- The GRE takes under 2 hours with 55 scored questions across Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing sections.
- ETS PowerPrep provides two free official practice tests that replicate the actual GRE exam experience most accurately.
- Competitive graduate programmes require GRE scores of 320+ out of 340 for admission.
GRE mock tests are a key component of successful GRE preparation and play a vital role in improving overall exam performance. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of GRE mock tests, highlight the benefits they offer for real test-day readiness, and share practical tips on using reliable mock test resources effectively.
What is GRE?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised test that universities often use to assess an applicant’s qualifications for graduate school. It’s like proof of your academic abilities in three main areas: maths, reading comprehension, and analytical writing. Offered on computer or paper, the GRE provides a score that stays valid for five years. An advantage of the GRE for international students is its flexibility. You can choose which test scores to send to different schools, allowing you to showcase your strengths.
The total GRE score range runs from 260 to 340, and a perfect GRE score means achieving 170 in each section, which makes it 340. The GRE now takes only 1 hour and 58 minutes (under 2 hours), making it significantly shorter and less fatiguing. The test includes 55 scored questions across three sections: Analytical Writing (1 task), Verbal Reasoning (27 questions), and Quantitative Reasoning (27 questions).
For competitive graduate programs in 2025, students should target a combined score of 320+ (out of 340), with scores of 160+ in each section placing them in the 75th percentile or above.
How to Create a GRE Mock Test Study Plan?
The GRE is a big test for getting into grad school. But guess what? By following some simple steps, you can do well and open doors to the programmes you want. Here are some top tips to get you started!
- Plan Ahead: Before diving into studying, take some time to research the GRE format. Understand what kind of questions you’ll be attempting (verbal reasoning, maths, analytical writing), how the test is scored, and the deadlines for your target schools. This will help you create a realistic study schedule that fits your needs.
- Know What You’re Getting Into: Spend some time getting acquainted with the different question types in each section. This way, you’ll know what to expect on test day and will be clear. There are many resources available online that can show you the different formats you might encounter.
- Take Lots of Practice Tests: Practice tests are like training exercises for the real GRE. Take full-length GRE mock tests regularly to take the actual testing experience. Analyse your performance after each test to identify your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you focus your studying on areas that need the most improvement.
- Start Studying Vocabulary: The GRE has a fondness for complex words. The earlier you begin building your vocabulary, the better. There are many ways to do this, like using flashcards, vocabulary-building apps, or reading newspaper editorials into your daily reading routine
- Use Good Study Materials: There are a lot of GRE prep resources available, from books and online courses to mock tests and tutorials. Choose high-quality materials that align with your learning style and target score. Consider recommendations from friends, teachers, or online reviews to find resources that will work best for you.
- Keep an Error Log: Don’t just skim through your mock tests. Take the time to analyse your wrong answers. Identify patterns in your errors and use them to develop targeted improvement strategies. Keeping a log of your mistakes will help you focus on the study areas where you need the most practice.
How do Mock Tests Help In the GRE Study Plan?
If you want to succeed in the GRE, then you cannot miss giving mock tests. They are the key tools by which you can get an idea of what you will have to face on exam day. Here are some reasons why you should attempt mock tests:
- Simulate the Real Test Experience: Mock tests are designed to replicate the actual GRE as closely as possible. They’ll have the same question format, timing constraints, and even the same computer-based testing environment (if you choose a computer-based mock test). Taking mock tests under these realistic conditions helps you get comfortable with the test format and manage your time effectively.
- Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Mock tests act like a mirror reflecting your current situation. They reveal areas where you excel and pinpoint topics that need more attention. By analysing your performance after each mock test, you can identify gaps and change your strategy to address those weaknesses.
- Build Test-Taking Confidence: Taking mock tests regularly exposes you to a variety of question types and helps you develop effective test-taking strategies. As you experience success on these practice tests, your confidence in tackling the real GRE test grows.
Comparison of Popular Mock Test Providers
Selecting the most suitable provider for GRE mock tests is crucial to gaining a clear picture of your GRE skills. This analysis will walk you through the distinctive features, strengths, and potential drawbacks of three prominent providers:
ETS PowerPrep Practise Test
PowerPrep practice tests are available on the ETS website, the same organization that administers the GRE, making them the most authentic practice option. ETS offers two FREE PowerPrep Online practice tests that replicate the actual GRE experience, including the same question formats, on-screen calculator, and adaptive testing structure. For additional practice with detailed answer explanations and scored Analytical Writing essays, PowerPrep PLUS tests are available at $39.95 per test. These paid tests also provide performance insights and difficulty analysis for each section.
