The GRE is a key part of graduate school applications. Choosing when to take it is a crucial part of your application and study plan. Understanding how the GRE exam dates work and how to schedule a date will help you avoid stress and meet your application deadlines. You can take tests at home or in a test center, and registering for a test date is pretty simple.
GRE General Test Dates and Scheduling
Before you start studying for your GRE exam, you should know when it is. After all, your entire study plan will be based around ensuring that you're ready for the day of the test. The GRE General Test, fortunately, is one of the most flexible graduate admission exams. Exams are offered both at home and at test centers, allowing you to choose a time and location that suits you, taking into account application deadlines and personal preferences.
At Home Testing Year-Round
One of the most convenient options is the GRE at Home. This option has become increasingly popular since its introduction, as it's available year-round, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can schedule your test as soon as 24 hours after registering, which is excellent for students who need to take the exam promptly, especially if they are facing graduate school application deadlines.
The test is identical in content, format, and scoring to the GRE in a test center. You still have to complete the Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing sections, which you will do on your own computer. During the test, you'll be monitored online by a human proctor through ETS's secure system, ensuring the at-home tests have the same level of integrity as an in-person test.
At-home testing is helpful for students who live far away from test centers, have scheduling conflicts, or prefer the comfort of their own space. You won't have to commute, worry about traffic, or even stress about finding the correct location. You can do the test in a familiar environment where you'll be more relaxed and focused.
Please note that to take the GRE at home, you must meet the specific technical and environmental requirements. This includes a quiet room, a computer that meets ETS' specifications, a stable internet connection, and a webcam so the proctor can monitor your test session. You must also use the ETS Test Browser and show your room during check-in to confirm it's secure.
The GRE at Home test is identical in structure and scoring to the test center version, covering Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The main difference is flexibility: you can book it 24/7, year-round, and even schedule as soon as 24 hours after registering. This makes it ideal if you're facing application deadlines or prefer testing in a familiar environment. Please note that you'll need to meet ETS's technical requirements, including a secure room, an approved computer setup, and a strong internet connection.
Testing at Test Centers
If you'd prefer the traditional exam experience, you can take the GRE at one of over 1,000 authorized test centers across 160 countries. Unlike the at-home test, you'll need to book an appointment on specific available dates for a center-based test. Dates vary by location, but most centers offer multiple sessions each month, so you can plan around your schedule and graduate school application deadlines.
GRE test centers worldwide.
Test centers are a good choice for students who don't have a quiet space at home or want fewer distractions. You also don't have to worry about the technical requirements, since computers and software are provided at the test centers. It's also useful for those who find it easier to stay focused and in "exam mode" in a formal testing environment.
countries, not just the US.
With test centers varying by city and country, search ETS's test date finder early. Generally, registration opens months in advance, and the popular dates, particularly those in the fall, fill up quickly as the graduate school deadlines approach. Ultimately, the decision to take the test at home or in a test center is up to you, depending on your circumstances and preferences. It's something you should think about from the second you start planning to study for the GRE.
At Home GRE vs Test Center GRE
At Home GRE
- Available 24/7, year-round, with scheduling possible within 24 hours of registration.
- Take the test from the comfort of your own home, saving time and money on travel.
- Best for students who are comfortable with technology and have a quiet, secure space.
- Requires meeting ETS’s tech and room setup requirements.
Test Center GRE
- Offered on specific dates each month at over 1,000 centers in 160+ countries.
- Provides a structured, distraction-free environment with equipment supplied.
- Best for students who prefer a formal test atmosphere or lack the necessary setup at home.
- Seats can fill quickly, especially during peak application seasons (September–October).
Registration Process
Registering for the GRE is relatively straightforward. However, you should plan ahead, as test dates can fill up quickly, especially in the months leading up to graduate school application deadlines. It won't take you long to register, but it's best to do so well in advance and not leave it until the last minute. Also, once you have your exam date, you can plan and create your GRE study schedule.
Registering early for the GRE is more than a convenience; it’s often the difference between getting your preferred date or scrambling at the last minute. Seats at test centers fill up quickly, especially in September and October when most graduate school deadlines are approaching. By creating your ETS account well in advance, regularly checking the GRE schedule, and setting your exam date early, you can reduce stress, save on rescheduling fees, and ensure your results are ready in time for applications.
First, you have to create an ETA account online. This is the account you'll use to register for the GRE, view available test dates, check your scores, and send results to graduate schools. Make sure your personal details are accurate since any mismatches between your official documents and your account can cause delays or even prevent you from sitting the GRE.
Once you have set up your account, you can begin searching for available test dates and locations. For at-home testing, you can choose any time that suits you, as it's a 24/7 service. For test centers, the ETS site can be used to search for test dates by city and view the calendar of open dates. Regularly check this, especially if you have a specific application deadline.
The next part is the registration and payment step. It currently costs $220 in the US, whether you choose to take it at home or in a test center. Payments are taken directly through the ETS portal. At this stage, you can also order score reports for additional schools or add them later for a separate fee. There are also ETS fee reduction programs available for students facing financial difficulties, so consider exploring these options before making your payment.
Please note the rescheduling and cancellation policies. ETS allows you to reschedule your test date. The rescheduling fee is $55, the same as the fee for changing your test center location. If you cancel at least 4 days before the test, you are eligible for a 50% refund of your test fee. If you cancel after the 4-day deadline, you'll forfeit the full test fee and get no refund.
When you register for your test, you'll also get to choose which score recipients will receive your results. Your test fee includes four free score reports, provided you select the schools before your test day. Afterwards, there are additional fees for sending your GRE scores to other programs, with a fee per recipient. Make sure you research your target programs early to take advantage of the free reports.
Once registered, you'll receive a confirmation email. At-home testing confirmations will include system check instructions to ensure that your computer and internet meet ETS requirements. For test centers, the email will contain details of location, reporting time, and ID requirements. Always double-check this information and read the ETS's GRE bulletin to avoid surprises on test day.
The GRE registration process isn't complicated, but don't leave it too late, as that'll make it easier to miss important details. Create your ETS account early, explore your options for test centers or at-home testing, and review policies on rescheduling and fees. Careful planning is the easiest way to ensure that your GRE schedule and study schedule line up smoothly with your graduate application deadlines; one less thing to worry about!
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