If you’ve recently taken the GRE and are anxiously awaiting your scores, you’re probably wondering – how long do GRE scores take to reach schools? Getting your score report is an important step in the graduate school application process, as most programs require GRE scores as part of the application.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Official GRE scores take 10-15 days to reach the schools you designated to receive your scores when you took the exam. Schools generally take 1-2 weeks after receiving your score report to update their systems and match it to your application.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the GRE score reporting and delivery timeline in detail, including how long scores take to become available, when you can expect schools to receive your scores, how long it takes schools to process your scores, and what to do if your scores are delayed.
When Do Official GRE Scores Become Available?
After taking the GRE, one of the most common questions test takers have is when their official scores will become available to the schools they are applying to. The process of score reporting involves several steps, and understanding the timeline can help alleviate any anxiety or uncertainty.
The Initial Score Report
Once you complete the GRE, you will receive an unofficial score immediately after you finish the test. This score is only for your reference and cannot be used for official purposes. The official score report, which includes your scores for each section of the GRE, will become available approximately ten to fifteen days after you take the test.
This initial score report can be accessed through your ETS account. You can view your scores online, and you will also receive an email notification when your official scores are available. It’s important to note that this timeline may vary slightly depending on factors such as high-volume testing periods or technical issues.
Sending Scores to Schools
After you receive your official GRE scores, you can choose to send them to the schools you are applying to. ETS provides a free score reporting service that allows you to send your scores to up to four graduate programs or business schools of your choice.
However, if you wish to send your scores to additional schools, there may be a fee for each additional recipient.
It’s important to plan ahead and allow enough time for your official scores to reach the schools. While the process of sending scores electronically is relatively fast, it can still take a few days for the scores to be received and processed by the institutions.
Therefore, it is recommended to send your scores at least two weeks before the application deadlines to ensure they arrive on time.
Score Reporting to Schools
Once you have requested your official scores to be sent to the schools, the delivery time can vary depending on whether the institution accepts electronic or paper score reports. Most schools now prefer electronic score reports, which are typically delivered within 5-7 business days.
Some schools may even receive the reports sooner.
However, if a school requires paper score reports, the delivery time may be longer. ETS will send the paper reports via mail, and it may take up to two weeks for the schools to receive them. It’s important to check the requirements of each institution you are applying to and plan accordingly.
When Will Schools Receive My Official GRE Scores?
Once you have taken the GRE (Graduate Record Examination), the next question that arises is when the schools you are applying to will receive your official scores. The speed at which schools receive your scores can vary depending on a few factors.
1. Test Administration Date
The first factor that affects when schools receive your scores is the test administration date. GRE scores are typically available for viewing online approximately 10-15 days after you have taken the test.
However, it is important to note that this is not the same as schools receiving your official scores. The official scores are sent directly to the schools by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization that administers the GRE.
2. Score Reporting Method
The method you choose for score reporting can also impact when schools receive your official GRE scores. ETS provides two options for score reporting: the ScoreSelect® option and the Most Recent option.
If you choose the ScoreSelect® option, you have the flexibility to decide which set of scores you want to send to schools. You can send all scores from the last five years, or you can choose to send only your most recent scores.
It is important to note that if you choose to send multiple score reports, schools may receive them at different times.
On the other hand, if you choose the Most Recent option, ETS will automatically send your most recent scores to the schools you have selected. This option ensures that schools receive your scores as soon as they are available.
3. ETS Processing Time
Another factor that affects when schools receive your official GRE scores is the processing time at ETS. Once you have taken the test and selected the schools you want your scores to be sent to, ETS needs time to process and send the scores.
The processing time can vary, but it typically takes around 5-10 business days.
It is important to keep these factors in mind when planning your GRE test date and application deadlines. If you have a specific deadline to meet, it is recommended to take the test well in advance to ensure that the schools receive your scores on time.
For more information on when schools will receive your official GRE scores, you can visit the ETS website for detailed information and updates on score reporting.
How Long Does it Take Schools to Process GRE Scores?
One of the most common questions that students have after taking the GRE is how long it will take for their scores to reach the schools they are applying to. While the exact timeline can vary depending on various factors, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind.
Processing Time
The processing time for GRE scores can vary from school to school. On average, it takes about 10 to 15 days for scores to be sent to the designated institutions. However, it’s important to note that this timeframe is an estimate and could be longer during peak application periods.
It’s recommended that students take the GRE at least a month before their application deadlines to allow sufficient time for the scores to be processed and sent to the schools. This will help ensure that their applications are complete and will not be delayed due to missing GRE scores.
Electronic vs. Paper Scores
It’s worth mentioning that the processing time for electronic scores is generally faster compared to paper scores. With the increasing use of technology, many schools now prefer to receive scores electronically, which can significantly reduce the processing time.
Electronic scores are typically sent within a week of the test date, while paper scores can take longer due to mailing and processing times. Therefore, if time is a crucial factor in your application process, it’s recommended to choose the electronic score option when registering for the GRE.
Factors Affecting Processing Time
Several factors can affect the processing time for GRE scores. Some of these factors include the volume of test takers, the time of year, and any technical issues that may arise. During peak application periods, such as the fall semester, the processing time might be longer due to the high volume of test takers and applications.
