Top 16 GRE Practice Tests to Use in Your Prep
Most GRE test-takers don’t just roll out of bed and ace this graduate school entrance exam. Preparation is key to getting a good GRE score, and GRE practice tests can play a crucial role when getting ready for this challenging exam.
Test-takers can access a variety of free tests that cover all three GRE sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
Alongside standard test prep, these high-quality practice tests provide you with diagnostics regarding performance. Standout options also mirror the content and delivery of the actual exam.
Continue reading as we spotlight 16 of the best GRE practice tests.
ETS
The Educational Testing Services, or ETS, administers the GED and offers several official practice tests through its POWERPREP Online packages. We also found a couple older practice test PDFs (note that these have five additional questions on each Verbal and Quant section). Getting practice tests straight from the source means you’re getting the most accurate questions available.
The organization’s POWERPREP PLUS tests, which are available for a fee, come with even more features, including real-time scoring, test-taking strategies, and explanations for correct answers.
- POWERPREP Online – 2022 Practice Test 1
- POWERPREP Online – 2022 Practice Test 2
- POWERPREP PLUS Online ($39.95 per test)
- GRE 2017 Practice Test
- GRE 2011 Practice Test
Kaplan
Kaplan offers an array of test prep resources, including a free GRE practice test. The company’s practice test mirrors the questions and format you’ll see on test day. While this practice test’s online platform is also a solid facsimile of the digital test, students shouldn’t expect in-depth explanations for test questions.
To access this practice test, you must create a free Kaplan account.
The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review’s free online GRE practice test includes questions that mirror those on the real exam through an online platform similar to the one you’ll use on test day. Test-takers must create an online account before gaining access to the test and will have two weeks to use it.
Mometrix
Mometrix’s free GRE practice tests give test-takers a small taste of what they can expect on the real exam. While these tests don’t mimic the length or timed structure of the actual GRE, they’re still a reliable and convenient practice option.
The company also offers GRE study guides and flashcards at no cost.
Manhattan Review
Manhattan Review’s free GRE practice test stands out as one of the best options outside of the official ETS practice exams. In addition to offering questions and formats similar to those on the real test, this resource comes with detailed answer explanations to help you understand how to find the correct answers.
To access this practice test, you must create a Manhattan Review account.
McGraw-Hill Education
McGraw-Hill offers multiple free GRE practice tests and diagnostic tests for both the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections of the exam. Test-takers can access a sizable library of practice questions and in-depth answer explanations. No account is needed to access McGraw-Hill’s GRE practice tests.
Peterson’s
Peterson’s is home to a long list of test prep options for a relatively low price. In addition to providing eight full-length GRE practice tests, the company offers helpful study guides and detailed answer explanations.
These GRE practice tests require a monthly subscription, and you can access materials online through your computer, tablet, or phone.
- 8 Full-Length GRE Practice Tests ($39-$49/mo.)
Magoosh
Along with a free practice test, Magoosh offers a monthly subscription that gives test-takers access to countless practice questions and video tutorials. Test prep content covers the Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing sections of the exam.
Those paying the monthly fee can also utilize a score predictor, study schedules, and support from test prep experts.
Union Test Prep
Union Test Prep offers various free test prep options, including GRE practice tests, questions, study guides, and flashcards. Completely free of charge and ad-supported, Union Test Prep’s GRE practice tests are broken down by section.
Test-takers can upgrade to an ad-free version at any time for a nominal fee.
- GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Test
- GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Test
- GRE Analytical Writing Practice Test
How to Use GRE Practice Tests in Your Prep
Test-takers can take steps to ensure they get the full benefit of GRE practice tests. Keep reading to learn how to make the most of practice tests in your GRE preparation.
1 Prioritize Official ETS Practice Tests
Test-takers should always prioritize official ETS practice tests when preparing for the GRE. ETS creates the GRE and provides free online tests and access to past exams. You can also access additional practice tests with comprehensive explanations and test-taking tips for a fee.
2 Determine What You Need to Focus On
Before spending countless hours studying for the GRE, taking a diagnostic exam gives test-takers the chance to see how they currently perform. Diagnostic tests can also highlight where you perform well and where you may need to improve.
After gaining valuable information from a diagnostic test, you can make a plan to improve your GRE score.
3 Mimic Real GRE Testing Conditions
When taking your practice GRE, it’s vital to mirror test-day conditions. In addition to getting comfortable and mitigating pre-test jitters, mimicking exam conditions during practice tests offers test-takers a clear picture of their performance.
Come to your practice test rested, find a quiet room, silence your phone, and don’t take any unnecessary breaks.
4 Review Your Mistakes After Each Practice Test
After each practice test, review your mistakes and analyze your results. Doing this can help guide future studying and enhance your test performance. Test-takers should spend time reviewing each of the questions they missed and understanding why they answered them incorrectly.
Continue this process of testing and revision to build confidence as you learn from your mistakes.