The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a computer-based entrance exam for prospective graduate, business, and law school students. Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), this test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills.
Many graduate programs require applicants to submit GRE scores to evaluate their academic aptitude and program dedication, meaning applications should not discount the importance of attaining a good GRE score. However, testing requirements differ based on the program, with some universities waiving college admissions testing altogether.
In addition to the GRE general test, GRE subject tests are available in Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. Individuals with an undergraduate degree or extensive background in one of these subjects can take a GRE subject test to demonstrate their expertise in their chosen field.
GRE test dates are offered year-round online at home and testing centers. There are numerous factors to take into consideration before you register for your GRE test.
You should research the test availability at your desired test center early enough to make adjustments if necessary. But most importantly, you should consult university application deadlines when choosing a GRE test date.
Due to the importance of the GRE test for any graduate school application, you should plan your test dates well in advance, learning about the requirements for registering for this online examination.
GRE test takers can choose when and where they would like to take the exam. They have many options in terms of testing locations as there are more than 1,000 test centers in over 160 countries in the world. It is even possible to take the test at home if the test taker meets certain equipment requirements. Further, there are many testing dates available for the GRE online examination.
The computer-based GRE general test is available at authorized Prometric test centers on a continuous basis, and the GRE at-home test can be taken year-round at any time of day.
Each year, GRE subject tests are offered at test centers in September, October, and April. In the 2024-2025 cycle, GRE tests were offered on the following dates:
It is only possible to take one GRE subject test in each month it is offered.
There is some preliminary research test takers should do before registering for the GRE.
First, you should read and understand the ETS’s rescheduling and cancellation policies, in addition to the ID policies.
Next, you need to decide where you want to take the test and where you want to send your score reports before registering. If you decide to take the GRE at a test center, you should register early to secure your preferred testing time and location.
Finally, you need to plan for the GRE general test to last up to four and a half hours, leaving your schedule open for the entire duration of the test.
You can register for the GRE general test online or on the phone. In most locations, online registration is done through an ETS account. However, individuals in mainland China need to register for the GRE online with an NEEA account.
You are required to register at least two days before your desired test date. Registration is complete after you pay the $205 USD test fee. Online, you can pay with a credit or debit card, PayPal, an e-check, or an authorization voucher. You can also mail a paper check to the ETS PO Box in the United States.
Next, phone registration is done by calling Prometric Services at 1-443-751-4820 or 1-800-473-2255 if you are in the United States, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, or Canada.
For other locations, you must contact your regional registration center.
To register for the GRE general test at home, you must register online via your ETS account. While the cost of the GRE is $220 in most parts of the world, there are some exceptions and some occasions when this cost can be reduced.
Further, if you are planning to take the GRE at home, you must meet the equipment and environment requirements set out by the ETS.
These requirements include having a desktop or laptop computer, a moveable camera, a microphone, and a speaker. The online GRE is monitored by a human proctor through ProctorU.
It is possible to register for a GRE subject test online or via mail. There is a regular registration deadline and a late registration deadline for each of the three test dates per year. Up-to-date information on testing date registration can be found on the ETS website.
When registering, you are required to choose a testing center and four designated score recipients. Finally, you should plan to spend up to three and a half hours on test day taking your GRE exam.
If you register for the GRE at home, the test schedule will become available 24 hours after you complete the registration process.
You should register to take the GRE at least a month before the application deadline for your desired graduate program. However, it is best to give yourself around six weeks before the application deadline in case you need to reschedule or retake the GRE.
The best time to take the GRE depends on the application deadlines of the universities you are applying to. It is best to take the GRE in October for Fall admission application deadlines and in February for Spring deadlines, giving yourself adequate time to retake the online test if necessary.
It is important to plan these dates well in advance to give yourself enough time to begin studying (around three months before your test date). Due to the high cost of the GRE, it is important to spend adequate time studying for the GRE.
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You will be able to view full details of your GRE scores around 8-10 days after your test date. These scores are reportable for up to five years.
It is possible to reschedule your GRE exam dates on the ETS website or the phone. You must reschedule at least four days before your GRE test date to get a refund on any of your test fees.
If you call Prometric Services to reschedule, you may need to provide your appointment confirmation number. There is a separate fee to reschedule your GRE, so you should avoid scheduling in the first place if you are unsure of your availability.
The GRE cannot be rescheduled to a date more than a year away from the original GRE date.
Your GRE exam date can be canceled online or by phone. You will receive a partial refund of your exam fee (50%) if you cancel at least four days before your scheduled test date.
To retake the GRE general test, you need to go through the same registration process outlined above, registering on your ETS account, choosing your test dates, and paying the registration fee.
You can register for the GRE once every 21 days, and the GRE can be retaken up to five times in a continuous 365-day period.
In addition to studying, a lot of planning goes into taking the GRE. Even though there are many GRE online test dates available, you should plan ahead and take the test as early as possible to give yourself time to reschedule or retake the GRE if necessary.
Doing your research before committing to any GRE dates can save you a lot of stress (and unnecessary fees!), making it an important first step as you prepare to apply to graduate school.
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