The Graduate Record Examination (“GRE”) is required by many graduate programs in the U.S. The publisher, Educational Testing Services (“ETS”), has an informative website that provides: general information, test registration, and test preparation materials.

Test registration costs $220 in the United States, with a possibility for a fee reduction (scroll to the bottom of the test registration page).

NOTE: A GRE Fee Reduction Voucher may be used for one GRE General Test and/or one GRE Subject Test. Individuals who receive a GRE Fee Reduction voucher will pay $100 to register for the GRE General Test and/or 50% of the regular test fee for a GRE Subject Test (i.e., $75). Those registering for the General Test will also receive free access to several GRE test prep materials. Please review the eligibility requirements and consult with Student Financial Services to complete a GRE Fee Reduction Voucher Request Form. BE AWARE: It can take several weeks after submitting your request form and supporting materials to ETS before receiving your fee reduction voucher. DO NOT wait until the last minute — submit as early as possible.

The GRE is a computer-based test with sections measuring Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing.

NOTE: As of September 2023, the GRE will be significantly shorter. Click here for details.

The test can be taken at home, provided that your computer and testing room meet the specific requirements set by ETS.

The test is also offered throughout the year at authorized test centers around the world.  Two of the closest test centers to Bates are:

• Prometric Testing Center, Atlantic Place, Building B, Suite #44, 311 Darling Avenue, South Portland, ME, 04106
• University of Maine – Farmington, 52 Main Street, Franklin Hall, Third Floor, Farmington, ME, 04938

GRE Subject Tests are available and intended for students who have an undergraduate major or extensive background in: Mathematics, Physics, and/or Psychology. These tests can also be taken at home, but are offered 2 weeks per month in September, October, and April at computer-delivered centers worldwide. Test registration costs $150, with a possibility for a fee reduction as noted above.

NOTE: Testing accommodations are available for test takers who meet ETS requirements. You must submit your request and have your accommodations approved by ETS Disability Services before you can schedule your test.