Graduate and Professional School Entrance Exams
GRE Offered In-Person & Virtually in Fall 2020
In response to Covid-19, the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) general test* will be administered virtually as well as in person. Search for open in-person test centers on the ETS website.
The length, format, and structure are the same for both at-home and in-person administrations. The cost and scoring will also remain the same for both at-home and in-person administrations. For at-home administration, testers will use their personal computers that meet the technology requirements. The test will be monitored using an online proctoring system and the entire session will be videotaped.
The GRE at-home administration will available 24 hrs/day to accommodate multiple time zones (except in mainland China and Iran). Your scores will be available in 10-15 days electronically online via ETS. For more information and frequently asked questions, see the updated GRE.org website.
*The GRE subject tests subject tests, often required for doctoral programs in specific academic disciplines, does not have an at-home option.
The four most common entrance exams required for graduate and professional school are the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). International students may also have to submit scores for a test that measures ability to communicate and write in English, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Because each program differs, it is important you identify the requirements by consulting the program’s website.
There are many resources available to assist you in preparing for entrance exams:
- Educational Testing Service (GRE, TOEFL)
- Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAT)
- Law School Admission Council (LSAT)
- Association of American Medical Colleges (MCAT)
A few tips:
- Take time to prepare. While it is not required to enroll in a prep course, study regularly for at least 3 months prior to your exam date.
- Don’t obsess over your scores. Your test scores are one of many criterion the admission reps will be considering when reviewing your application.
- If the test is optional, consider taking it. Making the decision to take the exam shows initiative and if the scores are strong, you can submit them.
- Don’t take the exam too many times, as it might indicate lack of preparation or desperation. Low test scores can be offset by other parts of your application, such as strong work experience or a thoughtful essay, which are better indicators of your work ethic and potential.