GRE PREP
Boost your GRE score with EPIC Prep. Our combination of top-notch tutors, always up-to-date materials and the best practice platform will allow you to maximize your performance quickly and consistently. Contact us and our consultants will help you choose the perfect course for you.
GRE PREPARATION COURSES
Our GRE preparation courses began in 2010 and, since then, have continuously evolved to improve the performance of our students. The results obtained by thousands of students in more than 8 countries have consolidated us as an international reference. Our advisors, considering your deadline, time availability and initial test score, will guide you to choose the best option for your GRE preparation.
- Duration from 5 weeks (adaptable).
- Expert teachers: Native instructors with extensive experience and results in the top 1%.
- Smart practice: 2,000+ GRE exercises with instant feedback.
- Updated materials: Exclusive content, renewed according to GRE evolution.
- Exclusive tests: Realistic GRE tests with score analysis.
- Personalized plan: Tailored to your progress to optimize GRE performance.
- Immediate start.
- GRE registration assessment.
- Duration from 7 weeks (adaptable).
- Expert teachers: Native instructors with extensive experience and results in the top 1%.
- Smart practice: 2,000+ GRE exercises with instant feedback.
- Updated materials: Exclusive content, renewed according to GRE evolution.
- Exclusive tests: Realistic GRE tests with score analysis.
- Homogeneous groups: Small groups with aligned levels and objectives.
- Start according to calendar.
- GRE registration assessment.
EPIC PREP Methodology
At EPIC PREP we have been preparing all our students since 2010 using a methodology based on four principles:
EXPERT TEACHERS
Our teachers are native speakers with degrees and years of experience in exam preparation. All our courses are taught live by specialized teachers.
EXCLUSIVE CONTENTS
The materials used are the result of the research of our specialists for each of the exams we prepare periodically, we review and adapt them according to the direction of the test.
PRACTICAL APPROACH
Our courses focus on the resolution of examination exercises. The objectives pursued are to consolidate the knowledge assessed and to ensure efficient management of exam times.
DATA ANALYTICS
At EPIC we analyze and monitor the performance KPIs of the preparations. Data analysis allows us to personalize the learner experience and improve the performance of our courses.
Testimonials
Since 2010, we have placed students at the center of our preparation. Among the thousands of students we have worked with, here is a selection of what they and their families have to say.
GRE (V-164)
Jacobo de Camps
GRE (V-164 & Q-166)
Olivia Prior
GRE (V-158 & Q-158)
Álvaro Merino
GRE (V-161 & Q-160)
Teymour BenetWhere can we take you?
We have been helping our students access the most prestigious universities worlwide. Check out where our students have been accepted to
GRE Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions that students and applicants to graduate programs often ask about the GRE test. These frequently asked questions address key issues such as admission requirements, the differences between the GRE and GMAT, the structure of the GRE General Test, the scoring system, score validity of scores, retake policies, testing arrangements at authorized test centers and from home, as well as strategic considerations for effective preparation.
Whether you are considering applying to master’s, MBA or doctoral programs in Europe, the United States or other international academic destinations, understanding how the GRE works is a critical step in designing a solid and well-planned admissions strategy.
Is it necessary to take the GRE?
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test for admission to graduate, master’s and doctoral programs that many universities in the United States, Europe and other regions of the world use as part of their applicant evaluation process. Its primary purpose is to provide admissions committees with a common and comparable measure of fundamental academic skills among applicants with different educational backgrounds.
However, it is not mandatory for all programs or at all universities. Whether the GRE is mandatory depends on the specific requirements of each degree program. Some doctoral or engineering programs may require GRE scores as a formal admission criterion, while other schools adopt GRE optional or test-optional policies (i.e., they allow applying with or without GRE). In some cases, submitting a score may strengthen an application even when it is not strictly required.
From a strategic perspective, if you are planning to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in the United States or at universities that value the GRE as an admissions metric, taking the GRE test can significantly increase your chances of admission, especially in competitive programs or in broad disciplines where a standardized comparative assessment of verbal, quantitative, and critical writing skills is valued.
