Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
-GRE score validity are typically for five years from the test date.
-Some universities may accept older scores at their discretion.
-The five-year validity period applies to both general and subject tests.
-Retaking the GRE can be an option if your scores are nearing expiration.
-Understanding score validity helps in planning your graduate school timeline.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a crucial step for many aspiring graduate students. However, a common question that arises is how long GRE scores remain valid. Understanding the lifespan of your GRE scores is essential for effective planning and timely applications to your desired programs. This guide will clarify the GRE score validity, helping you navigate the application process with confidence and ensuring you make the most of your test results.
What is GRE Score Validity?
GRE score validity refers to the time frame within which your GRE scores are considered valid and can be used for admission purposes. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) specifies that GRE scores are valid for five years from the test date. During this period, you can send your scores to graduate schools. After the five-year window, the scores expire, and ETS will no longer maintain them in their database, meaning they cannot be accessed or sent to any institutions.
For example, if you took the GRE on September 1, 2023, your scores will remain valid until September 1, 2028. Many universities will accept GRE score within this five-year period, but it's always good to check with individual institutions if they have specific requirements for recent scores.
| GRE Test Date | Score Validity Period | Expiration Date |
|---|---|---|
| September 1, 2023 | 5 years | September 1, 2028 |
| January 15, 2022 | 5 years | January 15, 2027 |
| May 10, 2020 | 5 years | May 10, 2025 |
This five-year validity period allows students to plan their applications accordingly and provides some flexibility for those considering applying to graduate schools over time. However, once the GRE score expires, students will need to retake the test to generate a new score.
What Factors Affect GRE Score Validity?
GRE score validity refers to the five-year period during which your test scores remain valid and can be submitted to graduate programs. While the validity period is generally fixed at five years, changes in the GRE test format do not impact the validity of your score. According to ETS, even if there are updates or revisions in the test structure, the scores you received from a previous test format remain valid for the entire five-year period.
For example, if the GRE format is updated or modified during the time your score is valid, your score from the previous format will still be recognized and accepted by universities. This ensures fairness to all test-takers, as the scoring adjustments account for difficulty level changes. Therefore, changes in the test format do not influence the acceptance or validity of your GRE score, as long as it falls within the standard five-year window.
GRE score validity remains unaffected by changes in the test format ensures that students can confidently plan their graduate applications, regardless of when updates occur.
Key Factors Impacting GRE Score Validity
- Test format changes: No impact; scores remain valid for five years regardless of format updates
- Score reporting date: Scores can be reported anytime within the five-year validity window
- Retaking the test: Scores from each attempt are valid for five years; students can choose which score to send using ScoreSelect
For more information that you need to know, visit here: 3 things about GRE Score | QS Top Universities
How Long is a GRE Score Valid For?
A GRE score is valid for five years from the date you took the test, which means you can submit your scores to universities during this period without needing to retake the exam. For example, if you took the GRE on October 1, 2023, your score will remain valid until October 1, 2028. This five-year window gives students flexibility to plan their graduate applications over a period of time. It's important for test-takers to know that once the five-year validity period expires, they will no longer be able to access or send the GRE scores to institutions.
However, some universities might prefer more recent scores for certain programs, so always check the specific requirements of the institutions you're applying to. Regardless, the five-year validity is the standard set by ETS for all GRE test scores.
| GRE Test Date | Score Expiration Date |
|---|---|
| October 1, 2023 | October 1, 2028 |
| January 20, 2022 | January 20, 2027 |
| June 15, 2021 | June 15, 2026 |
When Do Schools Consider Your GRE Scores Expired?
Universities typically consider your GRE score validity expired once the five-year period ends. According to ETS, after this timeframe, GRE scores are no longer accessible or reportable to schools, meaning you can’t send them to institutions for consideration in your application. Once expired, universities won't accept these scores as ETS does not maintain them in their system anymore.
Different programs and schools may have varying policies on accepting GRE scores close to expiration. While most follow the five-year rule strictly, some graduate programs might prefer scores that are even more recent, particularly those that require up-to-date quantitative skills. For example, certain STEM programs may have stricter requirements, accepting only scores within a three-year window to ensure applicants’ skills are current.
How Universities Handle Expired GRE Scores
| School/Program Policy | Handling of Expired GRE Score Validity |
|---|---|
| Most Graduate Schools | Will not accept scores beyond the five-year validity window |
| STEM or Business Programs | May require GRE scores taken within the last 2-3 years |
| Application After Expiration | Requires a retake of the GRE to submit valid scores |
To get in detailed information, click here: GRE Test | ETS
How to Interpret Your GRE Score Report
Understanding your GRE score report is crucial for evaluating your performance. The report contains three main scores: GRE Test Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Each section is scored separately, and the report also includes percentile ranks, which help you understand how you performed relative to other test-takers. The GRE score validity is five years, meaning you can use these scores within that time frame.
