The Shorter GRE (as of 2023): Changes, Reasons, Structure & More

Are you worried about the GRE? We’ve all been there. The GRE is known for being a lengthy and time-consuming question paper. But did you know that the GRE has undergone a significant change? Launched in September 2023, the shorter GRE cuts the testing time in half and makes it more manageable and streamlined for those applying to graduate programs abroad.

But is the new and shorter GRE right for you? This blog will break down the essentials of the shorter GRE, including its structure, scoring, and how to prepare for this streamlined assessment.

Overview of the GRE

The GRE is a standardised test widely required for admission to many graduate programs. It assesses a range of skills required in grad school, including verbal and quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking. The GRE focuses on foundational abilities like interpreting data, drawing conclusions from complex texts, and effectively communicating complex ideas in writing.

The GRE consists of three sections, including writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. The writing section evaluates your analytical writing skills through one essay task. The verbal reasoning section measures your ability to understand and analyse complex texts, while the GRE quantitative reasoning section assesses your problem-solving abilities using math concepts you likely encountered up to the high school level. The total testing time takes less than 2 hours.

Changes in the GRE (Beginning September 22, 2023)

The GRE General Test went through a significant change in September 2023. The current format sheds almost half the testing time compared to the previous version. Now, the new GRE can be completed in 1 hour and 58 minutes. This reduction in time was achieved by reducing the total number of questions and removing an entire section.

You’ll encounter fewer questions overall, with each section containing 27 questions compared to the earlier 40. The writing assessment also saw a change with the removal of the “Analyse an Argument” task. However, the core structure of the GRE remains the same. This means a faster pace, with the same level of difficulty expected in the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections.

Reasons for the Changes in the Old GRE

The changes to the GRE test in September 2023 were made in response to feedback from both test-takers and graduate programs. Test-takers felt the existing GRE was too long, difficult, and not necessarily relevant to their academic pursuits. Graduate programs, on the other hand, expressed concerns that the GRE didn’t accurately assess the skills required for success in their specific programs.

As ETS CEO Amit Sevak said in ETS’s May 2023 press release, “The changes we’re announcing today underscore the emphasis we place on keeping our customers at the centre of all that we do. As we continue to introduce product innovations, we’re committed to balancing two things—maintaining rigour and validity while improving the test-taker experience.”

To address these concerns, the revised GRE streamlined the testing experience. The test itself is now shorter, taking roughly half the time to complete compared to the previous version. It also focuses more on assessing critical thinking and reasoning skills than memorization of GRE vocabulary words.

Time and Structure of the Shorter GRE

The GRE General Test (often referred to as the Shorter GRE) takes approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete. The shortened GRE consists of three distinct sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.

Both the GRE Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections have been streamlined. Originally, each section contained 40 questions. The shortened format reduces the number of questions to 27 per section. This reduction significantly impacts the overall testing time. Compared to the previous version, which clocked in at 3 hours and 45 minutes, the shortened GRE offers a substantial time savings of nearly 2 hours.

The table below, sourced from the ETS, outlines the structure, sections, and testing time for the new, shorter GRE.

Also read: GRE Exam Pattern 2024

Types of Questions in the Shorter GRE

The Shorter GRE consists of three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and GRE Analytical Writing.

• The Verbal Reasoning section focuses on your ability to analyse and understand written text. Here, you’ll encounter GRE Reading Comprehension passages with questions that test your grasp of the main ideas, supporting arguments, and the author’s purpose.

You’ll also see Text Completion prompts where you’ll choose the missing word or phrase to make the passage grammatically correct and convey a specific meaning. 

GRE Sentence Equivalence questions ask you to identify a pair of answer choices that capture the same meaning as the underlined sentence in the prompt.

• The Quantitative Reasoning section assesses your problem-solving skills and facility with quantitative concepts. This section is divided into Problem Solving and GRE Data Interpretation questions. Problem Solving questions present you with word problems that require mathematical solutions.

Data Interpretation questions ask you to analyse data presented in tables or graphs and answer questions based on the information provided.

• The Analytical Writing section evaluates your written analytical reasoning skills. You’ll be given a writing prompt where you’ll need to analyse an issue and develop a clear and concise argument in response.

