Sending in GRE scores

[UrbanWonk]

So, perhaps this was a poor choice on my part, but I'm applying to more than 4 schools, hence I hypothetically need to send score reports at an extra cost to each of my surplus schools. Thing is, looking at the application requirements, they don't specify when your scores have to be in, and a few go so far as to say they don't have to be in by the application deadline. My ideal world involves me not reporting any until I get offers, and just send the scores to confirm that I reported them correctly, but I'm not sure that's truly possible. Will it be frowned upon to have not sent them in? How long can I wait? $75/school for app fees + $23/school for GRE scores adds up quickly...and then we have the holidays!

[Alyanumbers]

AFAIK, while GRE scores are not one of the most important parts of your application, are still required during the application process, not after. Graduate schools sometimes require them, and the department is not forwarded your application until they are in; sometimes schools will have GRE scores cutoffs; sometimes fellowships need a minimum score... They will definitely need them when processing your app. If they accept them after deadlines, it's because they usually don't start the application review process until a few weeks later.

So, perhaps this was a poor choice on my part, but I'm applying to more than 4 schools, hence I hypothetically need to send score reports at an extra cost to each of my surplus schools. Thing is, looking at the application requirements, they don't specify when your scores have to be in, and a few go so far as to say they don't have to be in by the application deadline. My ideal world involves me not reporting any until I get offers, and just send the scores to confirm that I reported them correctly, but I'm not sure that's truly possible. Will it be frowned upon to have not sent them in? How long can I wait? $75/school for app fees + $23/school for GRE scores adds up quickly...and then we have the holidays!

[Ludwig von Dracula]

Have you already written your test? Try searching for "loophole"...I seem to recall somebody figuring out a way to get an extra free score report somehow. I would echo that it's important to not try to avoid this requirement, though.

[neuropsych76]

I agree with the other posters. It sucks how much money ETS charges but its part of the process. I'm applying to 12 schools and only one specifically said that they don't need to see official GRE scores until after an offer has been made. I think that is an anomaly though.

[UrbanWonk]

Thanks guys...I took GREs back in June, and had been applying for a specific scholarship program which ate up two of my free/included schools. And I'm not applying to my undergrad institution, so I think that eliminates the loophole. Oh well, guess I'll just have to suck it up! "investment in my future" and all...