Understanding how GRE score reporting works is critical for planning when to take the test, which scores to send to programs, and how admissions committees will see your results. This article explains the mechanics and timelines of GRE score reporting, ScoreSelect options, what schools actually receive, international considerations, and practical steps to send and manage your scores.
Quick answer
After a computer-delivered GRE, unofficial Verbal and Quantitative scores appear at the test center. Official score reports, including Analytical Writing scores, are available from ETS and are sent electronically to the institutions you choose, typically within 10 to 15 days after your test date. You can send up to four schools free on test day and order additional official score reports later. ETS keeps reportable GRE scores for five years. ScoreSend options let you control which test dates are shared, but individual programs set their own policies for how they evaluate multiple scores.
How GRE score reporting works: the basics
Immediate (unofficial) vs official scores
- Computer-delivered GRE: At the test center, you receive unofficial Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores before you leave. The Analytical Writing score is not available immediately because essays are scored by humans and automated systems.
- Official scores: ETS produces the official score report that includes Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing scores plus percentile ranks. ETS sends official reports electronically to schools you designate. Official reports appear in your ETS account when available.
- Paper-based GRE: For paper administrations, no unofficial scores are available at test time. Official scores are released by ETS according to its published schedule.
When official scores are released
For computer-delivered tests, official score reports are usually available within 10 to 15 days after your test date. That timing covers the full report because AWA essays need scoring. The exact timing can vary slightly based on test administration and processing. For paper-based tests, expect a longer prearranged schedule determined by ETS.
ScoreSelect and choosing which scores to send
What ScoreSelect is
ScoreSelect is ETS’s system that gives you control over which test dates are included in score reports you send to institutions. It exists so test takers can avoid sending every historical test score by default. ScoreSelect applies whether you are sending scores at test time or ordering additional score reports later.
How ScoreSelect options work in practice
- At the test center you can choose whether to send scores from the test you just completed or to withhold them from the free recipients that ETS will send at no cost. If you send scores at test time you still control whether the report includes only your current test or other past tests allowed under ScoreSelect.
- When you order additional official score reports later from your ETS account, you can select which test dates to include. ETS allows you to send scores from any of your reportable test dates within the official retention window.
- Because ETS retains GRE scores for five years, ScoreSelect options typically let you choose test dates from the last five years for reporting.
Exact menu labels and the interface can change slightly, so check your ETS account at the time you order reports to see the available choices.
What information schools receive
Contents of an official score report
- Scaled Verbal Reasoning score (130 to 170)
- Scaled Quantitative Reasoning score (130 to 170)
- Analytical Writing score (0.0 to 6.0 in half-point increments)
- Percentile ranks for each section based on ETS’s most recent tables
- Test date(s) included according to your ScoreSelect choice
- Your name, date of birth, and identifying information as provided during registration
How institutions typically see multiple test dates
When you send scores from multiple test dates, the official report will list each included test date and the scores for each date. Institutions see exactly what you send. How they evaluate multiple dates varies by program. Some programs consider only your highest section scores, others look at the most recent test, and some average or apply internal policies. Because policies differ, check individual program guidance rather than assume one practice applies universally.
Timing and logistics: sending scores and timelines
Free score recipients at test time
At the test center you can identify up to four institutions to receive your official score reports free of charge. If you select recipients, ETS sends each official report once scores are available. If you do not send to recipients at test time you can send reports later for a fee.
Ordering additional score reports
- Log in to your ETS account to request additional official score reports after your scores become available.
- When ordering, choose which test dates to include using ScoreSelect options. Reports are sent electronically or by mail depending on the institution’s delivery preferences.
- Delivery can take several business days after you order, depending on the recipient and delivery method.
Because fees, delivery options, and processing times change occasionally, verify the current process and costs on the ETS website before ordering additional reports.
Sample timeline
- Day 0: Test taken. Computer-delivered candidates see unofficial Verbal and Quantitative scores at the test center.
- Day 10 to 15: Official score reports, including Analytical Writing, are posted to your ETS account and sent to the recipients you designated at test time. Additional reports you order after results posting will be processed in the days following your request.
- Up to five years: ETS retains reportable scores and you can order reports for past test dates during this period.