Which test should I choose: the GRE or the GMAT?
When planning admission to a graduate, master’s or MBA program, one of the most important decisions is to choose between the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). Both are standardized exams used in academic selection processes at universities and business schools around the world, but have different approaches.
The GRE General Test, administered by ETS, is a generalist test accepted by a wide variety of graduate programs in multiple disciplines, including the sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, as well as a growing number of MBA programs and business schools. Its design assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing, allowing universities to compare candidates with diverse academic backgrounds.
The GMAT, developed specifically for business and management programs, has traditionally been the benchmark exam for MBAs and master’s degrees specializing in areas such as finance, management or consulting. Although many business schools now accept both the GRE and the GMAT, the GMAT maintains a more business-oriented focus.
The choice between GRE or GMAT should be based on three main criteria: the official admission requirements of the program you wish to apply to, the nature of the academic program, and your own skills profile. If you are considering only business programs, it is a good idea to check which test the institutions you are interested in value or recommend. If, on the other hand, you want to keep different graduate academic options open, the GRE often offers more versatility.
In recent years, it has often been written about whether the GRE is easier than the GMAT or whether one of the two offers clear strategic advantages. However, such simplified comparisons rarely reflect academic reality. The two tests assess different skills, and the perception of difficulty depends largely on the candidate’s competency profile, prior training, and familiarity with each type of reasoning.
Therefore, rather than relying on general opinions or superficial comparisons, it is advisable to analyze with technical criteria which of the two exams best fits your academic path and your postgraduate goals. If you would like more detailed and personalized guidance on which exam may make more sense in your specific case, please contact us and we will be happy to provide you with more in-depth guidance.
What is the GRE test like?
The GRE General Test is a standardized test administered by ETS designed to assess academic skills necessary for success in graduate studies, master’s degrees, MBA programs and doctoral degrees. Unlike tests focused exclusively on technical content, the GRE measures cross-cutting skills such as verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing, which are relevant across a wide variety of academic disciplines and programs.
The official structure of the exam includes three main areas of assessment. The first is Analytical Writing, which measures the candidate’s ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, analyze arguments and present well-structured reasoning. Following this section, the exam continues with Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, each of which consists of two sections. Verbal Reasoning tests text comprehension, argument analysis and semantic relationships, while Quantitative Reasoning focuses on data interpretation, problem solving and application of elementary mathematical concepts.
The GRE General Test is administered primarily by computer and is designed to be flexible with the candidate: within each section it is possible to skip questions, go back to previous questions, or answer in any order desired. This allows you to adjust your response strategy according to your individual strengths.
Questions such as “How is the GRE scored?” or “How long does the GRE take?” are answered in more detail later in this same FAQs section, in case you want to delve deeper into how test scores are measured and reported.
Overall, the GRE structure is intended to offer a balanced assessment of fundamental academic skills, providing universities with an objective and comparable measure of a candidate’s potential for advanced study.
What does the Verbal section of the GRE look like?
The Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE General Test is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to understand and analyze complex academic texts, interpret the precise meaning of words and phrases, and evaluate arguments critically. It is not only about advanced vocabulary, but also measures verbal reasoning skills applied to graduate school contexts.
In the current GRE format, the Verbal Reasoning consists of two sections:
One section of 12 questions with a time limit of 18 minutes.
One section of 15 questions with a time limit of 23 minutes.
In total, the candidate has 41 minutes to answer 27 verbal reasoning questions, distributed in these two official blocks established by ETS.
GRE Verbal questions are grouped into three broad types:
Reading Comprehension: reading comprehension of academic texts of varying length, in which the ability to identify main ideas, inferences, argumentative structure and relationship between concepts is evaluated.
Text Completion: fill in one or more blanks within a text, selecting the option that maintains logical and semantic coherence.
