Practice exams are invaluable tools that can significantly boost your performance when preparing for the GRE. However, not all GRE practice tests are created equal. Using low-quality practice tests can lead you down the wrong path, causing you to waste time on irrelevant topics and neglect the skills you truly need to master. This guide will help you identify and choose the best GRE tests available, ensuring effective and efficient preparation.
What Makes a Great GRE Practice Test?
To maximize your study efforts, it’s crucial to select GRE practice tests that meet the following critical criteria:
1. High-Quality Questions
The cornerstone of any good GRE practice test is the quality of its questions. High-quality questions closely mimic those on the actual GRE regarding wording, content, and difficulty. They should challenge you the same way the real test will, helping you become familiar with the types of questions you’ll encounter on test day.
Creating such questions is no easy feat; many free practice tests fall short in this area. Poorly crafted questions can mislead you into focusing on unimportant topics, ultimately harming your performance. This is why official GRE practice tests, created by the test makers themselves, are the gold standard. These tests guarantee that the questions you practice with are directly aligned with the actual GRE exam.
2. Realistic Test Format
The GRE is a lengthy and demanding exam, lasting approximately 2 hours. It’s vital to practice with tests replicating this experience as closely as possible. A great GRE practice test should mirror the real exam regarding structure, timing, and question distribution.
The GRE starts with an Analytical Writing section, where you’ll have 30 minutes each to write one essay. This is followed by four Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections, some of which might not count toward your final score but will still test your skills. The best practice tests will include these elements in the correct order, with appropriate timing for each section.
Moreover, the GRE is section adaptive, meaning your performance on the initial sections influences the difficulty of subsequent sections. Although it’s challenging to replicate this adaptive feature, high-quality practice tests that attempt to do so provide a more accurate reflection of your potential GRE score.
3. Scoring Algorithm
The GRE actual exam uses a sophisticated scoring algorithm that adapts to your performance in real-time. The exam is section-adaptive, meaning that the difficulty level of the second Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections depends on how well you perform in the first sections of each type. This adaptive nature allows the test to gauge your abilities more accurately. Your final score in each section (ranging from 130 to 170) is determined by the number of correct answers and the difficulty of the questions you encounter. Performing well on harder questions can lead to a higher score, as the algorithm is designed to reflect the accuracy and complexity of the questions answered correctly. Therefore, practice tests must have an accurate scoring algorithm.
4. Detailed Answer Explanations
Understanding why an answer is correct (or incorrect) is just as important as answering the question itself. Strong answer explanations are a critical component of any good practice test. They should walk you through the thought process needed to arrive at the correct answer, highlight common pitfalls, and explain why other answer choices are incorrect.
Without thorough explanations, you might repeat the same mistakes without realizing it, hindering your progress. The best practice tests give you the correct answers and ensure you understand the reasoning behind them, helping you improve with each test.
5. User-Friendly Interface
The usability of a GRE practice test is often overlooked, but it can significantly impact your study experience. A well-designed practice test should be easy to navigate, allowing you to focus on the content rather than struggling with the interface. This means straightforward access to the test, simple navigation between sections, and minimal distractions.
A clunky or overly complicated interface can increase frustration and reduce the efficiency of your study sessions. Since the actual GRE is already a challenging and time-consuming exam, the last thing you need is to waste time grappling with a poorly designed practice test platform.
Best GRE Practice Tests
Preparing for the GRE is a critical step for anyone attending graduate school. To help you succeed, here’s a list of some of the best GRE practice tests available online in 2024.
GRE prep is a significant step for anyone planning to attend graduate school. One of the most effective strategies for preparation is taking GRE practice tests.
Here’s why GRE Practice tests are essential and how they can benefit you.
Free GRE Practice Test
Try Scholar Den’s free GRE Practice Tests to analyze your weak areas for the GRE Math and English sections. Before your GRE prep, click on this self-assessment test to take it.
