When are the GRE Test Dates in 2018-19? - EDUopinions

When are the GRE Test Dates 2018-19

04/04/2018

Are you planning to take GRE test in 2018 or 2019? If that is the case, it may be good to start your preparation ahead of time and to keep in mind the GRE test dates which are released by ETS up to one year in advance.

The Graduate Record Examination or GRE is a standardized test available in over 1000 cities across 160 countries. It is conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Services) a US-based organization. The test is for students interested in Masters’ degree programs or PhD courses at foreign universities, especially those in the US and Canada. Many universities in Europe and Asia also accept GRE scores for their Graduate programmes, but it is not necessarily required for all courses that are offered. Be sure to check in advance the admission criteria for your targeted programme.

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What is the best time to take the GRE Test?

When you are applying for top universities for a Masters or MBA related to business, the best scenario would be to take the GRE test about a year before your commencement date. This timing will increase your chances of admission because if you need to retake the GRE test, you will have sufficient time, energy and resources to do so. You may also be able to get a scholarship.  Therefore, if you are aiming to start your studies in Fall of 2019 and you are applying for a top university, you should take your GRE by August or September 2018. In case you are not targeting one of the top schools you may take it a few months later – e.g. in November 2018.

Even if you are not in the best scenario where you have plenty of time try to avoid as much as possible taking the GRE very late and close to the application date. Otherwise, you are risking that the program will not accept you or it will not receive your scores promptly. Do not forget to save some time for preparing all other necessary pieces of your application such as essays, recommendation letters, transcripts and other.

How often can you take the GRE Test?

GRE test is offered in both a computer-delivered and paper-delivered format.

  1. Paper-delivered GRE – this option is offered up to three times a year only in locations where a computer-delivered test is not available. The registration deadlines are very strict. You can view the paper-delivered GRE test centers and dates here.
  2. Computer-delivered GRE – it offers more flexibility because you can take it throughout the entire year every 21 days, up to five times within a period of 365 days. In most areas of the United States, you can only take the computer-based GRE.

In both cases, it is good to register as soon as you can to make sure you will get the date and time you want. All test dates in any centre are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If the seats in the selected test centre are already fully booked on that date, you will have to choose a different time or to choose other test location.

How to find and book GRE Test Dates?

To find test centres and dates the first thing you should do is to go to the GRE Registration Portal. When you get there you will have to do the following steps:

  • Create your ETS account for GRE Test registration. Watch a quick video on how to do that.
  • After the registration chooses among GRE General Test or one of the Subject Tests (Biology, Chemistry, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology).
  • Select the date and location where you would like to do the test. There will be a list of the test centres/centre available for that date and location with the available time slots. You can view any two-month period with available dates for up to one year ahead or view the test centres by distance for even greater convenience.
  • Click on “Register” and read the accommodation details, Testing Policies, terms and conditions.
  • Review your personal information and edit it if needed.
  • Fill in your academic background information.
  • View practice tests offered for free or paid.
  • Pay the fee for the GRE test and any other products added to your shopping cart. Your offered payment methods will be:
    • By Credit Card, or Debit Card with a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, or JCB card
    • Direct transfer from your bank account (Note: It should be a US bank)
    • Using PayPal

Be ready to pay a worldwide fee of $205 for GRE General Test and $150 for GRE Subject test. If you wish to reschedule the test, you will have to pay $50 extra. The full list of the fees for the GRE General Test and Related Services is here.

Plan and book your GRE test dates well in advance. It may be best for you to take it more than once if the scores you get are too low and do not reflect your actual knowledge. Also, keep in mind that you have to wait at least 21 days every time before retaking the computer-delivered GRE test.

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