The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test used by many graduate schools and business schools to assess the skills and knowledge of applicants. While the test is an important factor in the admissions process, it is only one of several factors considered by schools. One question that many students have is what’s GRE score validity? But before that…
Do you know?
The cost of the GRE General Test from India is $13. Effective November 1, 2022, the GRE General Test fee will increase by $15 worldwide. The GRE General Test can be taken on paper or on the computer.
The GRE is a standardized test used by most graduate and business schools in the US and Canada. It is used to determine an applicant’s eligibility for a program. The exam is owned and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The test is used to measure abstract thinking ability in the areas of analytical writing, mathematics, and vocabulary.
The official answer from the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the GRE, is that scores are valid for five years after the testing year in which you took the exam. For example, if you took the GRE in 2020, your scores would be valid until the end of 2025. However, it is important to note that individual schools may have different policies. So it is always a good idea to check with the schools you are applying to.
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If you are an aspiring candidate who wants to give the GRE exam, this blog will help you in providing a better understanding of the following aspects:
GRE score validity – Rules
Before taking the GRE test, review the following GRE score validity rules. This will help you plan and strategize your preparation in advance.
- Know Your Test: Since ETS administers two types of GREs—the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Tests—you need to know which test score is required for your graduate program.
- Schedule your exam date: Once the exam is decided, you need to schedule your exam date before your admission date. If you plan to earn two master’s degrees with the same GRE score, choose the exam date that works best for you.
- GRE Score Validity: Since the GRE score is valid for five years, you can send it to the relevant university as early as possible. If you want to start your second master’s program right after your first, your GRE scores will be valid and will serve your purpose.
- GRE for College Admissions: Because ETS does not have an age limit, many students take the GRE in their final year of undergraduate studies and apply for graduate degrees as soon as their desired college opens. If it works for you, please do it!
Note: If you looking for a detailed exam syllabus, refer to our GRE Syllabus blog post!
What are the types of GRE tests and their score validity?
There are 2 types of GRE exams. These are the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test, as briefly explained below. Scores are valid for five years for both types.
- GRE General Test – The GRE General Test is designed to assess your ability to analyze complex written text, solve math problems, etc. It contains Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Students take this test to enter graduate school.
- GRE Subject Tests – The GRE Subject Test aims to assess your knowledge of a specific subject or area of study. The test includes four subjects:
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
How long is a GRE General Test score valid?
A GRE General Test score is valid for five years from the date of the test. To get into a good graduate school, submit your GRE score within 5 years. After 5 years, your GRE score automatically expires and no longer exists in your ETS account. If you want to improve your GRE scores, you can also retake the GRE test.
How long are GRE subject test scores valid?
GRE subject test scores are valid for about five years from the date of taking the exam. It covers all subjects including chemistry, mathematics, physics, and psychology. Here, you can’t send your scores right away because they don’t reach you until five weeks after the exam date.
How long does it take to get your GRE score?
After you take the GRE General Test, you will receive your unofficial Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning scores at the test center. Your Analytical Writing score will be available in your ETS Account and in your score, report sent to your designated score recipients approximately two weeks after your test date.
Your official scores will be available in your ETS Account and will be sent to your designated score recipients approximately three weeks after your test date. If you took the GRE General Test on a paper-delivered test date, it will take approximately five weeks for your official scores to be available.
It is worth noting that scores can be delayed for a variety of reasons, such as if you were absent on test day or if there were technical difficulties with your test. If you are concerned about the status of your scores, you can contact ETS for more information.
The process for receiving scores for the GRE Subject Tests is similar. Your unofficial scores will be available at the test center approximately 10-15 days after the test date. Your official scores will be available in your ETS Account and will be sent to your designated score recipients approximately six weeks after the test date.
Why does the GRE score expire?
GRE scores expire after a certain period of time because the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the exam, wants to ensure that the scores being used by schools are current and accurately reflect the skills and knowledge of the test taker.
The ETS conducts research on the GRE General Test and GRE Subject Tests on a regular basis in order to ensure that the tests are valid and reliable measures of the skills and knowledge they are intended to assess. As part of this research, the ETS may make changes to the content and structure of the tests. If scores are not regularly refreshed, it may not be clear how well the scores align with the current version of the test.
In addition, it is generally expected that an individual’s skills and knowledge will change over time, particularly if they have completed additional education or have gained relevant experience. By setting a score expiration period, the ETS ensures that schools are able to take into account any changes in an individual’s skills and knowledge when making admissions decisions.
Final words
We hope you are now clear about the validity of your GRE score. The GRE test is administered by ETS, providing a maximum validity of five years without renewal. The assessment is valid for 5 years for general and subject tests. It does not differ regardless of test type, location, or paper or computer delivery.
Still not clear? Well, don’t worry. Contact iDreamCareer industry experts and get your questions answered today! iDreamCareer is one of the world’s leading education consultancy companies with versatile expert professionals ready to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us so we can help you on your way to achieving your dreams.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
According to the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the GRE, scores are valid for five years after the testing year in which you took the exam. For example, if you took the GRE in 2020, your scores would be valid until the end of 2025.
It is generally up to individual schools to decide whether they will accept old GRE scores. Some schools may accept scores that are older than five years, while others may require more recent scores. It is always a good idea to check with the schools you are applying to in order to determine their policies on accepting old scores.
There is no way to extend the validity of your GRE scores. If your scores are no longer valid and you need to take the test again, you can register for a new test date through the ETS website
Yes, the ETS offers a ScoreSelect option that allows you to choose which scores you want to send to schools. This means that if you have taken the GRE multiple times, you can select the scores that you feel represent your abilities the best. You can access the ScoreSelect option through your ETS Account.
Yes, you can use the same GRE scores for multiple graduate school applications.
Anushree Rastogi is a Senior Content Writer at iDreamCareer, bringing over 5 years of expertise to the field of career counseling. She has done a PGDM in Marketing and Finance and possesses a unique blend of skills that allows her to craft engaging and informative content. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate their career paths and has dedicated her career to providing valuable insights through her content. Her commitment to excellence and keen understanding of the career landscape make her a trusted guide for those seeking professional direction. With a flair for clear and engaging writing, Anushree is on a mission to empower others to make informed and fulfilling career choices.