GRE Preparation Test Recommendations
Based on the recent changes in the GRE exam, we recommend the best GRE test online to our GRE aspirants, emphasizing the excellent quality of these resources, which significantly contribute to a higher GRE score. They are listed as follows in order of their preference:
- ETS (Best for Verbal)
- Scholar Den (Best for Quant)
Educational Testing Service (ETS) Tests
Only recommended for verbal GRE practice tests.
If you are looking for good official practice tests, then ETS should be your first choice of practice tests. However, the quant questions on ETS are outdated and not updated for the shorter GRE.
The real GRE questions are tricky and time-consuming, but the ETS Quant questions do not reflect those questions.
ETS offers practice tests in two categories, i.e., free and paid. These tests help identify weak areas, allowing individuals to focus their efforts more effectively.
Free Tests (ETS)
These are called PowerPrep Online; you can take the free GRE exams online. There are two online tests, which you can access once you register for the actual GRE exam.
The math section is easier than the actual GRE exam, whereas the verbal section is on par with it.
They show your performance related to the Quantitative Reasoning and the Verbal Reasoning sections and do not review your Analytical Writing Assessments.
In short, the following free official GRE practice tests are available online by ETS:
- POWERPREP® Online – Practice Tests 1
- POWERPREP® Online – Practice Tests 2
Paid Tests (ETS)
These official practice tests are only recommended for verbal reasoning practice.
The PowerPrep Plus Online tests include three mock tests sold separately. These are full-length tests and unpublished questions.
They measure scores for all three sections of the GRE test: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. In addition, they offer explanations for the correct answers, which are missing from the unpaid version.
The ETS-paid mock tests are as follows:
- POWERPREP PLUS® Online – Practice Test 1 (Price: $39.95)
- POWERPREP PLUS® Online – Practice Test 2 (Price: $39.95)
- POWERPREP PLUS® Online – Practice Test 3 (Price: $39.95)
Scholar Den Tests
Only available for Math practice.
Scholarden offers 8 Math practice tests and one free self-assessment, which includes math and English. Students who aim for a high GRE math score rate Scholar Den Math practice tests as # 1.
The Scholar Den test scoring algorithm is 99% accurate, offering actual exam questions.
It is essential to know that since 2020, the actual exam questions have become trickier and more time-consuming, so the questions in this test are prepared using the latest skills and techniques judged by the official test makers.
Scholar Den practice questions are up to date, like the real GRE, and are affordable at $4 per practice test.
Scholar Den’s only disadvantage is that it has no verbal practice tests, except for the free self-assessment.
Free Test (2 Tests)
Only available for quantitative reasoning practice.
Scholarden offers one free self-assessment, including math and English, and one self-assessment.
In short, the following free tests are available online by Scholar Den:
- Self-Assessment (Verbal + Quant)
- Shorter Practice Test 1 (Quant only)
Paid Test (8 Tests)
Only available for quantitative reasoning practice.
Scholar Den offers 8 paid Practice Tests. The 8-practice test bundle costs $28, making it the most affordable GRE prep and tests any company provides.
If you buy a bundle package with the subscription, then all 8 paid practice tests will cost $14.
- Shorter Test 1
- Shorter Test 2
- Shorter Test 3
- Shorter Test 4
- Shorter Test 5
- Shorter Test 6
- Shorter Test 7
- Shorter Test 8
ETS & Scholar Den Mock tests have always been our first preference. We encourage students to take these mock tests seriously as they will tell you a lot about where you stand and will predict your result on the actual test almost accurately.
Non-Recommended Practice Tests
These additional practice tests are okay for stamina building but not something you can rely on. They are not accurate predictors of your GRE score and do not offer unpublished test questions. Therefore, they should never be the first choice of GRE aspirants.
Manhattan (Paid)
Manhattan is by far the better option for the non-recommended additional practice tests. These six tests are somewhat helpful for extra practice exams. However, they are only worth the extra practice as their Math and verbal questions do not accurately depict the real GRE exam. Five of them will cost $49.
