GRE Exam Help Master Guide

Below is a fully current (as of February 2, 2026) master guide to the GRE General Test, with callouts where GRE Subject Tests matter. Every major section includes (1) at least one table and (2) primary-source citations.

Legend (used throughout):

• [ETS policy] = rules set by the GRE program owner (ETS).
• [Delivery partner / proctor policy] = rules enforced by the testing location/operator (test center) or remote proctoring system.
• [University discretion] = each program sets its own requirements and how scores are evaluated.

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A) GRE Overview

What the GRE is (and is not)

The GRE General Test is a standardized, computer-delivered admissions exam owned by Educational Testing Service (ETS). It’s designed to assess skills that graduate programs often expect across disciplines (reasoning with text, reasoning with numbers, writing an analytic argument).

What it is not:

• Not a test of your undergraduate major (that’s what GRE Subject Tests attempt to measure, when required).
• Not an IQ test, and not a direct predictor of research creativity; it’s a standardized signal used alongside GPA, letters, SOP, etc. (How programs use it varies.)

What it measures

The GRE General Test has three measures:

• Verbal Reasoning (reading comprehension + meaning in context)
• Quantitative Reasoning (high-school-level math + quantitative modeling)
• Analytical Writing (one “Analyze an Issue” essay)

Where it’s accepted + exceptions

ETS positions the GRE General Test as used for “graduate, business and law school.” But requirements are program-by-program:

• Some departments require GRE scores; others are test-optional or do not use them.
• Example of “no GRE required”: Massachusetts Institute of Technology EECS states it does not require GRE scores for admission purposes.
• Example of business-school flexibility: Harvard Business School states no minimum and no preference between GMAT/GRE (and publishes GRE ranges for its class profile).

Bottom line: The GRE is widely accepted, but you must verify each target program’s current policy.

GRE vs GMAT comparison

The GMAT is owned by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) and is designed specifically for business education. GMAT Focus Edition structure: 2h 15m, 64 questions, 3 sections (Quant, Verbal, Data Insights) with an optional break. GRE General Test structure: 1h 58m, 5 sections total (1 AWA + 2 Verbal + 2 Quant), no breaks.

Common misconceptions (high-impact corrections)

1. “At-home scores are labeled differently.” ETS describes at-home as identical and test-day reporting (ScoreSelect, 4 recipients) works the same.
2. “GRE Quant is calculus/trig.” ETS explicitly says it does not include trig/calculus and is generally no higher than a second algebra course; proof and inferential stats aren’t tested.
3. “The GRE has two essays.” Current GRE Analytical Writing is one 30-minute ‘Analyze an Issue’ task.
4. “Every program wants GRE Subject Tests.” Many don’t; and even GRE General may be unused—policy is departmental.

A) Comparison table: GRE vs GMAT + test-optional considerations

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B) Eligibility & Requirements (Location-Specific)

ID requirements and name matching

[ETS policy] You must bring valid, acceptable ID; ID rules vary by test country and citizenship; the name on your ID must match your ETS account/registration (test center and at home).

Key accuracy rule: Name matching is enforced at check-in.

Test-center vs at-home availability

[ETS policy] At-home testing is offered everywhere the test is normally available, based on the country of your ETS account address; at-home appointments are available 24/7.

Mainland China has separate instructions (takethegre.cn) for at-home.

Accommodations: types, process, documentation, timelines, approval risks

[ETS policy] You must have accommodations approved before scheduling; accommodations can’t be applied to an already scheduled test.

Timelines (ETS guidance):

• Review may take ~4–6 weeks after complete paperwork is received.
• If ETS requests additional documentation, add ~2–4 more weeks after new docs are received.

Common accommodation types include extended time (25/50/100%), extra breaks, screen magnification/colors, screen reader (JAWS), human reader/scribe, interpreters, and alternate formats (braille/large print/audio).

Approval risks (what causes delay/denial): incomplete paperwork, missing rationale linking functional limitations to requested accommodations, or requesting items that would violate test construct/security (ETS notes accommodations granted if they do not violate construct/security).

Special cases: international candidates, name changes, rescheduling/cancel rules

• International: ID requirements vary; do not assume “passport always works” without checking ETS for your country/citizenship combination.
• Reschedule/cancel: fees vary by location; cancellation refund rules and deadlines are specified by ETS (often via the GRE Information Bulletin).
• At-home compliance risk: if your equipment/room doesn’t meet requirements on test day, ETS states you can be unable to test and receive no refund/free reschedule.

B) Requirements table (what to verify by scenario)

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C) Exam Sections & Content Blueprint (GRE-Correct)

GRE General Test: overall mechanics you must understand first

Adaptivity mechanics (verify)

[ETS policy] The GRE General Test is section-level adaptive for Verbal and Quant: your performance on the first section of a measure influences the difficulty of the second section of that measure.

Digital navigation & review behavior

[ETS policy] Within a section, you can skip, return, and change answers (computer-delivered format).

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Verbal Reasoning

Skills tested

ETS frames Verbal as analyzing and evaluating written material, synthesizing information, and analyzing relationships among component parts of sentences.

Question types (ETS)

• Reading Comprehension
• Text Completion
• Sentence Equivalence

Trap patterns (practical, non-copyrighted)

Common Verbal traps map to predictable cognitive errors:

• Scope shift (answer goes broader/narrower than passage)
• Extreme language (“always/never”) unsupported by passage
• Word-matching (answer repeats passage words but changes meaning)
• Logic reversal (cause/effect swapped)

High-yield concepts

• Passage structure (main point, author attitude, function questions)
• Vocab-in-context (esp. for Text Completion / Sentence Equivalence)

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Quantitative Reasoning

Skills tested

ETS emphasizes basic math skills, elementary concepts, and quantitative modeling/problem solving.

Content areas (ETS blueprint)

• Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis ETS explicitly notes: no trig/calculus; proof not tested; inferential statistics not tested.

Question types (ETS)

• Quantitative Comparison
• Multiple Choice (select one)
• Multiple Choice (select one or more)

• Numeric Entry

• Data Interpretation sets

Trap patterns

• Hidden constraints (integer/positive/“distinct”)
• QC “cannot be determined” overuse
• Algebraic simplification error under time pressure
• Data interpretation unit traps (percent vs percentage points)

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Analytical Writing (AWA)

Skills tested

Critical thinking + analytic writing: articulate/support complex ideas, construct arguments, sustain coherent discussion.

Task format (current)

AWA consists of one 30-minute “Analyze an Issue” task. ETS provides the full Issue Topic pool used to draw prompts.

Tools

ETS word processor: basic editing only; no spellchecker/grammar checker.

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C) Section blueprint table (timing, counts, and what to master)

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D) Exam Format, Timing & Delivery

Digital format

[ETS policy] The current GRE General Test is computer-delivered and designed for on-screen navigation (skip/review/change within section).

Exact section timing + breaks (verify)

Total testing time: 1 hour 58 minutes. Breaks: ETS states there are no breaks (test center and at home).

Check-in minute-by-minute (center vs at-home)

Test center: what happens (high-confidence sequence)

• Arrive ≥30 minutes early for check-in.
• ID verification + photo + potential inspections (pockets, sleeves, metal detector, glasses inspection), confidentiality agreement.
• No breaks; if you take an unscheduled break, the clock does not stop.

At-home: what happens (high-confidence sequence)

• Start check-in 15 minutes before your appointment via the special “At Home Check-In” link; you can connect to a proctor starting 5 minutes before up to 15 minutes after your scheduled time.
• Expect ~20–30 minutes for check-in: ID verification, room scan, screen scan, possibly voice sample, and (as of 2026) second-camera setup.
• Test session is recorded/monitored by a human proctor; no breaks; unscheduled breaks are not permitted.

Tech requirements and common failure points + fixes (at-home)

At-home requirements (selected “musts”):

• Desktop/laptop only; no tablets/Chromebooks/mobile; no dual monitors; OS requirements (Mac OS X 11+; Windows; Chrome).
• Second camera effective January 5, 2026: charged smartphone/tablet camera (iOS 12+/Android 8+), stable internet, stand.
• Note-taking: whiteboard OR sheet protector + erasable marker; no regular paper.

