Most graduate programs consider results in the 75th percentile, or 157 on Verbal and 160 on Quantitative Reasoning, as good GRE scores, with excellent results coming in at or above the 90th percentile. However, GRE score expectations vary among different schools and universities. It's best to set your test score goal based on the admission requirements of your preferred program.

You should begin studying for the GRE at least 2 to 4 months ahead of your testing date. Give yourself enough time to practice within the test's time limits and study each subject on the exam in depth. Be sure to schedule your exam early enough so graduate programs can receive your results before application deadlines.

The GRE is scored out of a maximum of 340 points. Your GRE score is the sum of points from the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections, ranging from 130 to 170 points each. The Analytical Writing section is scored independently on a scale of 0 to 6, with 6 being the highest score. When applying to a graduate program, make sure you understand what GRE score the school requires.

How hard the GRE test is relates directly to your performance and preparation. The GRE is a multi-stage adaptive test that responds to your abilities. In other words, question difficulty increases when you answer correctly. Having a good GRE prep plan and plenty of time to study makes this challenging exam a lot easier.

Test-takers have a total of 3 hours and 45 minutes to take the GRE. There are 6 sections on the test and a 10-minute break. The Analytical Writing section is 30 minutes long, followed by 4 multiple-choice sections, and a possible fifth unscored section. These last 5 sections are 20 questions each and take 30 to 35 minutes per section to complete.

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