If you’re considering graduate school, you’ve probably come across three letters that hold a lot of weight: GRE.
The GRE isn’t just another standardized test- it’s the launchpad for your graduate school journey, a gateway to academic ambition and professional growth.
This guide is your one-stop resource for navigating the GRE, from registration and rescheduling to test prep and policies.
Candidates may register to take the GRE General Test at a designated test center through two primary methods:
Registration is completed via the ETS account portal in most countries.
However, candidates located in mainland China must register through an NEEA account.
Candidates in the United States, its territories, and Canada may register by calling Prometric Services at 1-443-751-4820 or 1-800-473-2255.
Those in other regions must contact their respective Regional Registration Center (RRC) as listed in the official GRE Information Bulletin document.
Registration Deadline: You must register at least two days prior to the intended test date.
Test Fee: The standard registration fee is $220 USD.
Payment Methods: Credit or debit card, PayPal, e-check, ETS voucher, or mailed paper check.
Candidates also have the option to take the GRE General Test from home, subject to meeting specific technical and environmental requirements. Registration must be completed online through the candidate’s ETS account.
Test Fee: Typically $220 USD, subject to regional variations and available discounts.
Minimum Requirements:
The at-home test is administered via ProctorU with a live human proctor to ensure compliance with ETS testing standards.
To avoid any last-minute issues, it is strongly recommended that you carefully review the official GRE At-Home Test Day Guidelines. This page outlines exactly what to expect on test day - including setup instructions, security protocols, and behavior policies. Reviewing these details in advance will help you feel confident, prepared, and fully equipped for a stress-free test day.
The GRE General Test is offered in two formats:
To learn more about the test format and structure, visit the official ETS’s About the GRE General Test page.
ETS offers flexible options for candidates who need to adjust their test plans.
Candidates may reschedule their GRE test date via their ETS account or by phone, no later than four days prior to the originally scheduled date (ten days for test-takers in China). A rescheduling fee will apply. The new date must be within one year of the original appointment.
Tests may be canceled through the ETS account or by phone. If canceled at least four days in advance, ETS will issue a 50% refund of the test fee. No refund is granted for cancellations made after this period. All refunds are processed in U.S. dollars.
Candidates may retake the GRE General Test once every 21 days, and no more than five times within any continuous 12-month period, regardless of the test delivery method.
Visit the official site for more information - The GRE® General Test
The following policies apply to GRE test-takers in the 2025 testing cycle:
For complete details, read the official GRE Information Bulletin.
After completing the GRE General Test:
Test registration includes the ability to send scores to four institutions at no additional cost. Additional score reports may be purchased for $40 per recipient.
Preparing for the GRE is like training for a marathon - it’s about consistency, pacing, and mental stamina.
Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
Best for: Independent learners who are tech-savvy and comfortable testing in a quiet space.
Learn more from official ETS Source: Test Day at Home
Best for: Students who prefer a formal, distraction-free environment and need a stable test infrastructure.
Learn more from official ETS Source: Test Day at a Center
Successfully preparing for the GRE begins with understanding the registration process, choosing the appropriate test format, and being aware of key policies related to scheduling, cancellations, retakes, and payments. Whether testing at home or at a center, knowing what to expect and following official guidelines ensures a smooth experience.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview to help you make informed decisions throughout your GRE journey. For the most accurate and updated information, always refer to ETS's official resources and documentation.
The GRE General Test fee for most locations worldwide is $220 (as of 2023-2024). This fee includes sending your scores to up to four graduate institutions of your choice.
Some additional costs to consider:
ETS offers a Fee Reduction Program for eligible test-takers based on financial need, participation in national programs, or specific criteria (e.g., unemployment). Approved applicants may receive:
Yes, but only a basic on-screen calculator is provided during the Quantitative Reasoning sections of the GRE. You cannot bring your own calculator to the test whether at home or at a center.
What qualifies as a "good" score depends on your target program, but generally:
Always check the average GRE scores of admitted students at your desired schools.
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