Can I Take the GRE in One Year and TOEFL/IELTS in Another Year?

Applying to universities in the United States can be a complex and time-consuming process, especially when it comes to fulfilling the standardized test requirements such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Many students find themselves in a situation where they have to balance their current academic commitments with the need to prepare for these important tests. This article aims to provide a strategic timeline for taking the GRE and TOEFL/IELTS, given the specific application deadlines.

Strategic Preparation Timeline

The general recommendation is to take the GRE during the early part of the year, specifically in June, to give students ample time to apply to various universities before their November or December deadlines. However, this is entirely dependent on your current academic year in your bachelor's program. For instance, if you are a second-year student, you may start preparing for the GRE and potentially apply for the exam in your third year. Conversely, if you are in your final year, you might focus on preparing for the TOEFL/IELTS.

GRE Preparation Timeline

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is considered significantly more challenging than IELTS or TOEFL, due to its comprehensive nature which includes reasoning skills, critical thinking, and analytical writing. The validity of your GRE score is 5 years, which means you are encouraged to submit your highest score to the universities of your choice.

Preparation and Application Strategy

Starting GRE preparation in your second year of bachelor's can set you on a path to taking it in your third year, well before the application season for next year. By investing time in these two years, you will have a solid foundation to excel in the GRE. It is important to note that your focus should be on the GRE in your third year, as this will be the most relevant preparation period before your final year application cycle.

TOEFL/IELTS Preparation Timeline

IELETS and TOEFL, on the other hand, have a validity of only 2 years, making your preparation efforts more time-sensitive. Since your final year of bachelor's is your best opportunity to demonstrate your English language proficiency, it is advisable to dedicate 2 to 3 months of preparation time to these tests. This period should be used efficiently to hone your language skills and familiarize yourself with the specific test formats.

Example Timeline

For illustration, consider the following timeline for a student named John, who is primarily preparing for a professional master's program:

Second Year (June - August): Begin SAT or ACT scores if necessary and start initial reading and vocabulary exercises for the GRE. Third Year (September - December): Intensive GRE preparation, including practice tests and review of strategies. Apply for agribusiness programs in the United States. Final Year (September - November): Full focus on TOEFL/IELTS preparation, taking the test around October and applying to universities before their December deadlines.

Personal Experience

Some students might find it beneficial to spread their test preparations over multiple years. For example, John, mentioned earlier, opted to take his GRE in September 22nd and TOEFL in October 10th. This staggered approach allowed him to maintain a balance between academics and test preparation, ultimately leading to successful outcomes in both tests.

Conclusion

Taking the GRE and TOEFL/IELTS requires careful planning and strategic preparation. By understanding the validity periods and the academic requirements, you can effectively manage your time and resources to achieve your academic goals. Whether you choose to take these tests in one year or spread them over two, the key is to start early, stay consistent, and push yourself to excel in these critical assessments.