Sending All Scores

[Timshel]

Okay, so I know this topic has been discussed before, but due to the new reporting schedule this semester in particular, I'm not sure what I should do about sending scores.

Okay, I am taking the general GRE Test on September 23, but those scores will not be mailed until November 10th.

Now, I am also taking the subject test on October 15, and they plan to send those scores out on November 25th. When I registered for the exam, they asked me for the four schools I wanted to send it to, and it asked if I wanted to send just the subject or both the subject and general scores. I checked to send both the subject and general scores....So does that mean I shouldn't send just the general scores to those schools on November 10th because they will be sent with my subject scores on the 25th? For some reason this is confusing me a little bit, and I just don't want to spend like almost 100 dollars sending scores to those four schools on the 10th if they will get the same scores on the 25th when my subject scores are sent out, too.

Does that make sense?

[truckbasket]

You should give them a call to make sure what you need to do is crystal clear. They actually always answer the phone -- you don't have to navigate any hideous Kafka-eque automated systems or anything. When I signed up, the documentation told me one thing about how to do this, then the test itself told me something different. Then when I called to find out why the reporting never happened in the way I was told it would, they said neither one of the things they originally told me was true.

So I'd call and get explicit instructions. Then I might call back and ask one more person just to make sure they're on the same page. I ended up having to fight them for some money, to which they caved because although they claimed to have record of my initial inquiry they, in fact, had no records of my initial inquiry. Good luck, as the ETS is nothing but a joy!

Edited September 11, 2011 by truckbasket

[lolopixie]

Good luck, as the ETS is nothing but a joy!

I hate them. The end.

[Timshel]

You should give them a call to make sure what you need to do is crystal clear. They actually always answer the phone -- you don't have to navigate any hideous Kafka-eque automated systems or anything. When I signed up, the documentation told me one thing about how to do this, then the test itself told me something different. Then when I called to find out why the reporting never happened in the way I was told it would, they said neither one of the things they originally told me was true.

So I'd call and get explicit instructions. Then I might call back and ask one more person just to make sure they're on the same page. I ended up having to fight them for some money, to which they caved because although they claimed to have record of my initial inquiry they, in fact, had no records of my initial inquiry. Good luck, as the ETS is nothing but a joy!

See, this terrifies me, so I might just send them the general scores to be on the safe side. I've had ETS tell me something and it not happen already, so I don't really trust them, and a couple of my schools are December 1st deadlines who specifically state that they will not take late scores, so I don't want to chance it. I would rather them receive the scores twice.

[truckbasket]

Don't worry about it -- it's not worth the stress. Your application doesn't get thrown out if ETS makes a mistake or something. Worst case scenario, you deal with their ineptitude. And although I hope your experience is smoother than most, I'd expect to have deal with their ineptitude in some form or another.

Just call them tomorrow and make sure you're clear on the process. Theoretically, you get four "free" score reports for the standard GRE which (I believe you request on the day of the test on the testing computer (it'll look up codes for you, so you shouldn't need to write the codes down)) and four "free" subject reports -- which are essentially a separate thing altogether -- that you have to request ahead of time via the GRE account you created. If memory serves correct, you do your score reporting literally before the test begins for the standard GRE, but for the subject, they need your list of four programs a few days (maybe weeks?) before you test. So if you're still up in the air about where to apply, have the GRE scores sent to your four top choices, the one's you know you'll apply to, and deal with the rest later.

[truckbasket]

a couple of my schools are December 1st deadlines who specifically state that they will not take late scores

I ran into stuff like this last time, and I think, in many cases it's just damage control. They'll take what you have when you have it, but they don't want everybody's stuff coming in in bits and pieces all through January. With that said, I think one of last year's applicants ran into an issue with an application not getting processed due to something missing by the due date, so just be vigilant. In fact, although it'd make the process a little more challenging, I'd bump all of your application due dates forward by a couple of weeks to allow for "stuff."

And speaking of "stuff," watch out for online application systems getting jammed during the final days of applying -- more reason to get your stuff in ahead of the rush. Several of the systems I was dealing with simply shut down under pressure. Try and get as much of the application completed WAY ahead of time so in the final days of polishing, it's just a matter of a few uploads and some mouse clicks.

[Timshel]

I ran into stuff like this last time, and I think, in many cases it's just damage control. They'll take what you have when you have it, but they don't want everybody's stuff coming in in bits and pieces all through January. With that said, I think one of last year's applicants ran into an issue with an application not getting processed due to something missing by the due date, so just be vigilant. In fact, although it'd make the process a little more challenging, I'd bump all of your application due dates forward by a couple of weeks to allow for "stuff."

And speaking of "stuff," watch out for online application systems getting jammed during the final days of applying -- more reason to get your stuff in ahead of the rush. Several of the systems I was dealing with simply shut down under pressure. Try and get as much of the application completed WAY ahead of time so in the final days of polishing, it's just a matter of a few uploads and some mouse clicks.

