When it comes to anything that involves bettering yourself in the world through high education, the price tag to achieve such things will be high. People taking the GRE are likely students headed toward graduate school and need a good score on this test to be accepted. Many universities require a completed GRE to enter graduate school, and candidates with a high score are more likely to be taken. But why is the GRE so expensive?
It is important to remember that it isn’t just the GRE that is expensive. Every major standardized test offered for various career fields or college acceptances has a hefty price tag. Believe it or not, there is a reason for that high cost. In this brief article, we will explain why the fee of taking the GRE is so high.
GRE Prep Guides
One thing that contributes to the GRE costs is the study guides. GRE preparation books are written by different authors, and of course, they need to get paid for their services. Then there is the cost of printing, digital marketing, and distribution. Free resources are provided by this testing service to help those that don’t have additional funding. There are two free practice tests available online to take and study. Magoos GRE prep course offers some free resources, but the course costs a fee.
One other thing you can use as an advantage is the sample questions given in each question’s explanation. The actual GRE has 82 computer-based questions, and you want to be well prepared to answer them. If you choose to get a different GRE study guide from the ETS website that further details about the GRE, you can expect to pay the cost for those materials.
Test Centers
The test center that ETS uses to administer the GRE is not free. Fees apply in other areas too that many students might not think about. For example, if you are taking your exam at a university, you can expect to pay a fee for parking. So in preparation for the actual exam day, stash a little extra cash in your pocket for any additional cost that may occur.
GRE Scores
Your GRE score will be reported to the portal where you scheduled your email. Students may experience the need to pay a fee to have their results mailed to different places. However, getting a verbal result over the phone is also an option at no additional cost. Overall, it should be no surprise that having these tests scored requires the cost of the people working, scoring machines and computer programming, and more.
The Bottom Line
A student can expect to pay (currently) $205.00 for their GRE within the United States. According to the ETS website, the cost of the GRE can be different depending on where in the world it is being taken. However, for those who cannot afford this exam, there is a waiver program to assist with the cost. Students receiving financial aid for college may be eligible for a fee waiver.
Some GRE prep materials and practice tests can cost upwards of $70. If you need scores sent to multiple places or mailed, expect additional fees. This test is delivered in many different places by proctors and testing centers requiring payment.
Thinking about exam creating, paying for the software, creating preparatory materials, and more all adds to the overall price of this exam and explains the reason why the GRE is so expensive. Lastly, remember that this is also a business, and businesses are around for profit. However, the business of the testing industry is essential and therefore a necessity.
