Not satisfied with your GRE performance? You’re not alone. Many students consider retaking the GRE to achieve a higher score and strengthen their applications to competitive graduate schools. Before making that decision, it’s important to evaluate the pros and cons of retaking and determine whether it truly aligns with your goals.
With structured guidance from Top GRE Courses Online and focused GRE Prep, you can make a smart decision and significantly improve your scores.
Here are 7 important things to consider before retaking the test.
1. Are Your Test Scores Below the GRE Score Requirements?
Start by reviewing the gre score requirements of your intended graduate program. If your current test scores are already within or above the program’s average range, retaking the GRE may not be necessary.
However, if your verbal and quantitative scores fall below the minimum expectation, retaking the test could strengthen your application especially for competitive schools.
2. Can You Realistically Achieve a Higher Score?
Ask yourself honestly: can you improve? If your previous preparation was rushed or inconsistent, investing in a structured GRE Prep Course may help you reach your target score.
Students who enroll in GRE Prep Courses or work with a professional gre tutor often identify weak areas more clearly and apply proven strategies to boost performance. With the right gre preparation, achieving a high gre score becomes more realistic.
3. Understand the Retake Policy
The GRE allows you to retake the exam every 21 days, up to five times within a rolling 12-month period. This flexibility gives students multiple opportunities to improve.
However, taking the GRE multiple times without changing your preparation strategy may not lead to better results. Retaking the GRE should involve a new plan not just another attempt.
Also Read: How to Tackle GRE Comparison Questions: Tips for Efficient and Accurate Solutions
4. Consider the Applications Deadline
Timing is critical. Before booking a new test date, check your application deadline. Will your updated score arrive in time for submission?
Planning ensures that your improved test scores can be reported before deadlines close. Avoid retaking the GRE too close to submission dates, as score reporting can take time.
5. Weigh the Pros and Cons of Retaking
There are clear pros and cons of retaking:
Pros:
- Opportunity to improve your scores
- Better competitiveness for scholarships
- Stronger academic profile
Cons:
- Additional exam fees
- More preparation time required
- Possible test fatigue
Make sure the potential benefit of achieving a higher score outweighs the investment of time and money.
6. Use the “Send Only” Advantage
One benefit of retaking the GRE is the “ScoreSelect” feature, which allows you to send only your best scores to institutions. Even if you take the GRE multiple times, schools will see only the scores you choose to submit.
This reduces the risk of damaging your application if a retake doesn’t significantly improve your results.
7. Upgrade Your Preparation Strategy
If you decide to retake the GRE test, change your approach. Simply repeating old study habits won’t deliver new results.
Consider enrolling in Top GRE Courses Online that provide:
- Structured study plans
- Adaptive practice tests
- Detailed performance analysis
- Focused training in verbal and quantitative reasoning
You may also benefit from personalized coaching with a GRE tutor who can target specific weaknesses.
For students in Singapore, The Princeton Review Singapore offers GRE classes, providing expert-led training to help candidates improve their scores.
Final Thoughts
Retaking the GRE can be a strategic move if done correctly. Evaluate your current test scores, define your target score, and assess whether additional preparation can realistically help you improve your scores.
With disciplined GRE Prep, guidance from Top GRE Courses Online, and a clear study plan, retaking the GRE could be the key to unlocking admission into your desired graduate program.
Make the decision wisely and prepare more smartly the second time.