Sentence Equivalence: choose two options that complete a sentence while maintaining the same overall meaning.
The level of language used in this section is academic and requires precision in the interpretation of nuances. For many international candidates, the difficulty lies not only in vocabulary, but in the ability to analyze the internal logic of texts and distinguish subtle differences between seemingly similar options.
The GRE Verbal does not reward isolated memorization of words, but rather the ability to understand semantic and argumentative relationships under time pressure. Therefore, effective GRE Verbal preparation requires specific training in critical reading, strategic expansion of academic vocabulary, and structured practice with official questions.
If you want to know how this section is scored within the GRE total score or how the corresponding percentiles are interpreted, you can consult the specific question about the scoring system in this same FAQs section.
What is the Quant section of the GRE like?
The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE General Test assesses a candidate’s ability to interpret numerical information, analyze data, and solve mathematical problems using logical reasoning. It is not designed to measure advanced mathematics of a specialized nature, but rather essential quantitative skills that enable you to perform well in demanding graduate programs.
In the current GRE format, the Quantitative Reasoning section consists of two blocks:
One section of 12 questions with a time limit of 21 minutes.
One section of 15 questions with a time limit of 26 minutes.
In total, the candidate has 47 minutes to answer 27 quantitative reasoning questions.
The content assessed by ETS covers areas such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis. Questions can be presented in a variety of formats, including multiple choice with one or more correct answers, direct numerical input, and quantitative comparison, in which the relationship between two given quantities must be determined.
The GRE Quant allows the use of a basic on-screen calculator provided by the test system itself. However, the test design is geared towards assessing conceptual accuracy, the ability to correctly interpret problem conditions, and efficient decision making under time pressure.
The difficulty of this section lies not only in the mathematical content, but also in the strategic formulation of the questions, rigorous time management and the ability to avoid mistakes in problems that may present subtle traps or not very straightforward approaches. Therefore, a structured and specific preparation for the official GRE format is crucial to achieve a competitive score.
If you want to know how the Quantitative Reasoning score is calculated and how the corresponding percentiles are interpreted, you can consult the question dedicated to the scoring system within this same FAQs section.
What is the Analytical Writing section of the GRE like?
The Analytical Writing section of the GRE General Test assesses the candidate’s ability to analyze complex ideas, construct coherent arguments, and express him/herself clearly in a formal academic context. Unlike the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections, this section does not involve selecting answers, but rather writing a structured essay under time-limited conditions.
In the current GRE format, the Analytical Writing section consists of a single essay task lasting 30 minutes. In this task, the candidate must analyze an argument provided in the statement and evaluate its logical soundness, identifying implicit assumptions, possible weaknesses, and aspects that require further evidence or development.
The objective is not to express a personal opinion on the topic, but to demonstrate critical reasoning skills, structured organization of ideas and precision in written expression. ETS evaluates this section according to criteria such as clarity of analysis, argumentative coherence, quality of reasoning and command of academic language.
The Analytical Writing section is done at the beginning of the exam and is written directly on the computer. No external tools or grammar checkers are allowed; the candidate has only the writing environment provided by the exam system.
The score for this section is reported separately from the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning. If you want to know the exact score range and how it is integrated into the official GRE score, you can consult the specific question about the scoring system in this same FAQs section.
Is it possible to use a calculator on the GRE?
Yes, the GRE General Test allows the use of a basic on-screen calculator during the Quantitative Reasoning section. This calculator is provided by the test system itself and is available only within the quantitative sections.
The GRE calculator is of a basic type and allows performing standard arithmetic operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, calculation of square roots and use of parentheses. It is not an advanced scientific calculator and does not allow functions such as logarithm calculation, complex trigonometry or formula storage.
The use of personal calculators, external electronic devices or additional applications is not permitted. Only the digital tool incorporated in the official exam interface may be used.
