If you’re planning to apply to graduate school in 2026, you already have a lot to consider—choosing programs, preparing applications, writing personal statements, and deciding which admissions test will give you the best chance of success.

For many future graduate students, that last question is one of the biggest ones:

Which test should I take? And which one will open the most opportunities?

On January 16, 2026, Study in the USA and ETS—the makers of the GRE—are hosting a special Instagram Live event featuring three students who chose the GRE and used it to unlock opportunities in engineering, clinical research, and computational modeling.

📅 Date: January 16, 2026
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM CET / 1:00 PM EST
📍 Where: Live on Instagram @studyintheusa

They’ll share their real experiences, prep strategies, and honest advice for anyone planning their graduate journey.

Why the GRE Is the Smart and Flexible Choice

Today’s graduate programs are diverse and competitive—but the GRE continues to stand out because of its flexibility, broad acceptance, and student-friendly format.

Here’s why more students are choosing it:

✔ Accepted Across Thousands of Programs

The GRE is accepted for programs from engineering and data science to business, psychology, public health, and more—Making it ideal for students applying to  multiple programs.

✔ More Opportunities, More Freedom

The GRE allows you to keep your options open - supporting applications to a wide range of programs and potential scholarships. 

✔ Approachable Test Design

Many students say the GRE’s updated structure feels clear, manageable, and supportive of test-takers—especially international students.

✔ Built for Real-Life Preparation

The GRE measures critical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving - skills that graduate programs actually value. 

Meet the Students Sharing Their GRE Stories

This live session brings together three outstanding individuals whose journeys reflect the power of the GRE:

• Juliana Pereira, Ph.D. student in Geotechnical Engineering at Purdue University
   
• Alexia R. Hunt, MS graduate and clinical research professional
   
• Luz María Agudelo Urrego, Ph.D. student in Civil Engineering at Purdue University
   

Each took the GRE. Each used it to enter competitive graduate programs. And each will share the real story behind their decision.

What You’ll Learn During the Live Session

Students tuning in can expect honest, practical guidance, including:

• Why each panelist chose the GRE over other options
   
• What the test day really feels like
   
• Study strategies that worked with busy schedules
   
• How long they studied—and what timeline they recommend
   
• How their GRE score strengthened their applications
   
• Advice for students feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start
   

Plus, they’ll answer your questions live.

Don’t Miss This Conversation!

If you’re starting your graduate school journey—or even just thinking about it—this session will give you clarity, confidence, and insights you won’t find anywhere else.

👉 Follow @studyintheusa on Instagram
👉 Mark your calendar for January 16
👉 Join the live chat and bring your questions!

Start your grad school path with the test that keeps your options open.

Think Grad School. Think GRE.  To learn more about GRE, click here.