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When to take the GRE

Consider planning to take the GRE approximately a year before your intended enrollment in Graduate School, preferably during the summer or early fall. The specific deadline for taking the GRE depends on the admission procedures of each school, the program you're applying to, and the enrollment term. Consult the application guidelines to determine if a Subject Test is required in addition to the General Test, keeping in mind that Subject Tests are offered a maximum of three times a year.


While you have the option to take the GRE up to five times, you can only take it once per calendar month, including months when you cancel your score. Allocate enough time in your planning to register, re-take the test if necessary, and submit a new score to schools before the application deadline. If you are dissatisfied with your initial score, consider retaking the GRE only if you anticipate a significant score improvement, such as in cases of illness or personal challenges. Both scores will be reported to the schools, and they typically consider your highest score.


Taking the GRE early provides you with your score, enabling strategic application planning and selection of competitive schools. Remember to include a "safe" school and long-shot options in your choices. Early GRE scores allow you to submit your official score with your application.


For schools with rolling admissions, submitting your application early (usually between December and February, depending on the school) is crucial. Rolling admissions mean that applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, and some schools may fill their classes before the final deadlines.


Plan to take the GRE at least six weeks before the application deadline. Due to the separate scoring of the Analytical Writing Measure, allow approximately 10–15 days for your official score report release.


Subject Test scores, delivered in paper and pencil format, are typically reported around six weeks after the test date. Arrange for your test score to be sent directly to you and up to four schools. Some universities may choose to receive GRE scores in a format distributed a couple of times a month, causing additional delays to consider when planning the test date.

Given the Computer-Based Test format of the GRE General Test, you can take the exam almost any time. Test center schedules vary, and available time slots, especially on weekends, may fill up quickly. While it may be possible to schedule on short notice in some cases, it is recommended to book a time and date at least a month in advance (preferably two months, especially during the busy period between November and January). Visit www.gre.org for a list of test center locations and online registration.


If you need to take a GRE Subject Test, ensure you schedule it at least six weeks in advance, as ETS offers these tests a maximum of three times a year. Choose a date when you feel adequately prepared and confident in your ability to perform well on the GRE.

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