Last Updated: October 29, 2023
Register for GRE Exam
GREs are conducted for students who wish to continue their education with post-graduation studies. The exam mainly focuses on courses like business and law along with other majors that can be chosen. The subject tests are often extremely specific and hence considered lower than the general test which can provide colleges with a deeper insight into the students’ educational background.
For students applying for post-grad courses abroad, taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is mandatory. The exam can be taken multiple times a year until the best score is achieved after which the student can choose to send the scores to the colleges or universities of their choice.
GRE General Test
The GRE General Test is a standardized examination developed and managed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which aims to evaluate one's general academic proficiency for postgraduate education. Certain postgraduate programs necessitate that candidates sit for the general examination and the GRE subject examination that evaluates their technical proficiency in a particular field, such as physics, psychology or mathematics.
The examination consists of three sections that contribute to the overall score and one that does not, and it takes a total of 3 hours and 45 minutes, with a 10-minute break incorporated. The three sections that contribute to the score are analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning.
GRE General Test at Home
ETS has started offering an alternative option for students who wish to take the GRE test within the safe and convenient space of their home. This option has been created due to the pandemic and has become one of the most sought-after methods of the test by students and parents alike.
There is no difference in content, format, or other factors when compared to the test taken at a test center. This method can be opted for by students at all times since it is available 24/7 and provides test dates as early as 24 hours after the candidate registers.
Things to Know Before Registering for GRE
The registration process for this examination is very straightforward and self-explanatory. The text centers for GRE are available in more than 160 countries making it a total of over 10,000 centers all over the world. One can choose to appear for the examination in either paper mode or computer mode according to the preference and comfort level of the candidate.
- Read about the policies
The first and foremost thing is to read about the policies and the fee structure of the examination. While doing this make sure that the correct dates and test center are chosen.
- Candidate has to fill up their ID
Read about the policy that mentions the ID requirement. The name on the ID card must match the registered legal name or the name that is present on the passport. Photocopies or expired documents are not accepted.
- Choose the Type of Examination
After having read about the differences in the exams, decide whether one ought to appear for a computer-based examination or a traditional pen-paper examination. Seat availability and dates may differ for both kinds of examinations. Candidates are also allowed to take the GRE at home option which has been introduced during the pandemic.
- Create an ETS Account
Candidates need to create an account so that the registration process can be completed without any hassle.
- Shortlist Colleges
The most important thing in the GRE application process is choosing the colleges to apply to. While there are hundreds of choices present, candidates need to decide the ones that they are most likely to get. Only these institutions will receive the candidate's scores. If the candidate decides to apply for a college later, they can do that by paying a fee.
This decision can be made based on different factors, which can include everything from the score the candidate is likely to get to the financial resources available at their disposal. Since each college has its application fee, and it's not cheap at around $30, one would want to focus on the 5-10 colleges they want to get into.
Creating an ETS Account
Creating an ETS Account is a required step when it comes to registering for any exam conducted by ETS. This allows the candidate to
- Avail the free GRE Search Service
- View Scores
- Change or Cancel Registration
- Get Additional Score Reports
- Buy Test Prep Materials
- Receive important notifications concerning the test.
Finding a Test Center for GRE General Test
To find a test center for the computer-based GRE General Test,
- Step 1- CLICK HERE and scroll down to the heading "Let’s get started! Select the test you want to take"
- Step 2- Click on "GRE General Test" or "GRE General at Home".

- Step 3- After selecting the GRE General Test option, the test takers will see an option to choose the area and date range for the test. Here the candidates will be asked to write their city or a city close to them or the postal code of the same.
- Step 4- Then, choose the months that are apt for the test considering the 10-15 day period required for the score reports to reach the colleges and universities on time.
Click on 'Search Locations’ to move on to the next step.
- Step 5-ETS will provide calendars for the months that were chosen from which the candidate can choose any of the available dates according to their convenience.
- Step 6-The list of test centers that are open for that specific day will appear on the right side of the calendar once the candidates click on the date they need. Depending on the distance, select the most convenient option. Click on 'Confirm your location and date' to continue.
For the GRE home edition, test seekers will find the available test times on the right-hand side. Candidates can choose a suitable testing time and click the 'continue' button.
After fixing the date and test center for the GRE General test, the candidate may directly apply through the ETS Account without any other hassle.