GRE 2023: Embracing the Shift in Graduate Admissions Testing

The landscape of standardized tests for graduate admissions has experienced significant change in 2023, with Educational Testing Service (ETS) announcing a condensed format of the GRE General Test, following a similar shift in the GMAT format. In this blog post, we’ll provide further details on the GRE updates.

The Driving Force Behind the Changes

ETS, recognizing the need to improve the test-taking experience without compromising the test's rigor and validity, has chosen to streamline the GRE General Test. This reform comes with the intent of placing test-takers at the center of the process, emphasizing the evolution of ETS' commitment to a customer-centric approach.

A Closer Look: What's New in the GRE?

The GRE's refreshed format includes substantial changes, primarily in terms of time and content.

1. Analytical Writing Section
2. The Analytical Writing section will no longer include the "Analyze an Argument" task. Moreover, the unscored section will be removed. The revised section will consist of one task, requiring completion within a 30-minute time frame.
3. Quantitative Reasoning Section
4. The Quantitative Reasoning section has also been restructured. It will now comprise two sections with a total of 27 questions to be answered within 47 minutes.
5. Verbal Reasoning Section
6. Much like the Quantitative Reasoning, the Verbal Reasoning section will present 27 questions across two sections, with a total allotment of 41 minutes.

While the test's structure has been altered, one aspect that remains consistent is the scoring scales. This ensures continuity for both the test-takers and the admissions committees.

Availability of the New GRE

Test-takers can now register for the condensed GRE, which will be officially available on September 22, 2023. In terms of preparation, new official GRE test prep resources adapted to the format change will be released in September. However, the existing materials will still be relevant and applicable, given the unchanged nature of the test questions.

The Future of Standardized Testing: A Quick Peek

The ongoing changes to the GRE and GMAT reflect a broader trend in the realm of standardized testing for MBA programs. Both ETS and GMAC are working towards making their tests more streamlined and candidate-friendly. This mirrors the overall trend in business school applications, which is moving towards a more flexible and inclusive approach, including reducing the number of required essays and recommendation letters and leveraging digital platforms for events and interviews.

Navigating the Changes: A Word of Caution

Despite these promising changes, applicants must remain vigilant and thoroughly review their target schools' policies. Some programs may have specific guidelines or may not accept the new test formats for the 2023-24 application cycle.

Final Thoughts

As we prepare to embrace the streamlined GRE test format, it's essential for prospective test-takers to be proactive in adapting their preparation strategies to align with the changes and stay informed about policy changes in their target schools. As we navigate this new era of standardized testing, the focus is increasingly on creating a more candidate-focused and enjoyable testing experience. These changes mark an exciting evolution in the world of graduate admissions testing, one that promises to offer both challenges and opportunities for candidates worldwide.