GRE Exam Eligibility 2024: Who is Eligible for GRE Exam

Are you preparing for the 2024 GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) and seeking clarity on its eligibility criteria? Wondering if your target GRE score would help you meet the admission requirements of your dream university? Don’t worry. We're here to support you with your GRE journey.

Administered by over 1,000 test centers across 160 countries, the GRE exam is one of the widely accepted standardized tests for admission to graduate schools abroad. However, before delving into preparation, it's important to understand the GRE exam eligibility criteria, educational qualifications, and more.

What is GRE Exam

The GRE is an internationally accepted standardized examination that is designed to measure overall academic readiness in students for graduate schools. Conducted and managed by the Education Testing System (ETS), the GRE examination, aims to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills of the applicants acquired over a long period of learning.

Offered as a computer-based exam, the GRE General Test is administered at various testing centers and assesses students comprehensively, not in a specific domain. GRE Subject Tests, on the other hand, are designed to test the knowledge in the specific areas of Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. A high score on the GRE test will positively impact your application to graduate or business school. So, it’s critical to look at everything starting from guidelines, GRE exam eligibility, and important takeaways of the GRE examination before you start preparing for it. 

Eligibility Criteria for GRE Entrance Examination

Age Criteria

ETS, the conducting body of the GRE examination, has not set any official age criteria or prerequisites for test-takers. No upper age limit is set for candidates wanting to appear for their GRE test. The GRE examination is intended for applicants who are graduates or undergraduate students who are about to graduate. The test is taken for taking admission to master’s, MBA, and doctoral degrees. It is not meant for high school or school-level graduates. The difficulty level is set per a regular graduate students' abilities, so the ideal applicants are usually the graduates. A good percentage of GRE applicants are above 30 years.

Education Qualification

ETS has not given any official statement regarding the qualification required to appear for the GRE Exam. However, candidates must have a graduate degree from a recognized university in any discipline. There is no official educational requirement as well. Since the test is meant to evaluate the readiness of graduate students to be admitted to postgraduate programs, the ideal academic degree would be a full-time and recognized graduate degree. 

Grades and Scores

There is no official eligibility for the GRE entrance exam in terms of previous academic scores and grades. There are no minimum cut-off marks as well. However, this should not be confused with the academic score requirement to get admission to universities and colleges. To take the GRE examination, you don’t need any minimum or maximum score in graduation or high-level school examination. 

Language

Fluency in English is important. The test takers must be proficient in English speaking and writing skills. To take admission in master’s programs and degrees in reputed Universities of English-speaking countries, applicants must be fluent in English. 

Work Experience

There are no official eligibility criteria in terms of work experience. For the GRE, work experience will not have any relevance. Applicants can be fresher or industry experts, which will not matter anyway in the GRE examination. 

Documentation

The applicants appearing for the GRE examination need to provide a valid passport. They must produce a National Photo ID proof or Military Identification Card if they don't have a passport.

What is GRE at Home & its Eligibility

The GRE at Home is a convenient and flexible way to take the GRE exam from the comfort of your home. However, it is important to be prepared and meet all requirements before you start the test. Following are the requirements to take the GRE at Home test: 

• Age: Test-takers must be at least 18 years old on the test day. Minors must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian to take the test.
• Education: There is no formal education requirement for the GRE General Test. However, most graduate programs require applicants to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Citizenship: Test-takers can be of any nationality to take the GRE General Test.

Equipment Requirements for GRE at Home

• Computer: You must use a desktop or laptop to take the GRE at Home test. Tablets, Chromebooks, and mobile devices are not allowed.
• Operating system: Your computer must have a licensed operating system. Windows 10 or higher or macOS X 10.13 or higher are required.
• Web browser: You must use Chrome or Firefox to take GRE at Home. Other browsers are not supported.
• Webcam: Your computer must have a built-in or external webcam. The webcam must be able to provide a clear view of your face and the surrounding area.
• Microphone: Your computer must have a built-in or external microphone. The microphone must be able to clearly record your voice.

Environment Requirements for GRE at Home

• Room: You must take the test in a quiet and well-lit room. The room should be free of clutter and distractions.
• Table and chair: You should sit at a table or desk in a chair with a backrest. The table or desk should be large enough to accommodate your computer and any other necessary materials.
• Internet connection: You must have a reliable internet connection to take the test at home. 

Additional Requirements for GRE at Home

• Government-issued ID: You must show a valid government-issued ID to the proctor on the day of the test.
• Personal items: You are not allowed to have any personal items with you during the test, including cell phones, smartwatches, and books.
• Food and drink: You are not allowed to eat or drink during the test.

What is GRE Eligibility for Disabled Candidates

The GRE exam is open to all students, regardless of disability. Students with disabilities can request special adjustments from ETS Disability Services to ensure that they can take the test under fair and equitable conditions.

To request accommodations, students must complete a Testing Accommodations Request Form and submit it to ETS at least 30 days before their test date. The form must be accompanied by supporting documentation, such as a letter from a qualified professional that states the student's disability and the accommodations they need.

ETS offers a variety of accommodations, including extended time, breaks between sections, use of a computer, use of a reader or scribe, and use of assistive technology. Students can request specific accommodations based on their individual needs.

Proof of GRE Eligibility for Disabled Candidates:

Students with disabilities must submit the following documents to prove their eligibility for GRE accommodations:

• A letter from a qualified professional that states the student's disability and the accommodations they need
• A copy of the student's most recent Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan (if applicable)
• A copy of the student's most recent medical report (if applicable)

ETS is committed to providing students with disabilities with the accommodations they need to succeed on the GRE exam. For more information, please visit the ETS Disability Services website.

Conclusion

The GRE scores are used and accepted by top-ranked Universities in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe. It is an ideal entrance examination to prove the overall academic readiness of undergraduate and graduate students. The GRE is an essential factor in the selection process at many global universities. Go through the below-recommended articles to gain an in-depth understanding of this popular examination.

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