- The GRE General Test is now computer-delivered only, taken at a Prometric-authorised centre or at home, and runs about two hours
- Official scores appear in your ETS account 8 to 10 days after the test and stay valid for five years
- The standard test fee is USD 220 in most countries, about 22,550 rupees in India.
Are you planning to appear for the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations)? Well, in that case, you need to streamline your preparation in a proper manner. This exam is of the utmost importance if you wish to get into the top graduate schools in Canada, the United States, and a few other countries.
Since the GRE is a standard test that evaluates your verbal, quantitative and analytical skills, you need to excel in each section. If you want to make your dreams of studying abroad come true, you need to take up this test.
Basically, this test is the basic step towards getting admission into these schools. The key to scoring well in the GRE and getting into a top graduate school is preparing in the best manner possible.
Where Are GRE Testing Centres Located and How Do You Find Them?
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers the GRE worldwide. To find a GRE testing centre near you, use the official ETS website, which lets you search Prometric-authorised centres by city and check available dates and times. The GRE General Test is computer-delivered, offered year-round at centres and also at home.
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers the GRE and conducts the test around the world. If you are looking for a GRE testing centre near you, you must visit the official ETS website.
The ETS website has a search tool that shows all the GRE testing centres near you. One of the best parts is that you can also check the available dates and time slots for the test at each centre.
In India, the GRE General Test is available at Prometric-authorised centres in major cities, and you can also take it at home. You can select whichever option is most convenient for you and book your appointment accordingly.
Computer-Delivered General Test
The GRE General Test is delivered on a computer, and you must schedule an appointment before taking it. Check which centres near you have open slots on your preferred date, as tests are booked in advance rather than on a walk-in basis.
When you are selecting the date and location of your computer-delivered test, there are certain things to take care of. These include:
- Find an authorised centre near you and confirm it has open appointment slots.
- Book early, as popular dates and times fill up quickly.
- Check whether any rescheduling or cancellation fee applies before you confirm.
- Arrive at the centre on time with a valid, unexpired passport as your identification.
At-Home Testing Option
If you prefer not to travel, you can take the same GRE General Test at home. The at-home test has identical content and format to the centre-based test and is available around the clock in most locations. Note that the paper-delivered General Test is no longer offered.
For the at-home test you need a quiet, private room, a reliable computer that meets the equipment requirements, and a stable internet connection. You register through your ETS account just as you would for a centre appointment.
Selecting a Date for the GRE Subject Test
GRE Subject Tests are also computer-delivered. If your programme requires one, always keep track of the reporting date so that your official scores reach your prospective school before its application deadline.
Official GRE General Test scores appear in your ETS account 8 to 10 days after your test date, and they remain valid for five years. Plan your test timing around this window so your applications are not delayed.
Beginner's Guide to the GRE Format and StructureRead →How Do You Select the Right GRE Centre?
Once you decide to take the GRE, choose the testing centre that suits you best so the exam runs smoothly. Compare centres on how close they are, the availability of your preferred date and time, how you will reach them, and feedback from previous test takers before finalising your choice.
How Close Is It to You
Always make sure to check the location of the exam centre. This is to ensure that you calculate the travel time and reach the destination half an hour before the exam starts. If there are no GRE centres in your city, you can visit the city closest to you.
If you are visiting another city to take the test, it is advisable that you reach the city two days before the scheduled exam date. This will give you enough time to learn about the city and the exam centre, so you can reach the place on time.
Availability of Time and Date
Always make sure to check the time and date when the exam is being conducted at a particular centre. There are some centres that may offer a more convenient time and date matching your schedule.
If the centres close to you are not offering the date and time of your preference, there is no harm in choosing a centre farther away that fits your schedule better.
Method of Reaching
How do you plan to reach the exam centre? If you are taking the exam in your own city, you probably already know the ways of reaching the particular centre. If not, you can travel to the centre a day before to be sure of the route.
If you are not taking the exam in your city, you must reach the destination city two days prior. You can visit the exam centre one day before your exam. It is advisable to be a little familiar with the routes so that you can avoid any potential delays.
