GRE Exam Dates
If you wish to pursue a master’s or doctoral program in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, or Canada, one of the first steps you need to take is to enroll for the GRE® exam. This test score is important in securing admission for graduate programs, graduate business programs, and doctoral programs globally. The previous page showed you the requirements for GRE® registration and registration fee details. Some good planning is needed in booking the correct GRE® exam dates (and time slot). We will tell you why.
Factors in Booking the Right GRE® Test Dates
Selecting the right GRE test date can be daunting, since several factors come into play here. Here are some of them:
- Your preparedness level, since the test scores really matter in your securing a good admission
- Application deadlines for universities you wish to apply to. The scores are delivered to institutes in 10 to 15 days from the GRE® exam date. So, you should book a test slot at least two weeks before the application deadline
- If you are already well-prepared for the test, we would advise you to take the GRE® test six weeks before the application deadline, since it would allow you to retake the GRE® exam, if needed. Remember that you have to wait for 21 days between two attempts, if you wish to retake the exam. And, you are allowed to take the test up to five times in a year.
To help you through the process of booking your exam dates for GRE®, we have compiled the ultimate guide for booking GRE® test date in some simple steps.
How to take the GRE® Test ?
The GRE® is a computer-based test. In places where computer-based testing is not available, paper-based GRE® tests are delivered. Of course, this is the first decision you will be making: whether you are planning to take the computer-based GRE® or paper-based GRE® test since you may have to plan your time to travel to the center, if needed. Here’s a quick peek at what computer-based and paper-based GRE tests are.
Computer-based GRE® Test
The computer based GRE® Test:- can be taken on all days of the year other than Sundays and holidays
- is delivered in cities, with usually one test center per city. Larger cities may have more and also many more test takers correspondingly. Note that the options available to you can be limited as the slots that you want may already be booked and not be available in test centers of your choice
Paper-based GRE® Test:
- Is available twice a year in November and February
- Is available in places where computer-based test facilities are not available.
When Should You Take the GRE® Exam
Though the computer-based test is available all through the year, the most popular time for students to take the GRE® coincides with the application deadlines for most graduate programs - which is late summer and fall. If you too choose to take your GRE® test during this time, you should register for the GRE® test as soon as possible. The closer the GRE® test date is to the application deadline, the quicker the slots get filled up. Remember that test centers for GMAT® and medical boards are typically same as GRE® test centers, and you would be competing with all of them for a slot.
Another point to consider is that the afternoon slots fill up first. If you are not a morning person and would like to take the test in the afternoon, you need to book the GRE® exam date a little earlier than otherwise. Remember it is about your convenience - the test itself wouldn’t be any different whether you take it in the morning or in the afternoon.
How Long Should You Prepare for the GRE®?
It depends on your goals and program requirements, and on your current level of preparedness. That said, it is not difficult to schedule a preparation program based on your schedule
Take a diagnostic test
Take a diagnostic test and see where you stand with respect to your target score for the GRE® General Test.
Work backwards
Now, decide on the date you would like to take the exam on and use a calendar to find out how many hours of preparation time is available to you. Basically, take away all the time you would have to give to your school work, commute and any other daily activity. Then cut out any dates that you have already committed to something else - attending a friend’s wedding, may be? The remaining hours is the study time you have potentially available.
Be realistic
Now, decide how much of these available hours you would be able to commit to prepare for the GRE® test. Be realistic about this and don’t overburden yourself.
Commit to a schedule
Now, build a study schedule that fits your personal schedule. Make sure you stick to the schedule you make as it will determine how well you can score on your test day!
Decide your GRE® exam date
Based on the several factors we described above, decide when you wish to take the exam and book your slots. Ideally, you should book the date once you start scoring within 5 points of your target score in the mock GRE® exams.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the process for GRE® registration?
To know about the registration process, click here.You can register and book a GRE® exam date online here. You can call and book a date at 1-443-751-4820, 1-800-GRE-CALL (1-800-473-2255). You will need a credit card or a voucher number for this. To find out how to register through fax or post, visit www.ets.org
2. When do I get my GRE® admission ticket?
The admission ticket will be posted to you within three weeks of registration for the GRE®. You can also take a print out of your ticket.
3. What documents do I need for GRE® registration?
A credit card is sufficient to book a GRE® exam date. You will be asked to show your passport on the day of the test as an identification proof.
4. What happens at the test center?
After processing the documents and depositing your personal items outside, you can enter the testing room. Calculators are not allowed at the test center. You will be provided a scratch paper for rough work. At any time during the test, if you have a problem with your computer or you need the help of an administrator, raise your hand to draw their attention.
5. How do I cancel or postpone my GRE® exam date?
If you cancel your GRE® date three days before the test, half the fee will be refunded to you. You have to pay US $50 to postpone your test. To cancel or postpone your test visit: here
6. What is the syllabus of GRE?
GRE® has 3 different sections:
- The Verbal Section
- The Quantitative section
- Analytical Writing Assessment section
To know the entire syllabus of GRE: Click Here
7. How is the Analytical Writing Section of the GRE® different from the TOEFL® test of written English?
The TOEFL® test of written English is focused on evaluating your proficiency in grammar, spelling, vocabulary and syntax. The Analytical Writing Section of the GRE® is designed to test higher level of analytical thinking and writing skills.
8. What word processor is provided for the Analytical Writing Section?
A basic word processor with features like text writing, editing and cut and paste is provided for analytical writing section. It does not allow you to copy text. However, you can work around this by cutting and pasting the text in both places where you want it to be. Th spell check feature is also not available.
9. When are GRE® scores reported?
You can see your unofficial Verbal and Quant score at the test center, right after the test. The Analytical Writing Section score and the official score is sent to you after 10 to 15 days.
10. What is PowerPrep?
PowerPrep is a GRE® practice software provided by ETS. It contains two GRE® practice tests. You can also find free GRE®practice tests and lessons after signing up at AdmitEDGE.
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