D) Delivery table (test center vs at-home: operational differences)

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E) Scoring & Interpretation

Score scales + subscores (verify)

[ETS policy]

• Verbal Reasoning: 130–170 (1-point increments)
• Quantitative Reasoning: 130–170 (1-point increments)
• Analytical Writing: 0–6 (0.5-point increments)

Percentiles explained (how to use them correctly)

Percentiles show how your score compares to other test takers in ETS’s percentile tables (updated periodically). Use percentiles when comparing across cohorts or when programs publish ranges.

How programs evaluate GRE scores

[University discretion] Programs decide:

• Whether they require scores at all (some may not use them).
• How they weight scores vs GPA/research/work experience. ETS provides guidance for score users on interpretation and appropriate use.

Practical reality examples:

• MIT EECS explicitly does not require/use GRE in its process (unless specific subprograms require).
• HBS reports it has no preference between GRE/GMAT and publishes GRE score ranges.

ScoreSelect / sending scores rules (verify)

[ETS policy]

• On test day, if you choose to report scores, you can designate up to 4 recipients included in your test fee and choose ScoreSelect option (Most Recent or All).
• If you don’t select recipients on test day, you can order additional score reports later for a fee.
• Additional score report fee: $40 (ETS fee page).

Score validity duration (verify)

GRE scores are valid for 5 years (ScoreSelect/score reporting pages state this).

Retake rules and limits (verify)

[ETS policy] You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to 5 times within any continuous rolling 12-month period.

E) Scoring interpretation table (what to do with a score)

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F) Registration & Scheduling (Step-by-Step)

ETS account creation

[ETS policy] You register via your ETS account (MyGRE). ETS’s “What You Need to Know” document points test takers to ETS account steps and official prep resources.

Choosing dates strategically (decision logic)

Pick a test date by working backward from deadlines:

1. Application deadline (and any scholarship deadlines)
2. Buffer for score reporting (don’t rely on the fastest case; plan conservatively)
3. Buffer for a retake window (21-day spacing; and you may want 6–10 weeks of improvement time if you miss target)

(ETS provides retake spacing rules; your program controls deadlines.)

Registering at-home vs center

At-home key constraints (must be true on test day): equipment + room + second camera (as of Jan 5, 2026). Test center: arrive early, bring only permitted items, and follow center security rules.

Rescheduling/cancellation deadlines and fees (verify)

Fees (ETS):

• Reschedule fee: $55 (most locations)
• Cancellation refund: ETS bulletin indicates must cancel no later than 4 days before test date (10 days in Mainland China) to receive a refund equal to half the test fee.

Avoiding common registration mistakes

• Name mismatch between ETS account and ID (most common preventable denial).
• Scheduling before accommodations are approved (can’t be applied afterward).
• At-home: failing equipment check / second camera readiness → may lose fee.

F) Step-by-step registration table (minimal error workflow)

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G) Costs, Fees & Budgeting

Test fee, reschedule fee, score report fees (verify)

[ETS policy] GRE fees vary by location; ETS lists:

• GRE General Test fee: $220 (most locations), with country-specific examples like $228 (India), $237 (Nigeria), $231.30 (China).
• Reschedule fee: $55 (most locations).
• Additional score reports: $40 each.
• Score review (AWA): $60.

Prep costs and hidden costs

Official prep: ETS notes official prep offerings exist (including free/paid). ETS’s “What You Need to Know” describes official prep offerings and points to ETS resources.

Hidden/commonly missed costs (verify per person):

• Extra score reports beyond the free four (if you don’t select on test day).
• Travel costs to test center; at-home requires compliant equipment + second camera device.

Fee reduction programs (verify)

ETS offers a GRE Fee Reduction Program with eligibility rules and benefit details on ETS’s page.

G) Budget template table (copy/paste planning)

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H) Prep Strategy (Beginner → Elite)

This section is grounded in (1) ETS’s official blueprint/format and (2) cognitive-science evidence on what study methods work best.

Diagnostic + baseline interpretation

Your diagnostic goal is not a score—it's a profile:

• Timing stability (did you finish sections?)
• Error types (concept gap vs trap vs pacing)
• Section-level adaptivity sensitivity (did your second section feel harder/easier?)

ETS provides official preparation pathways and official materials; you should prioritize ETS-authentic formats for diagnostics.

Evidence-based study principles (what actually moves scores)

A major review in Psychological Science in the Public Interest finds practice testing and distributed practice (spacing) are among the highest-utility learning techniques, while popular low-efficiency habits (e.g., rereading/highlighting) tend to be lower utility.

Translated to GRE prep:

• Do timed retrieval (mixed practice sets + full sections).
• Space concepts across weeks (don’t “finish geometry” once and never revisit).
• Use deep review + error logs (your error log is your “curriculum”).

Study plans: 2w / 4w / 8w / 12w+

Below are practical templates. Adjust based on baseline and target.

2-week “Emergency” plan (score stabilization)

• Purpose: reduce careless errors, learn core traps, get timing under control.
• Best for: already near target; deadline soon.

4-week plan (fast improvement)

• Purpose: fix 3–5 core quant gaps + stabilize verbal accuracy.

8-week plan (typical serious prep)

• Purpose: rebuild quant foundations + systematic verbal reading/vocab.

12w+ (elite outcomes / big jumps)

• Purpose: deep mastery + repeated full-test simulation, especially for high Quant/Verbal targets.

Daily schedules: 30/60/120 minutes

• 30 min/day: maintenance + vocab retrieval + 1 timed mini-set + quick error log
• 60 min/day: 1 timed set + deep review + 10–15 min vocab
• 120 min/day: 1–2 timed sets + deep review + skill drill + vocab + writing rotation

Practice test cadence and deep review methodology

Deep review > volume. Use the “2-pass review”:

1. Immediate pass: identify why you missed it (concept/trap/timing).
2. Delayed pass (48–72h): redo without seeing solution; confirm the fix.

This aligns with retrieval and spacing principles supported in cognitive-science review work.

Error-log framework (copyable)

Track each miss with:

• Section + question type (e.g., QC, Text Completion)
• Skill tag (e.g., ratios, modifiers, passage inference)
• Root cause: concept / setup / algebra / trap / pacing / comprehension
• “Fix rule”: the one-sentence rule you will apply next time
• Re-drill date (spaced)

Plateau-breaking strategies (when scores stall)

Plateaus often mean you’re stuck in one of these:

• You’re not doing enough timed work (skills don’t transfer under time pressure).
• You’re not doing enough mixed work (you’re over-blocking).
• Your review is too shallow (you “understand” but can’t reproduce).

The Dunlosky review supports shifting toward higher-utility strategies like practice testing and spacing when progress stalls.

H) Study plan table (choose your track)

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I) Section-by-Section High-ROI Strategies

Verbal: vocab strategy + reading strategy

Vocab (high ROI, evidence-aligned)

• Build vocab through retrieval (flashcards with forced recall) and spacing (review cycles). This matches high-utility learning strategies (practice testing/distributed practice).
• Focus on vocab-in-context, because Verbal tasks (Text Completion/Sentence Equivalence) reward meaning and logical fit.

Reading (the GRE-specific skill)

For Reading Comprehension:

• Always identify: main point, purpose, tone, and role of each paragraph.
• Predict before looking at answers to avoid word-matching traps.

ETS confirms RC is a core Verbal question type.

Quant: foundations + speed + accuracy

Foundations (what ETS actually tests)

Build mastery around ETS’s 4 content buckets and common assumptions:

• Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis
• Remember ETS’s figure conventions: not drawn to scale; coordinate axes/graphs are drawn to scale.

Speed + accuracy

• Train Quantitative Comparison as a logic task: plug numbers, simplify comparison, search for counterexamples. ETS provides specific QC tips like “plug in numbers” and cautions about “cannot be determined.”

