Taking and passing the GRE exam is often a key step for anyone wanting to land a stellar career in their chosen field. However, some candidates may encounter certain limitations in achieving this, especially in terms of its financial aspect. Considering that the GRE is quite expensive, a common question among students is: “Can I be offered discounts for the GRE?”
If you’re one of those candidates who are worried about GRE fees, don’t fret. There are actually some things you can do and options you’ll be given to help you save on costs — one of which is the GRE Fee Reduction Program. In this post, we’ll tackle what you’ll need to qualify and apply for this program, as well as other tips to save money on GRE fees!
Table Of ContentsThe ETS offers the GRE Fee Reduction Program to the following:
A GRE Fee Reduction Voucher may be used for one GRE General Test and/or one GRE Subject Test. By using this voucher, candidates would only have to pay 50% of the regular test fee. While it cannot be used in conjunction with other offers, paying for only half of the GRE fee is considerably a huge deal in itself.
Heads up: the GRE Fee Reduction Vouchers are given on a first-come, first-served basis. You have to either be a U.S. resident or a resident alien who’s a college senior/unenrolled college graduate. If you’re the latter, you must first meet the eligibility requirements and are planning to take the GRE in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, and other U.S. territories.
The following are the eligibility requirements set by ETS if you’re a college senior:
If you are an unenrolled college graduate, here are the requirements you must meet:
If your application for a need-based GRE Fee Reduction Voucher was approved in the last calendar year, you may be allowed to retest. But first, you’ll need to request an additional GRE Fee Reduction Voucher by accomplishing the GRE Fee Reduction Request Form.
Keep in mind that the current date must be within one calendar year upon ETS receipt of your initial Fee Reduction Voucher and SAR materials. If your request gets approved, expect to receive your new voucher number via email within two weeks.
Below are the specific eligibility requirements if you’re unemployed, receiving unemployment compensation, and planning to take the GRE in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, and other U.S. territories:
Simply accomplish and submit the GRE Fee Reduction Request Form if you meet the above-mentioned requirements. If your request is approved, expect to receive your voucher number via email within two weeks.
ETS also offers the GRE Fee Reduction Program Voucher to the following programs that work with students belonging to underrepresented groups, as well as first-generation college students and students in need of financial aid:
As mentioned earlier, the GRE fee goes down 50% from the original rate (from $205 to $102.50) when you use the GRE Fee Reduction Voucher. Aside from the price slash, you’d also gain free access to two extra PowerPrep practice tests worth $40 each on top of the two ones initially provided.
Additionally, you’d also be able to access the ScoreItNow!™ Online Writing Practice, a $20 e-reader that automatically scores your two practice essays which simulates the actual e-reader used to grade the real ones.
The total value of all GRE savings is $202.50 – pretty clutch when this would all normally cost over $300.
If you fit all of the requirements listed above and are interested in availing yourself of the voucher, the first step would be to fill out and submit the GRE Fee Reduction Request Form. However, note that it may take at least two weeks for you to receive a reply, so we strongly advise submitting your application as early as possible.
Aside from the GRE Fee Reduction Voucher, here are other ways that you can save money on the GRE:
Big GRE costs don’t have to hinder you from succeeding in your graduate study. The good news is that there are now more options provided to individuals who need assistance on this matter, and that the program requirements and process are made universal so as to accommodate everyone who needs it. We hope this guide helps! And if you’re looking for an affordable GRE course at just $199 for one year of access, we’d love if you considered Achievable’s GRE test prep course. You can try it for free to see if our style is right for you.
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