Can You Retake the GRE After Applying to Grad School?

Many students ponder if they can re-take the GRE after submitting their application to graduate school. The good news is that, yes, you can often submit updated scores even after your initial application has been submitted. However, the policies of different institutions can vary significantly, so it's crucial to check the specific guidelines of the schools you are applying to.

GRE Retake Policies and Guidelines

It's important to note that you can re-take the GRE up to five times in a year. Many graduate programs allow applicants to submit updated scores after their initial application has been submitted, providing an opportunity to improve their overall competitiveness. Nevertheless, just because you can re-take the test does not necessarily mean your application will be reconsidered with the new scores if it has already been reviewed. Some schools, like Princeton's Graduate School, explicitly state that they will accept re-submitted GRE scores even after the original application deadline.

Preparing for a GRE Retake

The decision to re-take the GRE should not be made lightly. Adequate preparation is key to achieving a higher score. Here are some steps to consider:

Learn from Mistakes

Analyze your mistakes and understand where you went wrong. Use practice tests to pinpoint areas of weakness and focus on improving them.

Mock Tests

Take multiple mock tests to simulate the actual test environment and get familiar with the format and timing.

Another strategy is to connect with alumni or individuals who have already taken the GRE. They can provide valuable insights and advice based on their own experiences.

Submission of GRE Scores

Remember, all GRE scores, good and bad, will be sent to the universities you apply to. Therefore, even if you have scored poorly in the past, it's important to show continuous improvement.

Although the GRE is not an easy test to improve in just a few months, a substantial amount of preparation and consistent effort can yield significant results. It’s estimated that it takes several months of dedicated study to see noticeable improvements in your GRE scores.

Is the GRE Necessary for Graduate School Applications?

It's worth noting that the trend in graduate school admissions is moving away from a strict requirement for the GRE. More and more programs are dropping or reducing the importance of the GRE, recognizing that it may not be a perfect predictor of future success in graduate programs.

For those planning to apply for graduate school, the best approach is to plan ahead and aim to achieve your desired GRE score well before your application deadlines. The article "How Long to Study for the GRE" can provide guidance on the timeline for your preparation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while you can indeed retake the GRE after applying to graduate school, the acceptance of your new score depends heavily on the policies of the institution you are applying to. By preparing thoroughly and understanding the specific requirements of each program, you can increase your chances of success.

Keywords: GRE retake, graduate school application, admission policies