whatsapp

5 Important Things to Consider Before Re-taking the GRE Test

 

Graduate students aspiring to complete their higher education from abroad are facing many questions related to the visa guidelines, universities timelines, competitive test requirements, online GRE preparation, and so on. In such a scenario, preparing for the GRE and ensuring a high score for university admission as well as securing a scholarship becomes really important, especially if you are targeting top international universities. A good score becomes a stepping stone to a successful journey of study abroad for an aspiring student.

Also, in the current scenario, probable changes in the US immigration policy by the new government will exponentially open up a lot of opportunities for Indian students who dream of studying in the US. A high GRE score (320+) will place you among the top 10% of the test takers and will help you get admission in the top global universities. Even if it means taking the test more than once…

Let’s point out a few questions that arise commonly and get a wider scope of understanding the various constraints.

 

Should I Take the GRE Again? Is it Worth it?

Taking the GRE requires a lot of time and effort and many questions pop up such as:

  • How often can you take the GRE?
  • How long will it take to prepare for GRE?

But before this, the primary concern for aspirants should be how can one optimize the chances of getting an admission.

 

Taking the GRE for Grad School Admissions

Admission Grad School
In the first place, students have to understand that GRE is an important part of their application and the test score can boost up the chances of getting admissions in grad schools and their scores are proof of the capability as well as the intellect of individuals which outlines major chances to get through the application.

Related Blog Post: Top Reasons to Form a GRE Study Group

 

How Many Times Can you Take the GRE?

Depending on the financial constraints one can take the GRE computer-based test every 21 days up to 5 times in a 365 day period i.e., one year. Even if you’re not sending the scores the test will be counted as a part of the annual five tests.

Also, if you are planning to send any of the previous test scores other than the recent score then you are expected to pay a fee for the canceled scores of the previous tests.

As for the GRE general tests you can take as many times as it is offered however that doesn’t mean you are taking the test a number of times.

Just because you have multiple attempts that doesn’t mean a student has to consider them, the first attempt should be as good as your last attempt.

 

Who Should Take the GRE Again?

This is one of the difficult questions to answer as there are different requirements for everybody, different goals and different hopes, and also different reasons so as to why they could not make it up for the test. So, we are going to break down a few reasons for not clearing the test with the required score and should consider taking the test if any of these are the reasons for the same.

You didn’t have enough time for preparation

Enough time was not allocated for thoroughly practicing all the question types and getting a grip with the questions and comprehension skills required for taking up the test. Focus on all the sections of the test math, essay, and verbal equally so that there is a holistic approach in your preparation and also make sure that you are identifying the areas you have to improve based on the empirical evidence of your previous test. Assess the required time to get a hold of all the areas of improvement and take the test when you are 100% sure of your preparation.

Your scores are not as expected based on the performance of your mock tests

The performance on your day of the test might have been influenced due to various factors such as stress, lack of practice or preparation adhering to time, inconsistency while taking GRE mock tests, lack of seriousness while doing the mocks. Primarily, not working on the feedback of the mocks and tracking of progress from test to test…all of these factors might be reasons for the change in the scores. Hence, it is advisable to take practice tests consistently and work on the feedback of the tests to boost your scores.

Your scores are quite within the middle range of the schools you want to go to but are within 5-10 points of these scores.

If you have taken the practice test and seen an increase in your scores by 5-10 points over the previous actual test, then you should consider taking it again. If finances are not a constraint then retaking the test to boost up your score can help you to be a competitive candidate especially when you are aiming for a particular course or university for admission. Additionally, always focus on the areas of improvement as mentioned above.

Related Blog Post: How to Analyze GRE Score Percentile

You did not use the right material or all the available resources

It may so happen that you did not get access to the right material or even the right mentors and this might actually hinder your preparation for the GRE. In this case, it is not your mistake. This happens a lot many times. Finding the right mentor at the right moment with the right facilities is the real problem. Make sure that the preparation is set on the right track next time.

Your score just isn’t enough.

Score is not enough
GRE is different for different people, sometimes your score may be less in your terms but maybe the right one for the university that you want. But, sometimes, your score might be really good for you and not so for the university. Just like any practical decision, here too, the choice boils down to the basics: what is the right thing to do? If your score is not good enough for the university, then go ahead and retake the GRE.

The standard protocol is to check with the universities that you are applying to and research what range of scores they are actually demanding. A detailed discussion regarding this is required with your admission counselor. Look for courses & colleges, and the whole process depends on your decision and choice of colleges.

Retaking or not retaking the GRE is a crucial decision, and hence please do consider it with utmost care and importance. It might be the case where the situation and the demands of your aspiration might propel you to take the test again. Don’t be intimated, it is alright. Because this time you know the drill already, the wall has been drilled once, the nail just needs a push. For this, the right guidance is the most important thing. Like a mountain climber needs a guide, no matter how experienced the climber is, just like that you might need help, and please do take it.

 

Manya Education Advantage

Manya – The Princeton Review offers end-to-end study abroad services encompassing admissions consulting services, test preparation, English language training, career assessment and international internship opportunities to study abroad aspirants. Founded in 2002, Manya holds an impeccable track record of enabling more than two lac fifty thousand students to accomplish their study abroad dreams through its network of 45+ centers across India.

Manya has formed long-lasting global alliances with several market leaders in the education industry in order to maximise the benefits of its large service portfolio. Their list of esteemed partners and affiliations includes – The Princeton Review (TPR), Cambridge University Press (CUP), Admissionado, Cogito Hub, British Council, Tuding to name a few. Manya has also forged 600+ partnerships with international universities across top study abroad destinations.

Here at Manya, you can get your desired score with the help of the best GRE coaching with a personalized study plan, student portal, practice tests, detailed score report, drill smart algorithm, and much more. Here, you can access the top GRE scores of Manya Students.

For more information, call our Study Abroad Helpline 1800 102 4646.

Book your Free Counselling Session now!

Planning to study abroad?
Get free 1-on-1 counselling with our experts

Subscribe to this blog