewer questions overall. With 46 fewer questions in the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections, you can focus more on the quality of your answers rather than the quantity.
The older GRE had 100 questions (80 scored Quant and Verbal, and 20 unscored). The new GRE has only 54 questions and no unscored section. Additionally, there’s only one essay question instead of two.
The average time per question in each section remains unchanged. You still have around 1 minute and 45 seconds for each Quant question and approximately 1 minute and 30 seconds for each Verbal question.
IMFS Advice: Focus on the quality of your answers. With fewer questions to tackle, use the available time wisely to ensure accuracy and thoughtful responses.
No Unscored Section – Every Section Counts!
The new GRE has no unscored section, eliminating the uncertainty of the previous GRE format. Now, you have just 2 Quant sections and 2 Verbal sections, and you can be confident that every section counts towards your score.
IMFS Advice: Knowing that every section counts towards your score, give each section your total effort and best performance.
Only One Essay Task – Put Your Best Foot Forward!
The new GRE has only one essay task in the Analytical Writing section, reducing the section’s time from 1 hour to 30 minutes. The remaining task, Analyze an Issue, requires you to respond to an opinion statement following the instructions.
IMFS Advice: Dedicate time to prepare for the Analyze an Issue essay. Practice responding to different prompts, developing clear arguments, and providing well-thought-out evidence.
Are GRE Scores Changing? – Understand the Scoring System!
The GRE score scales remain the same, ensuring consistency in evaluating applicants, regardless of which GRE version they took.
The great news is that your official GRE scores will now be available more quickly, posted to your ets.org account 8 to 10 days after your test instead of 10 to 15 days.
IMFS Advice: Plan your test date carefully, considering the faster score availability. Make sure you leave enough time to meet your application deadlines.
We hope this blog post has provided valuable insights into the new GRE format. At IMFS, we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way. Happy studying, and best of luck on your exam!