Thanks, that's good advice. I was really surprised when one of the schools, who requires the subject test, stated that they would not take late GRE scores, and the earliest they are being mailed out is November 25th. That only gives 5 days for them to receive them. I don't like things getting that close.

[Timshel]

Don't worry about it -- it's not worth the stress. Your application doesn't get thrown out if ETS makes a mistake or something. Worst case scenario, you deal with their ineptitude. And although I hope your experience is smoother than most, I'd expect to have deal with their ineptitude in some form or another.

Just call them tomorrow and make sure you're clear on the process. Theoretically, you get four "free" score reports for the standard GRE which (I believe you request on the day of the test on the testing computer (it'll look up codes for you, so you shouldn't need to write the codes down)) and four "free" subject reports -- which are essentially a separate thing altogether -- that you have to request ahead of time via the GRE account you created. If memory serves correct, you do your score reporting literally before the test begins for the standard GRE, but for the subject, they need your list of four programs a few days (maybe weeks?) before you test. So if you're still up in the air about where to apply, have the GRE scores sent to your four top choices, the one's you know you'll apply to, and deal with the rest later.

Also, Truckbasket, what ultimately has me confused is that when I signed up for the subject test the other night, it wanted me to go ahead (ahead of time, like you said) and list the four schools I want my scores sent to. Then, it gave me the option to either send just the subject scores or the subject scores AND the general scores to those 4 schools. Naturally, I clicked to have both sent. So, my question really is, does that mean I don't have to send my general scores to those 4 schools because my general scores will be mailed to them with my subject scores on November 25th?

Also, for those of you who have gone through this process, do the applications notify you when they received certain documents, like certain requirements have been met, or do you have to actually call the graduate schools to find out if they receive scores, etc.?

[bdon19]

Also, Truckbasket, what ultimately has me confused is that when I signed up for the subject test the other night, it wanted me to go ahead (ahead of time, like you said) and list the four schools I want my scores sent to. Then, it gave me the option to either send just the subject scores or the subject scores AND the general scores to those 4 schools. Naturally, I clicked to have both sent. So, my question really is, does that mean I don't have to send my general scores to those 4 schools because my general scores will be mailed to them with my subject scores on November 25th?

I was wondering the same thing. When I took the general test, I didn't check off sending the subject scores because I freaked out and didn't know if I could choose that option not having taken the subject test yet. I also hadn't prepared myself with a list of which schools required it. When I registered for the subject test, though, I checked both options, and just selected schools I hadn't yet chosen to send general scores to which also required the subject test (of course, most of the required ones I'd already sent my general scores to!). I'm assuming I'm (we're) safe, but I can't be positive!

[Timshel]

I was wondering the same thing. When I took the general test, I didn't check off sending the subject scores because I freaked out and didn't know if I could choose that option not having taken the subject test yet. I also hadn't prepared myself with a list of which schools required it. When I registered for the subject test, though, I checked both options, and just selected schools I hadn't yet chosen to send general scores to which also required the subject test (of course, most of the required ones I'd already sent my general scores to!). I'm assuming I'm (we're) safe, but I can't be positive!

I am just so nervous of this process, with two schools in particular whose deadlines are December 1st. When I signed up for the subject, I checked to have both the subject and the general sent since I will have already taken the general, so I am assuming that both will be sent when the subject scores are sent on the 25th of November. However, for those two schools whose deadlines are December 1st, if I'm wrong, I could totally be screwed. I'm just not sure if it's worth sending the scores to those schools twice to be on the safe side (I take the general next week and I'm deciding if I should pick the two December 1st deadlines schools again to have the scores sent to, just in case).

[lolopixie]

Does anyone know if I retake the test in say, November, if January deadlines will be met? I don't know if there is just a long delay when you take in Aug and Sept, or if this is going to be an ongoing thing. I took the test yesterday and, disappointingly, I am not in a range I'm comfortable with sending out. I'll have to retake it, but cannot do so for 60 days. Am I screwed?

[lolopixie]

Does anyone know if I retake the test in say, November, if January deadlines will be met? I don't know if there is just a long delay when you take in Aug and Sept, or if this is going to be an ongoing thing. I took the test yesterday and, disappointingly, I am not in a range I'm comfortable with sending out. I'll have to retake it, but cannot do so for 60 days. Am I screwed?

I just found the answer to my own question when I went to look at available test dates in November (general test). Quote from ETS website:

Test in October 2011 or later Important: If you test in this time period, your scores will be reported starting in late November 2011. Normal 10–15 day score reporting resumes in December 2011

[Timshel]

I just found the answer to my own question when I went to look at available test dates in November (general test). Quote from ETS website:

Test in October 2011 or later Important: If you test in this time period, your scores will be reported starting in late November 2011. Normal 10–15 day score reporting resumes in December 2011

Sorry lolopoxie, if I had seen your question sooner I could have answered it for you.

[lolopixie]

Sorry lolopoxie, if I had seen your question sooner I could have answered it for you.

