The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test commonly used for admissions to graduate schools worldwide. Whether you’re aiming to pursue a master’s or doctoral program in fields like engineering, sciences, humanities, or business, the GRE can be a critical part of the application process. However, understanding the eligibility criteria for the GRE is crucial before you begin your preparation. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about GRE eligibility, including who can take the test, age restrictions, educational requirements, and more.
1. Who Can Take the GRE?
The GRE is open to anyone who plans to pursue graduate studies, regardless of their academic background or nationality. While there are no strict eligibility requirements set by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the organization that administers the GRE, there are a few practical factors to consider before registering for the test:
- Educational Requirements: In general, you can take the GRE if you’ve completed your undergraduate studies or are in the final year of your bachelor’s degree. Most graduate programs will require applicants to have a completed undergraduate degree before admission, though the GRE itself doesn’t require a specific academic background. The test is designed to evaluate your readiness for graduate-level coursework, and the questions are not restricted to any one discipline.
- Age Restrictions: The GRE does not have an upper age limit, and you can take the test at any age. However, there is a minimum age requirement: you must be at least 18 years old to sit for the exam. If you’re between 13 and 17 years old, you can still take the GRE with written permission from a parent or guardian. Additionally, there are no upper age limits for taking the GRE, meaning anyone, whether a recent graduate or someone returning to education after a break, is eligible to take the exam.
2. Educational Background
As mentioned earlier, while there are no strict educational prerequisites for taking the GRE, most applicants are expected to have at least completed an undergraduate degree or be nearing the completion of their bachelor’s degree. Many graduate programs may ask for specific subject knowledge or prerequisites depending on the field you’re applying to, but the GRE is designed to assess general skills that are essential for graduate-level studies, including:
- Verbal reasoning: The ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information.
- Quantitative reasoning: The ability to understand and analyze quantitative data.
- Analytical writing: The ability to articulate and evaluate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
Although no specific undergraduate major is required for taking the GRE, your academic background can influence how you prepare for the test. For instance, those applying for engineering or math-intensive programs might need to focus more on the quantitative sections, while those applying for humanities or social sciences programs might want to focus on verbal reasoning and writing.
3. International Students and Non-Native English Speakers
The GRE is a global test, and students from all over the world can take it. Non-native English speakers can also take the GRE, but it’s important to note that the test is conducted in English. As such, you should have a basic understanding of the English language, especially when it comes to reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills.
If you’re concerned about your English proficiency, you may want to consider taking a preparatory course or language improvement classes before attempting the GRE. ETS also offers free and paid resources to help you prepare for the GRE and improve your skills.
4. GRE Subject Tests
In addition to the general GRE test, there are also GRE Subject Tests available in specific areas, including:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Literature in English
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
These subject tests are intended for students who want to demonstrate their proficiency in a particular academic area. If your desired graduate program requires a subject test, you’ll need to meet the prerequisites and academic background for that specific subject.
5. Number of Attempts
You can take the GRE as many times as you need to achieve the score that meets your goals. However, it’s important to note that there is a limit on how often you can take the GRE. You can take the test once every 21 days, and up to five times in a 12-month period. This means that if you don’t perform well on your first attempt, you have the opportunity to retake the test, but there are limitations to how frequently you can do so.
It’s advisable to prepare thoroughly for the GRE before taking the test, as retaking it frequently can become expensive and time-consuming. Additionally, graduate schools typically consider only your best scores when evaluating your application, so there is no need to worry if you have to retake the exam.
6. Registration and Fees
Registration for the GRE can be done online through the ETS website. The GRE General Test costs $205 (as of 2024) for most locations, but fees may vary slightly based on where you’re taking the test. There are additional fees for services like rescheduling your exam, sending scores to institutions, or changing your test center.
7. Conclusion
In summary, there are no specific eligibility requirements for taking the GRE, aside from a few basic conditions such as the minimum age and educational background. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a working professional, or an international student, you can take the GRE as long as you meet the general criteria. With thorough preparation and strategic planning, you can succeed in the GRE and pave the way for your graduate school journey.