Additionally, technical issues can sometimes occur, causing delays in score processing. While rare, these issues can range from system glitches to errors in data entry. It’s important to keep these factors in mind and plan accordingly when scheduling your GRE test date.
Checking Score Delivery
Once your scores have been sent to the schools, it’s essential to verify their delivery. Most schools have an online portal where applicants can track the status of their application, including the receipt of GRE scores.
If there are any concerns or discrepancies, it’s advisable to contact the admissions office directly for assistance.
Remember that each school may have its own processing timeline, so it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements and deadlines of the institutions you are applying to. Being proactive and staying informed will help ensure a smooth and timely processing of your GRE scores.
For more information on GRE score processing timelines, you can visit the official Educational Testing Service (ETS) website, which provides detailed information and updates regarding GRE scores.
What If My GRE Scores Are Delayed?
It can be an anxious time for test takers when they are waiting for their GRE scores to be sent to their chosen schools. The GRE test scores are typically available online approximately 10-15 days after the test date. However, there are instances where scores can be delayed due to various reasons.
Here’s what you need to know if your GRE scores are delayed:
Reasons for Delayed GRE Scores
There can be several reasons why your GRE scores may be delayed. The most common reasons include:
- A high volume of test takers: During peak testing periods, such as the end of the academic year, there may be a higher number of test takers, leading to delays in score reporting.
- Technical issues: Sometimes, there may be technical glitches or system errors that can cause delays in processing and reporting of scores.
- Invalid identification: If there are issues with the identification documents provided during the test, ETS (Educational Testing Service) may need to verify the information, resulting in a delay in score reporting.
- Security concerns: ETS takes test security seriously and may conduct additional security checks if there are any concerns about the test administration or test taker behavior, which can lead to delayed scores.
What to Do If Your Scores Are Delayed
If your GRE scores are delayed, the first step is to remain calm and patient. ETS understands the importance of score reporting and works diligently to resolve any delays as quickly as possible. Here’s what you can do:
- Contact ETS: If you have been waiting for your scores for an extended period, you can reach out to ETS for assistance. They will be able to provide you with information on the status of your scores and any potential issues causing the delay.
- Inform your schools: If you have deadlines approaching for submitting your scores to your chosen schools, it is important to inform them about the delay. Most schools are understanding and will accommodate the situation.
- Consider alternative options: In some cases, if the delay is causing significant issues with application deadlines, you may need to consider alternative options, such as requesting an extension or submitting your application without the scores (if permitted by the school).
Additional Resources
If you would like more information or assistance regarding delayed GRE scores, you can visit the official ETS website at www.ets.org/gre. They have a dedicated support section where you can find answers to frequently asked questions and contact their customer service for further assistance.
Remember, delays in GRE score reporting are not common, but they can happen. By staying informed and taking appropriate actions, you can navigate through the situation smoothly and ensure your scores reach your chosen schools in a timely manner.
How to Send GRE Scores to Schools
When it comes to applying to graduate programs, one of the crucial steps is sending your GRE scores to the schools of your choice. Knowing how to navigate this process efficiently can save you time and ensure that your scores reach the institutions in a timely manner.
Here are the steps you need to follow to send your GRE scores to schools:
Create a GRE Account
The first step is to create an account on the official GRE website. This account will serve as your gateway to access and manage your GRE scores. You will need to provide personal information and create a username and password to complete the registration process.
Select Recipient Schools
Once you have created your GRE account, you can select the recipient schools where you want your scores to be sent. You can choose up to four schools for free at the time of taking the GRE, and there is a fee for each additional school.
It is important to research and select the schools you are interested in before taking the GRE to avoid any last-minute decisions.
Enter School Codes
Each school has a unique code that you need to enter in your GRE account to indicate where you want your scores to be sent. You can find these codes on the official ETS website or by contacting the admissions office of the respective schools. Make sure to double-check the codes to ensure accuracy.
Pay for Additional Score Reports
If you want to send your GRE scores to more than the allotted four schools, you will need to pay an additional fee for each score report. The fee can be paid online through your GRE account using a credit or debit card.
Keep in mind that the fees may vary, so it’s important to check the current pricing on the official GRE website.
Send Scores Electronically
Once you have selected the recipient schools and paid for any additional score reports, it’s time to send your GRE scores electronically. ETS, the organization that administers the GRE, will send your scores directly to the schools you have chosen.
This process usually takes around 10-15 days for the scores to be received by the institutions.
Note: It’s important to plan ahead and send your scores well in advance of the application deadlines to ensure that they reach the schools on time. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to verify with the schools that they have received your scores by checking the application status or contacting the admissions office.
Sending your GRE scores to schools is a straightforward process that can be easily managed through your GRE account. By following these steps, you can ensure that your scores are sent to the right schools and arrive in a timely manner, allowing your application process to proceed smoothly.
Conclusion
Waiting for your official GRE scores to reach the graduate programs you applied to can feel like an eternity. While you unfortunately can’t speed up the process, hopefully now you better understand the standard GRE score reporting timeline and what to expect.
The score reporting process typically takes 10-15 days from when you finish the GRE until schools receive your official score report. Schools then usually need 1-2 additional weeks to match your scores to your application.
If your scores are delayed or you need to send additional score reports, you have options to expedite the process.
Knowing when your scores will arrive can help you breathe easier as you await admissions decisions. With some patience and planning, your official GRE scores will be in the hands of your target schools before you know it.
