Table of Contents
- When will the length of the GRE be reduced?
- Is there anything new about the GRE?
- How the test has changed
- Changes to test length
- Changes to structure
- Changes to when scores are submitted
- What does the shorter GRE keep from the old format?
- Is the scoring system for the GRE changing?
- Why are they cutting the GRE?
- In what way does the shorter GRE affect you?
- How to prep and take the shorter GRE with 700+Club
When will the length of the GRE be reduced?
ETS will debut a shorter version of the GRE on September 22, 2023. After this update is implemented, the 4-hour GRE will no longer be available. The shortened GRE will be available for registration on September 22, 2023. Read more about GRE registration.
Is there anything new about the GRE?
Although the length of the GRE will be reduced in September 2023, the content and types of questions included in the exam will remain unchanged. To abbreviate the test, however, ETS has eliminated some parts and lowered the number of questions in others.
How the test has changed
Changes to the test length
The length of the test will be the most important change to the GRE in 2023. The present GRE takes 3 hours and 45 minutes, but the new GRE, which starts in September, will only take 1 hour and 58 minutes.
Changes to the structure
In order to make the test shorter, ETS has removed or shortened some parts of the GRE. The GRE is changing in the following ways:
- Getting rid of the argument
- The experimental (unscored) part will be taken out.
- The 10-minute break has been taken away
- The number of questions in the Quant parts will decrease from 40 to 27.
- The number of questions in the Verbal parts will decrease from 40 to 27.
Changes to when scores are submitted
The final change to the GRE is how quickly test scores will be sent. Instead of taking 15 to 20 days, ETS will send GRE scores to colleges and universities in 8 to 10 days. This will help you get your applications in sooner to meet tight deadlines.
What does the shorter GRE keep from the old format?
Overall, the new GRE is the same as the old GRE; it’s just quicker. The things that are on the GRE won’t change. Even though the GRE is shorter, it will test your verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing to see if you are ready for graduate school. Thousands of graduate, business, and law schools will still accept your GRE score for their master’s, MBA, JD, and PhD programs. Also, taking the GRE, paying for it, and studying for it will be the same no matter how long or short.
Is the scoring system for the GRE changing?
Some test-takers may ask if the GRE score scale will change since the test is much shorter. The score range will not change because the GRE will be shorter. ETS took care to keep the score range the same when changing the test, so schools can use GRE scores in the same way whether you take the test before or after September 2023. So, if you take the shorter GRE, your score will stay high.
Why are they cutting the GRE?
These changes to the GRE are meant to make it easier for students to take the test and send their scores to schools. This shorter GRE will be the fastest test of general skills for getting into graduate and professional programs. It will take just under two hours.
In what way does the shorter GRE affect you?
You only need to worry about the shorter GRE if you plan to take the test on or after September 22, 2023. If you take the test before that date, you will get the 4-hour form used now. Keep in mind that the time of the test is the only thing changing. You will only get a better score if you take the GRE once it’s shorter.
Before deciding whether to take the GRE as it is now or the shorter GRE when it comes out in September 2023, here are some things to consider.
Exam readiness
If you feel ready, you should do it! The topic of the GRE stays the same, so taking a shorter test probably won’t help you get a better score. If you’re ready, take the test, finish it, and start getting prepared for the fall term.
Exam stamina
If so, waiting until September to take the shorter GRE might be best.
Applications due
If so, you should take the GRE before the GRE changes this summer. Even if you took the new test on the first day it was available, September 22, you need more time to ensure you’ll get the scores by October 1.
How to prep and take the shorter GRE with 700+Club
The ETS said 2-hour practice tests will be available sometime in September. At 700+Club are working hard to update our GRE course to reflect the new changes, which we hope to have ready for you soon. In the meantime, you can keep studying for the GRE the same way you have up until now. The types of questions, how the test is put together, and the material being reviewed will all stay the same.
