Choosing the Right Time to Take the GRE

I. Why Timing Matters When You Take the GRE

Choosing the right time to take the GRE exam can make a meaningful difference in both your performance and overall experience. When you book your test with adequate time, you give yourself the opportunity to study consistently, build confidence, and address weaker areas through practice, rather than relying on last-minute cramming. This not only improves the quality of your preparation but also helps reduce stress before applying to many graduate programs such as graduate business and law programs or health-related programs. Timing also plays a critical role in flexibility. Since the GRE can only be retaken once every 21 days, taking it too close to application deadlines may eliminate your chance to improve your actual GRE score. By planning ahead and leaving room for a retake, you create a safety net that can strengthen your overall application. Click here to learn about the GRE and why it matters for grad school! 

II. When Do You Take the GRE Based on Application Deadlines

When planning your application timeline, one of the most important questions students ask is when do you choose to take the GRE exam? The answer depends largely on your graduate school deadlines, as they determine the ideal window for completing the exam. Since GRE scores typically take about 8-10 days to become available, it is recommended that you take the GRE at least 2-3 weeks before your earliest application deadline. However, a more strategic approach is to schedule your GRE earlier in case you want to score higher on a second attempt. We often recommend 1-3 months in advance, to allow sufficient time for preparation and the option to retake the GRE tests if needed. This is especially important given the 21-day waiting period between attempts. By working backward from your deadlines, you can identify the most suitable test date. For instance, for December application deadlines most test takers choose a desirable test date in October or November, while January application deadlines are better supported by testing in the fall. Additionally, because testing slots can fill quickly during peak application season, review our article on GRE test dates to secure your preferred date.

III. When Should You Take the GRE While Still in College

Deciding when to take the GRE while still in college depends on balancing academic workload, preparation time, and long-term application plans which may seem deterring to test takers. Many students consider taking the exam during their junior year, which offers the advantage of greater schedule flexibility and more time to prepare without the pressure of grad school applications. Taking the GRE at this stage also allows for a potential retake if the initial test score is not ideal, giving students a strategic advantage before deadlines approach. However, junior year can still be academically demanding, and without a clear sense of grad school goals, GRE preparation may feel unfocused without a good GRE score in mind. On the other hand, taking the GRE during senior year can be more aligned with application timelines, as students often have a clearer idea of their target programs and score requirements. However, this timing comes with significant drawbacks, including competing priorities such as coursework, extracurricular commitments, and the application process itself, which can increase stress and limit study time. Ultimately, the best time to take the GRE in college is when you can dedicate consistent preparation time without overwhelming your academic responsibilities, ideally leaving enough room for a retake if necessary.

IV. When to Take the GRE After Graduation

Deciding when to take the GRE after graduation depends on how soon you plan to apply to graduate school, how much time you can realistically dedicate to test prep if you have other obligations, and if you can find an appropriate time slot. For many graduates, the period immediately after finishing university can be ideal, as academic skills are still fresh and there may be fewer competing responsibilities compared to later full-time work schedules. Choosing to book your GRE test date within 3-6 months after graduation allows you to maintain study momentum while giving yourself ample time to prepare thoroughly before grad school applications. However, if you begin working full-time, you may need to be more intentional about scheduling study sessions, making it beneficial to plan your desired test date further in advance. Similar to planning during college, it is important to work backward from your application deadlines, ensuring you take the GRE at least a few weeks before they are due while leaving room for a potential retake. Ultimately, the best time to take the GRE depends on when you can create a structured study plan, minimize external distractions, and perform at your strongest without unnecessary time pressure. You will need the determination to stick to a rigorous study schedule consistently for at least a few months, so make sure you genuinely have the time, energy and resources needed to achieve a high score.

