The GRE® (Graduate Record Examinations) is one of the leading standardized tests used as an admissions requirement for graduate and postgraduate programs abroad. It is most commonly required for MBA and doctoral programs, as well as for many other international academic programs.
The exam evaluates your verbal and quantitative skills, critical thinking ability, and analytical writing and reading.
There are two types of GRE exams.
The GRE® General Test consists of three sections:
Analytical Writing (essay writing)
Verbal Reasoning
Quantitative Reasoning
The GRE General Test taken in Croatia is computer-based and completed at an official testing center, but it can also be taken online from home (GRE® Home). Following the 2023 revision, the test now takes slightly less than two hours.
GRE® Subject Tests may be an additional requirement for certain graduate or doctoral programs in the United States. Whether they are required depends on the specific program and university. At some institutions they are optional, but a strong score can provide a competitive advantage. Since fall 2023, they are taken on a computer, either at an official center or online from home.
Structure of the GRE General Test
Analytical Writing lasts 30 minutes and includes the task Analyze an Issue, in which you write an analysis of a given topic. It assesses your ability to express complex ideas clearly, logically, and with well-structured arguments.
Verbal Reasoning lasts a total of 41 minutes (18 + 23 minutes). It consists of two sections with a total of 27 questions (12 + 15). This part measures reading comprehension, vocabulary range, and the ability to draw conclusions.
Quantitative Reasoning lasts a total of 47 minutes (21 + 26 minutes) and also consists of two sections with a total of 27 questions (12 + 15). It assesses your ability to solve problems in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
The Verbal and Quantitative sections are scored on a scale from 130 to 170. Analytical Writing is scored on a scale from 0.0 to 6.0. The combination of these results provides universities with a clear insight into your academic readiness and analytical maturity — key qualities for success in international studies.
For a detailed overview of the structure, scoring, and specifics of the GRE exam, we have prepared a comprehensive guide with practical explanations.