It is important to note that the GRE Quantitative Reasoning question design does not require extensive or complex calculations. In fact, many questions are structured to assess logical reasoning and conceptual understanding rather than operational ability. Efficient use of the calculator is part of the test strategy, but it is not a substitute for mastery of the mathematical fundamentals being tested.
In the Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing sections, the use of any type of calculator is not allowed.
How long is the GRE?
The total official length of the GRE General Test is approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes. This corresponds to the time it takes to answer all of the scored sections of the test in its current format established by ETS.
The exam is structured in five scoring sections with specific times assigned to each:
Analytical Writing: 1 assignment with 30 minutes to write an essay that assesses critical thinking and written expression.
Verbal Reasoning: 2 sections, one of 12 questions in 18 minutes and another of 15 questions in 23 minutes (total 41 minutes) to assess reading comprehension, text analysis and verbal reasoning.
Quantitative Reasoning: 2 sections, one of 12 questions in 21 minutes and another of 15 questions in 26 minutes (total 47 minutes) to assess problem solving, data interpretation, and basic and applied mathematical skills.
The order of the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections may vary during the exam, although it always begins with the Analytical Writing portion.
The total time of 1 hour and 58 minutes is calculated without including any additional time you may spend at the test center for registration, identification or pre-instructions.
If you would like more detail on how each of these sections will be scored or how official GRE scores are reported, you can consult the specific questions on scoring and score submission in this same FAQs section.
How is the GRE scored?
The GRE General Test uses a separate scoring system for each of its three tested areas: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing. Each section is reported separately, which allows universities to analyze the candidate’s academic profile in a differentiated manner.
Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning
The Verbal and Quant sections are scored on a scale ranging from 130 to 170 points, with one-point increments. This means that the minimum possible score on each of these sections is 130 and the maximum is 170.
Scoring is not based simply on the total number of correct answers. The GRE is a section-level adaptive test, which means that the difficulty level of the second Verbal and Quant section depends on performance on the first section. For this reason, the final score reflects both the number of correct answers and the difficulty of the questions answered.
In addition to the numerical score, ETS provides a percentile, which indicates the percentage of candidates who have scored the same or lower in recent years. This percentile allows the score to be contextualized within the overall pool of test takers.
Analytical Writing
The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6 points, with half-point increments (0.5). This score is determined by an evaluation system that combines automated correction and human review, following the official ETS criteria for quality of analysis, organization of the argument and expressive clarity.
Official report of results
The official GRE report shows separately the three scores: Verbal, Quant and Analytical Writing, along with their respective percentiles. Universities consider these scores as part of a broader evaluation process that may include transcripts, letters of recommendation, professional experience and other qualitative elements.
If you want to know how long it takes for the official GRE scores to be published or how you can send them to the universities, you can consult the specific questions dedicated to receiving and sending scores in this same FAQs section.
What is the GRE ScoreSelect?
GRE ScoreSelect is an option offered by ETS that allows the applicant to decide which official scores to send to the receiving universities or institutions. This functionality provides strategic flexibility in the application process for graduate programs.
When a candidate takes the GRE General Test, his or her scores remain valid for a certain period of time (currently five years). Through the ScoreSelect system, it is possible to choose between different ways of sending scores:
Send only the scores obtained on a specific test date.
Send all scores obtained in the last five years.
This decision can be made either immediately after the examination or at a later time, when additional results are requested to be sent to specific universities.
It is important to note that universities receive only the scores that the candidate chooses to submit. They do not have automatic access to all attempts made, unless the candidate chooses to submit them.
The ScoreSelect policy therefore allows for a repeat examination with greater strategic peace of mind, as the candidate can select which results best represent their academic profile before sending them to master’s, MBA or doctoral programs.
If you want to know how to officially submit your GRE scores or how many submissions are included in the application fee, you can consult the specific question about submitting scores within this same FAQs section.
When does the GRE score expire?
Official GRE General Test scores are valid for five years from the date the test was taken. This validity period is established by ETS and is the time frame within which universities can receive and consider scores as official.