Advantages:
- The most similar experience to the real GRE in terms of questions and the appearance of the interface.
- Exams are adaptive by section, making your final score more precise compared to a non-adaptive test.
- The computerised interface mirrors the actual exam day, enabling you to familiarise yourself with the GRE test layout.
Disadvantages:
- Free PowerPrep tests provide answer keys only, without detailed explanations for problem-solving approaches.
- Analytical Writing scores require PowerPrep PLUS (paid version); free tests do not score the essay section.
Manhattan GRE Practice Test
If you are looking for a top-notch resource to practice for the GRE, look no further than Manhattan Prep’s free GRE test. While it’s not an official ETS exam, it’s widely considered one of the best available unofficial options. The quality of the practice questions is impressive for a non-official resource, and the format closely mirrors the actual GRE you’ll attempt on test day. But the benefits continue beyond there. Manhattan Prep’s free GRE mock test gives in-depth explanations. This makes it a fantastic tool for understanding your mistakes and strengthening your knowledge.
Advantages:
- Questions resemble actual GRE questions.
- The exam is section adaptive.
- Deep analysis of answers.
- The interface is similar to the actual GRE.
Disadvantages:
- Only one free practice test is available per user.
- Questions tend to be slightly harder than actual GRE questions, potentially resulting in lower practice scores than real test performance.
Princeton Review Free GRE Practice Test
If you want to try a practice test for free, you can find one on Princeton Review. You need to make a free account, but you’ll only have two weeks to take the test. The questions are like the real GRE. Once you finish, you’ll get a basic score report that shows your strengths and weaknesses. This helps you see what you need to study more before the real GRE test.
Advantages
- Questions are similar to real GRE questions.
- The interface is similar to what you’ll see on test day.
- Provides basic performance analysis identifying strengths and weak areas across all test sections.
Disadvantages
- Limited answer review functionality available after test completion.
- No detailed explanations provided for correct or incorrect answers.
- Not section adaptive
- Questions may be slightly easier than the actual GRE, which could lead to overestimating your readiness.
Key Takeaways
GRE mock tests are essential preparation tools that go far deeper than score prediction. Taking 5-8 full-length section-adaptive practice tests helps you master time management across the 1 hour 58 minute exam format, identify weak areas in Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning, and build test-day confidence. The most accurate practice comes from ETS PowerPrep – the test maker’s two free official tests that replicate the real exam experience.
Regular mock testing reveals specific question types where you struggle, allowing focused improvement. Students who analyze their errors, maintain detailed performance logs, and adjust study strategies based on mock results consistently score higher. For competitive programs in 2025, target 320+ combined scores with 160+ in each section through strategic practice.
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FAQs
How many mock tests should students take before the GRE?
It is advised that students complete a minimum of 10 practice tests prior to taking the GRE. You can even attempt more if you have enough time before the exam. The goal is to do sufficient practice before an important event.
Which mock test is closest to the GRE?
PowerPrep tests are the closest one to the GRE as they are offered by ETS. They give in-depth explanations and are easy to use as well.
Where can you find a free mock test for the GRE?
The best free GRE mock tests are Manhattan Prep, PowerPrep, Princeton Review, Kaplan free GRE practice tests, etc.
Can I retake the GRE if I'm unsatisfied with my score?
You can retake the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous 12-month period.
Do all graduate programmes accept GRE scores?
While many programmes accept GRE scores, some business schools prefer the GMAT, so verify requirements with target universities.
What is the average GRE score for top universities in 2025?
Top-tier universities typically expect scores of 320-330+, with individual section scores of 160+ placing applicants competitively.
Is the GRE harder than the SAT or GMAT?
The GRE tests graduate-level reasoning and vocabulary, making it more challenging than the SAT but comparable to the GMAT.
How is the GRE Analytical Writing section scored?
The Analytical Writing section is scored from 0-6 in half-point increments by human raters and computerised scoring systems.
Can I use a calculator during the GRE?
An on-screen calculator is provided for the Quantitative Reasoning section only; calculators aren’t permitted for other sections.
Should I guess on GRE questions I don't know?
Yes, there’s no penalty for incorrect answers, so guessing strategically improves your chances of earning points.
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