Analytical Writing: structure + scoring rubric alignment (verify)

What you’re writing

One 30-minute “Analyze an Issue” essay.

What scorers look for (alignment)

ETS states AWA assesses critical thinking and analytical writing (argument, coherence, support).

High-ROI template (practical)

• Intro: your position + 2–3 reasons (thesis)
• Body paragraphs: reason → example → explain → link back to thesis
• Counterpoint: acknowledge a reasonable objection; rebut
• Conclusion: synthesis (not repetition)

“Top 25 mistakes” with fixes (actionable)

Below is a compact, fix-focused list.

I) Top mistakes table (25 fixes)

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J) Official Resources & High-Quality Prep

ETS official materials + how to verify freshness

Priority rule: Use ETS for anything involving format fidelity, scoring, policies, and question style.

ETS publishes:

• Official format/structure pages
• Official content blueprints for Verbal/Quant/AWA
• Official scoring + percentile interpretation documents
• Official fees and services

Freshness verification checklist (ETS):

• Confirm page reflects post–September 22, 2023 “shorter GRE” (1h58; 1 Issue essay).
• For at-home: confirm the Jan 5, 2026 second-camera requirement.

How to identify outdated/misleading prep

Red flags:

• Mentions two essays (outdated).
• Mentions a 10-minute break on current GRE General Test (ETS states no breaks).
• Teaches trig/calc as GRE Quant content (ETS explicitly excludes).

Red flags in prep providers

• No ETS-style questions, no timing simulation, no error-log system, no section-level adaptivity practice.
• Over-indexing on “tips” instead of timed practice testing (contrary to high-utility learning evidence).

J) Resource quality table (what to use and why)

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K) Test-Day Strategy & Anxiety Control

Sleep/nutrition basics

Non-medical, common-sense priorities: stable sleep schedule, hydration, and a meal that won’t spike anxiety. (For medical issues, follow clinician guidance.) Test-day constraints matter more on GRE because there are no breaks (so you can’t rely on snack/bathroom resets).

Pacing rules and guessing strategy (GRE-specific)

Because pacing is tight:

• Verbal: 18 min / 12 Q ≈ 90 sec per question average
• Quant: 21 min / 12 Q ≈ 105 sec per question average

Practical guessing rule: If you’re >2x the average time and not close, guess strategically and move—section-level adaptivity rewards finishing with fewer blanks/rapid guesses at the end.

Psychological resets (10–20 seconds)

• “Hands off mouse” + one breath + re-read the final question line.
• Label the task: “This is a main-point RC” / “This is QC; I will plug numbers.”

What to do if tech fails (policy + escalation—verify)

At home

• If you lose internet momentarily, ETS states you’ll be automatically reconnected; if exam can be reopened, proctor will do so; if you can’t reconnect, reinitiate check-in.
• If your equipment/room fails requirements on test day, ETS warns you may not be able to test and may not receive refund/reschedule.

Test center

• If the session is canceled/delayed beyond ETS control, ETS indicates you’ll be offered a free reschedule or full refund (and possible reimbursement for reasonable documented travel expenses).

K) Test-day action table (center vs at-home)

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L) After the GRE: Admissions Strategy

When to send scores

[ETS policy] On test day, if you report scores, you can send up to four recipients and choose ScoreSelect (Most Recent or All). [University discretion] Some programs want all scores; others don’t specify; always follow the program’s instructions.

Strategy:

• If you have a strong attempt, send on test day to save $40/report.
• If you plan to retake soon, consider holding recipients and using ScoreSelect later (if program allows).

Retake decision framework (when it helps vs hurts)

[ETS policy] You can retake every 21 days, up to 5 times in 12 months. [University discretion] Many programs consider best score(s); some may consider all attempts. You must verify.

Retake helps when:

• You’re below your target percentile band and your errors are diagnosable/fixable (concept gaps, pacing).
• You had a disrupted test day (tech issues, illness)—but confirm policies for score reporting/cancellation.

Retake can be diminishing returns when:

• You’re already in your program’s typical range and improvements require large time investment better spent on research/SOP/portfolio.
• Your plateau indicates a strategy failure (no timed practice testing/spacing).

Timeline planning for applications

Work backwards:

• Program deadlines (department website)
• Score reporting buffer
• Retake spacing window (21 days)
• Prep runway (8–12 weeks if you need big movement)

Department-level policies differ: MIT graduate admissions notes departments determine GRE policy.

Scholarship leverage and portfolio alignment

[University discretion] Scholarships/funding decisions vary; in research programs, publications/research fit can dominate; in professional programs, quant readiness and profile strength may dominate.

Use GRE strategically as risk reduction:

• If GPA is uneven, a strong GRE can help demonstrate readiness (if the program uses it).
• If program ignores GRE, do not overinvest.

L) After-test strategy table (decisions that matter)

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N) Location Guide

To make this guide fully actionable for you, reply with:

1. Country (and city if you want test-center advice)
2. Target programs (e.g., MS CS, MBA, PhD Econ) + school list if you have it
3. Application deadlines (month/day/year)
4. Baseline GRE (or diagnostic V/Q/AWA)
5. Target score (overall + any section minima)

Exact ETS + provider pages to verify (use these in your country-specific check)

Start with these official pages (then follow your location prompts inside ETS/GMAC systems):

• GRE structure/timing: ETS “test structure” page (1h58, section timing).
• Test-center test day rules (no breaks, arrival time, ID match):
• At-home requirements (equipment + Jan 5, 2026 second camera):
• At-home test day procedures (check-in timing, reconnection guidance):
• ID requirements (country-specific):
• Fees by country + services:
• Accommodations bulletin supplement (timelines, process):
• Program policy example: MIT standardized tests page (departments decide).

Testing-provider note (test center): ETS accommodation materials reference permissible-items rules hosted by Prometric, indicating test-center operational policies may involve Prometric procedures in some contexts—verify your specific center in your registration confirmation and local instructions.

Verification checklist (copy/paste)

Use this the week you schedule:

1. ✅ Program policy: Required/optional/not used? (department page)
2. ✅ Test type: GRE General vs Subject (if required)
3. ✅ ID: acceptable + exact name match in ETS account
4. ✅ Delivery: at-home vs center chosen for reliability
5. ✅ At-home only: equipment check passed + second camera ready (Jan 5, 2026+)
6. ✅ Fees: confirm your country’s test fee + reschedule/cancel rules
7. ✅ Score sending plan: pick 4 recipients and ScoreSelect choice on test day (if reporting)
8. ✅ Retake buffer: 21-day spacing and enough prep runway

N) Location guide table (what I will build once you reply)

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Below is a fully worked, very detailed answer set to all 80 FAQs in the exact list you gave. I’ll separate ETS policy vs test-center/at‑home procedure vs program discretion wherever relevant, and I’ll flag where rules differ by location (notably Mainland China).

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Format & timing (FAQs 1–8)

Key facts snapshot (current GRE General Test format)

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1) How long is the GRE General Test now?

ETS policy (current format, effective Sept 22, 2023):

• The GRE General Test is about 1 hour and 58 minutes.

What that includes

• Analytical Writing (Issue): 30 minutes
• Verbal Reasoning: 2 sections totaling 41 minutes
• Quantitative Reasoning: 2 sections totaling 47 minutes

Why you may see longer times online

• Before September 22, 2023, the GRE was ~3h45m and included a scheduled 10-minute break plus an unscored/research section. ETS still documents the “before Sept 22, 2023” format separately.

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2) What sections are on the current GRE?

ETS policy: 5 sections total

1. Analytical Writing: 1 “Analyze an Issue” task (30 min)
2. Verbal Reasoning: Section 1 (12 Q, 18 min)
3. Verbal Reasoning: Section 2 (15 Q, 23 min)
4. Quantitative Reasoning: Section 1 (12 Q, 21 min)
5. Quantitative Reasoning: Section 2 (15 Q, 26 min)

Total scored questions

• Verbal: 12 + 15 = 27
• Quant: 12 + 15 = 27
• Total Verbal+Quant questions = 54 (plus 1 essay).

