GRE Exam Eligibility: Age Limit & Academic criteria
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised test that students take to gain admission to graduate programs abroad. Administered in over 1,000 test centres across 160 countries, the GRE is applicable for a wide range of graduate programs, including law, business, and other disciplines. Before the students start preparing for the GRE, it is crucial to understand the GRE eligibility requirements.
As to taking the GRE, there are no specific eligibility criteria, making it accessible to a wide range of students. However, candidates need to hold an undergraduate degree, as the GRE is primarily for master's program admissions. Specially-abled students can request accommodations by submitting the necessary documentation to ETS Disability Services.
Education Qualification Required for GRE
High scores in class 12th and bachelor’s degree? What is the qualification to take the GRE test?
If you are wondering about the required educational qualification for GRE, there are no specific eligibility criteria for the GRE Exam. With that, the GRE test is accessible to all aspirants. But since GRE is exclusively for master's admission, a candidate must have an undergraduate degree in the relevant subject. Afterall, it is a primary requirement for master's at top universities abroad.
Do also note that not all programs and universities accept GRE scores. So, you must do your research before planning to appear for the exam.
Documents Required for GRE Exam
Although there is no strict age and education qualification restriction, it is essential to present a valid ID to prove your GRE eligibility. A government-approved ID is necessary at every step of your study abroad journey. Hence, if you do not have any, apply for it at the earliest.
So far as GRE is concerned, there are a few criteria that your ID must fulfil:
Your ID proof must be original. Photocopied or scanned IDs are strictly prohibited. Besides, you must present your ID in physical form only. You cannot show it through a mobile phone or any electronic device.
Your ID must be a government-issued (national/state/province) identity card that proves your citizenship.
Your ID name must match your current name or the name through which you register for GRE. Any spelling mistake will automatically disqualify you from taking the test.
Your ID must have a clear and valid signature.
Your ID must have your recent photograph, which is clear and identifiable.
Expired documents are not accepted as valid ID proof. Hence, check your ID's expiry date before using it for the GRE exam.
What is GRE at Home Eligibility?
Since the pandemic of 2020, ETS (Educational Testing Service) has launched the GRE at Home facility, where candidates can take the GRE exam from the safety of their homes. Imagine sitting in your room with pyjamas on and appearing for the test, all chilled and comfortable! Isn’t GRE at home synonymous to life ho toh aisi?
However, there are a few things to remember for a seamless GRE at-home experience. Some of them are:
Candidates must use either a laptop or computer for the test. Using smartphones is not a preferable choice.
Do not use any headphones, earbuds, etc., during the test.
All internal and external communication is to be done via a speaker.
The room should be quiet, devoid of any external noise or distractions.
Use a proper desk and chair for the test.
Position yourself where the proctor can see you directly.
No notes taking on another sheet is allowed.
Erase all extra notes and show the same to the proctor.
The candidate must dress appropriately for the test.
The webcam in the laptop/computer should give a full view of you and your background.
What is GRE Eligibility for Disabled Candidates?
The GRE exam is designed for students of all categories, even for the specially-abled. Such students must complete a testing accommodations request form which should then be sent to the ETS Disability Services. The accommodations include extended test time, breaks between tests, assistance during the exam, etc.
Students in this category should also submit a list of documents to prove GRE exam eligibility criteria. Some of them are:
State the disability he or she is going through.
Provide educational, developmental and medical history.
Mention a list of all test equipment.
List the limitations of a student due to the disability when they write the exam, etc.
GRE Eligibility for Top Universities
GRE Accepting Universities | Average GRE Score |
|---|---|
Columbia University | 320 and above |
Harvard University | 300 and above |
Imperial College London | 315 and above |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 325 and above |
New York University | 300 and above |
Texas A&M University | 310 and above |
University of California, Berkeley | 310 and above |
University of Pennsylvania | 310 and above |
University of Toronto | 300 and above |
Yale University | 310 and above |
GRE Accepting Countries
There are more than 90 countries all over the world that accept the GRE score. Some of those prominent study-abroad destinations are:
The United States | United States Territories | Armenia | Argentina | Australia |
Azerbaijan | Austria | Bahamas | Belgium | Bangladesh |
Brunei | Brazil | Bulgaria | Canada | Cameroon |
Chile | Colombia | China | Costa Rica | Egypt |
Croatia | Czech Republic | Dominican Republic | Denmark | Greenland |
Finland | France | Georgia | Germany | Indonesia |
Greece | Grenada | Hungary | Iceland | Italy |
India | Iran | Israel | Ireland | Korea |
Japan | Jamaica | Jordan | Kenya | Lithuania |
Kosovo | Kazakhstan | Kuwait | Kyrgyzstan |
GRE Preparation Tips
Now that you know about GRE eligibility criteria, the next step is to start your preparation. How much time does it take to prepare for GRE? Well, every test taker is unique in his/her own way. Hence it is a subjective proposition. But the way you plan your preparation highly determines your success.
Listed below are some quick GRE preparation tips to help you achieve your goal:
Design a study schedule and follow it strictly.
Understand the GRE exam pattern and gather all relevant study materials.
Devote more time to the sections that you find challenging.
Take practice tests to track your progress.
Be calm and confident on your test day.
