GRE
What is the GRE® Test?
GRE® stands for Graduate Record Examination. It is a computer-based standardized test that many graduate school programs, including business and law require as part of the admissions process.
Whether you are aiming for a Master’s or Doctoral degree, the GRE® plays a crucial role in your application process.
What Does the GRE Test?
The GRE General Test closely reflects the kind of thinking you’ll do in today’s demanding graduate school programs, including business and law.
It measures your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills — skills that have been developed over a long period of time and aren’t related to a specific field of study but are important for all.
Verbal Reasoning
- Analyze and draw conclusions from discourse; reason from incomplete data; identify author's assumptions and/or perspective; understand multiple levels of meaning, such as literal, figurative and author's intent
- Select important points; distinguish major from minor or irrelevant points; summarize text; understand the structure of a text
- Understand the meaning of individual words, sentences and entire texts; understand relationships among words and among concepts
Quantitative Reasoning
The Quantitative Reasoning section measures your ability to:
- Understand, interpret and analyze quantitative information
- Solve problems using mathematical models
- Apply basic skills and elementary concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis
Analytical Writing
The Analytical Writing section measures your ability to:
- Articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively
- Support ideas with relevant reasons and examples
- Examine claims and accompanying evidence
- Sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion
- Control the elements of standard written English It requires you to provide focused responses based on the tasks presented, so you can accurately demonstrate your skill in directly responding to a task.
Test sections and their timing
The overall testing time is about 3 hours and 45 minutes. There are six sections with a 10-minute break following the third section.
Measure | Number of Questions | Allotted Time |
Analytical Writing | One “Analyze an Issue” task and one “Analyze an Argument” task | 30 minutes per task |
Verbal Reasoning | 20 questions per section | 30 minutes per section |
Quantitative Reasoning | 20 questions per section | 35 minutes per section |
Unscored¹ | Varies | Varies |
Research² | Varies | Varies |
The Analytical Writing section will always be first. The Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and unidentified/unscored sections may appear in any order; therefore, you should treat each section as if it counts toward your score.
A Shorter GRE Test
On September 22, 2023, the GRE® General Test will be shortened from just under 4 hours to just under 2, and will report scores faster, helping you submit your applications sooner!
The shorter test will:
- Be less than 2 hours long, making it the shortest test of general skills for admission to graduate and professional programs (shorter than GMAT® exam, the GMAT Focus and the LSAT®)!
- Have 46 fewer Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning questions, helping reduce test-taking fatigue!
- Have only one Analytical Writing essay (versus two in the current version)!
- Measure the same skills and feature the same question types, so if you’ve already started prepping, you’re in GREat shape!
Test overview
Here’s what to expect for tests starting September 22, 2023.
Section | Structure | Estimated Timing |
Analytical Writing | 1 section, 1 essay task | 30 minutes |
Quantitative Reasoning | 2 sections, 27 questions total | 47 minutes |
Verbal Reasoning | 2 sections, 27 questions total | 41 minutes |
Total Time | 1 hour, 58 minutes | |
Why Should I Take the GRE Test?
- Global Recognition
The GRE is recognized by thousands of universities and institutions worldwide. By taking the GRE, you demonstrate your academic abilities in a standardized format that is respected and valued by admissions committees globally.
- Admission to Graduate Programs
The GRE is a common requirement for admission into a wide range of graduate programs, including business, engineering, social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. Scoring well on the GRE can significantly enhance your chances of gaining admission to your desired program.
- Scholarship Opportunities
Many universities offer scholarships and financial aid based on GRE scores. By performing well, you increase your chances of securing scholarships, fellowships, and financial aid, making your educational journey more affordable.
- Admissions to Prestigious Programs
Many renowned graduate programs, especially in the United States, require GRE scores for international student admissions. Achieving a competitive GRE score enhances your chances of gaining admission to top-ranked programs, opening doors to world-class education and research opportunities.
- Leveling the Playing Field
For international students, the GRE provides an objective measure of academic potential and helps bridge the gap between different educational systems. It allows international applicants to showcase their abilities on a standardized platform, putting them on an equal footing with domestic applicants.
When Can I Take the GRE Test?
The GRE is offered year-round, providing flexibility for you to select a test date that aligns with your test preparation timeline and university application deadlines. Plan ahead and register early to secure your preferred test dates.
It is important to note that registration closes 7 days before the test date subject to seat availability.
GRE Registration Test Dates in Kenya – 2023
| TEST DATE | REGISTRATION DEADLINE | LATE REGISTRATION DEADLINE |
|---|---|---|
| 12-Aug-2023 | 04-Aug-2023 | 10-Aug-2023 |
| 18-Aug-2023 | 11-Aug-2023 | 16-Aug-2023 |
| 19-Aug-2023 | 11-Aug-2023 | 17-Aug-2023 |
| 26-Aug-2023 | 18-Aug-2023 | 24-Aug-2023 |
| 28-Aug-2023 | 21-Aug-2023 | 25-Aug-2023 |
| 01-Sep-2023 | 25-Aug-2023 | 30-Aug-2023 |
| 04-Sep-2023 | 28-Aug-2023 | 01-Sep-2023 |
| 05-Sep-2023 | 29-Aug-2023 | 01-Sep-2023 |
| 06-Sep-2023 | 30-Aug-2023 | 04-Sep-2023 |
| 07-Sep-2023 | 31-Aug-2023 | 05-Sep-2023 |
| 08-Sep-2023 | 01-Sep-2023 | 06-Sep-2023 |
| 11-Sep-2023 | 04-Sep-2023 | 08-Sep-2023 |
| 12-Sep-2023 | 05-Sep-2023 | 09-Sep-2023 |
| 13-Sep-2023 | 06-Sep-2023 | 11-Sep-2023 |
| 14-Sep-2023 | 07-Sep-2023 | 12-Sep-2023 |
| 18-Sep-2023 | 11-Sep-2023 | 15-Sep-2023 |
| 19-Sep-2023 | 12-Sep-2023 | 15-Sep-2023 |
| 20-Sep-2023 | 13-Sep-2023 | 18-Sep-2023 |
| 22-Sep-2023 | 15-Sep-2023 | 20-Sep-2023 |
| 25-Sep-2023 | 18-Sep-2023 | 22-Sep-2023 |
| 26-Sep-2023 | 19-Sep-2023 | 22-Sep-2023 |
| 27-Sep-2023 | 20-Sep-2023 | 25-Sep-2023 |
How much is the GRE registration fee in Kenya?
The GRE registration fee is KES 35,000
Registration closes SEVEN days before the test date. However, if you miss the deadline, you can still register up to TWO days before the test date. A late registration fee of KES 8,000 will apply. The rescheduling fee is KES 10,700.
