Navigating GRE Eligibility 2024: What You Need to Know

Overview

Before we get into the GRE exam eligibility, let’s look at what the GRE is all about. GRE is an abbreviation for Graduate Entrance Record, which is developed and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the world’s largest private non-profit educational testing and assessment organisation. The GRE was founded in 1936 and since has been a staple entrance exam. It is a computer-based, multiple-choice test for students seeking admission to graduate programs or graduate business programs (MBA) across the globe. 

GRE is an exam that tests your knowledge of basic algebra, arithmetic, data analysis, geometry and college-level vocabulary. More importantly, the GRE measures your ability to think critically, analyse and evaluate written material and solve problems. This exam has been used by top universities, like Yale, Harvard, Stanford University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to determine a student's entry, making it an exam to give to many!

Eligibility Criteria for GRE

When it comes to the GRE exam eligibility, anyone who is looking to pursue their graduate studies can apply. However, there are certain GRE test eligibility criteria that students must follow before applying. We will take you through them in this blog.

GRE Exam Eligibility 2024: Age Criteria

The biggest concern students have when it comes to the GRE exam qualification is the age limit. It’s time for you to say goodbye to this worry because there is no age limit for GRE. So, no matter what your age is, you will make it to the eligibility of GRE criteria.

GRE Exam Eligibility 2024: Educational Qualification for GRE

The only education qualification required for GRE exam eligibility criteria is to have a bachelor’s degree in any subject. The universities you’re applying to might have specific eligibility criteria set. However, there are no specific educational criteria set by ETS on the GRE exam. So, get that undergraduate degree for Graduate Record Examination eligibility. The GRE eligibility for Indian students is also the same.

GRE Exam Eligibility 2024: Documents Required for GRE

For GRE entrance exam eligibility, you must provide certain documents. These include:

1. Government-issued national, state, or province identity card recognised by the country in which you are a permanent resident

2. A recent, recognisable photograph

3. The document must contain the student’s first and last name

4. A valid passport

Also, keep in mind that you need to present original hard-copy documents and not photocopies. Expired documents are also not acceptable. 

Minimum GRE Score Required by Top Universities

The minimum GRE score requirement varies for each university. Below, we have mentioned some of the top universities and the minimum GRE scores required for them.

GRE at Home Facility

After the pandemic, ETS launched the GRE at Home facility. So, students can now take the GRE in the comfort and safety of their homes. You can follow a few things to have a seamless GRE at-home experience. 

GRE Exam Eligibility 2024: Hardware Requirements For GRE at Home

Here are the basic hardware requirements you will need to be eligible for the GRE at Home facility.

1. Only laptops and desktops are allowed. Chromebooks, tablets, or mobile devices are not eligible.

2. Only approved Operating Systems with a valid licence are allowed.

3. Windows 8 or 10 is the preferred OS for Windows users.

4. Mac OS X 10.5 or higher is the preferred OS for Mac users.

5. Dual or multiple screens are not allowed.

6. Only external and internal speakers are allowed to hear the proctor, no headsets and earphones are eligible. 

7. Use an internal or external microphone which is not part of a headset.

8. Internal or external webcams are allowed.

9. The webcam should show the entire 360-degree view of the room and tabletop before the test.

GRE Exam Eligibility 2024: Software Requirements For GRE at Home

With the hardware requirements covered, here are the software requirements.

1. On the PC you'll be using for the test, download and install the ETS Secure Test Browser. After downloading the file, run it to complete the browser installation. Once you see the following message, close the browser: "Success! The ETS secure test browser is installed.

2. Use the ProctorU Equipment Check on the computer you will give the test on. If the test fails, you will have to fix any given issue one day before the test. If you need help, the ProctorU representatives will help you!

3. Reconfigure your computer firewall and security, as it can interfere with the exam software.

GRE Exam Eligibility 2024: Environment and Testing Space Requirements For GRE at Home

Now with the system requirements out of the way. You also need to keep an eye on the requirements of the environment and exam space that you need to meet. Here is the GRE exam eligibility for the environment and testing space.

1. Must be alone in the room and no one should enter it during the test.

2. The exam can't be given in any public place, like a cafe or a park.

3. All the doors in the room should be closed before starting the test.

4. The computer and keyboard should be on the desk or table.

5. Your door should be visible in the camera, the proctor can ask you to position yourself in a way where your door is visible during check-in.

6. The table should be clear of all items that are not approved during the test, like cellphones, notes, cameras, study material, and more! The furniture and decor do not need to be removed. 

7. Must sit in a standard chair, lying down or sitting on the couch or an overstuffed chair is not allowed.

8. Food and drinks are not allowed during the exam.

GRE Exam Eligibility 2024: Appearance Requirements For GRE at Home

Here are the requirements you need to check off when it comes to how you look during the exam.

1. Your ears should remain visible throughout the exam. They should not be covered with anything. Religious headwear is allowed as long as it doesn't cover your ears.

2. You don't need to wear face masks during any part of the exam.

3. You must be dressed in the right attire, as you will be monitored using the camera by a proctor. Your photo during the exam will also be shared with the universities that receive your scores.

4. You must avoid wearing any jewellery, tie clips, cufflinks, brooches, and any other accessories during the exam.

GRE Exam Eligibility 2024: Note-Taking Requirements For GRE at Home

Last but not least, we have the note-taking requirements when you take the GRE at home. Here are the GRE exam eligibility for note-taking.

1. Taking notes on regular paper is not allowed for security purposes.

2. You can either use a small desktop whiteboard with an erasable marker or paper inside a transparent sheet protector with an erasable marker.

3. Pens and pencils are not allowed during the test.

4. When the exam ends, you need to show the proctor that all notes have been erased.

GRE Exam Eligibility 2024: Re-attempts

The ETS website mentions that candidates are only allowed to take the GRE 5 times in a rolling year with a 21-day cooldown period. You can take this cooldown period to prepare yourself for the next exam. If you need help with preparation, then our guide on GRE preparation will surely help you score the best you can! 

GRE Exam Eligibility 2024: Accommodation

If you are in need of assistance during the test, aka accommodation, then you need to approach the authorities and apply for an accommodation-friendly test centre before you register. If you are eligible for a GRE accommodation, ETS will let you know in a few weeks, and after that, you can register for your GRE exam booking.

GRE Exam Eligibility 2024: Nationality

When it comes to eligibility for the GRE for students from different nationalities, there is no eligibility! Students from all over the world are eligible to take the GRE exam.

GRE Exam Eligibility 2024: Disabled Candidates

Disabled students are no exception to the GRE. However, disabled students must complete a testing accommodations request form and send it to the ETS Disability Services. If you're wondering about the accommodations included, it has extended exam time, breaks between exams, and assistance during the test. Disabled students must also submit a list of documents as evidence of GREM exam eligibility criteria. These include:

1. Statement of disability the student is going through.

2. Provide educational, medical, and developmental history.

3. Mention a list of all test equipment.

4. Showcase a list of limitations of a student due to the disability when they write the GMAT test.

For students who are aiming to tackle the GRE exam, understanding the GRE exam eligibility is crucial. Whether you are a graduate or professional seeking advanced studies, knowing the ins and outs of the eligibility for GRE test and also the GRE dates (basis your preparation) ensures a smooth journey toward your academic goals. So, now that you know the GRE exam eligibility requirements, go on to gain good GRE results and pave the way for success. Good luck, future scholars!