GRE Test Dates in 2018-2019

October 1, 2018

If you're studying for the GRE, you have a lot to think about. Not only do you need a score range—preferably on the higher side—for your school of choice, but you also need to register in time for your particular test date, facilitate a rigorous course of study, as well as instill testing confidence in you and your abilities. After all, the GRE can open up doors to the school of your dreams, making it paramount to your academic and professional career.

Knowing when to take the GRE and how often it's offered is of utmost importance to staying on top of your studies. In this article, we will explore the testing dates and rules surrounding both the paper-based and computer-based GRE, as well as locations where they are given. Are you curious about a few registration tips and strategies? We've got you covered. Read on to learn more about the registration process so you feel self-assured when you walk into that testing room on exam day!

Paper-Based vs. Computer-Based GRE

The GRE is a computer-based test, with paper-based tests offered where computer testing is unavailable. The computer-based version of the test is most popular worldwide, but a fair number of paper-based exams are still given. The computer-based test takes 3 hours 45 minutes, and the paper test takes 3 hours 30 minutes.

The computer-based test has several functions to aid test-takers, consisting of a calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning section, and the ability to copy and paste text for the writing assignments. The computer-testing program also has a feature that makes it easy to "mark" questions for review at the end of each section.

For the paper-based test, the separately timed Analytical Writing sections will be presented in the test book, with handwritten essay responses to be written in the space provided. A basic handheld calculator will be provided for the Quantitative Reasoning section.

Computer-Based GRE Test Dates

The good news is—if you're aiming to take the computer-based version of the GRE, you have lots of options. The computer-based GRE is offered at official Prometric and some non-Prometic test centers all around the world. Additionally, you are allowed to take the GRE every 21 days and up to five times in a total 365-day time period.

Fortunately, ets.org makes it very easy to check for GRE testing availability. You simply put in your location and "check for seat availability", whereupon you can find out if your chosen date is available at your preferred location. Due to the widespread availability and frequency of the computer-based GRE, it makes scheduling your test date and preparing for the exam itself something many can feasibly do. Of course, you want to give yourself ample time to prepare, so even though you may be able to take the GRE at your specified location every 21 days, registering several months in advance is advised.

Paper-Based GRE Testing Centers

The paper-bLocationased version of the GRE is given three times a year in participation locations: October, November, and February.

For the most part, locations that have a reliable Internet connection offer the computer-based version of the GRE, not the paper-based. Of course, some exceptions can be made and you would need to check ets.org for full confirmation; however, the following U.S. territories provide the paper-based GRE: Pago Pago, American Samoa and Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Furthermore, the paper-based GRE is also administered in the following Canadian locations: Grand Prairie, Alberta; Prince George, British Columbia; Fredericton, New Brunswick; Corner Brook, Newfoundland; Kingston, Ontario; Thunder Bay, Ontario; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Regina, Saskatchewan. Not all locations provide the exam in October, November, and February, so checking ets.org is your safest bet.

In terms of international locations, the chart below details a handful of participating locales and which months they offer the GRE. For a more detailed list of countries, again, the best place to confirm is through ets.org.

Equally as important as testing locations and availability are the deadlines and important dates to remember—not only for registration, but also for score releases. The following details the timeline for the three paper-based testing dates and their corresponding deadlines for all U.S. locations and Puerto Rico. Also, please note: the Monday Test Deadline refers to an optional testing date due to a conflict with a religious observance or for a supplementary test center if you are located more than 125 miles from the nearest center.

The following chart details all other paper-based GRE deadlines, including U.S. territories and Canada:

GRE Registration Tips

When embarking upon registering for the paper-based or computer-based GRE, it's important to keep in mind some very important tips. First, you want to give yourself ample time to prepare for your test date so that you feel prepared. Most GRE experts recommend several months, which includes a rigorous course of study and several practice tests.

Second, remember that the schools of your choice will only receive the GRE scores that you wish to send. So if you have taken the exam more than once, you will probably send along your best score—not your worst. Thankfully, this flexibility within the application process makes re-testing easier.

Third, make sure you understand the logistics of your testing date and time, such as exact location. Do a "dry run" to the testing center several days prior to your actual testing day just to be sure that you know how to get there. Double-check the time so you don't run the risk of being late.

It's important to remember that the GRE is a widely given test and a frequently taken one for many graduate school-bound students, making it a common experience for those climbing the ranks in higher education towards advanced degrees. Do everything you can to make sure you are prepared and take your time through the registration process so as not to overlook anything important. In the end, it's your score and exam day performance that matters most.