GRE® Syllabus: Big Changes to the GRE in 2023:
Get detailed information on changes to the GRE. Get Complete Syllabus with solved examples by AdmitEDGE experts
In June 2023, ETS (the organization that conducts GRE world-wide) announced enhancements to the current GRE. There are a number of changes that you as a test-taker should be aware of. Here is a summary of the most significant changes.
You will find the details in this ebook- AdmitEDGE GRE Guide
Here are the changes to GRE format:
Verbal
Current
2 Sections
40 Questions
60 min
New
2 Sections
27 Questions
41 min
Quantitative
Current
2 Sections
40 Questions
70 min
New
2 Sections
27 Questions
47 min
AWA Essay
Current
1 Section
2 Essays
60 min
New
1 Section
1 Essay
30 min
Experimental Section
Current
1 Section
20 Questions
30-35 min
New
Removed
Key Points:
- In the new format, you only need to write one essay instead of two in the Analytical Writing Section. This means you don't have to practice for the Argument Analysis Essay.
- The Verbal and Quantitative reasoning sections have fewer questions, which reduces the test time. However, since there are fewer questions, each question carries more weight in determining the final score compared to the current format.
- The current format includes an experimental section that could be either Quantitative or Verbal Reasoning, with 20 questions to be answered within a specific time limit. This section doesn't count towards the score, but it's designed to be indistinguishable from other sections, requiring the test-taker's full attention. The new format eliminates this experimental section, reducing the pressure on the test-taker.
What’s not changing?
Syllabus
Total Score
Question Types
Question Format
Cost of the Test
Difficulty Level of Questions
More details in the AdmitEDGE GRE Guide Ebook
Which format of GRE should I aim for?
The format that you should choose will depend on the application deadlines for are aiming for.
| Aiming for the Spring 2024 intake | Aiming to apply to universities with priority deadlines of Fall 2024 | Aiming to apply to universities with regular deadlines of Fall 2024 |
| It is best to take the test in the current format since most deadlines would be way before the new format comes into effect | Waiting for the new format might be cutting it close, especially if the decision of the universities to apply to depends on your GRE score. Things can get a bit cramped and hurried. | Either format should be fine. |
Should I change my preparation-strategy for GRE?
There should not be a major change in the GRE strategy since the question types, syllabus, and the difficulty level of the questions remains the same. Though the test is shorter, the time per question remains the same. Thus, one will have to solve the questions with as much speed in the new format as in the current format.
Also, since there are fewer questions to be answered in the new format, the weightage of a question in contributing towards the final score will be higher in the new format as compared to the current one. So achieving high accuracy will be of high importance in the new format.
In summary, developing strong skills in answering questions with high accuracy and speed is of high importance in both the formats. This takes focused efforts.
Preparing for GRE broadly involves four steps:
- Concepting Building: mastering the concepts and skills required for the verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and Analytical Writing sections.
- Accuracy Development: practicing diligently to apply the concepts and skills into question solving to achieve high accuracy. Learn to apply the right techniques and be sharp to avoid the typical distractions in the questions or choices.
- Time Management: increasing speed and developing time management skills.
- Exam Simulation: practicing with tests quite close to the actual test in terms of format, adaptation, and difficulty.
At AdmitEDGE, we call this the CATS approach to test preparation. This approach is embedded in our study-material for GRE to enable you to develop all the skills necessary in the shortest time possible and achieve a high GRE score.
How can AdmitEDGE help me score high in GRE?
An easy way to get all these,
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CATS Approach to Test Prep
A Balanced Study Schedule
One-on-One Feedback From SFAs
Unlimited Doubt Clarification!
Wordbot - Full Access
The AdmitEDGE Advantage
- The learning happens through AdmitEDGE’s advanced apps such as Learning Tracker and WordBot.
- Your preparation is supported by two personal trainers known as Student Facilitator & Analysts (SFAs)- one for the Verbal Section and one for Quantitative. The SFAs
- Create a personalized study-plan
- Answer all your doubts, and more importantly
- Evaluate all your tests and provide personalized feedback to improve your performance.
- The Learning Tracker App is an advanced app that uses a data-centric approach to maximize your performance
- the app collects your learning data as you study
- uses advanced algorithms to analyze your strengths and weaknesses with respect to the target score set by you.
- your SFAs rely on this analytics to provide your personalized feedback and provide you resources to build upon your gaps rapidly.
It is this combination- the Learning Tracker with CATS approach and the SFA that has enabled AdmitEDGE to guide thousands of students to ace the GRE.