During those five years, the candidate can request to send his or her scores to academic institutions through the official ETS system, including the option to use ScoreSelect to decide which scores to send if he or she has taken the test more than once.
Once the five-year period has elapsed, scores are no longer available for official submission and cannot be used in admissions processes. Therefore, if you are planning to apply to master’s, MBA or doctoral programs, you should take this validity period into account when organizing your preparation and examination schedule.
If you want to know how the official score submission works or how long it takes for the results to be published after taking the exam, you can consult the specific questions on these aspects in this same FAQs section.
How long does it take to receive GRE scores?
After taking the GRE General Test, the candidate can immediately view his or her unofficial Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores on the screen at the end of the exam. These scores are indicative and allow a preliminary reference of the result obtained.
Full official scores, which also include the Analytical Writing score, are usually available in the candidate’s personal ETS account approximately 8-10 calendar days after the test date. Once posted, candidates can download and manage them from their official profile.
At the same time, ETS sends the official scores to the institutions that the candidate has selected for score submission. The time of receipt by the universities may vary slightly depending on their internal admissions processes, but ETS sends them once the scores have been validated and published.
It is important to plan ahead for the test date, especially if you are approaching the application deadline for master’s, MBA or doctoral programs, as universities will only consider official scores reported by ETS as valid.
If you want to know how GRE score submission works or what options the ScoreSelect system offers, you can consult the specific questions dedicated to these topics in this same FAQs section.
How do I submit my GRE scores?
Official GRE General Test scores are submitted exclusively through the official ETS system. It is not possible to submit scores on your own; universities only accept scores transmitted directly from ETS.
At the end of the exam, the candidate can select up to four receiving institutions at no additional cost. These scores will be sent automatically once the official results are available.
If you later wish to send your scores to more universities, you can do so from your personal ETS account by requesting an Additional Score Report (ASR). This service has an additional fee and allows you to choose which scores to send using the ScoreSelect option, as long as they are within the five-year validity period.
The institutions receive the complete official report, which includes:
Verbal Reasoning scores.
Quantitative Reasoning scores.
Analytical Writing score.
Corresponding percentiles.
It is advisable to carefully check institutional codes before confirming submission, especially when they apply to specific programs within the same university.
If you want to know how long it takes for the universities to receive the scores or how exactly the ScoreSelect policy works, you can consult the corresponding questions in this FAQs section.
What are the GRE dates?
The GRE General Test is offered throughout the year and the dates available depend on the format you choose:
In authorized centers, ETS offers appointments on most days of the week in many locations, but actual availability varies by city, center and demand. Therefore, there is no fixed “call” calendar and dates are viewed in real time on the official booking system.
In GRE at Home mode (online supervised), ETS indicates that there is availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which usually translates into a much wider offer of time slots than in on-site centers (always subject to availability in the ETS system and that the service is enabled for the candidate’s country).
To see the exact dates, ETS recommends selecting zone and date range in its official scheduling tool, which shows the options available at that time for both center and at home.
Where can I take the GRE?
The GRE General Test can be taken in more than 160 countries at ETS-approved test centers. These centers are located in cities around the world and offer the test in officially supervised facilities.
To locate a specific center, the candidate must access the official ETS search engine and enter the desired country or city. The system will display the available centers and will allow the candidate to consult the open dates in each location.
In addition to the in-person mode, ETS offers the option of taking the GRE at Home in those countries where this mode is available. The proctored online test has the same content, structure and scoring system as the test taken at an authorized test center, and ETS officially reports it in the same way.
However, before choosing a format, it is advisable to verify that the program or university to which you wish to apply expressly accepts the selected format. Although the vast majority of institutions recognize both formats, admissions policies may vary according to the specific institution or program.
Both in the on-site and home mode, the scores obtained are managed through the official ETS system and maintain the same validity within the established period.
If you want to know how to register for the GRE or what are the technical requirements to take it from home, you can consult the specific questions dedicated to the registration process within this same FAQs section.
