GRE Preparation

The GRE–Graduate Record Exam–is the most common standardized test for admission to graduate & professional school. If you are applying to a grad program that requires the GRE, early preparation is key for success.

ETS administers the GRE and is where you’ll go to register for the test. There are two types of GRE:

• The General Test covers verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Think of it like the graduate school version of the SAT. There are no set administration dates; you may schedule your GRE at your convenience. Just be sure you’ll have your scores back in time to meet your application deadlines. Plan on 8 – 10 days after taking your test to receive your score. The current fee for the GRE General Test is $220.
• The Subject Tests measure your knowledge and skill level in a particular field of study, and are available for physics, mathematics, and psychology. Graduate programs in these disciplines may accept a subject test score. Subject tests are administered only a few times a year, so planning ahead is essential. The current fee for the GRE Subjects Tests is $150.

Both types of GRE can be taken either in a testing center or at home (as long as certain conditions are met).

Test prep resources are available at ETS.org. Try taking a practice test to see how you do; that will allow you to focus your test prep on the areas where you need the most work.

The CLS’s Graduate School Grant can be used to offset the cost of preparation and fees for the GRE and other standardized tests.