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3) Does the GRE still have an unscored/experimental section?

For the shorter GRE (Sept 22, 2023 onward):

• ETS states the unscored section and scheduled break have been eliminated. So, for the current shorter test, you should plan for only the 5 sections listed above.

Why ETS pages still mention “unscored/research” sometimes

• ETS also describes the pre–Sept 22, 2023 format (which had an unscored/research section). If you encounter references to an unscored section, verify whether the page is describing the older format.

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4) Is there a scheduled break?

ETS policy

• No. The shorter GRE has no scheduled break.

Important nuance: test center vs at-home

• Test center: If you take an unscheduled break, the clock does not stop.
• At home: Unscheduled breaks are not permitted.

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5) Can I take unscheduled breaks?

Test center procedure

• You can step away, but ETS warns: if you take an unscheduled break, testing time will not stop. So you are sacrificing scored time.

At-home procedure

• ETS states: Unscheduled breaks during the at-home test are not permitted.

If you need breaks for a health reason

• That’s an accommodations/health-related-need pathway (see FAQs 33–36 & 76).

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6) Does section order vary?

ETS policy

• Analytical Writing is always first.
• Verbal and Quant sections may appear in any order after AWA.

What this means operationally

• You should be prepared to do either Quant or Verbal immediately after your essay (no warm-up section choice).

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7) Is the GRE question-adaptive or section-adaptive?

ETS policy: Section-level adaptive (Verbal & Quant)

• The first section of each measure is average difficulty.
• The second section difficulty depends on your overall performance on the first section of that measure.

Scoring implication (high stakes)

• ETS explicitly states scoring considers:

• total number of questions answered correctly across the two sections and

• the difficulty level of the sections.

Practical implication

• Your goal is not just “get as many as possible.” It’s “maximize correct answers while positioning yourself for a higher-difficulty second section.”

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8) Are calculators allowed?

ETS policy

• The GRE provides an on-screen calculator in the Quant sections.

What you cannot do

• You generally cannot bring/use your own calculator (test security rules). The operational model is: use the built-in tool.

Strategy

• Treat the on-screen calculator as a verification tool (arithmetic/decimals) rather than a primary engine—overuse costs time.

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Scoring & score delivery (FAQs 9–14)

Key facts snapshot

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9) What are the score ranges?

ETS policy

• Verbal Reasoning: 130–170 (1-point increments)
• Quantitative Reasoning: 130–170 (1-point increments)
• Analytical Writing: 0–6 (half-point increments)

Important: No “total score” beyond V+Q

• Programs often refer informally to a “total” out of 340 (V+Q), but AWA is separate and not part of that combined number. (ETS reports the three measures separately.)

What NS means

• ETS notes that if you don’t answer at least one question within a measure, an NS (No Score) is reported for that measure.

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10) When do I see my scores?

Test-day (unofficial)

• At the end of the test, if you choose to report scores, you can view unofficial Verbal and Quant scores immediately.
• You do not see AWA immediately (essay scoring takes longer).

If you cancel scores

• You will not see/send reportable scores; score cancellation mechanics are discussed in ETS materials and the Bulletin (and reinstatement exists with a fee).

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11) When do official scores arrive?

ETS policy

• Official GRE scores are delivered within 8–10 calendar days (shorter test improvement vs older 10–15).

Practical planning rule

• If your application deadline is strict, build in buffer for:

• score processing (8–10 days),

• school intake processing time (varies by institution).

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12) How long are scores valid?

ETS policy

• GRE scores are reportable for five years following your test date.

Important distinction

• ETS’s “reportable” window controls whether ETS will send scores.
• Some universities may have their own internal acceptance rules (e.g., “tests taken on/after X date”), but that is program discretion, not ETS policy.

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13) What does “equating” mean?

ETS psychometrics (concept, simplified)

• Equating is the statistical process ETS uses to ensure scores are comparable across different test forms (so a 160 in one form represents comparable performance to a 160 in another). ETS emphasizes comparability and reliability in the shorter-test documentation.

What this means for you

• You should not worry about “getting a harder test” in a way that unfairly lowers your score; the system is designed to correct for form differences.

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14) Are percentiles updated?

ETS policy

• ETS updates interpretive information annually (e.g., “Interpreting Your GRE Scores: 2025–26”).
• ETS percentile tables are based on a defined multi‑year reference group (example: July 1, 2021–June 30, 2024).

Practical implication

• A score (e.g., 160Q) can map to slightly different percentiles across years because the testing population shifts. Always use the latest ETS interpretive data for current percentiles.

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ScoreSelect & reporting (FAQs 15–18)

Key facts snapshot

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15) How many free score reports do I get?

ETS policy

• You can designate up to four score recipients as part of your test fee on test day.

If you skip choosing on test day

• You can still send scores later, but you’ll pay for Additional Score Reports (ASRs). ETS lists ASRs as $40 per recipient (all other areas; see fee table).

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16) What is ScoreSelect and how does it work?

ETS policy

• ScoreSelect lets you choose which scores ETS sends:

• Most Recent scores,

• All scores, or
• Any scores (by specific test date(s), when sending later).

Where you choose

• On test day, you choose recipients and a ScoreSelect option (ETS notes “Most Recent or All” at that moment).
• After test day (when ordering ASRs), you can use the broader ScoreSelect selection rules described by ETS.

Strategic best practice

• If you are uncertain about performance, avoid “All scores” unless you have a program-specific reason to send all.

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17) Can programs require all scores?

Program discretion

• Yes, a program can set its own admissions policy (e.g., request all attempts, or treat the highest, or superscore if they choose). ETS provides the delivery mechanism; schools control evaluation rules.

What you do in practice

• Read the program’s test-score instructions carefully:

• If they explicitly want all attempts, comply.

• If they accept ScoreSelect, you can strategically send your best set.

(Example of how programs can vary by department: MIT Office of Graduate Education notes GRE requirements are program/department-specific.)

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18) Can I send scores before my application is ready?

Yes—usually, and often smart

• ETS can send scores independently of your application submission timeline; schools typically match official scores to your application later.

Two operational cautions

1. Name matching: Ensure your application name and ETS name match your ID and what ETS sends (see FAQs 30–32).
2. Score validity window: If scores are older than 5 years, ETS won’t send them.

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Retakes (FAQs 19–21)

Key facts snapshot

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19) How often can I retake?

ETS policy

• You can take the GRE General Test once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12‑month period (365 days).

Planning implication

• If you’re aiming for 2–3 attempts, you must back-calculate:

• Attempt 1 (baseline),

• +21 days minimum for attempt 2,
• +21 days minimum for attempt 3,
• plus the 8–10 day score delivery each time.

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20) Do canceled scores count toward the retake limit?

ETS policy

• Yes. ETS explicitly says the retake policy applies even if you canceled your scores previously.

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21) Should I retake if my score is “good enough”?

This is not ETS policy; it’s strategy based on opportunity cost and program competitiveness.

A practical retake decision framework Retake is usually worth it if all are true:

1. Your score is meaningfully below a target program’s typical range (or below where you need it for scholarship leverage).
2. You have at least 4–6 weeks of high-quality prep time (or you have a clearly identified weakness you can fix fast).
3. Your practice tests show a reliable higher score (not a single lucky run).
4. You can still meet application deadlines given 8–10 day official score timing.

Retake may be low-value if

• You’re already in-range and other parts of your application are the bottleneck (research fit, SOP, GPA trend, etc.).
• You’ve plateaued and cannot identify a specific skill gap.

Important: fewer questions means each question matters more

• ETS notes that because the test is shorter and scales are unchanged, each question counts more. That can increase both upside and volatility—another reason to retake only when you have a concrete improvement plan.

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At-home vs test center (FAQs 22–29)

Key facts snapshot

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22) Is the at-home GRE identical to test-center?

ETS policy

• ETS offers the GRE in both test centers and at home for the shorter test.
• Content/sections are the same structure; the main differences are security procedures and environment rules.

