Kirby64

Is it a good idea to take the GRE immediately after undergrad even if you don't plan on going to grad school for at least a few years?

Blueash

Scores are available for 5 years.

cosmicfish

It is a gamble, and depends a couple of issues.

Are you sure that you will go to grad school within 5 years? If not it might all be a waste of time and money. Even if you do, are you going to go to a full-time program that requires the GRE or a part-time program that doesn't? And will you be able to get an acceptable offer within 5 years, or are you going to take two or three admissions cycles to find the "right" program? It is hard to forecast what will happen in your first five years out of school.

Do you have trouble on these kinds of tests? Most engineers do fine on the quant portion but struggle on the verbal and writing sections. In many cases people do better during or immediately after school because the general education requirements of the school have forced them to do more reading and writing than they would normally choose. Conversely, if you are someone who reads recreationally and does not particularly need to study for the exams, waiting might not be any real penalty.

geo1113

I didn't take GRE, but did take GMAT. The first time was during my senior year of college; the second, about 6 years later. I did much better 6 years later because I dedicated significant time to prepare for the test. But I also had a specific goal in mind which I am sure helped.

ucbalumnus

Do you mean the GRE general test, or the GRE subject test? It may be advantageous to take the subject test, if needed for your major, around the time you complete your undergraduate degree.

cosmicfish

Agreed, although this is not usually an issue for engineers in my experience.

penguin2012

It's a good idea to do so. You'll find that when you start work, you might do away with the ambition to do grad studies later on - especially if you land a lucrative job. So it's nice to know what your options are early.

If you flunk the GRE, then maybe you can prepare better in the future OR decide it's not meant for you. If you do well, well maybe you have a good chance at a top 10 school. Keep in mind if you are applying for a technical grad course, then you might need reference letters from professors that you are currently close to.

Mokonon

The GREs are a joke. Pretty much anyone can ace them with the proper preparation.