It is okay. I answered it within 10 minutes of posting by chance lol. Helpful hint for the revised test, if you haven't already seen it, there will be only 1 prompt per writing section and you just have to write on that topic - you should have no problem with that. Math - bleh. Verbal - I had 3 verbal sections (I don't know if they all count towards your score or if one is for statistical info like before) each contained 6 fill in the blank ranging from 1 to 3 words, followed by 5 reading comp questions (I think there was only 1 time that the reading comp passage had more than 1 question linked to it, so it was a lot of reading very quickly), then 4 sentence equiv questions, and then another set of 5 reading comp questions. And as another person mentioned in another thread, the obscure words really are not on this test. There were maybe a handful of words (4-5) coming off the obscure list. If that helps on your prep work.

[Timshel]

It is okay. I answered it within 10 minutes of posting by chance lol. Helpful hint for the revised test, if you haven't already seen it, there will be only 1 prompt per writing section and you just have to write on that topic - you should have no problem with that. Math - bleh. Verbal - I had 3 verbal sections (I don't know if they all count towards your score or if one is for statistical info like before) each contained 6 fill in the blank ranging from 1 to 3 words, followed by 5 reading comp questions (I think there was only 1 time that the reading comp passage had more than 1 question linked to it, so it was a lot of reading very quickly), then 4 sentence equiv questions, and then another set of 5 reading comp questions. And as another person mentioned in another thread, the obscure words really are not on this test. There were maybe a handful of words (4-5) coming off the obscure list. If that helps on your prep work.

Thanks! Do you feel like you did better on this kind of test? I'm hoping the revised will work better for me......

[lolopixie]

It gave me a 100 pt range, so I'm not 100% how I did, but I definitely did better than the first. I still didn't hit my mark, so I'm retaking it in November. I'll be working on drills until then. I'm giving myself the rest of this week as a gre break. Had a little bit of a meltdown when I got the score. After my 24 hr recovery period, I realized I vastly improved since last time and I know exactly what to focus on for practice now. Run drill, forget about obscure vocabulary cramming!

Edited September 14, 2011 by lolopixie

[Timshel]

See, I have been studying some vocab because I have a TERRIBLE vocabulary, and when I was running the actual practice tests, I was getting ones wrong because I didn't know the words. So, I'm trying to do both things.

[truckbasket]

See, I have been studying some vocab because I have a TERRIBLE vocabulary

That's the one aspect of the GRE I found valuable: learning the vocab -- because of its practical use. I used a combination of purchased flash cards, iPhone apps, online lists, as well as my own flash cards. Once the material was organized, I just carried them everywhere I went, and every day I'd knock a few off my list until by the time of the test I had probably close to 1000 memorized.

But it sounds like that's all changed now, hasn't it? No more arbitrary analogies? That's where you really needed the crazy vocab stuff. When I took the test last year, my experimental section was from the new verbal format -- and I assume they were still fine-tuning the difficulty levels because it was laughably easy. The reading comp questions were all very short and easy to follow compared to the unreadable, convoluted jargon I had to deal with during my actual test. I'm sure they've ramped it up since then.

So if you take anything of value from it, capitalize on that. I still have the vocab apps on my phone, and will occasionally play around with them at the gym. That's how I roll.

[Rupert Pupkin]

I am just so nervous of this process, with two schools in particular whose deadlines are December 1st. When I signed up for the subject, I checked to have both the subject and the general sent since I will have already taken the general, so I am assuming that both will be sent when the subject scores are sent on the 25th of November. However, for those two schools whose deadlines are December 1st, if I'm wrong, I could totally be screwed. I'm just not sure if it's worth sending the scores to those schools twice to be on the safe side (I take the general next week and I'm deciding if I should pick the two December 1st deadlines schools again to have the scores sent to, just in case).

I have this exact dilemma. I selected both "general" and "subject scores" on my October subject test registration. Has anyone figured out exactly how scores will be sent if you did this? Will the general scores arrive by Dec. 1st deadlines?

[Timshel]

I have this exact dilemma. I selected both "general" and "subject scores" on my October subject test registration. Has anyone figured out exactly how scores will be sent if you did this? Will the general scores arrive by Dec. 1st deadlines?

I'm still not sure and I've been too busy lately to actually call. Plus, calling ETS gives me an ulcer.

[lolopixie]

See, I have been studying some vocab because I have a TERRIBLE vocabulary, and when I was running the actual practice tests, I was getting ones wrong because I didn't know the words. So, I'm trying to do both things.

Trust - I do not have a good vocab. Well, after studying for the GRE I do, but the words that you are prepping with really aren't there. I completely understand why you would, but I would focus more on practicing the actual questions in a timed environment to get used to the actual testing. You will see when you take the test. Don't get me wrong because the rare words are on the test, but there were about 4 on there from the 500 word list I was running off of for studying. It will benefit you to increase your vocab for so much more than just the GRE, so it is not pointless to learn the words.