GRE CAT (computer-adaptive test)

The computer-based GRE is what is termed a ‘computer-adaptive’ test. This means that within the verbal and math sections not all students will see the same questions.

How the computer-adaptive test works

First questions of moderate difficulty level are presented. If the student answers correctly, harder questions will be offered. If the student answers incorrectly, the difficulty level of the next few questions will drop. The exact algorithm is not available, but the test logic also involves ensuring that the candidate gets a balance of question types to fulfill the requirements of the test. Unlike paper-based tests, students cannot go back to previous questions; once an answer has been selected and confirmed, it is final.

The timing on the GRE-CAT is as follows:

• Essay Section: 45 + 30 minutes
• Verbal Section: 30 minutes
• Quantitative Section: 45 minutes
• Experimental Section: this may be either verbal or quantitative.

An experimental section is not always included. If it is, it may be identified or unidentified. Identified experimental sections come at the end. Unidentified sections can occur at any point of the test and the student will not know whether he or she is attempting a scored or un-scored section. The experimental sections serve to test out questions for future use and do not affect the test-taker’s score.

Next steps

• Try a GRE practice test by choosing a question type on the left.
• For further details on fees, centers, paper-based tests, subject tests etc. visit the GRE website.