Can I ask what the program is in? If you really have a passion for this and want it and can get the money, I see no reason why you shouldn't. I had people in my family telling me it was a bad idea to go to grad school. I moved 13 hours away from my family and friends. My uncle actually told me that I should stop "putting money into the system". Which is funny because, typically, in the sciences you not only get your tuition waived but get a stipend on top of that so you are MAKING money lol. That's why I ask what program you applied to.

The GRE is no big deal. I don't know what it costs now but when I registered I think it was like 140 bucks or something. Do what is right for YOU! You have to be happy with your own situation. It was really scary the first time I moved away from my family but I wouldn't give up my college years for anything. And the people I am surrounded with now I wouldn't give up for anything. Grad school is just plain awesome IF you find an advisor that fits your personality. I have met some people who hate it bc them and their advisor just don't fit. My advisor happens to be awesome and genuinely interested in his students as people.

Whatever happens, don't give up. If you want it, and you set your mind to it, you really can do anything. If I listened to all the people who used to put me down I wouldn't be where I am now. But I took that negative energy and turned it into a positive outcome. So now those people haven't done anything with their lives and I'm getting ready to go on to get my PhD. So tell those nay sayers to SUCK IT! (you have to imagine saying that with an inappropriate gesture to get the full effect lol)