The GRE General Test can be taken up to 5 times within any continuous 365-day (12-month) period, with a mandatory 21-day gap between attempts. This applies whether testing at a center or at home. Scores remain valid for 5 years from the test date, and you may choose which scores to send via ScoreSelect—most recent, all, or any specific set. ETS enforces these limits to balance preparation opportunities while maintaining test integrity, making strategic retakes key for improving from 300 to 320+ in competitive U.S. Master’s/PhD admissions.
Official ETS Retake Policy: 5 Times Per Year
ETS allows:
- Maximum 5 attempts in 365 days, even if a score is canceled.
- 21-day minimum wait—e.g., test on Jan 1, next possible on Jan 22.
- No lifetime cap—after 12 months, the cycle resets.
For example, if you test on January 1, February 1, March 1, April 1, and May 1 (all 21+ days apart), your next attempt must wait until after January 1 of the following year. This prevents burnout while encouraging focused improvement.
GRE at Home vs Test Center: Same Retake Rules
Both formats follow identical limits. The GRE at Home option—available 24/7 in most countries—offers scheduling flexibility but still counts toward the 5-test annual cap. Proctoring is live, with strict ID and room checks. International students in India, China, or remote areas benefit from home testing, avoiding travel, but must plan retakes around the 21-day rule.
Cost and ScoreSelect: Managing Multiple GRE Attempts
Each attempt costs $220 USD (or regional equivalent—₹22,550 in India). Fee reduction vouchers are available for eligible U.S. residents. After each test, use ScoreSelect:
- On test day: Send 4 free score reports (or none).
- Later: Pay $30 per additional school per score set.
Top scorers often retake 2–3 times—e.g., 305 → 315 → 325—sending only the best via ScoreSelect Most Recent or Any.
When to Retake the GRE: Strategy for Maximum Gain
Retake if:
- +5–10 points are feasible (common with 50–100 focused hours).
- Section imbalance—e.g., 165Q/145V → aim for 160V.
- Target program averages exceed your score (MIT CS: 328+).
Avoid retaking for <3-point gains. Use ETS PowerPrep diagnostics to predict improvement. Most see +10–20 total on second attempts with targeted prep (Magoosh, Manhattan Prep).
Exceptions and Special Cases
- GRE Subject Tests (Math, Physics, Psychology): Separate from General Test—same 5/year rule applies independently.
- Disability accommodations: Extended time doesn’t affect retake limits.
- Score cancellation: Still counts as an attempt.
In short, you can take the GRE 5 times per year, every 21 days, with full control over sent scores. Plan smart—most need only 1–2 tries to hit 320+.