If you are wondering how long it takes to get GRE scores, the answer depends on the kind of GRE test you take and how the scores are delivered. This article explains typical timelines, the difference between unofficial and official scores, special cases that cause delays, and practical planning advice so your scores arrive before application deadlines.
Quick answer
For the computer-delivered GRE General Test, unofficial Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores appear immediately at the test center. Official score reports, including the Analytical Writing score, are usually posted to your ETS account within about 10 to 15 days after your test date. For GRE Subject Tests and paper-delivered tests, expect a longer wait. Scores for those formats commonly take several weeks to be released. Exact timing can vary, so verify dates with ETS for the session you plan to take.
How GRE score delivery works
Types of scores you may see
- Unofficial scores. For most computer-delivered General Test sessions, you receive unofficial Quantitative and Verbal scores at the test center immediately after you finish. These are provisional and do not include the Analytical Writing score.
- Official scores. Full, official score reports that include Analytical Writing are posted to your ETS account and are what institutions receive when you send scores. Official reports are the ones you should plan around when meeting application deadlines.
- Score reports to institutions. When ETS posts your official scores, it also sends score reports to recipient institutions you selected at test time or later, according to ETS processing and the delivery method those institutions accept.
Why there are separate unofficial and official scores
Quantitative and Verbal item scoring is automated, so ETS can give an immediate, unofficial result at the test center. Analytical Writing responses require human scoring, and ETS combines human and automated scoring before finalizing official reports. The additional review and administrative steps cause the official score release delay.
Typical timelines by test format
The following timelines are typical, but they are subject to change. Always check ETS’s official information for the specific test date you choose.
Computer-delivered GRE General Test
- At the test center: Unofficial Verbal and Quantitative scores appear on-screen immediately after you finish.
- Official scores in your ETS account: Generally available about 10 to 15 days after the test date. This report includes the Analytical Writing score and is the official record.
- Score reports to institutions: Sent shortly after ETS posts official scores. Delivery time to an institution depends on the recipient’s systems and whether scores are sent electronically or by paper, but many universities receive them within a few days of ETS release.
Paper-delivered GRE General Test
- Paper-delivered administrations are used in locations where computer testing is not available. Score processing for these sessions takes longer than for computer-delivered tests because of manual handling and scoring of test materials.
- Expect official scores to be available several weeks after the test date. The processing window varies by administration, so check ETS communications for precise timelines.
GRE Subject Tests
- GRE Subject Tests are typically paper-based. Score processing often takes longer than the computer-delivered General Test.
- Expect official scores to be released a few weeks after the test date. The exact length of time can vary by administration, and ETS posts schedules for each test period.
Factors that can delay score delivery
Several circumstances can lengthen the time it takes for your official scores to appear in your ETS account or reach schools.
- High testing volume, such as around common application deadlines, can slow processing.
- Human scoring review for Analytical Writing. If responses require additional adjudication, scoring may take longer.
- Administrative problems at a test center, or missing or damaged test materials for paper-delivered exams.
- Score cancellation or reviews. If you cancel your score at the test center, or request a rescore, official posting will be affected by the cancellation or review processing time.
- Holidays or weekends can affect business-day calculations for when ETS processes and posts reports.
- International processing and postal delays when institutions receive paper reports may add extra days or weeks.
How to check your scores and what to expect
Where to look
Log into your ETS account to see official GRE scores once they are released. ETS typically notifies test takers by email when official scores are available, but checking your ETS account directly is the fastest way to confirm.
What the on-screen unofficial report shows
- Your provisional Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning scores.
- Not included are the Analytical Writing scores, so treat on-screen results as preliminary until official scores post.
When institutions receive scores
When ETS posts your official score, score reports are sent to recipients you designated. Electronic delivery is usually quick, but institutional processing times vary. Factor in additional time if you need paper reports sent to institutions that do not accept electronic transmission.
Planning your test so scores arrive before deadlines
Work backward from your application deadlines and include buffers for unexpected delays. The following guidance helps you plan.
