Preparing for the GRE is a major step toward your graduate school dreams- but one of the first big decisions you’ll face is where to take the test.
Should you embrace the convenience of testing from home, or opt for the stability of a professional test center? Each option has its perks and challenges, and the right choice can impact not only your test day experience but your overall score.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about GRE testing locations, plus share how smart prep tools like EverTutor can personalize your study plan to maximize your success- no matter where you take your GRE.
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) General Test is a standardized exam that measures your readiness for graduate school by testing verbal reasoning, quantitative skills, and analytical writing.
Think of it as a universal language for graduate admissions- a way for schools to assess your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
You have two main options for taking the GRE, each with its own benefits and challenges:
The at-home GRE lets you test from your own space, monitored remotely via your computer’s camera and microphone. This option is great if you want to avoid travel or if local test centers are unavailable.
Know more from official source here: ETS At-Home Testing
Alternatively, you can take the test at an official test center, where the environment and equipment are controlled, and proctors are physically present to assist.
Know more from official source here: ETS Test Center Schedule
When deciding where to take the GRE, it helps to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
The table below summarizes the key differences between the at-home GRE and the test center GRE to help you make an informed choice:
Reaching test day fully prepared and confidently taking the test are both crucial parts of your GRE journey.
EverTutor supports you every step of the way, helping you get ready academically while also familiarizing you with the test experience—whether you’re testing at home or at a test center.
EverTutor supports your GRE preparation for both testing options by offering:
By combining these features, EverTutor ensures you’re academically prepared, tech-savvy, and confident.
Deciding where to take the GRE depends on your personal circumstances: if test centers are accessible and convenient, that’s generally the safer option. But the at-home GRE is a valid alternative, especially if travel or scheduling are barriers.
No matter your choice, effective preparation is key. Using personalized tools like EverTutor can give you an edge by adapting your vocabulary practice and overall prep to fit your learning style. Plus, EverTutor’s UniSuggest feature can simplify your next big step by recommending graduate programs tailored to your profile and scores, saving you time and boosting your chances of finding the right fit.
So now when you’ve decided where to take the GRE- get ready and register yourself for the test here: ETS GRE Registration.
Yes, as long as your scores are still within the 5-year validity window at the time of application submission, they are considered valid. However, if you're cutting it close, consider retaking the test early to avoid last-minute stress.
Unofficial scores for Verbal and Quant sections appear immediately after the test.
Official scores, (including scores of Analytical Writing), are available in your ETS account within 10–15 days.
Absolutely. You can retake the GRE once every 21 days and up to five times in a rolling 12-month period. Many test-takers see score improvement after additional focused preparation.
Pro tip: EverTutor helps you prepare for your retake with personalized learning plans, vocabulary-building tools like Vocab Path, and 5 full-length mock tests that replicate real GRE conditions.
Yes, but using smart tools can boost your efficiency. Platforms like EverTutor offer structured support with features like:
✅ 1000+ Practice Questions with Step -by-Step AI Walkthroughs.
✅ Vocabulary Trainer for the most essential GRE words.
✅ 24/7 Real-Time Doubt Solving with an AI Tutor.
✅ 5 Full-Length GRE Mock Tests with instant AWA scoring.