The GRE is now 1 hour 58 minutes long. Learn the new section timings, unchanged 130-170 scoring, faster 8–10-day score release — plus an 8-week study plan and free resources to hit your target score.
1. What Actually Changed?
- Test length: cut in half to 1 hour 58 minutes from 3 h 45 m ETS
- Sections: still five, but shorter Section# QTimeAnalytical Writing (1 Issue task)130 minVerbal Reasoning 11218 minVerbal Reasoning 21523 minQuant Reasoning 11221 minQuant Reasoning 21526 minThe unscored/experimental section and scheduled break are gone.
- Score scales: unchanged at 130–170 for Verbal & Quant; 0–6 for AWA ETS
- Faster score turnaround: official scores available 8–10 days after test day (was 10–15) ETS
2. Why It Matters for You
- Less fatigue → higher accuracy in later sections
- Tighter timing → you must think fast; no “warm-up” experimental section
- Applications move sooner (score release ~1 week)
3. 8-Week GRE Study Road-map (Assumes 10–12 hrs/week)
| Week | Focus | Key Tasks | Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diagnostic & Plan | Take ETS free POWERPREP Online practice to set baseline; list target programs & score goals | Baseline scores |
| 2 | Verbal Foundations | Drill vocab roots, read 2 editorials/day, review Text Completion logic | +3 pts Verbal |
| 3 | Quant Foundations | Re-learn algebra, arithmetic tricks, memorize common exponent & fraction patterns | +4 pts Quant |
| 4 | AWA & Timing | Write 3 Issue essays, self-score with ETS rubric; practise 18-/21-min mini-sections | Essay template |
| 5 | Verbal Advanced | Tackle Reading Comprehension: passage mapping, inference traps; 40 mixed questions | Accuracy ≥ 75 % |
| 6 | Quant Advanced | Geometry shortcuts, Data Interpretation sets, 50 problem-solving questions | Accuracy ≥ 75 % |
| 7 | Full-Length Mocks | Do two full shorter GREs back-to-back; analyse errors the same day | Scores within 5 pts of goal |
| 8 | Polish & Relax | Target weak question types, build exam-day checklist, sleep hygiene | Ready for test day |
Micro-habit: 15-minute vocab flash sessions after meals — spaced repetition beats cram.
4. In-Test Strategy Tweaks
- AWA first: outline for 5 min; type 350-400 words with clear paragraphing.
- Verbal: aim 1.5 min per Text Completion; flag long RC passages for second pass.
- Quant: front-load easy points; use on-screen calculator only for decimals.
- Pace checks: if > 18 min remain before Quant 2, stretch wrists — no formal break.
5. Free & Low-Cost Prep Resources
- ETS Official Guides & Practice Tests (POWERPREP) – the only source with real questions.
- Khan Academy—refreshes algebra/geometry fast.
- Magoosh 1-Month Premium—dense video library for last-minute review.
- Manhattan 5-lb Book of GRE Practice Problems—1 800 extra Qs for endurance.
- Grammarly + Hemingway—self-edit AWA essays for clarity.
6. Application Timeline Example (Fall 2026 Intake)
| Date | Task |
|---|---|
| May 10 2025 | Register for GRE (pick Aug 5 slot) |
| May–Jun | Follow 8-week plan |
| Aug 5 | Sit GRE |
| Aug 15–17 | Scores released; send to universities |
| Sep–Nov | Finalize SOPs, recommendations |
| Dec 1 | Early-deadline submissions |
7. Quick FAQ
Are shorter-test scores comparable to old scores?
Yes — same scale, same percentiles; schools have official ETS guidance stating scores are interchangeable. ETS
Can I retake sooner?
Policy unchanged: once every 21 days, up to five times in a rolling 12-month period.
Will Subject Tests be shortened?
No announcement yet; the 2-hour change applies only to the General Test.
Bottom Line
The GRE’s new 2-hour design respects your time but demands sharper pacing. Start early, master section timing, and use the 8-week schedule above. Do that, and you’ll walk into test day confident—and walk out 8 days later with a score that opens doors.