Quick answer: To send GRE scores to graduate programs, choose recipients when you take the test (you can select a limited number of free recipients at that time) or order Additional Score Reports later through your ETS account. Use ETS’s ScoreSelect options to control which test dates are sent, enter each recipient’s institution or department code correctly, and confirm delivery with programs when necessary. Always verify the current process, available free recipients, and any fees on the official ETS website.
Why this matters
Sending the correct GRE scores to the right schools is a required part of most graduate applications. Mistakes in recipient selection, wrong institution codes, or missed deadlines can delay admissions review or disqualify an application. Understanding ETS’s score reporting options, the difference between unofficial and official reports, and program-specific requirements helps you control which scores admissions committees see and ensures your application is complete and considered on time.
Main explanation
This section explains how GRE score reporting works, the options ETS provides for sending scores, and how scores reach graduate programs. It covers sending scores at test time, ordering additional reports later, using ScoreSelect, and practical points such as institution codes and confirming receipt.
How ETS sends official GRE scores
- ETS generates official score reports that include Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing scores, along with the test date and reporting date.
- Official reports are sent electronically to institutions when possible. Some institutions request paper or specific delivery formats; ETS lists recipient delivery methods in the search tool.
- Admissions offices consider only official reports sent directly by ETS unless a program explicitly accepts unofficial screenshots or copies.
Two main ways to send GRE scores
- Send on test day: At the test center or while taking the at-home GRE, you can select a limited number of recipient programs to receive your scores without paying an Additional Score Report fee. This is the simplest option at the time of testing.
- Order Additional Score Reports: After your test, you can send official score reports to more programs through your ETS account. This is useful if you forgot to add a program on test day, need to send scores to more programs, or decide later which scores to share. ETS charges a fee for Additional Score Reports; check ETS for current pricing and ordering methods.
ScoreSelect and what you send
ScoreSelect is ETS’s method that lets you control which test result(s) are sent to institutions. You can choose to send scores from a specific test date, your most recent test, or all test scores depending on the ScoreSelect options ETS makes available at the time. Use ScoreSelect carefully to meet programs’ requirements. Note that some programs request all scores from all test dates or may not accept ScoreSelect choices, so always verify program requirements.
Institution and department codes
When you send scores you will often be asked to enter an institution code and sometimes a department or program code. These codes identify the exact recipient. Use ETS’s recipient search tool in your account to find the correct code and delivery options. If you cannot find a code, contact the graduate program directly and confirm how the school accepts GRE score reports.
Requirements, rules, and eligibility
Below are the specific items you must have or follow when sending GRE scores. Requirements vary by country and institution, so verify unusual cases with ETS and the receiving program.
Account and registration requirements
- You must have an active ETS account tied to the registration used for the GRE test in order to send or order score reports online.
- Your name on your ETS account should match the name used when you registered and the ID you will show at test time. If you change your name after testing, follow ETS procedures for name updates and verify how recipient institutions will receive the updated name.
Identification and documentation requirements
- Identification is required at test check-in. While ID is not required to send scores, correct name matching between your registration, ETS account, and ID prevents later delivery or verification issues with schools.
- If a school requires or requests additional documentation to verify a score (rare), follow the school and ETS instructions for verification.
Technical requirements
- To order Additional Score Reports online you need an ETS account and a valid payment method acceptable to ETS. If you cannot order online, ETS provides other ordering methods; check their site.
- Keep access to the email account registered with ETS to receive confirmations and delivery notices.
Eligibility rules
- Only tests that ETS has on file for your account can be reported. If you think a test is missing, contact ETS with your registration details.
- If you canceled a test at the center, that canceled score will not be reported unless you follow the ETS process for reinstatement, if available.
Step-by-step process
Use these numbered steps for the most common scenarios: sending scores at test time, ordering additional score reports later, and sending scores to many programs.
1. Sending GRE scores on test day
- At check-in or during the testing session, follow the on-screen instructions to select score recipients. ETS lets you choose a limited number of recipients for free at test time. If you need help finding a program, use ETS’s recipient search on the test system or check ETS’s website before your test.