V. How Much Time Do You Need to Prepare Before Taking the GRE

Preparing for the GRE general test requires a realistic timeline that balances consistency, skill level, and target score required for your graduate school of choice, with most students needing between 1 and 3 months of focused study before test day. Research shows that a typical preparation window falls around 8-12 weeks, though this can range from as little as 4-6 weeks for students with strong baseline skills to 3-4 months (or longer) for those aiming for significant score improvements. Ultimately, the key is not just the number of weeks but the quality and consistency of your study plan, spreading preparation over several months typically leads to better retention and less burnout than cramming in a short period. For a more detailed breakdown of study schedules and timelines, check out our article on how long you should study for the GRE and building your ideal study plan.

VI. Planning for a GRE Retake

Planning for a GRE retake is an important part of a smart testing strategy, especially if you are aiming for competitive programs. According to the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which oversees the test center and the registration process, you can register online for the exam once every 21 days, up to five times within a 12-month period. This waiting period makes timing critical, as it limits how quickly you can improve your score if your first attempt does not meet your expectations. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to complete test registration well in advance of your application deadlines. Doing so gives you enough time to evaluate your performance, identify weak areas, and prepare more effectively for a second attempt without feeling rushed. Not giving yourself enough time to prepare for a GRE retake, however, can lead to similar results or even a lower score. Ultimately, building a buffer within your prep time for a potential retake allows for a more strategic, flexible approach to the GRE subject test, increasing your chances of achieving your target score. However, it is important to note that you will be required to pay the full test fee each time you retake the GRE General Test, and there may be partial refunds for rescheduling exams. Keep in mind that before you register, you will want to test to make sure that your computer and testing room meet the requirements.

VII. When Is the GRE Offered Throughout the Year

The GRE subject test is offered year-round, giving students a high level of flexibility when choosing a test date. Unlike some standardized exams with fixed annual schedules, the GRE general test is available on multiple days each month, though exact availability can vary depending on location and demand. Students can choose between taking the exam at a physical test center or opting for the GRE at home format, which is also available throughout the year and can often provide more booking options, including evenings and weekends. Test centers may have more limited seats, especially during peak application periods (typically late summer through fall), so booking in advance is recommended. While the test center environment offers a structured, distraction-free setting, the at-home testing option provides convenience and flexibility, making it ideal for those with busy or unpredictable schedules. However, you'll need to confirm the equipment and environment requirements for taking the test online at home. To better understand which format suits your needs, consider the differences outlined in GRE at Home vs Test Center Pros and Cons.

VIII. Common Mistakes When Choosing a GRE Test Date

Common mistakes when choosing the best GRE test date include scheduling the exam too close to application deadlines, which leaves little to no buffer for score reporting or a potential retake. Many students also underestimate how much time they need to prepare, leading to rushed studying and lower performance. Additionally, overlooking the 8-10 day score reporting period can result in scores arriving late, adding unnecessary stress during the application process before attending graduate school. 

IX. Final Advice on When to Take the GRE

When choosing the best GRE test date, a good approach is to align your desired test date with your graduate school deadlines, personal preparation timeline, and target score goals. Start by working backward from your earliest application due date, leaving enough time for thorough study and a potential retake if needed. Factor in how much preparation you realistically require based on your current skill level, and choose a test window that minimizes stress while maximizing performance. Taking the GRE early, while still allowing for flexibility, ensures you have control over your schedule, adequate practice time, and the opportunity to improve your score before applications are due.

X. FAQ

Q: When is the best time of year to take the GRE? 

A: The best time is several months before your earliest graduate program's deadline, allowing for adequate preparation and a possible retake.

Q: Can I take the GRE more than once? 

A: Yes, you can take the GRE general test once every 21 days, up to five times within a 12-month period.

Q: How long are GRE scores valid? 

A: GRE scores are valid for five years from the test date.

Q: Should I take the GRE before or after applying to grad school? 

A: You should complete the GRE exam before submitting GRE scores and applications so they are ready for review by the admissions committees of your graduate programs.

Q: Is it better to take the GRE early or late? 

A: Taking the GRE general test early provides more time for preparation, reduces stress, and allows for a retake if needed.