<p>It is like the SATs. Most people take them a few months to a year before applying to grad school. Test scores are valid for 5 years or something like that. The application process starts the year before you would start classes, so you should try to take the GRE for the last time around October (you can take it multiple times). The latest deadlines will be anywhere between December and February for most schools. A decent timeline for going directly to grad from undergrad is to study during the summer before your senior year and take your first GRE in June/July. This will give you plenty of time to study and retake it in Aug/Sept if needed. The latest you should take the GRE is October or EARLY November. It’s a lot more stressful waiting for your scores if you wait until Nov to do it. Get your apps turned in on time and then interviews will start between Jan-Mar.</p>