[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Requirements for graduate-level nursing programs vary by school and program. Many applicants, however, might need to pass the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ets.org/gre.html”]Graduate Record Examination (GRE)[/hen-ui-link]. This exam, which is used in different forms for graduate programs from nursing to business to law, helps predict whether the test-taker will be successful in graduate education.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many schools waive the GRE requirement based on the applicant’s previous undergraduate GPA. Many online programs also do not require applicants to take the GRE and look to other educational prerequisites.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/applying-to-nursing-school/”]applying to nursing school[/hen-ui-link], be aware of the various requirements and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/applying-to-nursing-school/”]timelines for applying to nursing school[/hen-ui-link] as both in-person and online programs may have different application processes.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide is an overview of the GRE, including the structure of the exam and a breakdown of the three areas in which test-takers are assessed. Review the registration process and the best ways to prepare for exam day.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]GRE Subject Tests[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to the GRE General Test, the Educational Testing Service administers GRE Subject Tests. These specialized exams cover one subject each, including biology, chemistry, mathematics, and psychology.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The GRE Subject Test for nurse practitioners’ programs may include biology, and learners looking to enroll in online [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/psychiatric-np-programs-online/”]psychiatric nurse practitioner programs[/hen-ui-link] may need to take the psychology subject test.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While students take the GRE General Test on a computer, learners must take subject tests with pencil and paper. Designated testing centers administer these exams three times per year in September, October, and April.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The specialized tests vary in length and question style. The biology exam, for instance, has 190 multiple-choice questions with five possible answers per question.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each subject test costs $150 and comes with a free practice book.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Do All Nursing Schools Require the GRE?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While many graduate schools require applicants to submit GRE scores, it’s possible for a learner to earn a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-programs/”]master’s in nursing online[/hen-ui-link] without it. For example, nurses with a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing//”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] degree can often attend an on-campus or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//best-online-dnp-programs/”]online nursing doctoral program[/hen-ui-link] without GRE scores.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/best-online-nurse-practitioner-programs/”]online family nurse practitioner programs[/hen-ui-link] may waive the test requirements for applicants with high undergraduate GPAs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Does the GRE Look Like?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]The Structure of the GRE[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The GRE General Test has five graded sections and one unscored section. Students should expect to take about three hours and 45 minutes on the test, with a short break after the third section.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The first subject is always analytical writing. This portion consists of two writing assignments, and learners get 30 minutes per essay. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about/content/computer/” target=”_blank”]The next five parts[/hen-ui-link] consist of two verbal reasoning sections, two quantitative reasoning sections, and one ungraded portion. These five sections may appear in any order, and the ungraded part may not be identified.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Test-takers should treat each section as though it will be graded. Each verbal section allows students 30 minutes to complete 20 questions. For quantitative research, the time limit is 35 minutes per section with the same number of questions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are two types of ungraded sections: unscored and research. Each student only receives one of these sections per exam. The unscored parts are not marked, but the research sections state their purpose.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Throughout the exam, students can mark questions to revisit and edit previous answers. Computer-based exams include an on-screen calculator to help with the quantitative reasoning sections.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Delivery Format[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While most students take the GRE on a computer in a testing center, the paper version is available in several testing facilities across the country. Testing centers that are equipped to administer the computer version do not provide paper tests unless a student receives prior authorization for special test conditions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The paper test does not include the unscored or research sections. Furthermore, learners get an extra five minutes on each verbal and quantitative portion of the paper test.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While the computer exam gives students an unofficial score immediately after the test, those who take the paper test must wait five weeks to receive a score.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Verbal Reasoning Section[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Skill Areas”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The verbal reasoning sections test a student’s ability to comprehend written concepts. Learners demonstrate aptitude for analyzing text, relating concepts, and synthesizing the information in an essay. This portion of the exam requires test-takers to understand the relationships between parts of sentences.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Question Types”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The GRE uses three types of questions to measure a student’s verbal reasoning skills: reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. Reading comprehension questions require learners to read a passage and answer multiple-choice questions to demonstrate comprehension.