Is it possible to take the GRE in Germany?
Yes, the GRE General Test can be taken in Germany both in ETS authorized test centers and, when this modality is enabled, in online format supervised from home (GRE at Home), with the same structure, score and official validity as the face-to-face modality.
Taking the GRE in Germany is a real option for those seeking to pursue graduate programs in Germany, including international or competitively-focused master’s and MBA programs, and for those planning to apply to academic programs both within and outside Germany.
Although not all graduate programs in Germany require a GRE score, numerous German universities accept GRE scores as part of their admissions process, especially in master’s programs in fields such as engineering and science, as well as in some international business and management offerings. German institutions that typically consider GRE scores in their admissions process include:
Technical University of Munich (TUM) – Germany’s leading technical university with advanced programs in science and technology.
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich) – A prestigious multidisciplinary university with competitive programs in science and economics.
Heidelberg University – One of the oldest and most respected universities with research and graduate programs.
RWTH Aachen University – Renowned for its engineering and applied science programs.
Frankfurt School of Finance & Management – School with a focus on finance, applied data and management where a competitive GRE can strengthen candidacy.
Jacobs University Bremen – Private university with international programs where the GRE is considered for admissions in various disciplines.
It is important to remember that GRE acceptance depends on each specific program, even within a single university. In some cases, the GRE may be mandatory; in others, a competitive score may strengthen one’s candidacy against other applicants or support scholarships and grants.
In addition, when choosing the modality (center or at home) and location, it is advisable to verify in advance that the program or university to which you wish to apply explicitly accepts the GRE format you are going to take, to avoid any discrepancy in the admission requirements.
Is it possible to take the GRE in the Netherlands?
Yes, the GRE General Test can be taken if you are in the Netherlands, both in official ETS authorized centers and, when the modality is enabled, in online format supervised from home (GRE at Home). Both formats offer the same content, structure, duration and scoring system valid for universities worldwide.
Taking the GRE from the Netherlands is especially useful if you intend to apply to competitive graduate, master’s or MBA programs within the country or abroad. Although not all Dutch programs require the GRE as a mandatory requirement, many universities with top-ranked international programs accept GRE scores as part of the admissions process, especially in disciplines such as engineering, science, data analysis, economics or business.
Among the Dutch institutions with relevant graduate programs to which candidates with GRE scores can apply are some of the most renowned in the country:
University of Amsterdam – University with international master’s degree programs in various fields, including business and science.
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) – Technical institution with a strong reputation in engineering and applied sciences.
University of Groningen – Large university with multiple English-language, globally oriented master’s degree programs.
Erasmus University Rotterdam and its Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) – Business school with management and business studies programs taught mainly in English.
Maastricht University – International university with multiple graduate programs in English.
Other universities offering graduate programs in English such as Tilburg University or several universities of applied sciences with master’s degrees in Business or Technology may also consider the GRE in their admissions process depending on the specific program.
When choosing between taking the GRE at an on-site or home-based center, and before confirming your registration, it is advisable to check the specific requirements of the program or university to which you plan to apply, as some centers may have particular preferences or policies regarding the type of test accepted.
To check available dates in the Netherlands or to proceed with registration, log in to the official ETS registration system and select your location when scheduling your test.
Is it possible to take the GRE in Spain?
Yes, the GRE General Test can be taken in Spain both in ETS authorized test centers and through the GRE at Home modality (proctored online test), as long as the candidate meets the technical requirements established by ETS.
In Spain there are official centers in different cities where it is possible to take the exam in person. The availability of dates may vary depending on the city and demand, so it is recommended to consult the official ETS system to confirm available venues and schedules at the time of registration.
Taking the GRE in Spain is common for candidates wishing to apply to graduate programs offered by leading Spanish business schools such as IE Business School, ESADE or IESE, as well as for those planning to apply to international programs in the United Kingdom, the United States, Italy, Switzerland or other academic destinations. The fact of taking the exam in Spain does not in any way limit the international validity of the score obtained.
