New GRE Format 2023 – Changes, Repercussions & Essential Tips

The Evolution of the GRE

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) has been a cornerstone in graduate admissions for decades. Since its introduction, the GRE has undergone several transformations to align with the evolving academic and professional environments. 

Initially, the test focused heavily on vocabulary and arithmetic skills. Over the years, it has shifted towards assessing analytical and critical thinking abilities, which are essential in graduate programs. 

Comparison with other standardized tests

While the GRE is a comprehensive test, it’s interesting to compare it with other standardized tests like the GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT. Unlike the GMAT, which is tailored for business school aspirants, the GRE’s broader scope makes it suitable for a wide range of disciplines. 

The LSAT’s focus on law and the MCAT’s emphasis on medicine contrast with the GRE’s general approach, assessing skills applicable across various fields. This versatility explains why the GRE remains a preferred choice for diverse graduate programs.

GRE Exam New Pattern 2023

The  Graduate Record Examinations or GRE General Test is a popular entrance exam that individuals take to get into a graduate school or other advanced programs, like law or business school abroad. 

The test aims to measure the quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills you have acquired over your learning period. These skills are crucial for doing well in most graduate-level programs. Read out the complete changes in GRE’s new format in this blog. 

The GRE measures your ability to think and learn in a fair and unbiased way. This makes GRE scores an important parameter in the application process for various study-abroad programs.

Since the GRE test was first introduced, it has helped individuals from different academic backgrounds, achieve their dreams of seeking international education.

The big news: GRE New Format 2023

Many of you might have heard that a new and shorter version of the GRE is set to be introduced this month itself – September 2023. Well, you heard it right!

This announcement has left the stakeholders, primarily the students perplexed about what changes they should expect from the new GRE test. Is the new GRE harder or simpler? How should you prepare for this new GRE test? When should you take the test? Many such questions are nudging the prospective students.

For all the students aiming to appear for the new GRE 2023, here’s an in-depth blog by MSM Unify to help you understand the finer nuances of this new version of the GRE and ace the test with flying colors.

The new GRE- a welcome addition to the existing system

The introduction of a new version of the GRE might sound intimidating in the first place, but by the end of this blog, you will realize that it is going to make your life simpler. Moreover, this isn’t the first time ETS (Education Testing Service)- the test maker is bringing about changes in the GRE.

The GRE that most of you are aware of was revised in the year 2011. The major changes that were made to the exam back then included incorporating a section-adaptive model, inducting the present GRE score scales, excluding certain question types, and including the onscreen calculator. So, now what you consider the primary characteristics of the GRE have not been around forever. 

In fact, ETS states that this new GRE set to be introduced in September 2023, marks the beginning of many more changes that are going to occur in the times to come. It is because the test makers want to ensure that the GRE remains the most preferred choice for both students and institutions for admission and assessment purposes.

So, rest assured with the GRE changing:

• Your test-taking experience is sure to improve
• You will find the new format more relevant 
• You will save time
• Your stress and anxiety will reduce

Impact on international students

The new GRE format poses unique challenges and opportunities for international students. For those whose primary language isn’t English, the streamlined verbal section could be less daunting. 

However, the condensed format means a more intense testing experience, requiring efficient time management and preparation strategies. International students should focus on familiarizing themselves with the types of questions and practicing under timed conditions to adapt to the new format effectively.

How is the new GRE pattern different from the previous version?

Most of you must be well aware of the previous version of the GRE General Test – the four-hour-long competitive test entailing 3 major sections, Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.

How is the new GRE pattern different from the standard GRE?

• The test time will be shorter.
• The number of questions is reduced.
• The unscored section is excluded.
• There will be only one essay task.

Sounds good, isn’t it?

Also, the best part is the benefits and flexibility entailed in the standard GRE are still retained. They include:

• You may use the onscreen calculator all through the Quantitative Reasoning section.
• You can navigate a section by skipping the tough questions.
• You can mark questions in a section and review them later.
• You can modify your responses to earlier attempted questions.
• Specially abled students can make use of the testing accommodations.

Detailed preparation strategies

Preparing for the new GRE format demands a strategic approach. For the quantitative section, understanding the basics of algebra, geometry, and data interpretation is key. For the verbal section, focus on building a robust vocabulary and honing reading comprehension skills. 

Practice is crucial — take full-length timed practice tests to adapt to the shortened format. Time management will be more critical than ever, given the reduced duration of the test. Additionally, leverage online resources, test prep books, and if necessary, consider enrolling in a GRE prep course.

GRE Exam 2023 changes and its repercussions

This section will help you understand the changes in the GRE new 2023 better. So, read this section carefully to understand the crucial nuances of the revised test format.

1. Shorter GRE exam time

Have you attempted the 4-hour-long standardized GRE or the mock test anytime? If yes, you already know how tedious it is to concentrate for four long hours and answer the questions right. 