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In text completion questions, a passage is missing a few words, and test-takers must choose the correct words from three choices.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finally, sentence equivalence questions give students one sentence with a single blank. Learners must choose two answers that could complete the sentence.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]GRE scores can mean the difference between acceptance and the waitlist, so it’s essential for test-takers to avoid preventable mistakes. Students who rush may miss important nuances in the text of the question, which can cause them to lose points.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learners can maximize scores by reading the full text before looking at the questions and highlighting key words, such as “however” and “also.” Likewise, learners should pay attention to punctuation and grammar that can alter the meaning of a sentence.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Successful students also ensure that both answers in the sentence equivalence questions make sense in the original text.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Helpful Tips”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Read the full passage first: Some students may feel tempted to read the questions before the passage, but reading the passage first gives students a better understanding of the material.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Fill in the blanks: Fill-in-the-blank questions might be easier if the student tries to fill in the blanks before reading the answers. This strategy ensures that the answers align with the learner’s intuition.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Check both answers: Some fill-in-the-blank questions have two correct answers that students must select. Test-takers can avoid mishaps by ensuring both words fit the blank equally well.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Proofread: If time allows, learners should reread the material after answering the questions. This strategy can help test-takers identify potential errors and improve their scores.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Analytical Writing Section[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Skill Areas”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to basic English language concepts, the analytical writing section tests a learner’s ability to think critically about an issue, construct an argument based on those thoughts, and convey the ideas to an audience. While the essays must be coherent, this section does not test a learner’s specific content knowledge.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Question Types”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This section has two questions: one that requires students to analyze an issue and another that asks them to analyze an argument.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For the issue, successful students address a broad topic and the many perspectives that people may have on that subject. The argument question presents test-takers with one side of an issue and evidence to back up that side. The learner must write about the rationale behind the argument.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Word Processing Software”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students who take the exam on a computer complete this section with a specialized word processing program. ETS developed this software to have minimal functionality and maintain fairness between paper-based and computer-based tests.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online test-takers can only do a few actions: insert text, delete, undo, cut, and paste. Test-takers do not have access to tools, such as spell check.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Test-takers may not have encountered questions like those on the analytical writing section of the GRE, which leaves many students unsure of what the graders want to see.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For example, some learners use large, complicated words. While it’s good to have a wide-ranging vocabulary, this is not likely to improve a student’s score. Instead, students should focus on presenting a clear argument with sound reasoning.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Exam candidates should take GRE preparation courses that cover scoring to better understand the grading system.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Helpful Tips”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Review the topics: The ETS posts all of the possible essay prompts before the exam. Students should take time to read the prompts and practice writing responses.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Leave time for proofreading: Test-takers are wise to keep an eye on the time and leave a few minutes for proofreading. Doing so ensures that students turn in their best work.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn and review scoring guidelines: Learners can take GRE preparation courses to understand how graders score this section. They can also review the guidelines before test day to keep the ideas fresh.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Explain in full: Test-takers should reread their essays to check for inconsistencies in their logic. It’s important not to assume the reader agrees or even understands the subject.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Quantitative Reasoning Section[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Skill Areas”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This section allows students to showcase their mathematical and quantitative problem-solving skills. Some questions cover basic mathematical concepts, such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The word problems address a student’s reasoning abilities more broadly and require the learner to decide what formulas to use.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Question Types”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The ETS uses four question formats to test quantitative skills. The first type is quantitative comparison in which students must solve two equations and compare the values. The next two types are both multiple choice. However, some multiple-choice questions ask for only one selection, while others require students to choose all the correct answers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This section also includes numeric entry questions that do not provide answer choices. Test-takers must solve the problems and type their answers.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can You Use a Calculator on the GRE?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students who take the computer version of the test have a calculator on the screen during this section. Testing centers provide calculators for students who take the paper test.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both types of calculators have only five functions: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and square root. Test-takers may not take their own calculators to the exam.