GRE Topics: Your Complete 2026 Study Guide

The GRE General Test is a computer-based standardized examination that measures skills essential for success in graduate-level academic work. Unlike undergraduate admissions tests that focus on what you’ve learned in high school, the GRE evaluates higher-order thinking abilities that translate across disciplines.

In September 2023, ETS introduced a significantly shorter version of the test. The revised format takes approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes—less than half the duration of the previous version. This change was designed to reduce test-taking fatigue while maintaining the exam’s validity and reliability.

Current GRE Test Structure (2026)

Key change for 2025: The “Analyze an Argument” essay task was eliminated in the 2023 revision. The Analytical Writing section now consists of only one “Analyze an Issue” task.

The Verbal Reasoning section measures your ability to analyze written material, synthesize information, and understand relationships between words and concepts. If you’re pursuing programs in English or communications, this section carries particular weight in admissions decisions.

Reading Comprehension

Approximately half of the Verbal Reasoning questions are based on reading passages. These passages cover diverse subjects—from biological sciences and physical sciences to arts, humanities, and everyday topics. Passages range from one paragraph (around 100 words) to several paragraphs (up to 450 words).

Question types include:

• Multiple-choice with one correct answer
• Multiple-choice with multiple correct answers (you must select all that apply)
• Select-in-passage questions (highlight the sentence that answers the question)

Text Completion

These questions present sentences or short passages with one to three blanks. Your task is to select words that best complete the text. Single-blank questions offer five choices, while multiple-blank questions provide three choices per blank.

What makes these challenging isn’t just vocabulary knowledge—it’s understanding how the surrounding context shapes meaning. A strong vocabulary helps, but success really depends on your ability to identify contextual clues and logical relationships within sentences.

Sentence Equivalence

Sentence Equivalence questions consist of a single sentence with one blank and six answer choices. You must select exactly two answers that both complete the sentence meaningfully and produce sentences with similar meanings.

The twist? The two correct answers don’t need to be perfect synonyms—they just need to create equivalent sentence meanings. This tests both vocabulary depth and nuanced reading comprehension.

The Quantitative Reasoning section evaluates basic mathematical skills and your ability to reason quantitatively. For students considering engineering programs or data science degrees, strong quantitative scores can be particularly important.

Good news: the math tested is roughly at the high school level (through Algebra II and basic geometry). You won’t encounter calculus, trigonometry, or advanced proofs. The challenge lies in problem-solving speed and recognizing which concepts apply to each question.

Arithmetic Topics

• Properties of integers (divisibility, prime numbers, odd/even, remainders)
• Fractions, decimals, and percentages
• Ratios and proportions
• Exponents and roots
• Number lines and sequences
• Absolute value

Algebra Topics

• Linear and quadratic equations
• Inequalities
• Functions and their graphs
• Coordinate geometry (slope, intercepts, distance)
• Word problems involving algebraic expressions
• Systems of equations

Geometry Topics

• Properties of triangles (including special triangles: 30-60-90, 45-45-90)
• Pythagorean theorem
• Quadrilaterals, circles, and polygons
• Area, perimeter, and volume calculations
• Angle relationships and parallel lines
• Three-dimensional figures (surface area and volume)

Data Analysis Topics

• Interpreting tables, graphs, and charts
• Descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation)
• Probability and counting methods
• Permutations and combinations
• Normal distributions

The section features four distinct question formats:

Quantitative Question Types

1. Quantitative Comparison: Compare two quantities and determine which is greater (or if they’re equal, or if it can’t be determined)
2. Multiple-choice (single answer): Select one correct answer from five options
3. Multiple-choice (multiple answers): Select all correct answers from a list
4. Numeric entry: Type your answer directly (as an integer, decimal, or fraction)

Pro tip: An on-screen calculator is available during the Quantitative Reasoning section. While it handles basic operations, don’t rely on it too heavily—many problems are designed to be solved more efficiently through estimation or mental math.

The Analytical Writing section measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills. This section matters particularly for students pursuing humanities programs or any field requiring substantial written communication.