The new GRE format 2023 has slashed its time to half! So the GRE, which earlier was 3 hours 45 minutes long, will now be 1 hour 58 minutes long. 

Please note: The shorter GRE will not have a scheduled break as the standard GRE entails. However, students can still apply for accommodations on medical grounds.

2. Reduced number of questions

Along with the reduction in the test time, ETS has significantly reduced the total number of questions in the new GRE format 2023. 

On the standard GRE, both Quantitative and Verbal sections entail 40 questions each, bringing the total to 80. Furthermore, there is an unscored section (either Quant or Verbal) entailing 20 questions bringing the final count to 100 questions.

Now, in the new GRE format, both Quantitative and Verbal sections will have 27 questions each, bringing the final count to 54 questions only. 

Please note: 

• The number of questions in the new GRE pattern is reduced, but the type of questions remains the same.
• Despite the reduction in the total number of questions, the average time per question hasn’t changed significantly. The following table gives a comparative analysis of the time available per question in each section for both GRE versions.

3. Omission of the unscored section

The standard GRE includes an unscored section, which is either based on Quantitative Reasoning or Verbal Reasoning. This unscored section entails 20 questions, which consumes 30 to 35 minutes of the total test time. 

Moreover, there’s no way for students to identify this unscored section. It implies they need to invest the same effort and energy in answering the questions that do not contribute to the total score. 

The exclusion of the unscored section has put an end to this vexing mystery! So, on the new GRE format, test takers will see only 2 Quantitative and 2 Verbal sections – each section counting toward the final score.

4. Only one essay task

The standard GRE has an Analytical Writing section entailing two essay tasks:

• Analyze an argument
• Analyze an issue
• Test takers have thirty minutes to complete each essay task. 

The shorter GRE format will not have the ‘Analyze an argument’ task. So, there will be just one essay task – Analyze an issue. Therefore,  the section time will be reduced from 1 hour to 30 minutes.

Also read: How to pass the GRE on the first attempt for Indian students

 What is the new vs old GRE score?

The new GRE score scales will be the same as that of the standard GRE. So, whether you take the standard GRE or the new GRE, the institutions and organizations will be able to compare the GRE scores.

But, the good news is that you will be able to get scores for the new GRE in just about 8 to 10 days after your test, which previously took 10 to 15 days. This means you have more time to plan for a retest (if needed) without having to worry about the application deadlines.

Changes to the GRE Subject Tests

As announced by ETS, The GRE Subject Tests will include Physics, Mathematics, and Psychology in a computer-delivered format from September 2023 onwards. The Chemistry test was discontinued after the April 2023 administration. However, the scores will remain valid for the next five years from the test date. 

Additionally, Physics and Psychology tests will be shortened to two hours. Also, the test centers will be increased across the world, and the tests will be offered more frequently in most countries. 

How to prepare for the GRE new format 2023?

The sections and the type of questions in the new GRE format 2023 are the same as those of the standard version. So, the preparation for the latest GRE won’t differ much. In fact, you will be able to save time on preparing for the essay task, with the omission of the ‘Analyze an argument’ task.

You can still use the same study material for GRE preparation that is used for the standard GRE preparation. But, do not cut slack as the question complexity in each section is expected to remain the same. It implies that you still have to prepare meticulously for all the sections as per the GRE syllabus. 

Also read: How to improve your profile if you have a low GRE score

When can you register for the GRE new exam?

Registration for the shorter GRE is open now! You may visit the ETS Org website and choose a date.

New GRE 2023 vs. Standard GRE at a glance

Preparation strategies

Preparing for the new GRE format demands a strategic approach. For the quantitative section, understanding the basics of algebra, geometry, and data interpretation is key. For the verbal section, focus on building a robust vocabulary and honing reading comprehension skills. 

Practice is crucial — take full-length timed practice tests to adapt to the shortened format. Time management will be more critical than ever, given the reduced duration of the test. Additionally, leverage online resources, test prep books, and if necessary, consider enrolling in a GRE prep course.

Future predictions and trends

Speculating on future trends in standardized testing, the GRE is likely to continue evolving. With the increasing emphasis on diversity and holistic assessment in graduate admissions, the GRE might incorporate more innovative question types and formats. This adaptability will ensure that the GRE remains relevant and continues to be a reliable measure of a candidate’s potential for graduate studies.

The bottom line

The education sector is volatile, and such changes are bound to occur in the times to come. Keeping a tab on these recurring changes is quite a daunting task. It is thus prudent to get in touch with reliable study abroad consultants like MSM Unify to get updated information and personalized guidance on all the crucial aspects of studying abroad. 

MSM Unify has a team of adept counselors who are updated on the latest developments in the education and career segment. At MSM Unify, you can get guidance on selecting the best-fit course and university, preparing for the relevant entrance exams, and making it to your dream college.

Get in touch with MSM Unify today and explore limitless career opportunities, get personalized guidance, and let your career soar to greater heights.