What “identical” really means

• Same measures & scoring scales (V/Q 130–170; AWA 0–6).

• Different operational constraints:

• at-home: strict environment + no breaks,

• test center: physical security checks + clock runs if you leave.

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23) What are the tech requirements?

ETS at-home requirements are enforced via the pre-test Equipment Check

• ETS requires you to install and use the ETS Secure Browser and pass the equipment check before the appointment.
• You must ensure networks allow required proctoring/screen-sharing; some work/university networks can block it.

Critical: second camera

• ETS instructs you to set up a second camera during check-in for at-home testing.

Risk control checklist (do this 24–48 hours before)

• Run ETS equipment check at the same time of day you’ll test.
• Disable remote access/screen-sharing tools; keep them disabled.
• Use a stable private network; avoid corporate VPNs.

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24) What room setup rules matter most?

At-home “musts” (ETS procedure)

• Quiet, well-lit room; desk area cleared.
• Door visible to proctor; you must be alone and not visible to others (and others must not see you).
• Ears/face visible; no face mask during check-in or session; religious headwear allowed if ears remain visible.

High-risk mistakes

• Someone enters room.
• You look away repeatedly (proctor can treat as suspicious).
• Unauthorized materials appear (notes/phone).

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25) Can I use scratch paper at home?

ETS policy for at-home

• ETS allows erasable note-taking materials (e.g., whiteboard or plastic transparency sheet) that can be erased in view of the proctor.
• At the end, you must erase and show both sides on camera.

So: regular paper is not the default

• If you want paper due to disability/health need, that would be an accommodations pathway.

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26) What happens if my internet drops?

ETS at-home procedure

• If internet drops momentarily, ETS says you’ll be automatically reconnected when connection is restored; if the exam can be reopened, the proctor will do so.
• If you can’t reconnect, ETS instructs you to reinitiate the check-in process.

What you should do

1. Speak out loud or use chat to notify the proctor immediately.
2. Do not touch prohibited apps or devices “to fix it” unless the proctor directs you.
3. If you fully disconnect: follow ETS re-check-in instructions.

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27) Are breaks allowed at home?

ETS at-home rule

• No. “There are no breaks. Unscheduled breaks during the at-home test are not permitted.”

If you anticipate needing breaks

• Strongly consider:

• testing at a center (where you can take an unscheduled break but clock runs), or

• pursuing accommodations if medically justified.

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28) Are headphones allowed?

ETS at-home rule (very explicit)

• ETS says to ignore references to headsets; headsets are not allowed for the GRE General Test at home.

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29) What about testing in Mainland China?

ETS location-specific handling

• ETS fees differ for China (e.g., China test fee and China rescheduling fee are listed separately).
• ETS also directs Mainland China test takers to location-specific sites/policies.

Practical rule

• Treat Mainland China as a “special policy jurisdiction”:

• Confirm registration channel and deadlines on the China-specific ETS/partner site.

• Do not assume “all other areas” rules automatically apply.

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ID & security (FAQs 30–32)

Key facts snapshot

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30) What ID is required?

ETS policy

• ID rules vary depending on your country of citizenship and where you plan to test; you must bring acceptable ID each time you test.

At-home

• You show your ID to the proctor during check-in; same name-matching requirement applies.

Best practice

• Go to ETS’s ID requirements page for your specific country and follow it literally (document type, expiry rules, etc.). (ETS points to acceptable ID pages from test-day instructions.)

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31) What if my name doesn’t match?

ETS rule

• Test center: the ID must exactly match the name used to register (excluding accents). If you arrive with mismatch, you risk being denied and forfeiting fees.
• At-home: ETS states “the name on your ID must match the name on your account.”

Action steps (do this before test day)

1. In your ETS account, fix the name to exactly match your ID.
2. Do not assume “close enough” will pass; security is strict.

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32) Can I wear a mask or religious head covering?

Test center

• Masks: ETS test centers are encouraged to follow local guidelines; you’re permitted to wear a mask if you wish.

At-home

• ETS states face masks may not be worn during check-in or any part of the at-home session.
• Religious headwear is permitted if ears remain visible.

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Accommodations (FAQs 33–36)

Key facts snapshot

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33) What accommodations exist?

ETS policy (high-level)

• ETS offers accommodations for disabilities and health-related needs; examples can include extra breaks for documented health needs (like medication/snacks), among other adjustments.

How to think about accommodations

• There are typically two buckets:

• “Minor accommodations” / health-related needs (e.g., extra breaks for medication/snacks).

• Disability accommodations (e.g., extended time, alternate formats, etc.), which require documentation under ETS procedures.

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34) How long does approval take?

ETS policy

• ETS says documentation review takes approximately 4–6 weeks once your request and complete paperwork are received.
• If ETS requests additional documentation, it can add another 2–4 weeks after the new documentation is received.

Practical reality

• If your deadlines are close, accommodations can be worth pursuing—but only if you start early enough. Otherwise you may run out of time and be forced into a standard appointment.

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35) Can I apply after I register?

ETS rule

• You must have accommodations approved before scheduling; accommodations cannot be applied to a test that has already been scheduled.

So the correct sequence is

1. Submit accommodation request + documentation
2. Wait for approval
3. Then schedule the test with accommodations applied

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36) What documentation is needed?

ETS policy

• ETS requires completed forms and documentation per the Bulletin Supplement; ETS strongly encourages using the online request process in your ETS account.

Best practice to reduce risk of delays

• Submit complete documentation the first time.
• If you’re unsure whether a document meets ETS standards, consult the Bulletin Supplement guidance (ETS publishes it as a PDF).

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Content & blueprint (FAQs 37–41)

Key facts snapshot (ETS content categories)

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37) What math topics are on Quant?

ETS content statement

• ETS says Quant measures your ability to apply basic skills and elementary concepts of:

• arithmetic

• algebra
• geometry
• data analysis It also emphasizes understanding/interpreting quantitative information and solving problems using mathematical models.

Practical study implication

• Don’t chase advanced topics. The GRE rewards:

• algebraic manipulation,

• proportion/rate reasoning,
• geometry fundamentals,
• statistics/probability and interpretation of graphs/tables.

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38) Is there geometry?

Yes. ETS explicitly includes geometry

• ETS lists geometry among the core concept areas for Quant.

What that usually means (high-yield)

• Triangles, circles, coordinate geometry basics, area/volume, angles, similar figures—at a reasoning level, not a memorization contest.

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39) Is there calculus?

ETS framing

• ETS describes Quant as elementary math concepts and basic skills (arithmetic/algebra/geometry/data analysis). So calculus is not part of the standard content framing.

Practical takeaway

• Time spent on calculus is almost always low ROI compared to strengthening algebra, geometry, and data analysis.

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40) What verbal question types exist?

ETS policy

• ETS states Verbal contains three types:

• Reading Comprehension

• Text Completion
• Sentence Equivalence

Practical implication

• Your prep should be built around these three—and not around “random vocabulary drills” alone.

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41) Is vocab still important?

Yes—because it’s embedded in two of the three verbal question types

• ETS says about half the Verbal measure is passage-based (RC), and the other half is completing/interpreting sentences/paragraphs (TC/SE).

What “vocab” means on GRE

• Not rare trivia words only—also:

• tone/stance vocabulary,

• logical connectors,
• precise words that flip meaning (e.g., “mitigate,” “equivocal,” “countervailing”).

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Logistics & fees (FAQs 42–45)

Key facts snapshot

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42) How much does the GRE cost?

ETS policy

• Test fee:

• $220 (all other areas)

• $231.30 (China)
• ETS notes fees are effective July 1, 2024 and may change.

Important

• Local taxes may apply depending on jurisdiction (ETS explains tax handling).

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43) Reschedule/cancel fees and deadlines?

Rescheduling

• ETS charges a rescheduling fee:

• $55 (all other areas)

• $53.90 (China)
• ETS’s Information Bulletin includes the rule that rescheduling must be done no later than four days before the appointment (and location exceptions can exist).

