GRE Gets Shorter in 2023 - What You Need to Know

The GRE Gets Shorter in 2023 - What You Need to Know

Are you planning to pursue a master's degree in the near future? If so, you've probably heard about the GRE (Graduate Record Examination), a standardized test that many graduate schools use as a part of their admissions process. Well, we have some exciting news for you! The GRE is getting a makeover in 2023, and it's going to be shorter and sweeter than ever before.

When will the GRE be shortened?

Starting on September 22, 2023, the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization that administers the GRE, will roll out a new, condensed version of the test. After this date, you won't have the option to take the longer 4-hour GRE, so it's important to be prepared for these changes.

What's Changing on the GRE?

The content tested on the GRE remains the same. You'll still be assessed on your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. However, the duration of the test is significantly reduced. The current GRE takes 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete, while the new shorter GRE will only take 1 hour and 58 minutes.

To achieve this reduction in test time, ETS is making several structural changes:

Removal of the Argument Essay: The argument essay section will be eliminated.

No More Experimental Section: The experimental section, which is unscored and used for research purposes, will also be removed.

Faster Score Delivery: ETS will expedite the delivery of GRE scores to institutions, reducing the waiting time for test-takers. Scores will be sent to schools in 8-10 days instead of the current 10-15 days, which can be crucial for meeting application deadlines.

Fewer Questions: The number of questions in both the Quantitative and Verbal reasoning sections will be reduced from 40 to 27.

What Stays the Same on the Shorter GRE?

One important thing to note is that despite these changes, the content of the GRE remains consistent. The skills assessed and the score scale will remain unchanged. Your GRE score will continue to be accepted by thousands of graduate, business, and law schools for various programs, including master's, MBA, JD, and PhD.

Should You Take the Shorter or Longer GRE Test?

The decision of whether to take the shorter or longer GRE depends on several factors:

Readiness: If you're well-prepared and have been studying for a while, taking the current GRE might be a good choice.

Mistakes: If you tend to make a few mistakes in each section, you might want to consider the longer test to have more room for error.

Fatigue: If you find it challenging to concentrate for long periods, waiting for the shorter GRE in September might be the best option.

Application Deadlines: Consider your application deadlines. If they are before October 1, taking the test this summer might be necessary to ensure your scores arrive on time.

How to Prepare for the Shorter GRE

ETS has announced that they will release 2-hour practice tests in September. In the meantime, you can continue your GRE preparation using existing resources. The types of questions and the overall format of the test remain the same, so your current study plan can still be effective.

In conclusion, the GRE is getting a facelift in 2023, becoming shorter and more convenient for test-takers. While the changes aim to improve the test-taker experience, it's essential to consider your personal circumstances and application deadlines when deciding whether to take the shorter or longer GRE. Stay tuned for the new practice tests coming in September, and don't forget that your GRE score remains a valuable asset in your pursuit of a master's degree. Good luck on your GRE journey!