GRE question

<p>Hi,
Please excuse me if this has been asked before, I did have a look through the forums but didn't see anything specific in the last while. I'm an international student (UK-Edinburgh) looking to apply to history grad programs in the US, and i'm just beginning my research into where i'd like to apply- i'm currently in my third year out of four. I'm a little confused about how the GRE works, since we don't have anything like that here and their website for Europe is less than steller. So my question is: Do you receive your score directly, or do they go straight to the universities you're applying to? And also, can you take the exam before you know where you want to apply and then have the scores sent on later? I'd really appreciate any help anyone could give, thanks!</p>

<p>Do you receive your score directly, or do they go straight to the universities you're applying to? </p>

<p>-> At the end of the exam you will have the opportunity to select universities to which you would like your score report forwarded. You will also receive a physical copy of your score report. </p>

<p>And also, can you take the exam before you know where you want to apply and then have the scores sent on later? </p>

<p>-> Yes, scores will be kept on file for quite a bit of time (something like 5 years?). You can always have your scores sent to schools later on.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>Thanks so much! I think i'll need it- i've literally never taken a standardized test in my life.</p>

<p>No problem. Glad I could help. I should also add that it takes about two to three weeks for the physical score report to arrive. You will be able to see your AWA (analytical writing) score then.</p>

<p>Ok, thanks. Do you know roughly how much time it takes to study for it? As in, when should I book the test for if I start now? I realise it'll obviously vary from person to person, but is there an average?</p>

<p>Like you said, it varies depending on your background. If your math is strong, a couple weeks of doing practice problems should suffice for Q. A couple months of part-time vocab studying should do for V. Of course, the more time you can sink in the better :P</p>

<p>Well, I haven't done maths since I was 16, so I think it'll take more than that. Thanks very much for the reply!</p>