Quick answer: Unofficial GRE scores are the on-screen Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores you see immediately after finishing the test at a test center or when testing at home. Official GRE scores are the complete, validated reports that ETS posts and sends to institutions; official reports include the Analytical Writing score and are the only scores graduate programs normally accept. Always verify current timing and score-reporting procedures on the official ETS website.
Why this matters
Understanding the difference between unofficial and official GRE scores matters because applicants, admissions committees, and funding decisions rely on official, ETS-validated score reports. Unofficial scores are useful for quickly gauging performance and deciding whether to cancel scores at the testing session, but they are not substitutes for official score reports. Mistaking an unofficial display for an official report can cause missed deadlines, incorrect applications, or problems when a program requires ETS-verified scores.
Main explanation: what unofficial and official GRE scores are
What the unofficial score is
The unofficial score is a provisional on-screen display of your Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scaled scores you see immediately after finishing the test. This display is a quick estimate based on the scoring algorithm used for those sections. The unofficial score does not include the Analytical Writing score because essays require human grading and/or further scoring processes.
What the official score is
The official score is the complete score report ETS posts to your account and sends to institutions when you request score reports. Official scores include:
- Verbal Reasoning scaled score (130–170)
- Quantitative Reasoning scaled score (130–170)
- Analytical Writing score (0.0–6.0, reported in half-point increments)
- Scaled and percentile information, if provided by ETS at the time of reporting
Official scores have completed ETS validation and quality checks. They are the formal record that programs use for admissions and funding decisions.
Why unofficial and official scores can differ
Differences can occur for several reasons:
- Analytical Writing is not included in the unofficial display, so your complete official report will change once AWA is added.
- Score adjustments after additional scoring, verification, or quality-control processes may change scaled scores slightly.
- Test security reviews or irregularity investigations can result in score cancellation before official reporting.
- Scaling processes convert raw correct-answer counts into the official 130–170 scales, and small differences can arise between provisional and final calculations.
Requirements, rules, and eligibility relevant to scores
Identification and testing rules that affect score reporting
- ETS must be able to positively identify test takers. Name, identification, and test session records must match. Name mismatches or invalid ID can lead to test refusal or score cancellation.
- Test-security violations such as cheating, disruptive behavior, or using unauthorized materials can result in canceled scores and notifications to institutions.
- For GRE at-home testing, technology and environment requirements must be met. Failure to comply with proctor instructions or technical rules can lead to invalidation of scores.
Registration and reporting rules
- Scores become official only after ETS completes its processing and posts scores to the examinee’s ETS account.
- When requesting that ETS send scores to programs, follow the ETS Score Reporting tools and options. Schools generally accept only scores sent directly by ETS.
- Some programs may accept unofficial screenshots for initial review in exceptional situations, but this is at the discretion of the program. Always confirm with each institution.
Step-by-step process: from testing to official score reports
- Before the test: Register with your legal name and valid ID exactly as required by ETS for the country where you will test. Prepare required ID documents and, if testing at home, confirm your equipment and environment meet ETS’s technical requirements.
- During the test: Complete the Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning sections under testing conditions. Follow proctor instructions for at-home or test-center administration.
- Immediately after the test: If testing at a test center or at home, you will typically be shown an on-screen, unofficial score for Verbal and Quantitative. This is a provisional display only. Use it to decide whether to cancel your scores at that time if you have that option. Remember that Analytical Writing is not shown in the unofficial display.
- Decide about cancellation: ETS provides an option to cancel scores at or shortly after the test session depending on the test format. Canceling removes the scores from official reporting. If you do not cancel, ETS will process scores for official reporting.
- ETS processes scores: ETS completes scoring of all sections, runs validity checks, and posts official scores to your ETS account and sends official score reports to institutions you designate or request. The official report includes Analytical Writing and is the document schools use.
- Send official score reports: Through your ETS account, you can request that official GRE scores be sent to specific institutions. Use ETS ScoreSelect or other options available at the time of reporting. Keep records of delivery confirmations if your application deadlines are tight.
Common problems and solutions
Name mismatches and ID problems
Problem: Your name on the ETS account or registration does not match the name on your ID. Solution: Update your ETS account or contact ETS well before test day to correct registration details. On test day, bring the exact ID required by ETS. If you are denied testing due to mismatched identification, contact ETS support to discuss remedies, but be aware that missed or invalid test sessions can result in lost fees.
Expecting AWA on the unofficial screen
Problem: You saw only two section scores and expected an Analytical Writing score. Solution: Understand that the unofficial display excludes AWA. Wait for your official score report from ETS to see the AWA score.
Believing screenshots are official
Problem: You took a screenshot of the unofficial on-screen display and assumed it would be accepted by programs. Solution: Most programs require ETS-verified official score reports. If a program indicates it will temporarily accept an unofficial screenshot, obtain written confirmation and follow up with official scores sent by ETS.
Score discrepancy between unofficial and official reports
Problem: Your official Verbal or Quant score differs from the on-screen unofficial score. Solution: This can happen due to final scoring calculations or quality control. If you suspect an error, you can request official score review or verification through ETS’s established procedures. Check ETS for the specific process and any associated options.
Canceling accidentally or missing the cancel window
Problem: You accidentally canceled scores, or you failed to cancel when you wanted to. Solution: If you canceled, canceled scores typically cannot be reinstated; contact ETS support for guidance. If you did not cancel and later regret that decision, you may retake the GRE. Verify ETS retake rules and wait periods on the official site.
Test security or irregularity notifications
Problem: ETS notifies you that scores are withheld or canceled for investigation. Solution: Follow ETS’s instructions for submitting information or documentation. Institutions notified by ETS will receive official updates. If you disagree with ETS decisions, engage with the ETS appeals or inquiry processes per ETS guidance.
