A wave of students is anxious to take the last of the old Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) before changes come into effect in August 2011.

GRE the widely accepted American entrance examination for most graduate degrees, takes on a new form next fall, as it undergoes the biggest reform in 60 years. The reform will affect an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 Chinese test takers. The sudden change leaves many applicants little time to prepare themselves for the transition.

Zhao Xin, a 21-year-old student who is studying at the Beijing New Oriental School, said he felt lucky to be taking the old GRE test next June. Zhao said that he wants to take the old test before it is too late. He has been going to a preparation class for the old GRE.