If your question is “can I take the GRE multiple times”, the short answer is yes. The Educational Testing Service allows test takers to repeat the GRE General Test, subject to a waiting period and a limit on the number of attempts in a year. How often you should retake it depends on your target programs, your preparation, and the scores you need.
Quick answer
You may take the GRE General Test multiple times. ETS allows one attempt every 21 days and up to five attempts within any continuous rolling 12-month period, counted from the test date. You can choose which scores to send to schools using ETS ScoreSelect. Confirm current policies and fees on the official ETS website before you register.
How often can I take the GRE?
Waiting period between attempts
ETS requires a minimum 21-day waiting period between GRE General Test attempts. That means if you take the test on a given day, you must wait at least 21 days before you can take it again.
Annual attempt limit
ETS also limits test takers to five attempts in any continuous rolling 12-month period. The 12-month window is calculated backward from the date of a planned test. For example, if you already took the GRE five times in the past 365 days, you will not be allowed to register for another attempt until enough earlier test dates fall outside the rolling 12-month window so your total is five or fewer.
Does the same rule apply to at-home testing?
Yes. The same attempt frequency limits apply whether you take the GRE at a test center or at home using the official at-home GRE option.
What happens to multiple GRE scores and how do schools see them?
Understanding ScoreSelect
ETS offers ScoreSelect, which gives you control over which GRE scores ETS sends to graduate programs. Common ScoreSelect options are:
- Most Recent. Send only the scores from your most recent test date.
- All. Send scores from all reported test dates from the last five years.
- Any. Pick specific test dates to send, for example the dates that include your highest scores.
Using ScoreSelect you can avoid sending every test attempt to programs, but if a program requires all scores you must comply with that program requirement.
How multiple scores appear on applications
If you send multiple test dates, admissions committees will see each reported test date and the section scores for those dates. Many programs focus on your highest scores. Others may consider score trends, the number of attempts, or require all scores. Check each program’s admissions policy.
Practical considerations for retaking the GRE
Cost and time
Each GRE attempt requires paying the registration fee and allocating study time. Costs vary by country and test format, so factor in the fee, travel time to a test center if applicable, and the weeks of focused preparation that will realistically improve your score.
When retaking is likely to help
- Target score not reached. If your current score falls short of program expectations, a retake may be worthwhile after targeted study.
- Clear, fixable weaknesses. If practice work shows steady improvement in weak areas, a retake can produce meaningful gains.
- Minor test-day problems. If illness, equipment issues, or unusual stress affected your performance, a clean test day may raise your score.
When retaking is less likely to help
- Minimal preparation between attempts. Taking the test again without addressing weaknesses usually yields limited gains.
- Repeated small improvements only. If you have already improved several times but still fall short of program cutoffs, consider alternative strategies such as improving other parts of your application.
How many times should you take the GRE?
There is no single “right” number. For most applicants one or two well-prepared attempts are enough. Some candidates take three attempts to reach competitive scores. Taking the test more than three to four times is uncommon and often signals diminishing returns unless each attempt follows a clear, measurable improvement plan.
Recommended approach
- Set a target score based on your intended programs and their published averages or minimums.
- Take a realistic practice test under timed conditions to establish a baseline.
- Create a focused study plan that addresses your weakest areas with measurable milestones.
- Retake only if your practice performance improves and you can reasonably expect higher official scores.
Registering, cancelling, and score reinstatement
Registration and rescheduling
Register for the GRE through the ETS website. You can usually reschedule your appointment for a fee, subject to availability and timing rules posted by ETS. Rescheduling policies and fees change occasionally, so check current details on the ETS site.
Canceling scores at test time
After completing the test at a test center or at-home, you typically see unofficial Verbal and Quantitative scores and have the option to report or cancel scores. If you cancel, ETS will not send those scores to schools.
Reinstating canceled scores
ETS has allowed score reinstatement in the past for canceled scores, for a fee and within a limited time window after the test date. Because policies, time windows, and fees change, confirm current reinstatement rules with ETS before assuming cancellation can be reversed.
Common misunderstandings
- Myth. “If I take the GRE many times schools will reject me.” Reality. Schools focus on your reported scores and overall application. Excessive repeat attempts without improvement can raise questions, but using ScoreSelect to send only your best scores mitigates that risk. Some programs may require all scores, so check program policies.
- Myth. “Canceled scores are visible to schools.” Reality. Scores you cancel at test time are not reported to institutions. Policies about record keeping and reinstatement vary, so verify with ETS.
- Myth. “You can take the GRE every day.” Reality. ETS requires a 21-day wait between attempts and limits you to five attempts in a rolling 12-month period.
How to plan retakes strategically
Set a clear deadline
Work backward from application deadlines to decide how many retake opportunities are realistically available. Account for the 21-day rule and time for preparation between attempts.
Use mock tests to measure readiness
Only schedule a retake after practice tests under realistic conditions show consistent improvement toward your target score. One improved practice test is encouraging, but consistent progress across several full-length tests is a stronger indicator of likely score gains.
Focus study time
Identify specific weaknesses from practice tests. Use targeted review and timed practice to address those areas. For example, if Quantitative reasoning is low due to algebra weaknesses, prioritize algebra review and targeted problem sets.
Consider non-score improvements
If repeated GRE attempts are unlikely to raise your score enough, strengthen other parts of your application. Improve your statement of purpose, gain additional research or work experience, secure stronger letters of recommendation, or take relevant coursework to demonstrate readiness for graduate study.
Frequently asked questions
Can programs see how many times I took the GRE?
Programs see the test dates and scores that you elect to send via ScoreSelect. If you choose to send all scores, they will see every reported test date. Some programs request all your scores or the score report from ETS; check each program’s policy. Schools do not see canceled test scores that were not reinstated and reported.
Does GRE Subject Test repetition follow the same rules?
GRE Subject Tests were discontinued in recent years. For current testing options and any reinstatement of subject tests, consult ETS.
Is there a cap on total lifetime attempts?
ETS enforces the 21-day rule and the five-attempts-per-12-month rolling period. There is no commonly stated lifetime cap beyond these rolling limits. For any changes to limits, verify with ETS.
How long do GRE scores remain valid?
Official GRE scores are typically valid for five years. Within that period, you can send your scores to programs according to their application windows and ETS policies.
Final thoughts
You can take the GRE multiple times, but ETS rules govern frequency. Plan retakes deliberately. Use ScoreSelect to control what schools receive, and prepare thoroughly between attempts so each retake has a reasonable chance to improve your score. Confirm specific registration, cancellation, reinstatement, and fee policies on the ETS website and check each graduate program’s score-reporting requirements before you register.
