What Is A GRE Score Card (GRE General Test Scores)?

 Did you know that over half a million students take the GRE General Test each year, making it one of the most widely accepted assessments for graduate school admissions worldwide? The GRE score card is more than just a number—it’s often the deciding factor between acceptance and rejection. Yet, for many students, understanding what the GRE scorecard represents and how it affects their chances can be confusing and stressful.

Navigating the pressure of achieving the “right” score can feel overwhelming. Applicants often struggle with interpreting what their scores mean in relation to their chosen programs, or how individual score components (Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical Writing) are weighed. The key is to break down the scorecard’s sections and understand how to align your strengths with program requirements—setting you up for more than just meeting expectations but exceeding them. Make sure you know about the frequently asked questions in GRE as well.

How to Calculate the Total GRE Score?

The total GRE score is calculated by combining your scores from the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections, each of which is scored on a scale of 130-170. Your GRE score is the sum of these two sections, ranging from 260 to 340. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately on a scale of 0-6 and does not factor into the total score.

Once your GRE test is complete, your scores will be available in your ETS account within 10-15 days from the test date. You can then send your official GRE scores to institutions directly through ETS or order additional score reports later if needed. Remember, you’ll need to confirm your test administration details and test center (or test centre, depending on location) beforehand to ensure a smooth test day experience. Also, create a solid GRE study plan for the better prep of the GRE exam.

What Is The Section-Wise GRE Score Range?

The GRE score card provides section-wise scores for the Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing sections. The score range for Verbal and Quantitative is 130-170, while the GRE Analytical Writing is scored on a scale of 0-6. These individual section scores contribute to your total GRE score, but only the Verbal and Quantitative sections factor into the overall GRE score range of 260-340. Keep this in mind during your GRE prep.

Once you take the test, your GRE test scores will be accessible in your ETS account approximately 10-15 days after your test date. You’ll receive four free score reports as part of your test fee, which allows you to send your GRE scores to selected institutions. If you need to send scores to additional score recipients, you can order more score reports for a fee. Keep in mind, GRE scores are valid for five years, so even if you choose to retake the test, the scores from your recent test and any previous attempts remain valid and reportable.

When Do GRE Scores Come Out?

GRE scores typically become available in your ETS account 10-15 days after your test date, depending on whether you took a computer-delivered GRE or a paper-based test. Once the general test results are processed, your official GRE score report will be accessible, and you’ll have your score report on file. This official institution score report is sent to the selected score receivers (or four score recipients) that you chose during GRE registration.

If you need to send additional scores, you can order more per score for a fee. The performance on the test is reflected in your unofficial GRE score report, which is visible right after completing the test. Your GRE attempts will also be recorded, and scores will remain valid for five years from the test date. Be sure to keep your score report handy as GRE scores are reportable and accepted by many institutions.

How to Access the GRE Score Card?

Accessing your GRE score card is simple and straightforward. After taking the test, your official GRE score report will be available in your ETS account approximately 10-15 days after your test date. You’ll receive a notification when your score report on file is ready, and you can log into your account to view your general test results. Also, have a clear idea of the minimum GRE score required for top universities.

Your computer-delivered GRE results will also include an unofficial GRE score report right after completing the exam. If you need to send scores to additional score receivers beyond your four free selections, you can order official institution score reports for a fee. Remember, your GRE scores are valid for five years, and all past test results are available in your account for future access. Also keep in mind that GRE offers a pen and paper test as well.

How to Send the GRE Score?

To send your GRE score, log into your ETS account once your official GRE score report is available, usually 10-15 days after your test date. During registration, you can select up to four free score recipients as part of your test fee. If you need to send scores to additional schools, you can order more official institution score reports for a fee. Scores can be sent to institutions any time within the five-year validity period of your test. Simply choose the specific schools or programs you want to receive your scores and submit the request online. GRE percentiles also differ.

What is the Fee to Send the GRE Scorecard to College?

The fee to send your GRE scorecard to additional colleges or programs beyond the four free score recipients included in your test fee is $30 per report. You can order these official institution score reports through your ETS account at any time, even after your initial score release. This fee applies each time you send scores to a new institution, and the scores remain valid for five years from the test date. GRE result time also differs here.

How to Send a GRE Scorecard to College for Free?

You can send your GRE scorecard to up to four colleges for free as part of your test fee. During your GRE registration or on test day, you’ll have the option to select these four score recipients. Once your official GRE score report is available in your ETS account, it will be automatically sent to the institutions you chose. If you don’t select schools by the test day, you will need to pay a fee to send your scores later.

What Does the GRE Scorecard Include?

The GRE scorecard includes detailed information on your performance across three sections: Verbal Reasoning (scored 130-170), Quantitative Reasoning (scored 130-170), and Analytical Writing (scored 0-6). It also displays your total GRE score, which is the combined score of the Verbal and Quantitative sections.

Additionally, the scorecard includes the percentile ranks for each section, which show how your scores compare to other test takers. It also lists your test date, the validity period of your scores (up to five years), and any previous GRE attempts that may be on file. Institutions receiving your scorecard can also see this detailed breakdown to assess your performance. You can also reschedule the GRE whenever needed.

What is the GRE Score Validity?

The GRE score validity period is five years from your test date. This means that any GRE scorecard you receive remains valid and reportable to institutions for up to five years. After this period, you will need to retake the test if you wish to submit scores for graduate school applications. During these five years, you can send your scores to schools or programs directly through your ETS account, either to the initial four score recipients for free or to additional institutions for a fee.

Conclusion

Understanding your GRE scorecard is essential for navigating the graduate admissions process. From knowing how to interpret your section-wise scores to efficiently sending them to your chosen institutions, having a clear grasp of your scores can significantly impact your application. With a validity period of five years, you have ample time to use your GRE scores strategically, whether applying immediately or down the road. Make sure to plan ahead, use your free score reports wisely, and keep track of your test performance for future applications.

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