The “Analyze an Issue” Task

You’ll receive a statement on a general interest topic and instructions on how to respond. You have 30 minutes to present and support your perspective with relevant evidence and examples.

Common topic categories include:

• Education and learning
• Technology and society
• Government and politics
• Arts and culture
• Science and ethics
• Cities and communities
• Intellectual pursuits and philosophy

ETS publishes the complete pool of possible Issue topics on their website. While there are too many to prepare specific responses for each, reviewing them helps you understand the types of arguments you’ll need to construct.

AWA Scoring Criteria

Essays are scored on a 0-6 scale in half-point increments. Your essay is evaluated by both a trained human reader and an automated scoring system. A score of 4.0 is generally considered adequate for most programs, while 5.0+ is excellent.

High-scoring essays demonstrate:

• Clear articulation of a coherent position
• Well-developed supporting arguments with specific examples
• Logical organization and smooth transitions
• Command of standard written English
• Consideration of counterarguments or alternative perspectives

According to ETS interpretive data for 2024-2025, the average GRE scores are approximately 152 for Verbal Reasoning, 158 for Quantitative Reasoning, and 3.65 for Analytical Writing. But “good” is relative—what matters is how your scores compare to applicants at your target programs.

GRE Score Percentiles (2024-2025)

Note: Quantitative percentiles have been decreasing as more test-takers score higher. A score of 165 in Verbal places you in the top 5%, but the same score in Quant puts you around the 89th percentile.

As of 2024, the GRE General Test costs $220 in most countries (including the United States). This fee applies whether you take the test at a test center or at home. The GRE at Home option, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, remains available and follows identical testing protocols.

Additional Fee Considerations

• Additional Score Reports: $40 per recipient (you can send to 4 schools free on test day)
• Rescheduling Fee: $50 (must reschedule at least 4 days before test date)
• Score Reinstatement: $50 (if you canceled your scores and want them back)
• Essay Rescore: $60 (for a second review of your Analytical Writing)

ETS offers a Fee Reduction Program for eligible U.S. citizens or residents demonstrating financial need. Approved applicants pay only $100 for the GRE General Test and receive free access to preparation materials valued at over $100.

Most experts recommend 2-4 months of dedicated preparation, depending on your baseline scores and target goals. The key is structured, consistent practice rather than cramming.

Creating Your Study Plan

1. Take a diagnostic test: Start with an official ETS practice test to identify your baseline and weak areas
2. Set realistic goals: Research average scores at your target programs and set targets 2-3 points above those averages
3. Build vocabulary daily: Learn 10-20 new words daily using flashcards or apps—vocabulary takes time to stick
4. Review math fundamentals: Refresh forgotten concepts before diving into practice problems
5. Practice under timed conditions: Simulate test conditions regularly to build stamina and pacing skills
6. Review mistakes thoroughly: Understanding why you got something wrong is more valuable than doing more problems

Recommended Study Resources

Official ETS Materials (Essential):

• Official GRE Super Power Pack (includes Official Guide, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning books)
• POWERPREP Online practice tests (2 free, additional available for purchase)
• ETS GRE Math Review (free PDF covering all tested math concepts)

Third-Party Resources:

• Manhattan Prep 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems
• Magoosh GRE Prep (video lessons and practice questions)
• GregMat+ (popular affordable option with comprehensive video curriculum)

The GRE is accepted by thousands of graduate programs worldwide. While historically required primarily for academic master’s and doctoral programs, its acceptance has expanded significantly:

• Business schools: Most MBA programs now accept the GRE as an alternative to the GMAT
• Law schools: A growing number of ABA-accredited law schools accept GRE scores in lieu of the LSAT
• Medical programs: Some medical schools and health sciences programs accept GRE scores
• Scholarship applications: Many fellowships and scholarships require GRE scores for consideration

That said, the post-pandemic landscape has seen many programs become “test-optional” or drop GRE requirements entirely. Always verify current requirements with your target schools before registering.