It exists in three versions, of which the unpolished, radical 1805 version and the posthumous 1850 version are the most commonly used for modern publications. (The 1799 version is much shorter.)
The poem, written entirely in blank verse, is a kind of "spiritual autobiography" (Wikipedia).
Famous passages include:
1. Opening journey to the Vale of Grasmere
2. Crossing of the Alps near Mont Blanc in Book VI
3. Climactic ascent of Snowdon in Wales
The poem is important in that it considers man's own mind, as opposed to history or the will of (the) god(s), a worthy subject of an epic.
The Prelude may be worth adding to your GRE reading list, but not as a high priority. I recommend William Wordsworth - The Major Works (Oxford World's Classics)
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