When is the best time to take the GRE?

Question

I'm applying to colleges hopefully by December and I was wondering when I should take the GRE. Should I take it over the summer before the GRE changes, or wait until afterwards? Do schools want you to take it in a certain time limit?

Answer 1

Schools typically want your scores with your application (sent directly from the testing center itself), so whenever its done it should be done prior to applying. If you don't take it before the application deadlines, it still has to be taken very soon thereafter because they won't wait for you to get your scores in when they're making their decisions. So students with favorable scores already in, will be chosen. If your scores are not already in, they should at least be on there way within a matter of a few weeks (not months). On the application, some schools ask if you haven't already taken it, when do you plan to. That will still cost you for reasons i've already mentioned.

Secondly, because you should not have to have taken it more than two or three times and you only get to take it once every 30 or so days, you should clearly start as soon as possible to give yourself a chance to re-do it if you don't like your score.

Also, does the school of your choice require a "subject GRE"? If you don't know that, you need to find out. GRE's are offered most days of the week with a small window of time needed to make the appointment, however, subject GRE's are given on certain dates and may only come up as often as the MCAT does, once every three months, or one in the spring, summer and fall.

The summer is fine if you feel prepared by summer because you have studies during the spring. When you take it is only a matter of preparedness as long as its done by the time you submit your applications.

Answer 2

Before you take the GRE, enroll in a GRE test prep course like Kaplan's and really prepare yourself so that you score well. Check your area's GRE schedule to see when you can take the test. They are given, as far as I know, via computer now and you can get your test results immediately after you complete the exam. I don't believe you can see your scores until after you have decided to accept or reject your final outcome. So it's like a guessing game that you hope you win. Being prepared is more likely to get you the winning scores you want.

Also, consider what your own personal schedule looks like. If you are free before summer, take the test sooner. Especially now that it is cold weather, you can maximize your time by studying hard now so that you are free to relax and enjoy your summer. You also put yourself ahead of other applicants by applying to schools early and you can send your GRE scores in early. If you know which schools you want to apply to, you can contact them through their website and ask what they prefer.

One more bit of advice: your local library should have test manuals with sample tests in them, and there are computer generated test software you can purchase that are worth investing in to help even more with preparation.

Good luck to you, but whatever you do try not to stress over the GRE, prepare thoroughly instead.

Answer 3

I am waiting until it changes so the number will be arbitrary. You can always claim that you had no idea how to prepare and colleges will know that the number is not fully standardized.