Quick answer: For the GRE General Test taken on a computer, you will see unofficial Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores on-screen immediately after you finish the test. Official scores, including Analytical Writing, are posted to your ETS account and sent to the institutions you designate approximately 10 to 15 days after your test date. If you take a paper-delivered test where available, official score reports are generally released about five weeks after the test date. Always verify current timing and policies on the official ETS website before planning deadlines.
Why timing matters
Knowing when GRE results are released helps you plan application deadlines, decide whether to cancel or reinstate scores, and schedule retakes if needed. Admissions offices often need official reports before reviewing applications, so aim to take the GRE with enough buffer time for score release and delivery to programs.
At-a-glance timeline
| Test format | Immediate (on-screen) | Official score release | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer-delivered (test center) | Unofficial Verbal and Quantitative scores shown at test end | Approximately 10 to 15 days after test date | Analytical Writing is not included in the on-screen report; official report includes AWA |
| At-home (computer-delivered) | Unofficial Verbal and Quantitative scores shown at test end | Approximately 10 to 15 days after test date | Same official timeline as test-center computer-delivered tests |
| Paper-delivered (where offered) | No on-screen scores | About five weeks after test date | Availability varies by country and test center |
Detailed explanation
What appears immediately after the test
If you take a computer-delivered GRE, either at a test center or from home, the test platform displays your unofficial Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores at the end of the exam. These scores are preliminary. The Analytical Writing score is not available on-screen because it is scored separately by an automated scoring engine and by human raters, then combined into the final AWA score.
When ETS posts official scores
Official GRE score reports that include Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing are posted to your ETS account approximately 10 to 15 days after the test date for computer-delivered exams. ETS sends those official reports electronically to the institutions you requested. For paper-delivered administrations, official reports are typically released about five weeks after the test date. These are general timelines. ETS may change processing windows for operational reasons, so check your ETS account or the ETS website for the most current information.
How and when schools receive your scores
When ETS posts your official scores, it transmits score reports to the institutions you designated. Most institutions receive electronic reports quickly after ETS posts scores, but how fast a school processes incoming test reports depends on the institution. If an admissions office uses a particular applicant tracking system, retrieval by that system can add a short delay. Allow extra time before deadlines so schools have your scores in hand and properly associated with your application.
Score cancellation and reinstatement
After seeing your unofficial on-screen scores for Verbal and Quantitative, you have the option at most computer-delivered testing sites to cancel your scores before leaving the test center or before logging out of the at-home session. If you cancel, ETS will not send those scores to schools and your test record will indicate a canceled score. ETS offers a reinstatement option for canceled scores for a fee. Policies, fees, and deadline windows for reinstatement can change, so check ETS for current details if you are considering cancelling and later want the scores reported.
Practical planning advice
When to take the GRE relative to application deadlines
- Plan to take the GRE at least three to four weeks before the earliest application deadlines to allow the typical 10 to 15 day processing window and any institutional processing time.
- If you anticipate needing a retake, schedule your first attempt earlier. Many graduate applicants leave at least one month between tests to prepare for a possible retake.
- For late or rolling deadlines, still allow the official release window plus a few extra days for institutions to process scores.
Before test day
- Confirm recipient institution codes or contact details. You can select up to four recipients to receive free official score reports on test day with most administrations. Additional reports incur a fee.
- Verify whether your programs accept unofficial on-screen scores for initial consideration. Few do. Most require official ETS reports.
After test day
- Watch your ETS account for an email notification that official scores are available. ETS posts scores to the Scores section of your ETS account.
- If you canceled scores and later want them reported, review ETS reinstatement rules and deadlines.
- If official scores are delayed or you need confirmation that a school received your scores, contact ETS and the school’s admissions office. Keep documentation of your test date and receipts.
Common misunderstandings
“I saw my scores on-screen, so schools already have them”
Screenshots or on-screen unofficial scores do not constitute official reports. Most programs will not consider on-screen results as complete. ETS must post and transmit the official report before most admissions committees will consider your GRE scores.
“All formats follow the same schedule”
Computer-delivered results are processed faster than paper-delivered tests. If you take a paper-delivered test, expect a longer wait of around five weeks rather than 10 to 15 days.
“Analytical Writing is posted immediately”
Analytical Writing requires human and machine scoring. It appears only in the official score report, not in the on-screen preliminary summary.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get an email when my official GRE scores are available?
Yes. ETS typically sends an email notification when your official scores are posted to your ETS account. Check the Scores page in your ETS account for details and for electronic delivery to recipients.
Can I send scores to additional schools after test day?
Yes. After your test, you can order additional score reports from ETS for a fee. These reports are sent electronically to institutions and appear on your official score history.
How long do GRE scores remain valid?
GRE General Test scores are reported for five years from the test date. Keep this in mind when planning applications that request GRE scores from within a certain timeframe.
What if my scores are later than expected?
If official scores are delayed beyond the typical window, check your ETS account and the ETS website for announcements. If no information is available, contact ETS customer service for help and notify the admissions offices at your target programs so they know you are awaiting official scores.
Sample timeline example
Example: If you take a computer-delivered GRE on June 1, you will see unofficial Verbal and Quantitative scores immediately at test end. Expect official scores, including Analytical Writing, to be posted to your ETS account roughly between June 11 and June 16. ETS will transmit official reports to the institutions you selected or to any additional recipients you order afterward.
Key takeaways
- Unofficial Verbal and Quantitative scores are shown on-screen immediately for computer-delivered tests. Analytical Writing is not shown on-screen.
- Official GRE scores for computer-delivered tests are posted to your ETS account about 10 to 15 days after the test date. For paper-delivered tests, expect about five weeks.
- Schools receive official reports electronically after ETS posts scores, but institutional processing time can vary.
- Plan test dates with enough buffer before application deadlines, and confirm current ETS policies on cancellation, reinstatement, and score ordering.
Verify timing and procedural details with ETS and with each graduate program you apply to. Admissions policies and reporting practices can change, and programs may have specific requirements for submitting GRE scores.
