Welcome to TakeMyGREExam.com. If you're a student preparing for the GRE, you probably have a lot of questions about the exam process, and one of the most common ones is: How long does it take to receive GRE scores? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered! Understanding the GRE score reporting timeline will help you plan ahead, reduce any anxiety about waiting, and ensure you're on top of things when it comes time to send your scores to schools.
In this guide, we'll dive into everything you need to know about when and how you'll receive your GRE scores. We'll also answer some common questions that students often have, so you can stay stress-free and focused on your goals. Let’s get started!
When Can You Expect Your GRE Scores?
After you’ve taken the GRE, one of the first things you’ll be wondering is how long you’ll have to wait before seeing your scores. Fortunately, the timeline for receiving your GRE scores is relatively straightforward.
1. Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning Scores (The Core Scores)
The GRE exam provides you with scores for three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The core scores for Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning are typically available within 10-15 days after your test date. These scores are important because they play a major role in the admissions process.
2. Analytical Writing Scores
The Analytical Writing section is graded separately, and your score for this section will be available within 20 days after you take the exam. This slightly longer time frame is due to the fact that your writing responses are scored by both a computer and a human grader.
How to Check Your GRE Scores
Once your scores are available, you can view them through your ETS (Educational Testing Service) account, which is the official GRE testing body. You’ll need to log in to your account at www.ets.org to access your scores.
After logging in, navigate to the Scores section of your account. You’ll see your scores listed for the Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing sections, along with your total GRE score. The total GRE score is a combined score of your Verbal and Quantitative sections (on a scale from 260 to 340).
What Happens After You Receive Your GRE Scores?
Once you have access to your scores, the next step is deciding which schools you want to send them to. ETS allows you to send your GRE scores to up to four graduate programs for free, as long as you select them before you complete your test. If you want to send your scores to additional schools after that, you can do so for a fee.
It’s also worth mentioning that your GRE scores are valid for five years from your test date, so you don’t need to worry about them expiring anytime soon!
How Long Does It Take for GRE Scores to Reach Schools?
After you’ve selected the schools you want your scores sent to, it typically takes about 5–10 business days for your official scores to reach the institutions you’ve chosen. Be sure to plan ahead and check with your schools about their deadlines for receiving GRE scores.
The Power of “Score Select”
One feature of the GRE that’s particularly useful is ETS’s Score Select option. This allows you to choose which scores you want to send to schools from your previous test dates. If you’ve taken the GRE more than once, you can send only your best scores, helping you present the strongest application possible.
How Long Does It Take to Receive GRE Scores for Different Test Types?
There are a few different formats for the GRE, including the General Test (which is the standard version most students take) and the Subject Tests (for specific disciplines like Psychology, Chemistry, etc.).
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GRE General Test: Scores are typically available in 10-15 days.
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GRE Subject Tests: Scores for these tests are available in 5–6 weeks after the exam.
What If You Don’t Receive Your GRE Scores?
If it’s been longer than the expected waiting time and you haven’t received your scores yet, don’t panic. Sometimes delays can occur due to technical issues, grading backlogs, or even administrative delays.
If you think something has gone wrong, contact ETS customer support immediately. They can help you track your scores and resolve any issues.
FAQs About GRE Score Reporting
To help you further, here are some frequently asked questions from students about receiving GRE scores:
1. Can I see my GRE scores right after taking the test?
Yes! After you complete the computer-based GRE, you will see your unofficial Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning scores immediately. However, your official scores (which include your Analytical Writing score) will be available within 10–15 days.
2. How do I know when my GRE scores are available?
You’ll receive an email notification from ETS once your scores are available. Additionally, you can always log in to your ETS account to check your scores anytime.
3. Can I cancel my GRE scores if I don’t like them?
Yes, you can cancel your scores right after you finish the test, before you see your unofficial scores. However, once you’ve seen your unofficial scores, you can no longer cancel them. Be sure to think carefully before making this decision!
4. What is a good GRE score?
What constitutes a “good” GRE score depends on the schools you are applying to. Generally, scores above 300 (combined Verbal + Quantitative) are considered competitive for many programs. However, top-tier schools may look for scores above 320. Always check the specific requirements for your target programs.
5. How long do GRE scores last?
Your GRE scores are valid for five years from the test date. You can send them to schools within this time frame, but after five years, your scores will expire.
6. How long does it take for GRE scores to be sent to schools?
Once you select the schools to send your scores to, it typically takes 5–10 business days for the schools to receive your official scores.
7. Can I see my Analytical Writing score right after the test?
No, the Analytical Writing score takes a bit longer to grade because it’s scored by both a computer and a human rater. It will be available within 20 days.
8. Can I take the GRE multiple times?
Yes! You can take the GRE as many times as you want. However, you can only take the exam once every 21 days. You can send your best scores to schools, so taking the test multiple times can sometimes work in your favor.
Final Thoughts: Stay Calm, You’ve Got This!
The process of receiving your GRE scores is fairly simple once you understand the timeline. Knowing when to expect your scores and how to access them will help keep the stress to a minimum. Whether you’re waiting for your scores or deciding where to send them, remember that you’re one step closer to achieving your academic goals.
At TakeMyGREExam.com, we are dedicated to helping you through every step of your GRE journey. From prep materials to personalized advice, we’re here to ensure you’re ready for test day and beyond.
Good luck with your studies and remember, your GRE score is just one part of your application! Stay confident, keep working hard, and soon you’ll be on your way to graduate school.
We hope this guide helps you navigate the GRE score reporting process with ease! If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime. We’re here to support you every step of the way.