Suggested: GRE Exam Syllabus 2024

Scoring System of the Shorter GRE

The GRE scoring system for the shorter GRE is identical to the traditional GRE. Both the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are graded on a scale of 130 to 170 in one-point increments.

Your performance in these sections determines your total score, which can range from 260 to 340. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately on a scale of 0 to 6 in half-point increments and doesn’t factor into the overall GRE score.

What is the Score Delivery Time for the Shorter GRE?

If you took the shorter GRE, you can expect to see your results a bit quicker. For the shorter GRE, ETS aims to deliver your official scores to your ETS account within 8–10 days of your test date. You’ll also receive an email notification when they’re available for viewing.

It’s important to remember that this is just the timeframe for ETS to process and release your scores. If you designate institutions to receive your scores during the test registration process, those institutions will receive their reports on a separate schedule. The speed of this delivery depends on the method chosen by the institution (electronic or mail) but typically takes a few additional business days.

What Stayed the Same on the Shorter GRE?

The core purpose of the GRE remains unchanged. The test still aims to assess your preparedness for the rigours of graduate school by evaluating your critical thinking, analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills. The types of questions you’ll come across in the verbal and math sections also remain largely similar. So, if you’ve been preparing for the exam using existing GRE resources, they’ll still be highly relevant for the new, shorter format.

Even the scoring range of 130–170 on each section stayed the same. This ensures a smooth transition for grad schools evaluating scores before and after the change.

The Shorter GRE: Benefits and Drawbacks

The revised GRE format has sparked debate about its difficulty. While concerns exist, the new structure also presents potential benefits for test-takers.

Benefit

• The shorter duration and more focused content can lead to a less stressful and tiring testing experience. Reduced fatigue often translates to better concentration and potentially higher scores due to sustained cognitive performance.

• With only one essay prompt, you can dedicate more time and attention to writing a strong essay. This can lead to a better quality of writing and a more concise and impactful argument.

• By eliminating the unscored section, the new GRE ensures that every question you answer counts towards your final score. This eliminates the uncertainty of prior versions and allows for a more efficient use of your testing time.

Drawbacks

• With fewer questions, the test might offer less opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in specific areas. This could disadvantage test-takers who excel in certain types of questions that may not be represented as frequently in the shorter format.

• Since each question contributes more significantly to the overall score, performing poorly on any single question carries a greater weight. This can heighten pressure and potentially hinder performance for some test-takers.

5 Strategies to Prepare for the Shorter GRE

1. Master the format

While shorter, the GRE still tests Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Familiarise yourself with the number of sections, question types, and time limits for each section.

2. Sharpen your skills

The format might change but the core Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections will remain the same. Brush up on your vocabulary, reading comprehension, and analytical writing for Verbal. For Quantitative Reasoning, focus on mastering math concepts and problem-solving techniques relevant to the GRE.

3. Practice makes perfect

GRE Practice tests are essential for the shorter GRE too. Time yourself under real test conditions to build stamina and develop effective time management strategies. Try to use official practice materials from ETS or explore prep courses that offer resources tailored for the shorter format.

4. Focus and prioritise

The shorter test might mean a little less time per question. Identify your strengths and weaknesses in each section. You should devote more study time to areas that need improvement. Additionally, try to aim to answer high-value questions accurately within the time limit.

5. Stay calm and focused

The shorter format might feel intense, so prioritise staying calm under pressure. Develop relaxation techniques and practice mindfulness to maintain focus during the test. A well-rested and clear mind is your greatest asset on test day.

Also read: Tips and Strategies to Crack GRE

From the Desk of Yocket

The GRE has undergone changes that are designed to enhance your testing experience. The streamlined format reduces the test time significantly and minimises potential fatigue and anxiety. Additionally, you’ll be about to receive your GRE scores within 8–10 days, which allows for faster application decisions and program enrollment.

Of course, with any change, there are adjustments to consider. The new format might be particularly beneficial for those who thrive in fast-paced environments. It provides a platform for your critical thinking skills to shine in a concise setting. However, if you benefit from extra processing time, targeted preparation strategies can help you manage the test within the new timeframe. Additionally, the writing section now features only one essay. Universities will continue to assess your writing skills and abilities through this section’s scores. With GRE Prep+, you can access customized study plans, practice tests, and expert tips that cater to your individual needs, ensuring you are well-prepared for the updated test format.