How to apply for Graduate Record Exam (GRE) in the Philippines

The Graduate Record Exam, or GRE, is a requirement for most graduate school applicants. The GRE primarily reflects a student’s academic background and abilities, but it has never been shown to be a strong predictor of future success in graduate school. Still, the GRE is an important tool for assessing the verbal, quantitative and analytical skills of a potential graduate student.

How to Apply

1. Decide whether you want to apply for the written test or the computer-based test. Computer tests are offered more frequently, but may not be available in certain areas.
2. Choose the specific test format to take, which may be the general test or a subject, such as psychology, test.
3. Contact the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to begin the registration process (click here).
4. Select a testing site. If you live in a rural area or small town, you may need to travel a considerable distance to the testing location.
5. Enter your name on the registration form exactly as it appears on a government-issued identification card that bears your name in English. Alternatively, enter it the way it appears on your college ID.
6. Make an appointment for your test. Make this appointment carefully as you will only be able to cancel or reschedule 10 days prior to the exam date.

Tips & Warnings

* GRE testing is available throughout the year at sites all over the world.
* Not all graduate schools treat the GRE the same. While a strong score is a requirement in some programs, others consider the GRE a mere formality during the application process. Learn the viewpoints of the schools to which you plan to apply.
* Once you apply to take the GRE, plan to arrive at the testing site at least 30 minutes in advance. This will allow you to complete the necessary paperwork and avoid feeling rushed.
* The GRE takes about 2 1/2 hours to complete, so schedule enough time in the day to take the test.
* For some graduate programs, the basic GRE will not be enough. Some academic areas, such as psychology, require a subject test in addition to the general test. Check with your prospective graduate program for GRE requirements.
* If you have any accommodation requirements due to a disability, request what you need when you register for the GRE. Otherwise, you may not be able to receive special accommodations once you get to your testing site.