In addition, ETS offers the option of taking the GRE from home in Spain, with the same structure, duration and scoring system as the face-to-face version.
Before choosing a modality, it is advisable to verify that the specific program to which you wish to apply accepts the selected format, especially if you opt for the supervised online modality.
Is it possible to take the GRE in Italy?
Yes, the GRE General Test can be taken in Italy both in ETS authorized test centers and, when the modality is enabled, in online format supervised from home (GRE at Home). Both options have the same structure, scoring system and official international validity.
In Italy there are authorized centers in different cities where it is possible to take the exam in person. The specific availability of dates depends on the center and on the demand in each period, so it is advisable to check the official ETS system to verify the available appointments.
Taking the GRE from Italy can be relevant both for those wishing to apply to international programs abroad and for candidates applying to graduate and MBA programs offered by Italian institutions with an international profile.
In the Italian context, the GRE can be part of the admission process – depending on the specific program – at universities and business schools such as:
Università Bocconi and SDA Bocconi School of Management, which consider GRE or GMAT scores in certain master’s and MBA programs.
LUISS Guido Carli (Rome), where the GRE can be used as a standardized credential in graduate admission processes, according to the corresponding call for applications.
POLIMI Graduate School of Management (school linked to Politecnico di Milano), which offers MBA programs and where standardized exams such as GMAT or GRE may be part of the evaluation criteria, depending on the program and the candidate’s profile.
It is important to emphasize that the requirement or acceptance of the GRE always depends on the specific program, even within the same university. In some cases it may be mandatory; in others, optional but recommended to strengthen the candidacy.
Before registering to take the GRE in Italy, it is advisable to check the official requirements of the program to which you wish to apply and confirm that the chosen format (face-to-face or home-based) is accepted.
How can I register for the GRE?
Registration for the GRE General Test is done exclusively through the official ETS website. It is not possible to register through third parties or directly at test centers.
The registration process includes the following steps:
Create a personal account in the official ETS system.
Select the type of exam (GRE General Test).
Choose the modality: authorized center or GRE at Home, if available in your country.
Choose city, date and time according to availability.
Confirm the personal data exactly as they appear on the identity document to be presented on the day of the exam.
Pay the corresponding fee.
It is essential that the registered name exactly matches the official document that will be used for identification on the day of the exam, as any discrepancy may prevent the test from being taken.
Once registration is complete and payment is confirmed, the candidate will receive a confirmation email with appointment details. From your ETS account you will also be able to change the date (according to current policy) or view additional information about your test.
If you wish to know the current GRE registration fee or the change and cancellation policies, you can consult the specific questions dedicated to these aspects within this same FAQs section.
How much does it cost to register for the GRE?
The official GRE General Test registration fee is set by ETS (Educational Testing Service) and must be paid when you register to book your test in your chosen format (test center or GRE at Home). The cost is transparently displayed during the registration process on the official ETS website, and may vary slightly by country (e.g. local taxes or currency conversion).
As a guideline, the base international fee for the GRE General Test is usually around USD 220, the same whether you choose to take it in an authorized center or if you opt for the online mode supervised from home.
You can check the exact and updated price on the official ETS website.
What does this rate include?
Registration and the right to take the exam on the selected date.
Up to four free official score submissions to universities or institutions upon completion of the exam.
Additional costs that may apply
In addition to the base fee, ETS may charge additional fees if you perform any of these optional services:
Additional Score Reports beyond the four included.
Change of test date or location after registration (subject to ETS policy and deadlines).
Score review or reinstatement of previous scores.
These costs vary and are communicated during the registration process in your official ETS account before confirming payment.
Fee reduction programs
ETS offers fee reduction programs for individuals who can demonstrate financial need or who meet specific criteria established by ETS. These vouchers substantially reduce the cost of GRE General Test registration.
How can I request accommodations or special accommodations on the GRE?