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Perhaps the most common mistake that test-takers make in this section is studying the wrong types of mathematics. Students do not need to understand advanced mathematics like calculus. Instead, it’s important to study basics like grade school-level math and high school-level algebra.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Another common pitfall is that test-takers spend too much time completely solving the equations in the quantitative comparison section. Savvy students look at the concepts behind each equation and come to the correct answer quickly.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Helpful Tips”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Get back to basics: As learners prepare for the GRE, they should study basic mathematical concepts, such as mean, median, mode, and solving for x. These skills are essential on the exam.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Get scratch paper: Whether a student takes the computer or paper test, plenty of scratch paper is helpful. During the break, learners should stock up on more paper.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Memorize important equations: Students with limited time to prepare should focus on memorizing the formulas that they may encounter on the exam.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Proof the work: Test-takers should take some time to look over their work and proof mistakes. Even a small mistake can lead to an incorrect answer in this section.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Is the GRE Scored?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graders give the analytical writing section of each exam a score between 0 and 6. Professionals read the essays and rate each one based on factors, such as [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/the-value-of-critical-thinking-in-nursing//”]critical thinking[/hen-ui-link], coherence, and structure. They then round the score to the nearest half-point interval.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both the quantitative and verbal reasoning sections receive grades of 130-170. This score accounts for the number of questions a student answers correctly and the difficulty of the questions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Instead of giving all students the same questions, the computer-based GRE relies on section-level adaptation to provide a more personalized test. This means that the better a test-taker does on one section, the harder the following section of the same type will be.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]So, if a student performs well on the first verbal reasoning section, the second one will have more challenging questions. The grading system gives allowances for that difficulty level.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students who take the paper-based GRE do not have adaptive tests, which means that the score is based mostly on the number of correct answers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Score Ranges on the GRE General Test[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]GRE Section[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Score Range[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Verbal Reasoning[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”GRE Section”]130-170 (1-point increments)[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Analytical Writing[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”GRE Section”]0-6 (half-point increments)[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Quantitative Reasoning[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”GRE Section”]130-170 (1-point increments)[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/scores/how/” target=”_blank”]ETS[/hen-ui-link][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What’s the Difference Between Your Scaled Score and Your Percentile Rank?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The grades of 0-6 and 130-170 are a student’s scaled scores. Test-takers also receive their percentile ranks, which help put the scaled scores into context.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Percentile ranks show learners where they rank against their peers. For example, a student with the percentile rank of 95 did better on the section than 95% of fellow test-takers and scores lower than about five percent. Such a score shows nursing programs that the applicant has a high skill level in the relevant section.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What’s an Average Score on the GRE?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Average Scores on the GRE General Test[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]GRE Section[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Score Range[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Verbal Reasoning[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”GRE Section”]150.37[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Analytical Writing[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”GRE Section”]3.6[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Quantitative Reasoning[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”GRE Section”]153.66[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/gre_interpreting_scores.pdf” target=”_blank”]ETS[/hen-ui-link][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What’s a Good GRE Score for Nursing Programs?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.kaptest.com/study/gre/whats-a-good-gre-score/” target=”_blank”]Kaplan provides[/hen-ui-link] the following comparison of what a good GRE score looks like and how it compares to other scores.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Comparing GRE Scores[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Scores[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Competitive Scores[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Good Scores[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Below Average Scores[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top 10%[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top 25%[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top 50%[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Bottom 50%[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Scores”]Verbal: 163-170[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Competitive Scores”]Verbal: 158-162[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Good Scores”]Verbal: 152-158[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Below Average Scores”]Verbal: <151[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Scores”]Quantitative: 165-170[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Competitive Scores”]Quantitative: 159-164[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Good Scores”]Quantitative: 153-158[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Below Average Scores”]Quantitative: <152[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Scores”]Writing: 5-6[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Competitive Scores”]Writing: 4.5[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Good Scores”]Writing: 4.0[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Below Average Scores”]Writing: <3.5[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Do You Register for the GRE?