If you're preparing for graduate school, chances are you've asked yourself this very common (and very smart) question:

“How many times can I take the GRE?”

Whether you're aiming to boost your score, reduce test-day nerves, or give yourself a backup plan — understanding the GRE retake policy is crucial. Here's everything you need to know.

✅ Short Answer:

You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to 5 times within any rolling 12-month period.

This limit applies regardless of whether you take the test at a center or online from home.

🧠 Why Does This Rule Exist?

ETS (the organization that administers the GRE) wants to give students enough chances to improve their scores, but they also want to keep the testing process fair and prevent score inflation from endless attempts. Five tests in a year is generally more than enough for most applicants.

📅 How the 12-Month Limit Works

The “5 times in 12 months” rule is based on a rolling calendar — not a calendar year. So if you took your first GRE on August 1st, 2024, that attempt would count toward your limit until August 1st, 2025.

📉 Will Retaking the GRE Hurt My Chances?

Not necessarily. ETS allows you to choose which scores to send using a feature called ScoreSelect. That means:

• You can retake the test without fear of schools seeing your earlier scores.
• You only send your best result — or whichever result you feel reflects your abilities.
  

In fact, many students improve significantly on their second or third attempt after adjusting their prep strategy.

💡 Tips Before You Retake

If you're considering another attempt, ask yourself:

• Have I identified my weak spots?
• Have I adjusted my study routine?
• Do I have enough time before my application deadlines?
  

Simply retaking the test without improving your approach is unlikely to lead to better results — and might just increase your stress and expenses.

💰 Don’t Forget the Cost

Each GRE attempt costs $220 USD (as of 2024). Multiple attempts can add up quickly, especially if you're also paying for prep courses or application fees. Budget wisely!

✨ Final Thoughts

Retaking the GRE can be a smart move — but it should be a strategic one. Know the rules, study smarter, and use your retakes wisely. Most importantly: remember that one test doesn’t define your worth or your future.

Good luck, and go get that grad school acceptance letter!