The GRE exam consists of three main subject areas: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. These are the core components of the GRE General Test, which is the version most graduate programs require. The subjects in the GRE exam are designed to assess skills essential for success in graduate-level study—not mastery of specific academic disciplines.
Verbal Reasoning evaluates your ability to analyze written material, synthesize information, and understand relationships among words and concepts. Question types include Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence.
Quantitative Reasoning covers high school–level mathematics, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. It tests problem-solving and quantitative reasoning through Quantitative Comparison, Problem Solving, and Data Interpretation questions.
Analytical Writing requires you to compose two essays: “Analyze an Issue” and “Analyze an Argument.” This section measures critical thinking and your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively in writing.
Subject Tests vs. General Test Subjects
It is important to distinguish the subjects in the GRE exam (General Test sections) from the GRE Subject Tests—which are separate, content-specific exams in fields like Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. Unless your program explicitly requires a Subject Test, you only need to prepare for the three core subjects of the General Test.
ETS does not classify Verbal, Quant, and Writing as “academic subjects” but as skill domains. No prior coursework in literature, math, or rhetoric is required—only foundational knowledge and reasoning ability.
All three subjects in the GRE exam contribute to your overall profile. While some programs emphasize Quant (e.g., engineering) or Verbal (e.g., humanities), most review all sections holistically.
Understanding the structure and purpose of each subject area allows for targeted, efficient preparation.
Success on the GRE stems not from memorization, but from disciplined reasoning across these three domains.