You may consider rescheduling your GRE test due to some unforeseen circumstance or maybe even by feeling short on time to prepare properly. Appearing for the GRE is certainly an intimidating task and it can scare anyone into believing that they need more time.

Unforeseen circumstances cannot be avoided but you can definitely prepare in a systematic way to avoid last-minute test anxiety. But, in any case, it is important to know if and how the GRE test can be rescheduled. Also, if it is absolutely necessary, how to cancel your exam.

We will help you understand the step-by-step process for both.

Can the GRE test be Rescheduled?
Well in most instances, yes, it can be rescheduled but it does come at a cost. Additionally, some countries may have specific requirements that pertain to rescheduling, so it is important to check if your country has any. It can be checked in the GRE section on www.ets.org

What to know before you reschedule the GRE test

• You must reschedule four days prior. The most important thing to know when you finally decide to reschedule your test is that it must be done at least four days before the scheduled date. Failing to do so will result in a forfeit of the test fee.
• There is a $50 rescheduling fee. At the time of rescheduling, you will have to pay an additional fee on top of the GRE registration fee. This fee is paid each time there is a request for any sort of change to the test, be it, date or location. In other words, if you decide to change both the test center and the date of your test during one request, you will only have to pay the rescheduling fee once. But if you first send in a request for a change of date, and then later send in another request for a change of location, you will have to pay the fee twice. That is, for each time you put in the request.
• You can only reschedule within a year of the existing date. The GRE works on a 365-year cycle. That means if your exam is scheduled for 11th October, you can reschedule it for any day up till 11th October of the following year.

How to reschedule the GRE exam date?
The most efficient way to reschedule the exam is through your ETS account online.

• First, log on to your ETS Account and go to your homepage.
• Look for the section titled “Upcoming Tests” and click on the test you want to reschedule, in this case, the GRE test. You will be taken to a page that lists your appointment details, such as your name, appointment number, test center, and the date and time of the test.
• Click “Reschedule Appointment” under “Actions.”
• Now on the next page, you will be shown a calendar with a selection of dates. You will also be given the option to look for a general location or a specific test center.
• Once selected, click on “Find Available Test Centers and Dates.” You’ll see a page like this:
• Now, you can choose the new date, time, and place to take the GRE. You may select any available date, given that it is within a year of the original test date.
• If seats are available for your preferred date, click “Register.” A separate window will open asking you to confirm the change in the test date/location. Click “Yes” to proceed.
• Once you’ve made the required changes, follow the instructions and proceed to make the rescheduling fee.

NOTE: You can reschedule the time and date of your test, but you cannot change your appointment for the GRE General Test to the GRE Subject Test or vice versa.

Canceling the GRE test
If it becomes absolutely necessary, you also have the option of canceling your GRE exam. This too must be done at least four days prior to the selected appointment date. If done at the correct time, you will be refunded half of the GRE registration fee that you originally paid. The payment will be made to you in US Dollars and to the account through which the registration fee was originally made.

If the cancellation is done after the four-day deadline, none of the registration fees will be refunded.

How many times can you reschedule the GRE test?
There is no limit to the number of times the GRE can be rescheduled as long as it is done four days prior to the existing exam date. There will also be a rescheduling fee of $50 each time there is a change in date or location for the exam.

Should you consider rescheduling your GRE test
Typically, if you have decided to give your GRE test, it is better that you do your best to prepare so that you don’t need to reschedule the GRE test. This would help you save on the additional rescheduling fee. It will also help you focus on your exam better without having to worry about rescheduling.

Being nervous is a very common and normal reaction when preparing for a test like the GRE. It is a complicated and strenuous exam. However, changing your date to a few days in the future may not be helpful to you. It would probably just increase the stress. It is a better idea to make the most use of your preparation time, build a sense of confidence and go through with the exam rather than rescheduling because of test anxiety.

Additionally, you will probably have application deadlines to follow, requiring you to submit your score reports. These reports do take some time to come after you’ve given the test. So, if you’re falling short of time, it is better to go through the exam so that you don’t cut it too close to university deadlines.

That being said, circumstances sometimes leave you with no choice but to reschedule your date or location. In those instances, it is a good idea to opt for a reschedule so that you can be in the right frame of mind to take the exam.

The GRE is an important step in achieving the future you want. Remember to always make the decisions that help you do your best on the exam.