ETS offers testing accommodations for test takers who have documented disabilities or medical conditions that may affect their performance on the test. These accommodations are designed to ensure a level playing field without altering the content or academic level of the GRE General Test.
Accommodations may include, but are not limited to:
Additional time in the exam sections.
Additional or extended breaks.
Alternative formats of the exam.
Approved technological assistance.
Requests for accommodations must be made prior to scheduling the test date through the candidate’s official account in the ETS system. The process requires the submission of medical or professional documentation to support the request, according to the guidelines established by ETS.
ETS reviews each application on an individual basis. Once the adaptation is approved, the candidate will be able to schedule his or her exam under the authorized conditions.
It is important to start this process well in advance, as the review of documentation may require additional time before the exam date can be confirmed.
Scores obtained with approved accommodations are reported in the same manner as any other official GRE score.
For the exact documentary requirements, the types of accommodations available and the updated application procedure, it is advisable to refer directly to the official GRE Testing Accommodations section of the ETS website directly website before beginning the registration process.
How many times can I take the GRE and how long do I have to wait to retake it?
According to official ETS policy, the GRE General Test may be taken once every 21 days, with a maximum of five attempts within a rolling 12-month period. This limit applies regardless of whether the test is taken at an authorized test center or in GRE at Home mode.
The 21-day period is counted from the date of the previous examination, not from the publication of the results. Once this period has elapsed, the candidate may reschedule a new appointment, provided that he/she has not reached the annual limit of five attempts.
The scores obtained in each attempt remain valid for five years, and the candidate can subsequently manage them through the ScoreSelect system when sending them to universities.
Before scheduling a new attempt, it is advisable to take into account the application deadlines of the programs to which you wish to apply and to plan your examination schedule accordingly.
Why would I be interested in repeating the GRE?
Improving GRE General Test scores requires a structured approach that combines official practice, error analysis and section-specific training.
In Verbal Reasoning, improvement is usually related to expanding academic vocabulary, systematic critical reading, and mastery of different question formats. In Quantitative Reasoning, progress depends on conceptual precision, rigorous interpretation of data, and optimizing time management. In Analytical Writing, practice in constructing clear and well-organized arguments within the time limit is key.
Beyond content, performance on the GRE is closely tied to familiarity with the official format and the ability to maintain consistency under time pressure. Strategic preparation is not limited to solving questions, but involves understanding patterns of error, identifying specific weaknesses, and developing efficient decision-making techniques.
If you have reached a point where you feel that your preparation is not producing clear improvements in your score, it may be useful to analyze your performance in more depth. In that case, you can contact us and explain your situation; we will be happy to guide you and assess with you, without obligation, what adjustments could help you optimize your GRE performance.
How can I improve my GRE score?
Improving your GRE score is not simply a matter of practicing questions repeatedly, but of understanding how the test works and which specific skills it is designed to assess. Unlike many other exams, the GRE combines advanced verbal reasoning, quantitative analysis, and analytical writing, all within a very particular format. For this reason, effective preparation must be aligned with the logic of the exam itself, rather than relying solely on general academic study.
Real progress is typically built on three key elements: consistent exposure to GRE-style questions, thorough error analysis, and ongoing strategic adjustments. Practicing with official materials under timed conditions is essential, but what truly makes the difference is the review process. Understanding why an answer is correct, why the others are not, and identifying recurring patterns across question types is what enables steady improvement.
Throughout the process, it is common for students to experience periods of stagnation. In these cases, improvement does not come from doing more questions without direction, but from carrying out a precise diagnosis: identifying specific weaknesses—whether in academic vocabulary, complex text interpretation, or efficient problem-solving—and adjusting the approach accordingly. This type of analysis is what allows students to break through plateaus and continue progressing.
If you would like to explore practical strategies to improve your performance, you can consult our guide on how to increase your GRE score.
If you are considering a structured preparation approach, we would be happy to help you assess your starting point and design a plan tailored to your admission goals, maximizing your chances of achieving a competitive score.
CONTACT