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To register for the GRE, students should first create an account on the ETS website. Then, test candidates should review the available test dates, nearby centers, and exam fees. Once a learner finds the best day and location, it’s time to register.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During the registration process, students can designate a few schools to where the ETS should send the scores. Registrants are allowed to cancel at any time; however, the ETS does not issue refunds for cancellations processed fewer than four days before the test date.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]When Should You Take the GRE?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing graduate school hopefuls should take the exam roughly one year before they plan to begin classes. This allows time to retake the test for higher scores to include in nursing school applications.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How Much Does the GRE Cost?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In the U.S., the GRE General Test costs $205 and the Subject Tests cost $150 each. Students may incur additional fees for taking the exam in certain countries, registering late, and choosing the paper exam.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How Many Times Can You Take the GRE?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students must wait 21 days in between computer tests and can take the exam up to five times per year. Those who take the paper exam can take it as often as the testing center offers it.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Should You Prepare for the GRE?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]At-Home Study Methods[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students can access many different tools to help them do their best on the GRE.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]GRE Prep Courses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Test-takers can enroll in GRE preparation courses from organizations like Kaplan, The Princeton Review, Magoosh, The Economist, and GraduateX. The cost for these courses can range from $199 to over $1,000.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These courses are taken in-person with a set schedule or online with a self-paced format. Many of the courses cover the exam material, provide practice exams, and review the scoring systems.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Programs like ETS PowerPrep II offer these features for free.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Studying Tips for the GRE[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Helpful Resources[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students do not have to spend hundreds of dollars to get ready for the exam. They can take advantage of many free resources.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This site has free 30-minute courses, example questions, blogs with tips, and social learning tools. Students can also pay for private online tutoring.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Should You Expect on Test Day?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students should show up to the test at least 30 minutes early. The test administrator assigns each test-taker a seat as they file into the room. After three sections, the administrator allows learners to take a 10-minute break.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During breaks, students can only leave the testing room to use the restroom. The administrator provides scratch paper and may inspect any items of clothing for written exam materials.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Accommodations for Test-takers With Disabilities or Health-associated Needs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The ETS makes accommodations for students with disabilities who need braille devices, extended time, a magnified screen, selectable colors, or more break time.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students who need these accommodations due to a disability can apply through their ETS accounts. They must receive approval before the test date. In the application, test-takers must present documentation relevant to their disabilities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Submitting Your Scores[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]When Will You Get Your Scores?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students who take the computer-based exam get unofficial results immediately after the test. The ETS sends the official scores to the chosen nursing programs 5-10 days later.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learners who take the paper exam do not receive unofficial scores, and their ETS account will be updated with scores within five weeks.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How Do You Submit Your Scores to Schools?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During registration, the ETS asks students to choose higher learning institutions to receive scores. Learners can add or remove recipients until 10 p.m. the night before the exam.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The ETS automatically sends these scores to the institutions. After the exam, students can pay a fee to have the ETS send scores to additional schools.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Scores Will Schools See if You Take the Test More Than Once?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many learners choose to take the test more than once to optimize their scores. The ETS provides the ScoreSelect Option for these students. Test-takers can designate whether the ETS should send all previous scores, only the most recent results, or only grades from specific dates.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students can choose among these options before their exam or after, which helps applicants put their best scores forward.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How Long Will Your Scores Be Valid?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Scores are valid for five years following the test date. For example, scores for a test taken on July 3, 2021, are reportable through July 2, 2026. This is a change from the previous system, which allowed students to use exam scores for five years following only the year of the test.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Additional Resources[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”37456,33949,43814″][/hen-ui-article-row]