Feedback from Previous Test Takers
Various test takers have appeared for the GRE exam at each centre before you. Therefore, you may consider listening to their feedback. This will give you an idea of how well the particular centre is managed.
You can check the reviews of the particular centre before finalising your decision. With more clarity regarding the centre, you will be able to make a better decision.
How to Schedule Your GRE TestRead →How Do You Choose a GRE Preparation Course?
Selecting a testing centre alone will not prepare you for the GRE; you also need a solid study plan. You can join a reputable coaching institute near you or an online course. Compare programmes on fees, your target score, and your preferred learning method before enrolling in the one that fits you.
These GRE preparation courses usually teach candidates different shortcuts that save time. Before choosing the perfect course for you, there are different factors to consider. Some of the most important factors are as follows:
Fees
If you are preparing on your own with the help of online materials, it can be free. However, in this case, you are less likely to get expert guidance if you ever get stuck. If you have a budget for your GRE preparation, be sure to check the fees of the course before signing up.
The GRE preparation course fee can vary depending on the mode of the course you are taking. However, there is not much difference between the fees for online and offline courses. You can check the fees of respective institutions on their website, or call them to discuss the fees before making your decision.
Personal Score Goals
Before you decide which GRE course to choose, it is extremely important that you know your score goals. The score you wish to achieve depends significantly on the graduate school you want to get into, so your personal score goals play an important role in helping you make the right choice.
You can gauge your current level by taking a practice GRE test. Taking the practice test will give you clarity on where you stand in terms of preparation and whether you need any extra classes.
When you take the practice test, you may realise that there is only one section for which you need a class. If you want to improve in some areas, you can opt for a general class that teaches the basics, or join a full-fledged course if you are lagging behind overall.
Method of Learning
Your method of learning can also influence your choice of a GRE preparation course. Every candidate has their preferred method of learning, so before you make a choice regarding the course, you must know yourself the best.
Do you learn best by yourself or in a group? You will also need to understand whether you prefer a structured way of learning or more independence. When you compare all these criteria, you can make a more informed decision about which course suits you.
GRE Tips and Strategies for SuccessRead →What Are the Types of GRE Courses?
Preparation institutes offer several types of GRE courses, and each has its own advantages and drawbacks. The three most common formats are offline classroom batches, online live or recorded courses, and one-on-one tutoring. You must make a choice depending on your budget, learning style, and how much personal attention you need.
Offline
Offline classes usually have a batch of students coming in for preparation. Each offline class typically has fewer than 30 students. The instructor teaches different approaches to a question and how to solve them easily and quickly.
If you take an offline class, you can meet like-minded candidates in person. Since all candidates work together, the pace and quality of your learning can improve.
Online
Online GRE preparation courses are the same as offline ones; the only difference is that they happen virtually. Online GRE courses have live as well as recorded sessions, and you can attempt online practice questions and mock tests.
Moreover, if you are taking an online GRE preparation course, you can customise the learning as per your preference. With pre-recorded sessions, you can also learn at your own pace.
One-on-one
Not everyone is comfortable learning in a group, which is why many candidates opt for one-on-one learning. One-on-one learning allows the candidate to get special attention from the tutor, who schedules the learning plan as per your preference. However, one-on-one GRE preparation courses can be quite expensive.
Which Type of GRE Course Should You Choose?
The GRE course you choose depends on your preparation needs and how you learn best. It is advisable that you compare all the factors, such as price, learning speed, and access to study materials, before deciding. Since every student is different, the ideal method varies, so weigh these points to make a well-informed choice.
The type of GRE preparation course you choose significantly depends on your preparation. As said earlier, every student is different, so the method of learning for every student will vary as well. As a result, you can make a more informed decision by comparing all these factors.
What Should You Do Before Your GRE Exam?
To excel in the GRE, take practice tests, mock tests, sample papers, and previous years' question papers regularly. Find your preparation course and book your testing centre well ahead of time so that you do not face any last-minute problems when your graduate school application deadline is approaching.
When you are preparing for your GRE exam, you will get various opportunities to excel. Make sure that you are grabbing them all and using every resource available to you.
Staying prepared from the beginning ensures that you get the maximum result. This will also help you make the right choices, especially in terms of exam preparation and getting into your dream graduate school.