Is the GRE the hardest test?
Asked by: Edgardo Halvorson | Last update: January 21, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (49 votes)
The general consensus is that the GRE is harder than the high school exams but easier than the other graduate exams. In other words, the GRE is harder than the SAT and ACT but less challenging than the GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT. However, difficulty is subjective, so the most relevant answer depends highly on you!
How hard is it to pass the GRE?
Overview of GRE Exam and Difficulty Level
The answer is quite not easy as the GRE is not exactly difficult but a bit challenging. You might need a lot of dedicated hours to score good marks to make it to the top MS colleges abroad.
Is the GRE harder than the MCAT?
Because MCAT tests much more specific concepts and skills, the MCAT will require a more focused study. It is ultimately more challenging in terms of subject matter. However, both GRE and MCAT are challenging in their own ways and require a significant amount of time for preparation.
Is the GRE harder than the SAT?
The GRE is considered harder than SAT because of the GRE vs SAT difficulty level. This is because of some challenging reading passages and vocabulary. The vocabulary of the test has ambiguous words that are not used in everyday language.
What level of math is on the GRE?
The test consists of approximately 66 multiple-choice questions, drawn from courses commonly offered at the undergraduate level. Approximately 50 percent of the questions involve calculus and its applications—subject matter that can be assumed to be common to the backgrounds of almost all mathematics majors.
What makes the GRE hard?
How long do I need to study for the GRE?
According to ETS research, most test takers prepare for 1 to 3 months, so try to give yourself at least that amount of time.
What is a mediocre GRE score?
A decent GRE score depends on the specific requirements of the graduate programs to which you're applying. Generally, scores around the 50th percentile in each section are considered average, while scores above the 75th percentile are often considered competitive for most programs.
Is getting a 300 on GRE hard?
How Hard Is It to Get a 300 on the GRE? A score of 300 on the GRE is considered an achievable goal for many test-takers, as it represents an average performance. The GRE is scored on a scale of 260-340, with 130-170 points possible for both the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections.
Does GRE outweigh GPA?
High GRE Scores
If you diligently plan, study, and then kick butt at the GRE, a high score could help offset a low GPA. This aptitude test helps measure your readiness for graduate school. A high score may even do more than your GPA to communicate your capability as a graduate student.
What is the hardest part of the GRE?
Other test-takers find coming up with ways to arrive at the answers to Problem Solving Quant questions the hardest. For others, the Verbal section is the most difficult area of the GRE. Then, within the Verbal section, Critical Reasoning is considered the most difficult by many GRE test-takers.
What score is failing the MCAT?
There is no definitive pass or fail score for the MCAT; rather, each medical school sets its own criteria for acceptable scores. To determine the score needed for a particular medical school, it's best to consult the specific school's requirements or visit their website.
How hard is a 165 GRE?
A score of 165 is in the 95th percentile, meaning that if you score 165 in the Verbal or Quantitative Section, you will be in the top 5% of all test takers. If so, the GRE score will be a strong positive factor for your application.
Can I score 300 in GRE without preparation?
If you have dedication and a strong will to get a ticket to your dream university, you can definitely score higher on the GRE test without coaching, provided you have a good knowledge of mathematics, English and written skills.
How many times can you fail the GRE?
You can take the GRE exam five times in a twelve-month period, but you have to wait 21 days between each attempt. Both the online test and the in-person test count toward your yearly GRE limit.
Is 80% good on the GRE?
What is a Good GRE Score? A good GRE score is considered to be 158+ on Verbal Reasoning, 159+ on Quantitative Reasoning, and 4.5+ on Analytical Writing. This range typically places you in the 75th percentile or higher. A good GRE score depends on the schools you're applying to.
Do schools know how many times you took the GRE?
No matter when you report your scores or which options you choose, you will select which scores to report and the schools will see all your scores from those testing sessions. Schools will only see the scores that you send to them, and there will be no special indication whether you have taken additional GRE tests.
Does the GRE penalize guessing?
Good news: There's no penalty for guessing on the GRE. Fill in an answer for every question, even if you decide to skip it. Guessing on this test is a skill in and of itself that requires practice. For instance, if you wind up reaching your minute check-in and still have no clue, make yourself write down an answer.
Is GRE harder than LSAT?
For most test-takers, an elite LSAT® score is much harder to achieve than an elite GRE score. However, certain characteristics – stronger verbal skills and weaker quant skills, for example – might make the GRE a tougher test for you personally.
What is a 90% on the GRE?
If you're applying to very competitive programs, you'll likely want to shoot for scores in the 90th percentile or higher. For Verbal, that's about 163 and above. For Quantitative, that's 170. That said, there's no single rule to follow when trying to achieve a good GRE score.
Can I get into Harvard with 300 GRE?
For admission to Harvard University, you need the following: Average GPA: 3.7/4.0. GRE score: 330/340. Statement of Purpose.
Is 295 a bad GRE score?
A GRE score average of 290 to 300 can take you to a quality university in the USA, which would surely help you take off your career ladder.
What is the average GRE score without studying?
Average GRE Scores Without Studying
On average, test-takers who attempt the GRE without extensive preparation tend to score in the mid-range, around 150-155 for both verbal and quantitative sections. The analytical writing score may vary more widely.
Can your unofficial GRE score go down?
While the unofficial scores are mostly accurate, slight discrepancies with the final version can occur. You have the option to accept or cancel these scores before they're sent to universities. Hence, breathe easy after your GRE, understand your unofficial scores, and wait patiently for the official report to arrive!