General planning rules
- If you take the computer-delivered General Test, allow at least 3 weeks between your test date and application deadlines, to cover the typical 10 to 15 day official score release plus any institutional processing time.
- For paper-delivered General Tests or GRE Subject Tests, allow 4 to 6 weeks or more, because these formats commonly take longer to process.
- If you need scores reported to multiple programs, give extra time for ETS to send multiple copies and for each program to process them.
- If your deadline falls during a peak admissions period, add an additional week or two as a precaution.
Example timeline scenarios
- Computer-delivered General Test. Test on March 1. Expect official scores by March 11 to March 16. If you have an application deadline of March 20, your score should reach most programs in time, assuming no unexpected delays.
- Subject Test. Test on October 1. Expect official scores several weeks later. For an application deadline on November 1, take the test no later than early September to be safe, or consult ETS for the specific administration timeline.
Special situations and actions that change timing
Score cancellation at the test center
If you cancel your scores at the test center, your scores will not be reported to you or to institutions. This action does not speed up or slow down score processing, because there will be no official score report.
Requesting a rescore or score review
ETS offers limited review services. Submitting a rescore request or an inquiry about your test can delay final score reporting for that test, sometimes by several weeks. Fees and processing times apply, so check ETS procedures before requesting a review.
Sending additional score reports after test day
You can order additional score reports through your ETS account at any time. Adding recipients after scores are posted will not delay the original score release, but the time it takes for ETS to send additional reports to institutions can vary depending on the delivery method.
Common misunderstandings
- Unofficial equals final: On-screen Quantitative and Verbal scores are provisional. The official report may match those numbers, but Analytical Writing is added later and final scores are subject to ETS confirmation.
- All formats have the same timing: They do not. Computer-delivered General Tests typically post faster than paper-based administrations and Subject Tests.
- ETS posting means instant acceptance by programs: Some programs require additional internal processing before a score is visible on an applicant portal. Allow time for institutional processing.
Table: Typical timelines at a glance
| Test format | Unofficial at test center | Typical official release to ETS account | Typical delivery to institutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer-delivered GRE General Test | Yes, Verbal and Quantitative immediately | About 10 to 15 days after test date | Within days after ETS posts, often electronic |
| Paper-delivered GRE General Test | No | Several weeks after test date, varies by administration | Variable, may take additional days or weeks |
| GRE Subject Tests (paper) | No | Several weeks after test date, often longer than computer-delivered General Test | Variable, depending on recipient systems |
Practical tips
- Check ETS for the session schedule, because ETS posts test-specific score release timelines for each administration.
- Register early and take the test with enough lead time before application deadlines, using the planning rules above.
- Choose electronic delivery for recipient institutions when possible, because it is usually faster and more reliable than paper reports.
- Monitor your ETS account and your email for the official score notification.
- If you need a faster turnaround, consider taking a computer-delivered General Test when possible, since it typically posts sooner than paper-based options.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Analytical Writing score appear immediately?
No. Analytical Writing is not scored instantly. ETS includes the Analytical Writing score in the official report that appears in your ETS account roughly 10 to 15 days after a computer-delivered General Test. That is why the immediate, on-screen report is only provisional for the Verbal and Quantitative sections.
Can ETS delay scores beyond the typical windows?
Yes. ETS may need more time in cases of administrative issues, high testing volume, or if additional scoring review is necessary. If a delay affects many test takers, ETS typically posts updates. Contact ETS customer service for specific concerns about your test session.
How long does a rescore take?
Rescore or review requests can add several weeks of processing time. Exact times and fees change, so check ETS’s current policies before requesting a review.
Will my university see my score sooner than I see it in my ETS account?
No. Your official score posts in your ETS account first, and ETS then sends reports to institutions. In most cases, institutions receive scores electronically within a short time after ETS posts them.
Final thoughts
If you are planning applications, assume a conservative timeline. For the computer-delivered GRE General Test, build in at least 3 weeks between your test date and application deadlines. For paper-delivered General Tests and Subject Tests, give yourself 4 to 6 weeks or more. Always confirm the schedule for your specific test date with ETS, choose electronic delivery when possible, and monitor your ETS account for the official score release.
