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Official GRE prep resources: what to use, and when

A source-checked route through ETS's current GRE General Test structure, skill overviews, POWERPREP tests, math guides, sample questions, and Analytical Writing materials.

Published 2026-08-13 · Sources last checked 2026-08-13

Start with the test ETS actually gives

Before choosing materials, read the current GRE General Test structure (accessed 2026-08-13). ETS lists one 30-minute Analytical Writing task, two Verbal sections with 12 and 15 questions, and two Quantitative sections with 12 and 15 questions. The complete test takes about 1 hour 58 minutes.

Analytical Writing
1 task · 30 min
Verbal Reasoning
27 questions · 41 min
Quantitative Reasoning
27 questions · 47 min
ETS says the two Verbal and two Quantitative sections may appear in any order after Analytical Writing. Verbal and Quantitative are section-level adaptive, so use official timed practice to learn the interface and pacing—not to predict an admission result.

A practical order for the official resources

The list below is an internal study sequence, not an ETS prescription. It keeps official full tests in reserve until you know the skills and can learn from the result.

  1. 01

    Map the tested skills

    Use the official Verbal overview, Quantitative overview, and Analytical Writing overview. ETS names Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence for Verbal; arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis for Quant; and one Analyze an Issue task for writing.

  2. 02

    Fill foundations before timing them

    For Quant, ETS links a free Math Review, Mathematical Conventions guide, and Quantitative strategies guide. For Verbal and Quant together, ETS also publishes a free sample-question guide with explanations and test-taking tips. Do not use a short sample as a score forecast.

  3. 03

    Calibrate writing against the rubric

    Read the official scoring criteria, then inspect the sample Issue taskwith scored responses and rater commentary. Practice from the published Issue Topic Pool, revise once, and compare the revision qualitatively with the criteria. A self-review is not an official ETS score.

  4. 04

    Use POWERPREP in increasing realism

    ETS currently describes POWERPREP 1as a free untimed full test and POWERPREP 2 as a free timed full test with a performance report. Start untimed to learn the tools; take the timed form after a study block. POWERPREP PLUS is a separate paid product, so confirm the current price and contents on ETS before buying.

  5. 05

    Turn results into the next study block

    Sort misses by the official skill families above, then choose a small number of skills to revisit. Keep separate notes for knowledge gaps, reasoning errors, and pacing decisions. A practice report can guide what to study next; it cannot tell you whether a program will admit you.

Continue by skill in Keiko Study

These pages follow the same official domains while using original explanations and original practice material. ETS owns the GRE and the linked official resources; Keiko Study is not endorsed by or affiliated with ETS.

Reading ComprehensionText CompletionQuantitative ComparisonAnalytical Writing practice
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Sources

Every source below was accessed on the listed date. Pages — especially department admissions pages — change without notice; the links go to the live versions.

  1. Prepare for the GRE General Test — ETS. Accessed 2026-08-13.
  2. GRE General Test Structure — ETS. Accessed 2026-08-07.
  3. GRE General Test Verbal Reasoning Overview — ETS. Accessed 2026-08-03.
  4. GRE General Test Quantitative Reasoning Overview — ETS. Accessed 2026-08-02.
  5. GRE General Test Analytical Writing Overview — ETS. Accessed 2026-08-13.
  6. POWERPREP — ETS. Accessed 2026-08-13.

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Sources and corrections

Sources last checked 2026-08-13

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