If you want to go to grad school, you’re likely considering the GRE. This is a test I know a lot about, and one stat that stands out to me is that the average score on the analytical writing section was. That says a great deal about how challenging this test is. 3.44 out of 6.
So I started digging in. How hard is the GRE? That question guided everything I reviewed: practice tests, sample questions, prep platforms, and key strategies. Here’s what I found: the GRE is tough, but with the right approach, it’s absolutely manageable.
The GRE Isn’t Just Hard, It’s Strategic
The more I studied the GRE, the more I realized it isn’t designed to trick you—it’s designed to push your thinking under pressure. The difficulty level stems from how the test combines timing, format, and question structure to challenge even the most prepared test-takers.
The math isn’t graduate-level, and the reading passages aren’t obscure textbooks. But together, they form a challenging test that requires precision, endurance, and practice.
I noticed right away that people who score well aren’t always the best at math or vocabulary—they’re good at adapting. And that’s precisely what the GRE is measuring.
Yes, It’s Shorter Now, But It’s Not Easier
As of 2025, the GRE test has been shortened. The quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning sections now include fewer questions, and the unscored experimental section is gone completely. The analytical writing section has also been trimmed to a single essay prompt: “Analyze an Issue.”
That change sounds like a relief—less writing, right? But what I found is that this shorter format makes every question matter more. With fewer chances to recover from a wrong answer, scoring high now requires even more precision and preparation.
I reviewed over a dozen mock tests from different providers, and in each one, I felt the pressure rise as the test moved faster. The GRE may be shorter, but it demands just as much effort.
Where Most Test Takers Struggle
From everything I’ve read, heard, and reviewed, here’s where people typically hit the wall:
1. Verbal Reasoning
This isn’t about knowing a lot of words; it’s about knowing the right one.
Sentence equivalence and text completion questions often have multiple “almost right” answers, and the test expects you to choose the exact answer based on subtle context.
When I went through verbal questions, I noticed how easy it was to overthink. The GRE requires a deep understanding of challenging vocabulary and often presents additional vocabulary that doesn’t appear in most daily reading materials.
2. Quantitative Reasoning
Many test takers assume this section will be easier if they’re “good at math.” But this isn’t school math, it’s GRE math, and it tests how quickly you can apply concepts to weirdly worded math problems.
I reviewed hundreds of questions involving data tables, quadratic equations, and basic statistics, and I even had to pause and double-check what was being asked. The on-screen calculator is helpful, but it doesn’t improve problem-solving skills, and that’s where this section gets hard.
3. Analytical Writing
You only get one essay now, and that might seem like a break. But with just 30 minutes to build a persuasive argument on an unfamiliar topic, this part of the test still requires strong critical reasoning, writing skills, and, above all, solid analytical writing skills.
When I reviewed sample responses, the difference between an average score and a high one came down to clarity, structure, and the ability to support an opinion effectively. The best essays were not just well-written. They showed thoughtful analysis under pressure.
You Can’t “Wing” the GRE, You Need Practice
If there’s one thing I saw again and again, it’s this: you can’t walk into the GRE unprepared and expect a good score.
Most people who succeed put in weeks—if not months—of consistent GRE preparation. That means:
- Taking diagnostic tests to understand your baseline
- Working through practice questions in all subject areas
- Scheduling time for full-length practice tests
- Studying test-taking strategies and reviewing every wrong answer
And if you’re aiming for a higher score to get into a competitive program, you’ll need to do even more. The GRE isn’t forgiving when it comes to careless errors or timing issues.
What Real Test Takers Are Saying About the GRE
In a recent Reddit thread, students who took the GRE under the new format shared their experiences, and most agreed that while the test is shorter, it’s not any easier.
One user put it simply:
“Missing even a few questions can significantly lower your score.”
Another explained how the new format adds pressure:
“In the old GRE, with 40 questions per section, you could make a few mistakes. Now, each question matters so much more.”
Someone who took both versions of the GRE said:
“I got 316 last year after one month of prep. This year, I prepped for three months and got 321. It’s harder to hit a high score now unless you’re nearly perfect.”
Not everyone saw the shorter format as a downside. One test taker wrote:
“Even though I never took the older version, I’m glad it’s shorter. I just couldn’t imagine sitting in a 3-hour exam after graduation.”
Another user replied:
“I’d rather sit longer and get a higher score than retake it two or three times.”
And of course, one of the most relatable comments summed up the entire thread with a bit of humor:
“If it weren’t for the noise-cancelling headphones at the center, I would’ve lost my mind sitting the shorter GRE too.”
The conclusion? The shorter test format increases the pressure, especially for anyone aiming for a high score in quantitative reasoning or verbal reasoning. You get fewer questions, and every single one counts.
Final Thoughts
The GRE is a tough exam, but not because it’s unfair. It’s tough because grad school is tough, and this test is designed to measure whether you’re ready for it.
I didn’t take the GRE myself, but after hours of hands-on review and studying hundreds of questions, I came away with a basic understanding of what makes it challenging and how people can overcome it.
If you’re serious about grad school, take the GRE seriously. Respect the test, plan your prep, and remember: the only way out is through.
FAQs
Yes, the GRE is hard—especially the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections—but proper prep makes a huge difference.
Unlike some other tests, the GRE is broad and fast-paced. You’re tested on math, vocabulary, and writing, all under tight time limits.
That depends on your strengths. Many struggle with math problems, while others find the analytical writing or verbal reasoning sections more difficult.
Not necessarily. It’s faster to complete, but the questions are just as rigorous—and each one counts more toward your final score.
A good score varies by school, but aiming for 160+ in both verbal and quantitative reasoning generally puts you in a strong position for competitive programs.