Practical examples and scenarios
Example 1: Using the unofficial score to decide whether to cancel
Maria completes the GRE at a test center and sees an on-screen Verbal score of 157 and Quant score of 160. The testing system offers her the option to cancel scores now. She planned to apply to programs that require a combined target of 320 to be competitive, but she knows AWA will be added later and official scaling may change scores by a point or two. She chooses to keep the scores for official reporting, understanding she can retake the test later if official scores fall short of her goals. This is a common use of the unofficial display.
Example 2: Unofficial screenshot vs official report needs
Arjun is applying to a program that has a rolling application and a tight deadline. He receives his unofficial scores and emails an admissions officer with a screenshot while explaining that official scores will arrive from ETS soon. The admissions office replies that they will consider the screenshot temporarily but require ETS official scores before making an offer. Arjun then ensures ETS sends the official report promptly and follows up with the program if processing appears delayed. Applicants should never assume an unofficial screenshot replaces an ETS official report unless a program explicitly confirms acceptance in writing.
Example 3: At-home testing and technical interruptions
Sofia takes the GRE at home. During the session, a software glitch interrupts the Quant section and proctors pause the test to resolve the issue. When the session is completed, she sees an unofficial score for Verbal and Quant. Later, ETS reviews the session for technical issues and may flag or adjust scoring according to its policies. If ETS decides the session was invalid, official scores may be withheld or canceled and ETS will notify Sofia of next steps. This highlights why final official reporting matters and why unofficial displays are provisional.
Comparison table: Unofficial vs Official GRE scores
| Feature | Unofficial score | Official score |
|---|---|---|
| Which sections shown | Verbal and Quantitative only | Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing |
| Where you see it | On-screen immediately after the test (test center or at-home) | Posted to your ETS account and sent by ETS to institutions |
| Acceptable for admissions | Generally no; only at program discretion with explicit confirmation | Yes; official ETS report is the standard |
| Can it change | Yes, provisional; may differ from final score | Official, but can be canceled by ETS for irregularity or error |
| Includes AWA | No | Yes |
| Use to cancel immediately | Yes, helps make cancellation decision | No, official processing occurs after cancellation decisions |
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I apply to graduate programs using my unofficial GRE score screenshot?
Most graduate programs require official GRE score reports sent directly by ETS. Some programs may temporarily accept an unofficial screenshot, but you should obtain written confirmation from the admissions office and ensure ETS sends the official score as soon as it is available.
2. Why wasn’t my Analytical Writing score shown on the screen after my test?
The Analytical Writing section is graded separately and often includes human scoring components. ETS processes AWA responses after the testing session, so AWA appears only on the official score report, not the on-screen unofficial display.
3. My unofficial score was higher than my official score. What can I do?
Differences can arise after final scoring and scaling. If you believe there is a scoring error, review ETS’s procedures for score review or verification on the official ETS website and follow the published steps if you wish to request a review. Keep documentation and submit any requests through your ETS account as required.
4. If I cancel my scores at the test center, can I reinstate them later?
Canceling scores typically removes them from official reporting. ETS policies about reinstatement or review change over time. Check ETS’s official guidance for whether canceled scores can be reinstated and what the current process, if any, requires.
5. How do programs receive official GRE scores?
Programs receive official GRE score reports directly from ETS when you request score recipients through your ETS account. The method and timing of delivery depend on ETS processes and the methods available at the time of reporting. Confirm with ETS and the target institution about accepted delivery methods and any deadlines.
6. Are unofficial scores reliable for deciding whether to retake the GRE?
Unofficial scores give a good immediate sense of performance on Verbal and Quantitative sections, but because they are provisional and exclude AWA, use them as one data point. Consider your target program requirements, how much the unofficial score misses your target, and whether you can improve with additional study before deciding to retake.
7. Can scores be canceled for reasons other than user cancellation?
Yes, ETS can cancel or withhold scores for suspected irregularities, identity verification failures, testing violations, or technical issues. If ETS cancels scores, they will typically notify you and the institutions affected according to ETS policies.
8. Do at-home and test-center unofficial scores work the same way?
Both at-home and test-center administrations display provisional Verbal and Quantitative scores on-screen after the session. However, at-home administrations have specific technical and environmental requirements, and any irregularities may be handled differently. Check ETS’s current guidance for details on at-home testing procedures.
9. What should international applicants know about unofficial vs official scores?
International applicants should ensure the name and identification used for registration match the passport or national ID required by ETS in their test country. Official ETS reports remain the standard for admissions worldwide. Because local testing availability and rules can vary, verify country-specific ID and testing policies with ETS.
10. How long after the test will ETS post official scores?
ETS determines official posting and score-delivery timing. These timelines may change. For current information on how long official scoring and reporting typically take, consult the official ETS website or your ETS account notifications.
Important notes
- ETS is the authoritative source for GRE policies and procedures. Always verify score reporting, cancellation, retake rules, and timelines with ETS directly.
- Policies, timelines, and available options can change. Check the ETS site for the most current details before registering, testing, or requesting score reports.
- Admissions offices may have their own rules about accepting unofficial score information. Always confirm with each program whether an unofficial screenshot will be accepted and in what circumstances.
- International test-takers should verify local ID requirements and testing availability well before the test date.
Final thoughts
Unofficial GRE scores provide immediate feedback on your Verbal and Quantitative performance and can help you decide whether to cancel scores at the end of the testing session. Official GRE scores from ETS are the complete, validated reports that most graduate programs require. Treat unofficial results as provisional; rely on official ETS reports for admissions and funding decisions. For any action that affects deadlines or applications, confirm the specific policies and timelines with ETS and the programs you are applying to.