In addition, there are a few well-known mock tests, but we do not recommend them.
- Princeton Review Practice Test.
- Kaplan Practice Tests
- Manhattan Practice Tests
- Barron’s Practice Test
We have covered everything you need to know about GRE Mock tests, when and how to take them, and some general recommendations. Sign up for free to access real GRE practice tests.
Free GRE Practice Test
If you want to take every free GRE practice exam you can find (for the sake of practice), there are quite a few free GRE practice tests. The following tests are free to access.
- 2 ETS PowerPrep
- 1 Scholar Den Self-Assessment Test
- 1 Scholar Den Test
- 1 Manhattan Test
- 1 Kaplan Test
- 1 Princeton Review Test
You can take a free GRE practice test without paying a single penny. Seize this opportunity to solve as many of them as you can. This will help you improve your speed and acquaint you with newer questions.
Common Questions About GRE
Many students ask these common questions about the GRE practice test: How many free GRE practice tests should I take, and when should I take them?
Let us address all these questions.
How many GRE practice tests should I take?
Before the shorter GRE test, you should attempt at least 8 to 10 practice tests. You should take the recommended tests first. You can refer to the Manhattan and other free tests if you need additional practice tests.
If you are done preparing and are ahead of your schedule, or there is still plenty of time left until your test date, you can attempt more mock tests. This aims to get you enough practice for the big day! So, the more, the better. However, everyone who wishes to appear and get a good score on the shorter GRE practice exam should take at least 10 tests.
To effectively prepare and achieve your desired scores, these practice tests should have a difficulty level that closely mirrors the real GRE practice.
Taking multiple practice exams is crucial to effectively prepare for the GRE and maximize your chances of success.
When to take the practice exams
When you should take the mock tests depends on your preparation plan. Identifying weak areas early in the preparation plan is crucial to focusing your efforts effectively. Preparing for the test experience, including exam day strategies, is crucial to ensuring a successful performance. Refer to the GRE course
GRE experts recommend taking the GRE real test several times during preparation. This will help you be informed of your preparation and practice throughout your preparation period.
We do not recommend taking all 10 tests together after you have completed the preparation. Before you prepare, you should take the self-assessment. The next one will depend on your preparation timelines, which are decided based on your score gap (Target Score minus the test score).
If you have a three-month preparation plan, your next mock should be after four to six weeks. Ideally, you must have a second full-length free GRE test after you finish all the lessons. The remaining tests are in the last month before the actual test.
Read on: Free practice tests
Benefits of the GRE Practice Test
Familiarity with the Test Format
- GRE tests help you become familiar with the GRE’s format, including the types of questions and the sequence of sections. This familiarity can reduce anxiety and boost confidence on test day.
- Practicing under timed conditions helps you manage the test’s time constraints effectively.
Assessment of Knowledge and Skills
- Mock tests highlight areas where you excel and areas needing improvement, allowing for focused study.
- Simulated exams provide a realistic assessment of your preparedness for the test day.
Improving Test-Taking Strategies
- Regular practice helps develop effective strategies, such as eliminating incorrect answers and pacing yourself.
- Familiarity with the question types allows for applying appropriate strategies for different sections.
Reducing Test Anxiety
- Practicing under realistic conditions helps reduce anxiety and increase comfort in the testing environment before the test day.
- Confidence grows with regular practice, improving overall performance.
Enhancing Time Management Skills
- Mock tests teach you how to pace yourself, ensuring the timely completion of each section.
- Quickly identifying and solving easier questions allows more time for difficult ones.
Tracking Progress
- Regular tests enable tracking of progress over time, highlighting improvement areas.
- Improvement tracking helps set realistic goals for the actual GRE test day.
Simulating the Pressure of Test Day
- The GRE is lengthy; practicing full-length tests helps build mental stamina.
- Mock tests prepare you to stay calm and composed during unforeseen challenges.
Read on: GRE 330 with a perfect Math score.
