Taking higher education in the US increases your chances of higher earnings and lowers your chances of getting unemployed, especially during an economic crisis—such as the current times of Covid-19. Pursuing your Graduate studies in the US can be the best decision of your life. The experience gives you an opportunity to undergo a different style of education while enhancing your perspective about the world. A postgraduate degree from the US, UK, Canada is highly sought after by reputed companies in India and abroad, because they understand the rigors of the program and the leadership qualities these universities impregnate a student with.

But to get an admission in their respective colleges, taking a GRE test is essential, especially if you are applying for colleges in the US and Canada. While it is optional for the universities in the UK—baring a few where it is mandatory, it will be a good idea to take one. GRE test evaluates your critical thinking, verbal and quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. This test aligns with the skills that are required for success in today’s demanding graduate programs at colleges; it allows the admission officers know that you have the caliber to excel as a student at their university. But before you attempt one, there a few pointers you must keep in mind:

What is the Ideal Time to Appear for GRE?

1)    Master’s Immediately After Graduation: Students who would be going for their master’s immediately after completing their bachelors, the ideal time for taking the exam would be the end of the second year or the beginning of the third year (If you’re pursuing three-year undergraduate program). If you’re taking a four-year program, then you could take it at the end of the third year of the beginning of the fourth year. 

2)    Work Experience After Graduation: Students who want to take a break after graduation or work for a few years before embarking on their educational journey can take the exam depending on the gap they’re taking. Ideally three months before the application process. 

3)    Take Exam in September-October: The best months to appear for the exam are September and October because the applications for the PG program start in December and January. Giving the exam a bit early provides the student with an advantage of reappearing for the test in case of a low score in the first attempt.

Preparation Time:       

A minimum of 3-4 months of preparation is essential for GRE though not mandatory. It depends on the students’ caliber. But if a student feels he needs help, then he may choose to join an institute that shall help him polish his concepts and provide him with an environment to clarify doubts. 

Important Points:

1.     Validity: The GRE test is valid for five years, and a student can choose to give as many tests as he wants with a gap of minimum 21 days.

2.     Number of Attempts: A student can choose to send the best score from the tests he may have given.

3.    Ideal Score: A student should aim to score a minimum of 310 to get into good universities but if the student is eyeing for Ivy Leagues or Pedigree then s/he should aim above 320.

4.     Is GRE enough?: Only GRE score is not going to get you into your dream colleges. It’s the overall application that has to be dynamic inclusive of your GRE score.