Canceling and reinstating scores
Cancelling at test time
If you choose to cancel your scores at the test center, ETS will not report those scores to the recipients you selected and they will not appear on your official record. Cancelling is irreversible for that administration unless you request reinstatement within ETS’s available procedures and timeframe.
Reinstating cancelled scores
ETS offers a reinstatement procedure for canceled scores. Reinstatement must follow ETS policies, and typically requires a request and a fee. If you think you may want to use the scores later, do not cancel them at the test center. Instead accept the report and decide later whether to send or withhold it using ScoreSelect.
Percentiles, interpretation, and what admissions committees see
Percentiles change over time
ETS reports percentiles alongside scaled scores. Percentiles reflect how your score compares to recent test takers and are updated periodically. A percentile is not a direct measure of fit for a program. Admissions committees use scores in the context of your application, including GPA, statements, letters of recommendation, and research experience.
How committees typically use GRE reports
- Threshold screening. Some programs use minimum GRE scores for initial screening.
- Contextual evaluation. Many programs consider GRE scores as one piece of the application, weighting them alongside other materials.
- Section-level interest. Programs that care more about quantitative skills will focus on the Quantitative score; humanities-oriented programs focus more on Verbal and Analytical Writing.
Because practice varies by discipline and institution, verify how your target programs use GRE scores.
International test takers and special considerations
Electronic delivery and international recipients
ETS sends official score reports electronically to most institutions worldwide. For some institutions that do not accept electronic delivery, ETS will mail paper reports. Delivery method and timing can vary by country and institution, so international applicants should verify recipient preferences with their programs.
Transcripts, translations, and application systems
GRE reports are separate from transcripts. Programs that require translated transcripts or certified documents will request those through their application portals. ETS score reports do not substitute for academic record documentation.
Common misunderstandings and clarifications
- My scores disappear after five years. ETS retains and can report scores from the past five years. After five years, scores are typically no longer reportable through ETS’s standard system.
- Sending scores automatically sends every test I have taken. Not necessarily. ScoreSelect lets you choose which test dates to send. If you want to avoid sending older scores, use ScoreSelect when ordering reports.
- An admissions office will automatically combine my best section scores into a superscore. Some programs do this, but many do not. Superscoring is a policy set by each program, so you must check with the program to know how they handle multiple scores.
- I must send scores before the application deadline. Yes. Ensure official reports are sent and received before application deadlines. Electronic delivery is usually faster but allow extra processing time especially for international recipients.
Practical checklist: managing GRE score reporting
- Decide whether to send to up to four institutions at test time to avoid additional fees.
- Do not cancel your scores at the test center if you are unsure. You can always use ScoreSelect later to limit which dates to send.
- Verify each program’s policy on multiple scores, superscoring, and whether they require an official ETS report or accept self-reported scores initially.
- Order additional official score reports from your ETS account if you missed adding recipients at test time.
- Allow at least two to three weeks for official reports to be available and delivered. For international recipients, allow additional time.
- Keep copies of your application deadlines and recipient institution codes so you can confirm the correct report delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose which test dates are sent to each institution?
Yes. When you order additional official score reports from your ETS account you will be able to select specific test dates to include. That selection is controlled by ScoreSelect. Make sure to select the correct dates before confirming the order.
Do admissions committees see canceled scores?
No. If you cancel scores at the test center and do not reinstate them, canceled scores are not included in official reports sent to institutions.
How long does ETS keep GRE scores?
ETS retains reportable GRE scores for five years. Within that period you can send score reports for those test dates. Confirm ETS policy on retention if you are near the five-year mark.
Will my unofficial test center scores match the official report?
Unofficial Verbal and Quantitative scores shown at the test center for computer-delivered tests are usually accurate. The Analytical Writing score is not available immediately and is included only on the official report after scoring. Percentiles are reported on the official report and may differ from any initial displays.
Final thoughts and next steps
GRE score reporting is straightforward once you understand the differences between unofficial and official reports, how ScoreSelect gives you control over which dates you share, and how programs may use multiple test dates. Key practical steps are to consider sending four free reports at test time if you have target programs in mind, avoid canceling scores unless you are certain, and verify each target program’s policy on multiple scores and superscoring. For any detailed or time-sensitive questions about processing times, fees, or new policy changes, consult your ETS account and the official ETS website. Also confirm score policies with each graduate program before making decisions about which scores to send.
