If you’re planning to apply to graduate school, chances are you’re thinking about the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and probably have a few (or 20!) questions. Whether you’re just starting your prep or already deep into practice problems, it’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed by all the moving parts. We’ve got your back. This guide answers the 20 most frequently asked questions about the GRE in Dubai.
1. What is the GRE in Dubai?
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test required for admission to many graduate and business school programs worldwide. It tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
2. Who needs to take the GRE?
Students applying to graduate programs, especially in the U.S., often need to take the GRE. Most business schools also accept it in place of the GMAT. In the UAE, most graduate programs require the GRE to apply.
3. Is the GRE hard?
Whether the GRE feels hard depends on your background, your prep, and your target score. The test isn’t designed to be impossible, but it is meant to challenge your reasoning, time management, and problem-solving skills under pressure.
For students who haven’t touched math in a while, the Quantitative section can feel tough. It tests high school-level math (like algebra and geometry) but frames questions in tricky, logic-based ways. The Verbal section is no joke either. We actually think it is harder than the Quant, especially if you don’t read a lot. The Verbal demands a strong vocabulary, critical reading, and the ability to understand complex passages quickly. Even the essay section, while just one essay now, requires clear thinking and writing on the spot.
That said, the GRE is totally beatable with the right strategy and consistent practice. Most students improve significantly when they study smart, review their mistakes, and focus on their weak areas. The GRE is challenging, but it’s learnable.
Why not learn with us? Check out our private GRE tutoring options.
4. How is the GRE scored?
The GRE has three sections:
- Verbal Reasoning: 130–170
- Quantitative Reasoning: 130–170
- Analytical Writing: 0–6
5. What’s a good GRE score?
A “good” GRE score depends on your goals and the programs you’re applying to. For many graduate programs, a combined score of 310–320 is considered solid. A score in the 320–330+ range is often competitive for top-tier universities and highly selective programs, especially in business, engineering, or data science. If you’re applying to a program that’s more reading or writing focused, like international relations or public policy, a strong Verbal score (160+) matters more. For math-heavy fields, aim for a Quant score of 165+.
The Analytical Writing section is usually less emphasized, but a 4.0 or higher is generally considered good.
That said, a good score is one that matches or exceeds the average scores of admitted students at your target programs. Always check the official websites of the schools you’re applying to—they often publish score ranges or class profiles.
6. How long is the GRE?
As of 2023, the GRE is just under 2 hours (1 hour and 58 minutes), significantly shorter than the old 4-hour version.
7. What’s on the GRE?
- Verbal Reasoning: Reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence
- Quantitative Reasoning: Algebra, geometry, arithmetic, data analysis
- Analytical Writing: 1 essay (the Issue Task)
8. How is the GRE structured?
The test includes:
- 1 Analytical Writing task (30 mins)
- 2 Verbal Reasoning sections (27 questions total)
- 2 Quantitative Reasoning sections (27 questions total)
- Occasionally, 1 unscored experimental section
9. Is the GRE adaptive?
Yes. It’s section-level adaptive, meaning your performance in the first Verbal or Quant section affects the difficulty of the second section.
10. How often can I take the GRE in Dubai?
You can take the GRE in Dubai once every 21 days, up to 5 times in a 12-month period. Be sure to factor this restriction into your application timeline! We’ve had students want to take the GRE multiple times only to realize they would take the second one after the firm application deadline (some schools allow this, others don’t).
If your first score doesn’t reflect your potential, it’s perfectly normal (and smart!) to take it again. Many students improve their second time around because they’re more familiar with the test format and time pressure. That said, you don’t want to take the GRE over and over without changing your prep strategy. If you plan to retake it, spend time reviewing your results, identifying weak spots, and adjusting your study plan.
11. How do I register for the GRE in Dubai?
Go to ets.org/gre, create an account, and choose your test date, location (or at-home option), and preferred time.
12. How much does GRE cost in the UAE?
As of 2024, the GRE costs AED 808 ($220 USD) in the UAE. Additional fees apply for rescheduling or sending extra score reports.
13. Can I take the GRE at home?
Yes! The GRE at Home option is available for students with a quiet space, stable internet, and a webcam. It’s identical to the in-person test.
14. When should I take the GRE in Dubai?
Plan to take the GRE at least 3–4 months before application deadlines. This gives you time for prep and retakes if needed.
15. How long should I study for the GRE?
Most students study for 2 to 3 months, putting in 8–15 hours per week. Your timeline may vary depending on your starting level and goal score.
Here’s our detailed guidance on how long to study for the GRE.
16. What materials should I use to study?
Start with:
- ETS Official Guide to the GRE
- PowerPrep Practice Tests (free)
- Trusted platforms like Magoosh, Manhattan Prep, or Kaplan
17. Should I hire a tutor for the GRE?
A tutor can speed up your progress, help you focus on your weak areas, and give you proven test strategies. If you’re struggling with consistency or not improving, tutoring is worth considering.
Check out what we have to say about this, look at our GRE tutoring options, and then book a FREE consultation to discuss more.
18. How do I send my GRE scores to schools?
On test day, you can send scores to four schools for free. Afterward, you can send additional reports for a fee through your ETS account.
19. Can I cancel or retake the GRE in Dubai?
Yes. You can cancel your score immediately after the test (though most students don’t). You can also retake the GRE after 21 days if you’re unhappy with your score.
20. Will schools see all my scores?
ETS offers a feature called ScoreSelect, which allows you to choose which GRE scores to send to each school. That means schools only see the scores you want them to see.
ScoreSelect is a powerful feature that gives you control over which GRE scores schools see. If you’ve taken the test more than once, ScoreSelect allows you to send only your best scores, keeping lower ones private. This means you can retake the GRE without the fear of hurting your application. It’s especially helpful if you improved significantly on your second or third attempt. With ScoreSelect, you present your strongest academic profile and increase your chances of standing out. It’s a smart way to keep the focus on your strengths and give admissions teams your most competitive results.
Need Help Reaching Your GRE Goal? Let’s Get You There.
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