GRE Timing

[foreverlearner02]

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When is a good time to take the GRE? I have just completed my sophomore year of undergrad and may be doing an extra semester. Not sure though.

 

[DesertPT]

Any time before your applications are due when you have had time to prepare and it is relatively convenient for you. Other than that it really doesn't matter when you take it, the gre doesn't test on any specific material.

 

[89bogues]

I took my first GRE during Christmas break and my second GRE during spring break of what was effectively my junior year. It worked out well in that I had time to prep and wasn't worried about school work while also allowing time for another retake during the summer before apps had I needed it.

Although the GRE might not test on specific material there are certainly classes that can enhance skills that will be tested. You've probably already taken English Comp 1&2 and a lower level math class. I think taking a Stats, other math, critical thinking, analytical writing type classes all enhance skills used on the GRE. I also think that we are exposed to wider variety of vocabulary as we progress throughout an undergrad education.

In a nutshell, as time permits, sometime during or towards the end of your junior year before apps.

 

[Macklelaur]

To add to what was stated before, just be mindful that your scores are good for 5 years. So, try not to take it too early in your college career, but most take it between their junior and senior year.

 

[DesertPT]

I took mine in June and submitted apps in August/September, that timing worked out pretty well for me. If you are worried about needing a retake then maybe take it in the spring first I guess. But basically OP if you just finished Sophomore year you have a year or so before you really need to take it. @89bogues makes a good point that the more education you have received, the more of a general knowledge base you have to draw on for the essays, vocabulary, etc.

 

[SnowyDPT]

I actually don't think additional education is going to benefit your essay writing. As much as they make it seem like the essays are a free response question, there is actually a formula on how to respond to their essays successfully. Essentially, all you have to do is fill in the blanks with the information from the prompts. I got a 5.5 on my AW, so that is my personal opinion. Others may have different views

 

[DesertPT]

I actually don't think additional education is going to benefit your essay writing. As much as they make it seem like the essays are a free response question, there is actually a formula on how to respond to their essays successfully. Essentially, all you have to do is fill in the blanks with the information from the prompts. I got a 5.5 on my AW, so that is my personal opinion. Others may have different views

I don't disagree with this, I was just saying that as you gain more education your ability to think may improve and your knowledge base may give you a specific example to throw into one of the essays, which is something they like to see. But it also comes down a lot to how naturally good of a writer you are as well. Some people are just naturally better writers than others, and our educational system doesn't do much at all these days to force those that are bad writers to get better.

 

[foreverlearner02]

Thank you all! I think I shall wait another year!

 

[Tyguy1]

I don't disagree with this, I was just saying that as you gain more education your ability to think may improve and your knowledge base may give you a specific example to throw into one of the essays, which is something they like to see. But it also comes down a lot to how naturally good of a writer you are as well. Some people are just naturally better writers than others, and our educational system doesn't do much at all these days to force those that are bad writers to get better.

I couldn't agree more. One of my essay prompts was about culture and government intervention, without prior knowledge of current events, this topic would be insanely difficult. My second topic was about nutrition which catered to my background significantly. Especially with a time slot of 30 minutes per essay, you have to know what you are talking about within the first 5 minutes. It definitely helps to know more than less when it comes to the GRE.