If you’re planning to take the GRE soon, you may have heard that big changes were made to the GRE exam structure in 2023. Don’t worry! These changes are designed to make the GRE shorter, faster, and less exhausting than before. Sounds like good news, right?
We will walk you through exactly what’s changed in the new GRE exam structure, what stays the same, and what it means for your test prep. Whether you’re just starting or already deep in study mode, this post will help you feel confident and up to date.
Why Did ETS Change the GRE Exam Structure?
Let’s start with the “why.” ETS, the organization behind the GRE, wanted to:
- Make the test more student-friendly
- Reduce test-day fatigue
- Deliver faster score results
- Keep the test competitive with other options like the GMAT and LSAT
So, they gave the GRE a makeover. We think it’s a good one.
How Long Is the New GRE?
This is probably the biggest and best change: The GRE is now just under 2 hours long! That’s a major cut from the original 4-hour version.
Old GRE:
Around 3 hours and 45 minutes (plus breaks)
New GRE (2023 onward):
Just 1 hour and 58 minutes
ETS cut the GRE nearly in half, which means less stress, less fatigue, and better focus throughout the test.
What’s Included in the New GRE Exam Structure?
The GRE still tests the same core skills—verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing—but with fewer questions and shorter sections.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the new GRE exam structure:
What Changed in the Essay Section?
Here’s where you’ll notice a big shift: The GRE now includes only one essay. Before, test-takers had to complete two essays: an Issue Task and an Argument Task. Now, you’ll only need to write the Issue Task.
This essay asks you to respond to a prompt by taking a position and supporting it with logical reasoning and examples.
Why this change helps:
- Less writing = less fatigue
- You can focus your prep on one task
- It saves time and allows for a more focused writing experience
What Changed in the Quant and Verbal Sections?
Both Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections are now shorter, with 27 questions each (instead of 40 in the old version). That means fewer reading comprehension passages, fewer word problems, and less mental fatigue overall.
But don’t let the shorter GRE exam structure fool you. The difficulty level remains the same, and you’ll still need to manage your time wisely.
What’s the same:
- Topics covered (algebra, geometry, arithmetic, data interpretation, reading comprehension, sentence equivalence, etc.)
- Scoring system (170 max for each section)
- On-screen calculator available for Quant section
What About the Unscored Section?
In the old GRE, most test-takers were given an unscored (experimental) section, which ETS used for research. This still may appear in the new format, but it’s no longer guaranteed.
If it does show up, you won’t know which section is unscored, so it’s still a good idea to treat all sections seriously.
The GRE is Still Adaptive
The new GRE keeps its section-level adaptive format, just like the old version. This means the test adjusts to your performance. You’ll start with a Verbal and a Quant section. How well you perform on each first section determines the difficulty of the second one. If you score well in the first Verbal section, for example, the second will include harder questions, giving you a chance to earn a higher overall score.
So how does this affect your time management? You need to approach the first section carefully and strategically. Don’t rush, but don’t get stuck either. Answer each question with focus and accuracy. Doing well early opens the door to a higher score in the second section, where the questions will feel tougher. Stay calm, trust your preparation, and manage your time wisely.
Remember, each question you answer in the first section sets the stage for your scoring range. Use your time efficiently and make sure you give every question your full attention. When the second section gets harder, don’t panic. That’s a good sign! Keep moving steadily, and you’ll make the most of the GRE’s adaptive design.
How Is the New GRE Scored?
The scoring system has not changed.
- Quantitative Reasoning: 130–170
- Verbal Reasoning: 130–170
- Analytical Writing: 0–6 (in half-point increments)
You’ll still receive your Unofficial Verbal and Quant scores immediately after the test, and the official scores (including AWA) will be available in 8–10 days.
How Should You Prepare for the New GRE?
Although the test is shorter, the content is the same—and that means your prep strategy should still focus on mastering key skills, understanding question types, and building test-taking endurance.
Tips for prepping the smart way:
- Hire a tutor
- Review core math concepts
- Read more short-form content in your free time
- Focus on quality over quantity because shorter tests mean fewer chances to recover from mistakes
- Practice writing the Issue Essay under timed conditions
- Take full-length practice tests in the new format to get used to pacing
- Use official ETS materials that reflect the new GRE exam structure
Is the New GRE Easier?
Not exactly. The GRE is still a challenging test designed to assess your readiness for graduate-level work. While the shorter format is less exhausting and more efficient, the question difficulty and scoring expectations haven’t changed.
So while you might feel better during the test (less brain drain!), your prep still needs to be focused and serious.
Master the New GRE Exam Structure with Expert Tutoring!
Feeling unsure about the shorter GRE or not sure how to prep efficiently? We’ve got you covered! Our private GRE tutoring is tailored to the new test structure and focuses on the exact skills you need to succeed.
- Personalized study plans for the updated format
- Focused prep for Verbal, Quant, and the AWA essay
- Expert strategies to boost speed, accuracy, and confidence
Whether you’re aiming for a top score or just want to feel more prepared, your tutor is here to guide you every step of the way.
Book your free consultation today and start prepping smarter, not harder!