Cancellation / refunds

• ETS’s published payment terms (example shown on ETS India site) state:

• Cancel no later than 4 days before the test date to receive a refund equivalent to 50% of the test fee.

• ETS also points test takers to the GRE Information Bulletin for refund policies.

Critical action rule

• Treat “4 days before” as four full days, not “96 hours,” unless your local ETS page states otherwise.
• Always verify the exact deadline inside your ETS account appointment details because location rules can differ (especially China).

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44) Can I get a fee reduction?

ETS policy: Fee Reduction Program (U.S.-focused eligibility)

• ETS says a Fee Reduction Voucher can be used for one GRE General Test and/or one GRE Subject Test.
• Voucher recipients pay $100 to register for the General Test, and receive certain free prep materials.

Who is eligible (ETS list)

• Financial need (U.S. citizens/resident aliens meeting FAFSA SAI criteria), unemployed receiving unemployment compensation, active Peace Corps volunteers, and some national programs for underrepresented groups.

If you are outside the U.S.

• Many international test takers are not eligible under ETS’s stated criteria; your best path is:

• ask your target program(s) about application fee waivers/scholarships,

• use official free resources strategically.

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45) Do I need to choose a test date early?

Strategic answer

• Yes, if any of these apply:

• you need a specific day/time,

• you need an at-home slot that fits your tech/setup constraints,
• you may need accommodations (4–6+ weeks review).

Deadline planning rule

• Work backward from program deadlines:

• test date at least (deadline − 2–3 weeks) is safer,

• because scores take 8–10 days, and schools may need processing time.

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Admissions strategy (FAQs 46–50)

Key facts snapshot (program discretion reality)

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46) Do MS programs still require the GRE?

Program discretion

• Some do, some don’t; it often varies within the same university by department.

What you should do

• Make a spreadsheet for your target programs with columns:

• GRE required? optional? not accepted?

• latest acceptable test date (based on 5-year rule),
• deadlines,
• scholarship consideration notes.

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47) Do PhD programs care more about Quant?

Often yes, but it’s not universal

• Many quantitative disciplines weigh Quant heavily; humanities may weigh Verbal/Writing more.
• This is not ETS policy—it is discipline and program discretion.

Best-practice approach

• Look for:

• program-stated expectations,

• current student profiles,
• advisor expectations.

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48) Does a high GRE guarantee admission?

No

• The GRE is one component among GPA, coursework rigor, SOP, LORs, research fit, publications, interviews, etc.
• ETS positions the GRE as a measure used in admissions decisions; schools decide how to weight it.

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49) How do scholarships use GRE?

Common patterns (program discretion)

• Scholarships/fellowships may use GRE:

• as a threshold,

• as a tie-breaker,
• to justify funding allocations.
• ETS notes schools use GRE scores in consideration of overall strength and for scholarship/fellowship purposes.

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50) Should I submit GRE if optional?

Use this decision rule:

Submit if

• Your score is a clear strength relative to your applicant pool (high percentile),
• It offsets a weaker component (e.g., less-known institution, GPA anomaly),
• It’s relevant to your program (e.g., Quant for CS/engineering).

Consider not submitting if

• Your score is meaningfully below that program’s typical competitiveness,
• Your application is otherwise very strong and the program truly treats GRE as optional.

Reality check

• Many programs explicitly say requirements vary by department (example: University of California, Berkeley).

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Switching GRE ↔ GMAT (FAQs 51–57)

Key comparison snapshot (official GMAT Focus facts)

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51) Is GRE accepted for MBA?

Yes—at many schools

• Many MBA programs accept either GRE or GMAT. For example, Harvard Business School states a valid GMAT or GRE score is required for its 2+2 applicants.
• Stanford Graduate School of Business requires either GMAT or GRE for the MBA program.

But: always verify

• Acceptance and test-date validity windows are school-specific.

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52) GRE vs GMAT: which is easier?

There is no globally “easier” test—only a better fit for your skill profile and target programs.

Structural differences that affect perceived difficulty

• GRE: section-level adaptivity + ability to navigate within section (mark/review/change).
• GMAT Focus: official structure is 3 sections (Quant/Verbal/Data Insights), 2h15.

How to decide

• Take a diagnostic of both (official practice) and compare:

• percentile competitiveness for your target schools,

• how you tolerate adaptivity and pacing,
• whether AWA helps you (GRE) or not needed (GMAT Focus).

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53) If I’m strong in data sufficiency, pick GMAT?

Potentially, yes

• GMAT Focus includes “Data Insights,” which draws from integrated reasoning and data sufficiency style tasks (GMAC documentation describes Data Insights as a major section).
• ETS acknowledges GMAT Focus has a Data Insights section and contrasts it with GRE structure.

But confirm your program’s preference

• Some programs truly treat both equally; others may have historical norms.

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54) If I’m strong in vocab/reading, pick GRE?

Often a good bet

• GRE Verbal includes RC/TC/SE; strong reading + vocabulary control can create a big edge.

However

• If your target is MBA and you’re weak in data analysis reasoning, GMAT Focus Data Insights might be harder.

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55) Can I take both?

Yes

• Schools may accept either, and some applicants take both to see which yields the strongest outcome.

Cautions

• Time and money: GRE fees and retakes can add up.
• If you take both repeatedly without improvement, it may look unfocused (this is an admissions perception issue, not ETS policy).

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56) How do schools compare scores?

Most serious schools compare via percentiles and internal norms

• GMAC explicitly emphasizes comparing percentiles rather than raw totals across editions (GMAT Focus vs prior GMAT).
• For GRE, ETS provides annual interpretive/percentile data for interpretation.

Practical guidance

• Use each test’s percentile tables and each school’s class profile (when available) rather than trying to “convert” scores with unofficial charts.

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57) What about GRE Subject Tests?

When they matter

• Subject Tests can matter for certain specialized programs (some STEM/psych programs, some competitive theory-heavy tracks), but many programs don’t require them.

Operational note (ETS)

• ETS has moved Subject Tests to online delivery (noting the move in its shorter-test FAQ for score users).
• Subject-test requirements are program-specific (again, department discretion).

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Operational details (FAQs 58–80)

Operational rules snapshot (what you can/can’t do in the test interface)

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58) Can I change answers within a section?

ETS policy

• Yes. ETS explicitly states the design lets you:

• skip questions within a section,

• go back and change answers,
• choose the order you answer questions within a section.

Practical pacing rule

• Build a “two-pass system”:

• Pass 1: answer easy/medium quickly; mark hard.

• Pass 2: return to marked items with remaining time.

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59) Are there penalties for wrong answers?

Scoring model (ETS description)

• ETS describes Verbal/Quant scoring as based on the total number of questions answered correctly across both sections and the difficulty level of the sections.

Practical implication

• Your objective is to maximize correct answers; there is no benefit to leaving questions unanswered versus making your best attempt (see FAQ 60).

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60) Should I guess?

Yes—strategically Because:

• You have limited time per section (18/23/21/26 minutes), and each question matters more in the shorter test.
• ETS scoring focuses on correct answers + section difficulty; an unanswered question cannot become correct.

Best guessing method

• Eliminate as many choices as you can.
• Guess quickly and move on—especially if time is bleeding.

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61) Can I skip questions?

Yes, within a section

• ETS explicitly allows skipping and returning within a section; “Mark” and “Review” features exist.

But you can’t skip an entire section

• You must complete each section sequentially.

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62) Is there a writing template that always works?

No single template “always” works, but ETS defines what the Issue task is designed to measure:

• critical thinking + persuasive writing,
• develop an argument with reasons and examples,
• communicate to an academic audience.

A safe high-scoring structure (Issue task)

1. Intro: clear thesis + brief roadmap
2. Body 1: strongest reason + concrete example
3. Body 2: second reason + example
4. Body 3 (optional): address counterargument/limitation
5. Conclusion: restate thesis + implications

Key: obey the prompt’s instruction verbs ETS emphasizes responding to the specific instructions; you’re not required to use technical writing terminology.

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63) How is the essay scored now that it’s 1 task?

