How to apply for GRE in 2018?

Applying for GRE test can be quite a tedious task, GRE aspirants need to be extremely cautious when they are filling out their application form. Here we have listed out a checklist that should help test takers understand the basic requirement, along with a guide to create their own ETS account.

GRE checklist

If you have decided to take up the GRE test, then you know the next course of action is to apply for the exam. GRE test is very accessible, with more than 1,000 test centres in 160 countries. GRE aspirants can easily apply for this test, Now let us discuss various procedures that need to be followed.

GRE checklist

Checklists are an effective way to get things organised in a precise order, and also it gives you a better perspective altogether. Review the list below to familiarise yourself with the various policies ,procedures, available services and registration options.

1)Which version will you be applying for?

Computer-delivered Tests or Paper-delivered Tests. GRE aspirants need to decide if they prefer computer-delivered test or paper -delivered test because the test dates vary for both of these versions. The computer-delivered test is offered year round on a first-come-first-served basis.

• The availability of your preferred date and location depends on when you apply for this exam; hence it advised that students need to plan their dates in advance.
• The paper version and the GRE subject tests are offered only three times a year- September, October and April and the test dates are same as the paper version of the GRE general exam.

 2)What are the ID requirements and is it mandatory?

Yes, it is crucial that you carry a valid ID that verifies all the personal information you may have provided such as name, address, date of birth and nationality.ID documents must meet all of the following requirements.

• Your ID has to be an original document; photocopied documents are not acceptable, and documents cannot be presented on a cell phone or any other electronic device.
• Your ID has to be a government-issued national/state/province identity card, which validates that you are a permanent citizen.
• In India, test takers have to use their passport as their ID.
• Expired ID is not entertained.
• Your first and last name that you have provided while registering for GRE must precisely match with your provided ID.
• Include a recent, recognisable photograph.
• Your signature will also be validated (the name and signature on the ID document must match).

3)Provide correct personal information

GRE test takers need to provide their personal information, such as full name, date of birth, home address, email address, phone number. An important note to all the test-takers

• Your first and last name that you have provided while registering for GRE must precisely match with your provided ID.
• If it does not, you are prohibited from taking the test or your test scores may be cancelled after you take the test.

4)What is the test fees and what is the accepted payment method?

The registration fee for GRE general test 2018 is 14,091 INR (approx). Payment can be made through American Express, Discover, JCB, Mastercard and Visa credit cards or debit cards. Payment by e-check (for U.S. bank accounts only) is also an option.

• Paypal and voucher numbers can also be used.
• Candidates who pay the GRE test fee by pay cheque or money order receives confirmation documents via mail service.
• While opting for the mail service, candidates need to fill and send GRE general test authorisation voucher request form and apply for the GRE test.
• The registration fee for GRE subject test 2018 is 10,311 INR (approx). For paper version GRE test, payment can be made via e-cheque, credit/debit card, western union quick pay service, money order, voucher and quick pay.

5)Save the date

It is necessary that you select the date that best suits your requirements.

• When selecting a test date, make sure your scores will be reported in time for your application deadlines.
• The computer-based test is conducted all year long.
• For computer-delivered tests, scores reports are sent to your designated score recipients approximately 10--15 days after your test date.
• The paper version and the GRE subject tests are offered only three times a year- September, October and April and the test dates are same as the paper version of the GRE general exam.

After creating a checklist and having a clear picture about the various policies and requirements, we will now move on to the critical step-by-step overview of the GRE application process. The following steps apply to both the computer-delivered GRE and the paper-delivered GRE, as well as all GRE subject tests.

Guide to GRE registration process

Can you apply for GRE if you have a disability?

Yes, it is, GRE tries to accommodate test takers with disabilities and health-related needs by providing services and reasonable accommodations that are appropriate given the purpose of the test.

• Here is a checklist that the candidates need to follow
• All test takers requesting any accommodations must submit their requests and have their accommodations approved by ETS disability services before their test can be scheduled.
• The application must be submitted as early as possible, especially if you are requesting an alternate test format.
• Once the paperwork is filled out, then documentation review takes approximately six weeks.
• If additional documentation is submitted, then the review will be extended to 6 more weeks.
• Once candidates request has been approved, ETS will send an email providing instructions for registering for the GRE test.
• Candidates will have to wait for their approval email before registering.

Can GRE test be rescheduled?

ETS provides the opportunity of rescheduling your test dates. You can reschedule your test registration one of two ways.

To reschedule online (computer-based test) these are the steps that need to be followed;

1. Go to the ETS homepage.
2. Click on GRE under Tests and Products.
3. Sign in.
4. Click on Register for GRE test.
5. Click on GRE general test
6. Click on “Reschedule or Cancel an Exam” link.
7. Enter “Confirmation/Tracking Number” and the first four letters of your last name in the  respective fields and click “Next.”
8. Reschedule either by selecting a particular date or by choosing a three month period option.
9. Make the payment of $50.
10. You should now receive a confirmation email, with the updated test date.

To reschedule by fax or mail (For paper-based test)

If sending your request by mail or fax, be sure to include your name, date of birth, address, registration number, test date, the preferred test centre and new test date.

• You must also include the US$50 rescheduling fee.
• Requests sent by mail must be received no later than four full days (not including the day of your test or the day of your application) before your scheduled test date.
• You must reschedule your GRE subject test no later than four days before your test date, or your test fee will be forfeited.
• Testing fees and registrations are not exchangeable between the GRE subject tests and GRE general test.

GRE aspirants need to ensure that they follow all the guidelines and policies that are set by ETS before going through with the registration procedure. GRE Registration procedure must be planned out to avoid any last minute confusion.