What After GRE? A Detailed Guide!

What After GRE? - After GRE, you will be getting your scores within 8 - 10 days. If you're satisfied with your scores, send them to universities, take the English Proficiency tests, and prepare your application materials. Apply before deadlines, then confirm your admission and plan your travel. If you are not satisfied with your scores then consider retaking the GRE.

Remember, taking the GRE is just the first step in your graduate school journey, and many more steps follow. In this article, we've compiled a crucial list of actions to take after the GRE to help you transition from a test taker to a successful graduate school applicant.
    
The below infographic describes the prospects after GRE.

The Infographic describes the step-by-step guide on what to do after the GRE exam.

1. Check the Scores

After GRE Exam, it will take about 8-10 days to receive your official results. Once your scores are available, you will receive an email and can view them in your ETL account. Check whether you have met your target score. If your scores are below your target score range, consider retaking the GRE. Schedule your GRE exam dates based on the time you need for preparation. If you are satisfied with your scores, proceed with the following steps.

2. Choose the College and Program

A good GRE score opens doors to various graduate programs such as MBA, MS, and PhD. As a second step, after checking the scores, start by shortlisting 8-10 universities based on factors like program reputation, research opportunities, and funding. It's important to consider your specific interests and goals to find programs that align with them. You can send your scores to these shortlisted universities through ETS by paying $35 each. Alternatively, you can send your scores to up to 5 universities for free by registering them when you take the GRE exam.

3. Attend the English Proficiency Exams

The third thing to do after GRE is the English Proficiency Exam. If you want to study overseas and are a non-native English speaker, you must prove your English proficiency through exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Depending on the availability of time, test registration deadlines, and exam difficulty, decide which exam to take and start preparing. Plan well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles. Along with the GRE scores, English Proficiency Exam Scores are equally important to get admission to your dream college.

4. Prepare Application Materials

After GRE and English Proficiency Exams, you can use the time to prepare the required documents. 

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Your Statement of Purpose (SOP) should convince the university's academic committee that you are the ideal candidate for the applied program. It should outline your career aspirations, research interests, and goals, and explain how the program will help you achieve them. Highlight your academic achievements, relevant skills, experiences, and long-term career goals to make a strong case for your admission.

Letters of Recommendation(LORs)

When applying to universities, you should submit letters of recommendation. Seek recommendations from your professors or former boss to highlight your potential, academic strengths, and achievements. Ensure that your recommenders are well-informed about the programs you are applying to and your career goals.

Transcripts

Request electronic transcripts of your undergraduate or any other previous programs from your educational institution. You will need to send these transcripts to the university as part of your application.

Resume / Cover Letter

Your resume should highlight your projects, coursework, skill set, internships, and any awards received. Additionally, it should demonstrate how you are prepared to attend graduate school.

Financial Documents

If you wish to pursue your studies at an overseas graduate school, you must provide documents as proof of financial support to cover tuition fees and manage living expenses. This includes bank statements, scholarship awards, and any sponsorships.

5. Apply for Financial Aid

The 5th thing to do after GRE, is to apply for financial aid. Studying abroad requires more money and it is very important to apply for financial aid to free yourself from the financial burden. Check for funding options like scholarships and fellowships offered by universities. You can also reach out to the other external scholarship providers. Make sure you meet the deadlines for scholarship applications.

6. Meet the Deadlines

Every university has a deadline to apply for each program. Check the university website, note down the deadline for the selected program and schedule your plan accordingly. With all the above mentioned documents, apply for the universities within the mentioned deadlines. Proper planning is needed in order to avoid last minute hurry. Make use of technology like spreadsheets or any planning apps to keep track of your work.

7. Accept and Prepare for Enrollment

Once you have sent the GRE scores and application to universities within the deadlines, then you will start receiving admission offers from universities. It is important to review your offers based on your likelihood, the popularity of the program and your financial status. With these considerations in mind, you can shortlist the university. Do not forget to send your acceptance letter to the university within the stipulated time.

8. Plan and Arrange your Travel

After accepting the admission offer, you need to apply for a study visa. This will take some time to gather documents for visa application. Once your visa is approved, start looking for accommodations. Then book your air tickets and make the necessary travel arrangements. 

9. Keep Calm and Network

All the steps from checking your score to making travel arrangements can be mentally and physically draining. You might feel overwhelmed and stressed during this process. In those moments, it’s important to stay calm and positive. Take breaks and seek support from a trusted friend or mentor who can guide you through the process. Proper planning and preparation are key to a smooth transition into graduate school. Try to connect with alumni or friends in the country to learn more about the place and the university. Your perseverance and hard work will pay off!

All this effort is worth it for your study abroad journey. There are endless opportunities after the GRE. You can gain admission to top US universities for MS programs. Recently, GRE scores are also accepted in other English-speaking countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada. A good GRE score opens doors for MBA and PhD programs worldwide.

Summing Up!

In summary, after taking the GRE, it’s important to take a short break. Once you receive your scores, review the score report carefully. Based on your review, decide whether to send the score to universities or consider retaking the test. This is the ideal time to finalize your choice of university and program. While waiting for your scores, gather application documents such as SOP, LOR, CV, and transcripts. Ensure your English language scores are ready and start applying to universities. With strategic planning and preparation, you're on track to achieving admission to your dream university. If you're still unsure about what to do after GRE, Kanan International can guide you in every step of your study overseas journey.

Frequently Asked Questions on What After GRE

1. Can I retake the GRE?

Test Takers who are not satisfied with their performance or scored low can attempt to retake the GRE. You can retake the GRE exam 5 times a year within a period of 365 days or a continuous rolling 12-month period. The test happens every 21 days.

2. Can a GRE score help in securing scholarships?

Yes, a good GRE score with strong application can help you in securing scholarships. A good GRE score means higher than 320. However, it is recommended to review each scholarship requirement and apply accordingly.

3. What career paths can I pursue with a high GRE score?

There are numerous career opportunities after GRE. You can 

1. Gain admissions to top-tier PhD programs.
2. Research Assistants and Fellowships 
3. International Research Collaborations
4. In Interdisciplinary Research
5. In Teaching Profiles like Assistant Professors, lecturers.

4. Is GRE valid for 5 Years?

Yes, the GRE score validity is 5 years. ETS will keep your scores in record for 5 years from the date of examination. The universities also accept your GRE scores,  if it is within 5 years of time. If you are stuck in the process or your travel is getting delayed for any reason, don’t worry your GRE scores are valid for 5 years. You can restart at any point within 5 years.