1. Verbal Reasoning: This section is scored from 130 to 170 in 1-point increments. It assesses your ability to comprehend and evaluate written material. The percentile rank shows how your score compares to others.
2. Quantitative Reasoning: Like Verbal, this section is scored from 130 to 170 and focuses on your mathematical reasoning skills. Your percentile rank indicates how well you performed compared to other test-takers in this area.
3. Analytical Writing: Scored on a scale from 0 to 6 in half-point increments, this section evaluates how effectively you can articulate ideas and support arguments. The percentile rank provides insight into how your writing skills measure up against others.
Percentile Ranks
Percentile ranks are a critical part of the report as they offer context for your raw scores. A higher percentile rank means you outperformed a large percentage of test-takers. For example, a 90th percentile rank in Quantitative Reasoning means you did better than 90% of people who took the test.
| Section | Score Range | Average Score | Percentile Rank Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 130-170 | ~150 | Shows how well you performed in reading and verbal skills compared to others |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130-170 | ~153 | Indicates your math skills relative to other test-takers |
| Analytical Writing | 0-6 | ~3.5 | Reflects your writing ability compared to others |
Note: It’s important to note that GRE score validity remains intact for five years, so you have a significant period to use these scores for your applications
Steps to Access and Send GRE Scores to Universities
After completing the GRE, accessing and sending your scores to universities is an important step. ETS, the body responsible for administering the GRE, offers a simple online process for managing your scores. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate through this process:
1. Log into Your ETS Account: Your GRE scores become available in your ETS account 10–15 days after the test. To access your scores, log in to your ETS account using the credentials you used when registering. This is where you can track your GRE score validity, which lasts for five years from the test date.
2. View Your Scores: Navigate to the "Scores" section on your ETS dashboard. Here, you'll be able to view your official GRE scores and check their validity period. This step is crucial in ensuring your scores are still within the valid timeframe for submission to universities.
3. Select Schools to Send Scores: At the time of your test, you can send your GRE scores to up to four universities for free. To send additional scores later, or to send them to more schools, use the "Send Additional Score Reports" option within your account. Make sure your selected schools accept scores within the five-year GRE score validity window.
4. Use the ScoreSelect Option: If you’ve taken the GRE multiple times, the ScoreSelect option allows you to send only your best scores to schools, within the GRE score validity window. This feature gives you flexibility in presenting your strongest performance.
5. Pay for Additional Score Reports: If you want to send scores beyond the initial four, you will need to pay a fee for each additional report. You can complete the payment through the ETS platform.
Does the GRE Score Validity Vary Between Universities?
While the GRE score validity is set at five years by ETS, some universities may have specific requirements regarding how recent the scores need to be for their programs. Typically, most institutions adhere to the five-year validity period set by ETS, but certain programs—especially in fields like business, STEM, or law—might prefer scores from the last two to three years to ensure the candidate’s skills are up-to-date.
For example, top business schools or competitive graduate programs might require more recent scores, especially for applicants entering fields where quantitative and analytical skills need to be current. On the other hand, many humanities programs may be more flexible with the standard five-year rule as long as the GRE score validity period is still active.
| University/Program Type | Score Validity Requirement |
|---|---|
| Business/Quantitative Programs | May prefer GRE scores from the last 2-3 years |
| General Graduate Programs | Typically accept scores within the five-year validity |
| Specialized or Competitive Fields | May set stricter limits on GRE score age |
As a prospective applicant, it is always best to check the specific requirements of each institution or program to which you are applying, as they may differ slightly in terms of how they view GRE score validity.
Note: To know more regarding test waiver, click here: GRE Waiver colleges
Can You Retake the GRE and Use Your Best Score?
Yes, you can retake the GRE and use your best score to send to institutions, thanks to the ScoreSelect option provided by ETS. This feature allows you to choose which test scores to send to schools, whether from your most recent test or from any previous attempts within the GRE score validity period of five years.This means that if you've taken the GRE multiple times, you can choose to send only your best scores to enhance your application.
With ScoreSelect, you are not required to send all your scores to a school unless you choose to do so. This gives you the flexibility to improve your GRE score and present the highest scores without worrying about earlier, lower-scoring attempts impacting your chances.
- Most Recent Options: Send only the scores from your most recent test
- All Scores Options: Send scores from all tests taken in the last five years
- Any Specific Test Date: Choose the best scores from one or more specific test dates
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Conclusion
Maximizing your GRE score is not just about doing well on the test but also about knowing how to use your results strategically. With tools like ScoreSelect, you can send only your best scores to universities, ensuring your strongest performance stands out. Whether you're concerned about GRE score validity or aiming to retake the test, understanding the rules and options gives you an edge in the competitive application process. Keep your scores updated, check each program’s requirements, and make every point count in your academic journey.