ETS policy

• The shorter GRE includes only the “Analyze an Issue” task (Argument task removed).
• The AWA scoring guide describes performance levels from 6 down to 0/NS.

Practical implication

• There is less room to “average out” across two essays. You need a stable Issue process you can execute under 30 minutes.

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64) What’s the best way to review practice tests?

This is strategy (not ETS policy), but it should be evidence-based.

Gold-standard review loop

1. Redo every missed/guessed question untimed until you can solve it cleanly.

2. Identify the failure type:

3. concept gap,

4. misread,
5. logic error,
6. pacing,
7. trap susceptibility.
8. Build an error log and schedule targeted drills.
9. Re-test the same concept 3–7 days later (spaced repetition).

Why this works (learning science)

• Practice testing (retrieval practice) and distributed practice (spacing) are repeatedly shown to improve long-term retention and performance.

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65) How many official practice tests exist?

What ETS clearly indicates

• ETS provides official POWERPREP online practice tests (ETS links you to POWERPREP from the test structure page).
• ETS also offers POWERPREP PLUS practice tests (ETS references at least tests 1 and 2 as products included in fee reduction benefits).

How to verify the current count (because inventories can change)

• In your ETS account / ETS prep store, check the current list of:

• POWERPREP Online (free) tests

• POWERPREP PLUS (paid) tests
• any additional official practice sets

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66) What is POWERPREP vs POWERPREP PLUS?

ETS product distinction (high-level)

• ETS treats them as separate official prep product lines (POWERPREP Online vs POWERPREP PLUS).

Practical difference you should use

• Use POWERPREP (free) for:

• baseline diagnostics,

• section timing practice,
• realistic interface exposure.

• Use POWERPREP PLUS (paid) when:

• you want additional official practice under near-real conditions,

• you’re in the last 2–6 weeks and need more “true difficulty” reps.

(Confirm current features and what’s included by reading the product descriptions in ETS checkout—ETS can change packaging.)

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67) What’s the GRE Diagnostic Service?

ETS policy

• ETS states test takers have free access to the GRE Diagnostic Service, providing insight into performance on Verbal and Quant questions, approximately two weeks after the test date.

How to use it

• Extract:

• question types you miss most,

• pacing collapses (where you rushed),
• second-section performance patterns (adaptivity insight).
• Turn those into your retake plan (if retaking).

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68) How do I handle test anxiety?

Not ETS policy; this is performance strategy.

Evidence-based approaches

• Overlearning through realistic practice: reduce novelty (interface, pacing). ETS provides official format/structure and practice environment references.
• Retrieval practice (timed mixed sets) improves confidence and recall.
• Desirable difficulties: interleaving and effortful practice create stronger long-term performance than “easy-feeling” study.

Practical anxiety protocol (2 minutes)

• If you freeze:

• Breathe (4 seconds in / 6 out × 3 cycles)

• Read the question stem only
• Identify what it’s asking (rephrase)
• Execute one step (eliminate 1 option or write 1 equation)

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69) What if I feel sick on test day?

ETS operational reality

• If you are sick, performance risk is high, and at-home security rules are strict (no breaks; behaviors like “taking a break” can invalidate).

Best action (practical)

• If you haven’t started: consider rescheduling/canceling within policy windows:

• rescheduling requires action no later than 4 days before (per ETS bulletin references).

• cancellation refund rules depend on policy timing (example: 50% refund if canceled no later than 4 days before).

If you already started

• At-home: you must follow proctor instructions; unscheduled breaks are not permitted.
• Test center: unscheduled breaks are allowed but time does not stop.
• If it becomes medically unsafe, stop and document what happened.

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70) What if my test is canceled by the center?

ETS policy (test center cancellation/delay)

• ETS says you’ll be offered:

• rescheduling free of charge or

• a full refund of the original test fee.
• ETS also notes you may seek reimbursement for reasonable documented travel expenses, with instructions and a 30‑day window to request.

Action steps

1. Get written confirmation from the center if possible.
2. Contact ETS GRE Services with required details (ETS lists what to include).

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71) Can ETS cancel scores after I test?

Yes (ETS policy)

• ETS states that violations can lead to invalid scores being canceled and recipients notified; fees can be forfeited.

What triggers this

• Testing irregularities, security violations, inconsistent registration info, prohibited behaviors/materials.

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72) What behaviors trigger score cancellation at home?

ETS explicitly lists high-risk behaviors and rules for at-home:

Examples ETS flags

• Using unauthorized materials or recording devices.
• Not disabling remote access/screen-sharing tools (ETS gives examples).
• Communicating with anyone other than the proctor.

• Behaviors that can invalidate the test:

• talking out loud to yourself,

• looking away from the screen,
• moving out of camera view,
• taking a break.

Practical rule

• Treat the at-home GRE like being under constant observation: minimize movement, keep eyes mostly on screen, and use chat if you must communicate.

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73) Is AI proctoring used?

What ETS explicitly states

• ETS says your at-home session is recorded and monitored by a human proctor.

What you should assume anyway

• Even if a human proctor is primary, the session is recorded; unusual patterns can be reviewed later. So act as if everything is auditable.

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74) Can I drink water or eat snacks?

Default rules

• Test center: ETS says the only personal items permitted in the testing room are your ID and (optional) mask.
• At home: ETS lists the materials you may have (ID, approved note-taking board, mirror/phone for check-in) and says all other materials are prohibited.

Exception: approved accommodations

• If you have approved accommodations for health-related needs (snacks, beverages, equipment), ETS states you may be permitted to bring them into the testing room at a center.

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75) Can I use the restroom?

Test center

• You can take an unscheduled break, but the clock does not stop.

At home

• Unscheduled breaks are not permitted.

If you anticipate needing restroom breaks

• Consider a test center or pursue accommodations if medically necessary.

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76) What if I need medication?

ETS framework

• Health-related needs often qualify for minor accommodations such as extra breaks for medication/snacks (with documentation and approval).

Test center

• ETS states that if approved for accommodations requiring snacks/beverages/equipment, you may bring them.

Action plan

1. If medication timing can be managed without breaks: take it before.
2. If you need medication during the session: pursue accommodations early (4–6 weeks+).

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77) Can I bring my own calculator?

No (operationally)

• ETS provides an on-screen calculator for Quant.
• Test security policies restrict personal items and unauthorized tools.

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78) How do I plan if my deadline is close?

Hard constraints

• Official scores: 8–10 calendar days.
• Retake wait: 21 days between attempts.

Decision tree

1. If you haven’t tested yet:

2. Take the earliest date that still lets scores arrive before the deadline (deadline − 10 days minimum; preferably − 14 to − 21).

3. If you already tested:

4. If your score is below target, check whether:

5. you can retake (21-day rule),

6. second score can return (8–10 days),
7. program will accept late-arriving official scores or self-report (program discretion).

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79) Can I improve 10 points in a month?

It depends—here’s the honest, strategy-grade answer

• ETS notes each question counts more in the shorter test (fewer questions, same scale). That means a “10-point” jump is plausible for some people but not guaranteed.

When +10 in ~4 weeks is realistic

• You have one dominant weakness (e.g., algebra manipulation, RC passage mapping).
• You can study 1–2 hours/day with high-quality review (error log + targeted drills + timed practice).
• Your baseline is below your capability due to strategy/pacing, not deep content gaps.

When it’s less realistic

• You’re already high (e.g., 165+) and improvements require eliminating rare mistakes.
• You don’t have time for full practice-test + deep review cycles.

What to do for the best shot

• Follow evidence-based learning principles:

• heavy retrieval practice (timed mixed sets),

• spaced repetition,
• interleaving topics, not blocking.

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80) What are evidence-based study methods?

Here are the most defensible, research-backed methods for GRE prep—mapped to what the evidence says works.