- Enter the correct institution and department information as requested. Confirm selections carefully before finalizing.
- After you finish the test you will receive confirmation that your chosen recipients will receive official reports directly from ETS. Save or note the confirmation for your records.
2. Ordering Additional Score Reports after test day
- Sign in to your ETS account at the ETS GRE sign-in page.
- Go to the scores or score reporting section and find the option to order Additional Score Reports. Select the specific test date(s) you want to report if ScoreSelect options are available.
- Use ETS’s recipient search to add each institution and, if required, department codes. Verify recipient details carefully.
- Provide payment information and submit your order. Keep the order confirmation number and any emails from ETS.
- Monitor your ETS account and email for confirmations and any updates on delivery. If you need proof of delivery, contact the recipient institution to confirm receipt of official scores from ETS.
3. Changing or correcting recipient information
- If you identify an error in a recipient’s code or name after ordering, contact ETS immediately. ETS may be able to correct reports before delivery depending on timing and policies.
- For recipient corrections made after the report is sent, you may need to order another report to the correct recipient. Confirm whether the institution will accept a corrected report if duplicates arrive.
4. Using ScoreSelect options
- Decide which set of scores you want to send: a single test date, all test scores, or the most recent test, per ScoreSelect options available at ordering time.
- Select the ScoreSelect option when ordering or at the test center, as prompted. If you are unsure what admissions committees want, check program instructions or contact admissions.
Common problems and solutions
This section lists frequent mistakes and how to resolve them.
Name mismatch between registration and ID
- Problem: Your name on the GRE registration or ETS account does not match the name on your official ID. Institutions may not accept mismatched reports.
- Solution: Before testing, correct your ETS registration name. After testing, contact ETS to update names and request guidance about resubmitting score reports if necessary. Inform programs if you expect delays.
Wrong recipient code entered
- Problem: You send scores to the wrong department or institution code.
- Solution: Contact ETS immediately to see if the order can be corrected before delivery. If the report is already delivered, contact the receiving program and ETS to explain the mistake. You will likely need to order and send another official report to the correct recipient.
Payment failed when ordering additional reports
- Problem: Your payment method is declined or not accepted by ETS.
- Solution: Try an alternate payment method accepted by ETS. If you cannot pay online, check ETS’s support for alternative ordering routes, such as phone orders, if available.
Score not received by deadline
- Problem: A program states it did not receive your official scores by its application deadline.
- Solution: Confirm the order confirmation with ETS and ask ETS for an official delivery confirmation or tracking. Contact the admissions office and provide ETS confirmation. Many schools will allow a short accommodation for late official reports if you provide proof that an official report was ordered on time, but policies differ, so act quickly.
Retake and multiple score reporting confusion
- Problem: You have multiple test dates and are unsure which to send.
- Solution: Use ScoreSelect to choose which test date(s) to send. If a program requires all scores, follow that instruction and send all dates.
Practical examples and scenarios
These examples help clarify how the policies work in practice.
Example 1: Forgot to add a program on test day
Maria took the GRE and selected two programs on test day. Later she realized she had forgotten a third program that requires official scores. Maria signs into her ETS account, orders an Additional Score Report for the test date she used, and adds the missing program from ETS’s recipient search. She pays the required fee and receives an order confirmation email. She contacts the admissions office to let them know an official report is on the way and includes the ETS order number.
Example 2: Name changed after testing
Sam tested using his maiden name but changed his legal name before applying to graduate school. He updates his name with ETS according to ETS instructions and requests ETS to send official score reports that show the updated name. Sam also notifies each program’s admissions office about the name change and provides documentation if requested.
Example 3: Department-level delivery
A program asks for GRE scores to be sent to a particular department code. Lee uses the ETS recipient search to find the department code and enters it when ordering scores. He confirms with the department that they will receive scores delivered to that code. When in doubt, contact the program directly to confirm the correct recipient code.
