How are GRE Scores Sent to Institutions?
Students who are planning to take the GRE naturally want to learn as much as possible about the test. For instance, many students are curious about the scoring system for the GRE or want to know how to send GRE scores to graduate schools. In this article we’ll cover the details about the scoring system on the GRE and how to send GRE scores to four or more graduate schools.
The Scoring System for the GRE
Before taking the test – or thinking about sending GRE scores to schools – you should learn the basics of the scoring system for the test. The GRE has three parts: the Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing sections. Students can score from 130 to 170 points on both the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections of the exam. These two sections of the test are scored in one-point increments. The Analytical Writing portion of the GRE is scored in half-point increments from a minimum score of zero to a maximum of six.
What’s on a Score Report?
The typical GRE score report will display your basic information, including your name, address, phone number, email address, and birth date. It also notes your intended major as well as your test date.
The report also features the scores you received on the three sections of the GRE as well as where you stack up compared to other test takers (in the form of a percentile). The officials who offer the GRE send scores to graduate schools about 10-15 days after you take the computer-delivered test. Alternatively, if you take the paper-delivered GRE, you’ll have your scores sent out to schools six weeks after the test date.
How to Send GRE Scores to Graduate Schools
Students are not responsible for physically sending GRE scores to universities. Instead, when you register to take the GRE, you can arrange to have your scores sent to up to four schools of their choice as part of your test fee. You can add additional schools for an additional fee per school either when you register for the exam or after your exam date.
Your GRE scores are valid for five years. This is convenient if you want to take the GRE but aren’t settled on a definite starting date for graduate school or what schools you want to apply to.
The Process of Designating Score Report Recipients
Some students know exactly where they want to send their GRE scores, while others need some time to think about it. The process of designating score report recipients is different depending on how you take the GRE. Students who take the computer-delivered GRE must take their list of four schools with them to the test center, but students who opt for the paper-delivered GRE have to specify four graduate schools when they register for the test. However, for either medium of test taking you can add additional schools to the list of schools receiving your scores for a fee.
Sending Test Scores to Additional Schools
Some students who take the GRE send scores to more than four graduate schools. Of course, there is a fee for sending out additional score reports. Students can order these reports online or arrange for them by mail or fax. Additional score reports that are requested online are sent out five days after the order is received. Additional reports that are ordered via mail or fax are sent out to schools ten days after the request is made. The ability to send additional score reports is perfect if you are interested in the programs of several different graduate schools or if you want to take the exam before you know which schools you are applying to.
Studying for the GRE
Students who take practice tests and then take action to improve in weaker subject areas are likely to perform well on the GRE. You can also get an advantage on the GRE by giving yourself several months to prepare. For instance, learning new vocabulary words for the Verbal Reasoning section is easier if you try to do it a little bit at a time rather than trying to do it all in one go.
For the best results, take advantage of the effective GRE prep courses and tutors at Varsity Tutors. All of our professional instructors achieved high scores on the GRE, so students who study with us are learning tips and strategies from tutors who have practical experience with this challenging exam.
Our instructors at Varsity Tutors stand ready to help students who want to excel on the GRE. We give students the confidence they need to showcase their skills on the test. Contact Varsity Tutors today and partner with the experts for the GRE!
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