GRE Reform: Test Time Cut to Under 2 Hours, Faster Score Reporting from September 2023

发布时间：Date: 2025-01-08 返回新鲜资讯Back to News

ETS officially announced that starting September 22, 2023, the GRE General Test will undergo major reforms, with total testing time shortened to under 2 hours. The unscored research section and breaks are eliminated, only the Issue task remains for the Analytical Writing section, and the number of questions in Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections will be significantly reduced. Score reporting will also be accelerated to 8-10 days. Despite the streamlined test format, its global recognition, test fees, at-home testing policy, and adaptive test mechanism remain unchanged, still effectively assisting institutions in graduate admissions. CheersYou（清柚教育） reminds prospective international students that due to the reduction in total questions, the tolerance for error on the new GRE will be significantly lower, and each question will have a greater impact on the final score. It is recommended that students who have already started preparing take the test before September to avoid the adjustment period, while those who have not yet begun can first solidify vocabulary and writing foundations according to current requirements. After ETS releases detailed question structures, they can then formulate targeted plans to prepare efficiently and calmly for the new GRE.

ETS Officially Announces Today!

Starting September 22, 2023, the GRE General Test will be shortened to under 2 hours!

And scores will be reported faster, helping you submit applications sooner.

See the table below for specific changes before and after the GRE reform:

See the table below for the change in question counts after the GRE reform:

Key Points!!

· Only the Issue essay remains.

· Test time shortened to 2 hours.

· Verbal and Quant sections each reduced from 40 to 27 questions.

· Break time eliminated.

· Unscored section eliminated.

· Score reporting time shortened from 10-15 days to 8-10 days.

· Quant/Verbal Section 1: 12 questions; Section 2: 15 questions.

· New official practice tests available in September: 2 POWERPREP tests (one free, one $39.95).

Interpreting the Reform

1. Lower tolerance for error on the GRE

With fewer questions, each question has a greater impact on the final score, meaning the GRE's tolerance for error is lower. For example, now missing one question might deduct 1-2 points; after the reform, it could likely deduct 2-3 points per question.

2. Preparation Advice

For those who have already started GRE preparation, it is recommended to take the test before September to avoid later adjusting to the new question types.

Students who haven't started GRE prep can first prepare according to the current GRE requirements, especially for parts like vocabulary and writing that won't change much. More specifically, we need to wait until the end of June for the official detailed explanation of the Verbal and Quant question structures, then develop a targeted preparation plan.

3. Argument Task Eliminated

Compared to Issue, Argument is indeed easier to handle, as the logical fallacies are predictable and once mastered, it's easy to apply them broadly. Going forward, test takers may need to put more effort into Issue, demonstrating their logical thinking and argumentative skills.

4. At-Home Testing

Surprisingly, this GRE reform did not introduce additional restrictions or regulations on at-home testing to prevent cheating.

FAQ

1. How long will the current GRE test be available?

The current GRE test will be available until September 20, 2023. On and after September 22, 2023, all test takers will take the new GRE.

2. Will shortening the GRE test time affect its recognition?

No, GRE will still maintain its original status, assisting schools in graduate admissions and scholarship decisions.

3. Will the GRE remain an adaptive test after the reform?

Yes, the redesigned GRE test is still adaptive, meaning questions of different difficulty levels appear based on previous answers.

4. Has the GRE test fee changed?

No change.

5. Does the new GRE support at-home testing?

Yes.

6. When can I register for the new GRE test?

Registration is now open. Simply select a test date on or after September 22, 2023.

7. Which version of the test should I take?

Application deadlines may be the main factor to consider. Scores for the new GRE test will be sent to test takers within 8-10 days after testing. If your application deadline is in October or earlier, it's best to take the current test. If you have more time, you can consider the new GRE to save time.

8. I already registered for a GRE test after September 22, 2023. Can I change to the current GRE test?

Yes, reschedule your test appointment directly through your ETS account. Because we are reforming the GRE, rescheduling is free of charge. In your ETS account, follow the link to reschedule your test date and select a date on or before September 20, 2023.

9. I already registered for a GRE test before September 22, 2023. Can I change to the new GRE test?

Yes, you can reschedule your test appointment through your ETS account. However, a rescheduling fee applies.

10. Will there be official practice tests?

Two new POWERPREP practice tests will be available in September. One POWERPREP Online is free, providing score reports for the Quant and Verbal sections. The other POWERPREP Plus is paid, priced at $39.95, and provides score reports for all three sections.

11. Any changes to the number of test attempts?

Same as before, you can take the test up to 5 times within any 365-day period, and must wait 21 days between GRE tests.

12. Will schools treat the two GRE versions differently?

No, because the score structure remains unchanged, GRE scores before and after the reform are comparable. A 160 on the old GRE is considered the same ability level as a 160 on the new GRE. ETS will also provide specific information to schools for score comparison.

Click here to see specific question type changes after the GRE reform

Add the CheersYou（清柚教育） consultant below for more GRE details or preparation tips~