Comparison table: common reporting options
| Option | When to use | How to do it | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Send on test day | Select initial target programs at the time of the test | Choose recipients through the on-screen system during the test | ETS typically allows a limited number of free recipients at test time. Verify the number before testing. |
| Additional Score Reports | Send scores to more programs or after the test | Order via your ETS account and pay the applicable fee | Useful for late decisions. Keep order confirmations for proof. |
| ScoreSelect options | Control which test date(s) are sent | Choose a ScoreSelect option when sending scores or at the test center | Verify program policies; some programs may require all scores. |
| Direct verification requests | Programs request ETS verification directly | Provide ETS with required authorization or follow ETS instructions | Rare. Follow program and ETS directions carefully. |
Frequently asked questions
1. How many programs can I send for free on test day?
ETS typically allows test takers to select a limited number of recipients at test time for no additional fee. The exact number and process can change, so confirm current details on the official ETS GRE website before your test.
2. How do I add a program after test day?
Sign in to your ETS GRE account, choose the option to order Additional Score Reports, select the test date(s) to report, add the recipient institution and any department codes, and submit payment. Save your confirmation information.
3. What is ScoreSelect and how does it affect sending scores?
ScoreSelect is ETS’s option that allows examinees to decide which test date(s) are reported to institutions. Options typically include sending all test dates, the most recent date, or a specific date. Verify the available ScoreSelect options when you order reports and check program requirements.
4. Can I resend a canceled GRE score?
If you canceled a test at the testing center, that canceled score is not reported. ETS has a reinstatement policy for canceled scores in some cases. Contact ETS for guidance on reinstatement and the steps required.
5. What if the program says it did not receive my official scores?
Check your ETS account for the order confirmation and delivery status. Contact ETS for delivery verification and provide the admissions office with the ETS confirmation number. Follow each program’s instructions for late or missing materials.
6. Do international programs use the same codes and process?
Most international graduate programs use ETS electronic delivery. Use ETS’s recipient search to find the correct institutions and any country-specific delivery options. Some international programs may have unique instructions, so contact the program if you cannot find a recipient code.
7. Are screenshots of my score report acceptable?
Many programs require official scores sent directly from ETS. Some programs might accept unofficial screenshots during initial application review but still require an official ETS report before making an admission decision. Always check program policies.
8. How long after I order a report will a school receive scores?
Delivery times vary by recipient and method of delivery. ETS provides delivery updates, but because timelines can change, check ETS for current estimates and confirm with each program if you have hard deadlines.
9. What should I do if my name changed after testing?
Follow ETS procedures for updating your name and request that future reports reflect the correct name. Notify each program of the name change and provide documentation if requested.
10. Can I send GRE Subject Test scores the same way?
Yes. GRE Subject Test scores are reported by ETS through the same score reporting mechanisms. Use ETS’s recipient search to send subject test scores to programs and verify any program-specific submission rules.
Important notes
- ETS is the official source for GRE score reporting policies. Always verify the most current policies and fee information on the ETS GRE website.
- Program requirements vary. Some programs require all test scores or direct verification, while others accept ScoreSelect choices. Confirm each program’s policy before sending.
- Recipient codes and department requirements can differ by country and institution. Use ETS’s search tool and confirm with the program when needed.
- Keep copies of ETS order confirmations and emails as proof you requested official reports. These can be useful if a program claims not to have received scores.
- Do not rely on screenshots or unofficial copies unless the program explicitly states they will accept them. Most programs require ETS-delivered official reports.
Final thoughts
Sending GRE scores is a routine but important administrative step in graduate applications. Decide in advance which schools should receive scores, verify each program’s reporting policy, and use ETS’s on-test reporting and Additional Score Reports as appropriate. Keep accurate records of all orders and confirmations, confirm recipient codes, and contact ETS or the receiving program quickly if problems arise. For the most current rules, options, and any applicable fees, consult ETS directly and follow instructions from each graduate program.