Evidence-based techniques (high utility)

1. Practice testing / retrieval practice

2. Repeated testing enhances long-term retention and performance.

3. GRE application: frequent mixed timed sets + full practice tests; always review errors.

4. Distributed practice (spacing effect)

5. Spacing study episodes improves retention; meta-analytic evidence supports large benefits across many tasks.

6. GRE application: review the same concepts across weeks, not in one cram session.

7. Interleaving (mixing topics/problem types)

8. Interleaving introduces beneficial “desirable difficulties” and often improves transfer/retention compared to blocked practice.

9. GRE application: alternate algebra/geometry/data in Quant drills; rotate RC/TC/SE in Verbal.

10. Desirable difficulties (effortful learning conditions)

11. Making practice harder in the right ways (effortful retrieval, spacing, interleaving) can improve long-term learning.

Lower-utility methods (common traps)

• Re-reading, highlighting, and other passive methods feel productive but are weaker than retrieval + spacing for durable gains (as reviewed in the learning-techniques literature).

How to operationalize this into a GRE system

• Daily: 30–60 minutes of mixed timed sets (retrieval practice).
• Every 2–3 days: spaced review of your error log.
• Weekly: 1 timed section set (or full test every 1–2 weeks), followed by deep review. Tie the method to the test’s actual structure and timing.

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Below is a 12‑week, 330+‑oriented GRE plan built for “busy + social + still serious” students. It’s designed around the current shorter GRE (1h 58m, no scheduled break, 5 sections) and uses evidence-based learning (practice testing + spaced practice) so you get maximum score gain per hour.

I’ll write it so you can run it even if you party 1–3 nights/week.

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0) Reality check + what “330+” requires (so the plan is calibrated)

A 330+ total means you’re targeting elite performance on both measures (Verbal + Quant). On today’s GRE, there are only 27 Verbal questions + 27 Quant questions contributing to those scaled scores—so each miss matters more than on the older longer version.

“330+” score-split examples (many ways to get there)

Your best split depends on your target programs (some care more about Quant; some care more about Verbal). But 330+ always requires disciplined execution under time because the test is short.

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1) The “party-proof” weekly structure (minimum vs standard vs aggressive)

This plan assumes you’re busy and social, so it uses:

• Short weekday sessions (high efficiency)
• One long weekly “anchor” session (usually Sunday)
• Low-cognitive “hangover-safe” tasks (vocab + review) on party days
• Frequent timed sets (because the GRE is timed and section-level adaptive)

Weekly time budgets (pick the highest you can actually sustain)

Important: If you miss a day, you do not “catch up” by cramming. You “catch up” by doing the next scheduled timed set + deep review, because that’s the highest ROI.

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2) Daily session templates (so you don’t waste time deciding what to do)

Your plan succeeds if every session has:

1. Timed work (GRE-like pressure)
2. Deep review (error log + redo)
3. Spaced reinforcement (re-hit old weaknesses)

The 4 templates you will use all 12 weeks

What “Timed Set + Deep Review” means (Template A)

Timed (20 minutes):

• Quant: 10–12 questions mixed (QC + problem solving + data)
• Verbal: 10–12 questions mixed (RC + TC + SE)

Deep review (40 minutes):

• For every miss/guess:

• write the root cause

• write a one-sentence fix rule
• redo the problem cold (no solution) This is basically retrieval practice + feedback, which the learning-science evidence rates as high-utility.

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3) Your required tools (official + evidence-based)

You can absolutely use third-party materials, but your backbone should be official so your timing and question-style calibration is correct.

Official materials to anchor the plan

Test structure you are training for (non-negotiable):

• Total: 1h 58m
• No scheduled break
• Verbal: 12Q/18m then 15Q/23m
• Quant: 12Q/21m then 15Q/26m

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4) Pacing math you must internalize (because 330+ dies on pacing)

You’re training for this exact clock:

Per-question time (averages)

Implication: your plan must train you to:

• avoid 4‑minute death spirals
• skip strategically and return (you can move within a section)

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5) The 12‑week plan (week-by-week)

How the weeks are organized

• Weeks 1–4: Build foundations + install timing discipline
• Weeks 5–8: Raise difficulty + stabilize accuracy under time
• Weeks 9–12: Full-sim performance + polish to elite consistency (330+ behavior)

Each week has:

• 4 core weekday sessions (Template A)
• 1–2 micro party-day sessions (Template B)
• 1 weekend section or long anchor (Templates C/D)
• 1 weekly Issue essay (30 minutes)

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12-week master table (what you do each week)

Now I’ll tell you exactly what a standard week looks like and then break down each phase.

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6) Your standard weekly schedule (party-friendly)

This is the Standard (8–10 hr/week) version that most “busy + social” students can sustain.

Weekly schedule table (Standard track)

Why this works

• Your highest-cognition work happens Mon–Thu (when you’re most reliable).
• Party nights get light, high-ROI maintenance (you don’t lose the week).
• Sunday becomes your “adult mode” anchor to consolidate gains. This structure supports distributed practice and practice testing, which are among the highest-utility learning techniques.

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7) What to do in each phase (Weeks 1–4, 5–8, 9–12)

Phase 1: Weeks 1–4 (Build the machine)

Goal: Stop bleeding points to fundamentals, traps, and pacing.

Week 1 (Setup + Baseline)

1. Take an official-style timed practice test (POWERPREP timed).
2. Build your error log (template below).

3. Choose your “Top 3 Bottlenecks”:

4. 2 Quant topics (e.g., QC + algebra manipulation)

5. 1 Verbal topic (e.g., RC inference or TC logic)

Weeks 2–4 (Foundation + timing discipline)

• Quant: use ETS Math Review to patch holes fast (Arithmetic/Algebra/Geometry/Data).
• Verbal: train RC structure + TC/SE logic (meaning first, words second).
• Start weekly Issue essay practice (30 min) using ETS Issue guidance and score guide.
• End Week 4 with a full 1h58 no-break simulation because the real test has no scheduled break.

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Phase 2: Weeks 5–8 (Raise difficulty + stabilize)

Goal: Convert “I can do it untimed” into “I can do it under GRE time.”

What changes now:

• Sets get harder (and more mixed).
• Review gets stricter (redo cold, not “read solution and nod”).
• More full-sim blocks (because stamina + execution matter in a 1h58 continuous test).

Weekly non-negotiables in Weeks 5–8

• 4 timed sets + deep review (Mon–Thu)
• 1 full section (Sat)
• 1 long anchor (Sun)
• 1 Issue essay (any weekday when freshest)

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Phase 3: Weeks 9–12 (Elite execution: reduce variance)

Goal: Make your score stable enough that 330+ is not a “perfect day” outcome.

What changes:

• You prioritize eliminating careless errors and trap patterns

• You do full simulations with:

• strict timing,

• strict environment,
• strict review (full autopsy)

You are training for exactly: 5 sections, 1h58, no scheduled break.

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8) The error log (this is what separates 330+ from “I studied a lot”)

Error log template table (copy/paste)

This aligns with high-utility learning principles: practice testing + spaced reinforcement.

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9) Weekly AWA plan (30 minutes, once a week, score it like ETS)

You only have one 30-minute Issue task on the current GRE.

Weekly AWA workflow (45 minutes total)

• 30 min: write one Issue essay (timed)

• 15 min: grade yourself using ETS Issue scoring guide and rewrite:

• thesis,

• topic sentences,
• one paragraph’s examples/logic.

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10) “Party-proof” rules (so the plan survives real life)

The 5 rules

1. Study before you party. Morning/afternoon session first.
2. Never skip two days in a row. If you miss Fri, do Sat micro at minimum.
3. Hangover days = Micro only. Don’t “force” a full section when foggy.
4. Protect Sunday anchor. That’s your week’s score growth.
5. No cramming to “make up.” Just return to the plan.

Make-up decision table (fast)

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11) Practice test schedule (what to take and when)

Recommended testing calendar (12 weeks)

ETS notes the shorter GRE has no scheduled break, so your sims should be continuous.

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12) If you’re truly busy: the “Minimum Viable 330+” schedule (6–7 hrs/week)

If you can’t hit 8–10 hours/week, here’s the smallest plan that still targets elite outcomes:

This still uses practice testing + distributed practice, the highest-utility methods.

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