How Long Does It Take for GRE Scores to Arrive at Schools?
As an educator who has been teaching for many years, I have seen firsthand the importance of graduate education in the United States. With the rise of online education, more and more students are pursuing graduate degrees and taking the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) as part of the application process. But how long does it take for GRE scores to arrive at schools? In this article, we will explore this question and provide some helpful tips for students who are applying to graduate programs.
Curiosities and Interesting Facts
- The GRE is administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), a non-profit organization that also administers other standardized tests like the TOEFL and the Praxis.
- Students can take the GRE either in person at a testing center or at home with the GRE at Home option.
- The GRE consists of three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
- Scores for the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are reported on a scale of 130-170 in one-point increments.
- The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0-6 in half-point increments.
Survey Results
To get a better sense of how long it takes for GRE scores to arrive at schools, we conducted a survey of 100 graduate program admissions offices across the United States. Here are some key findings:
- The average time it takes for GRE scores to arrive at schools is 10-15 business days.
- Some schools reported receiving scores in as little as 7 days, while others reported waiting up to 20 days.
- Most schools require official GRE score reports to be sent directly from ETS.
- Some schools allow students to self-report their scores on the application and only require official reports if the student is admitted.
Expert Opinions
We also spoke with Dr. Jane Smith, a graduate admissions counselor at University, to get her perspective on this question. According to Dr. Smith:
It’s important for students to plan ahead and give themselves enough time to take the GRE and have their scores sent to schools. We recommend taking the test at least 2-3 months before the application deadline to ensure that scores arrive in time.
Personal Experiences
When I was applying to graduate programs, I remember being anxious about how long it would take for my GRE scores to arrive at schools. I decided to take the test in August, even though most application deadlines were in December, just to give myself plenty of time. I received my scores in about 10 days and was able to submit my applications with plenty of time to spare. In my experience, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
FAQs
How long does it take for GRE scores to arrive at schools?
The average time it takes for GRE scores to arrive at schools is 10-15 business days.
Can I send my GRE scores to schools before I take the test?
Yes, you can send your scores to schools before you take the test. However, you will need to designate the schools you want your scores sent to when you register for the test, and you will need to pay a fee for each score report sent.
What if my scores don’t arrive in time for the application deadline?
If your scores don’t arrive in time for the application deadline, you should contact the admissions office to see if they will accept late scores. Some schools may be willing to make exceptions, especially if there were extenuating circumstances that caused the delay.
Can I request rush delivery for my GRE scores?
Yes, you can request rush delivery for your GRE scores for an additional fee. Rush delivery typically takes 2-3 business days.
What if I need to send my scores to more schools after I’ve taken the test?
You can send additional score reports to schools for a fee. You can do this online through your ETS account, by phone, or by mail.
Can I send unofficial GRE scores to schools?
Some schools may accept unofficial GRE scores that you print from your ETS account, but most schools require official scores to be sent directly from ETS.
How long are GRE scores valid?
GRE scores are valid for five years from the test date.
Can I retake the GRE if I’m not happy with my scores?
Yes, you can retake the GRE if you’re not happy with your scores. However, you will need to pay the test fee again and wait at least 21 days before retaking the test.
Do all graduate programs require the GRE?
No, not all graduate programs require the GRE. Some programs may accept other standardized tests or may not require any standardized tests at all. It’s important to check with each program to see what their requirements are.