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Thinking about applying to graduate school? If so, you'll need to take the Graduate Record Examinations General Test (also known as the GRE) as part of the admissions process.

Below we provide you with some basic information about the test, including how the exam breaks down and how to register for the GRE, as well as message boards.

With SparkNotes GRE Prep, you can learn what’s being tested on the GRE and how to answer its questions correctly. We recommend that you take the GRE mini-test, review the book (which we’ve offered online for free!), and take a full-length practice test to see how you’ll do. Let the studying begin!
 
GRE Test Structure
The GRE lasts around three hours, including scheduled breaks and a tutorial. Here’s a section-by-section breakdown of the test:
 
Section
Structure
Timing
Essay 2 essays 45-minute issue essay;
30-minute argument essay; 75-minutes total
Math 1 section;
28 questions total
45 minutes
Verbal 1 section;
30 questions total
30 minutes
 
Register for the GRE
The GRE Test Center
The test is offered multiples times throughout the year. You can register up to two days in advance to take the computer-based exam. To sign up, go to www.gre.org.
 
 
Put your knowledge to the test and take a free practice exam.
 
 
 
The GRE Book
The GRE Mini-Test
Read our book, SparkNotes Guide to the GRE Test, to prepare for the test. SparkNotes brings you a fully searchable, hyperlinked version of the book we sell at Barnes & Noble stores for free online.
 
 
 
Take our free GRE mini-test to quickly assess your knowledge base. Once you’ve taken the mini-test, you’ll get a better sense of your weaknesses and strengths and know where to focus.
 
Message Boards
Connect with other GRE test takers and discuss the test, trade study tactics, or just take a break from your cramming.
 
 
Message Boards
GRE
Reference Tools
Search Widget