I thought we are supposed to get 4 free scores sent?

[nauru]

When I try to send scores now, the system tells me there is a charge of $23 each, but I never received any of my 4 freebies. Will I get a refund? I did the computer based test, and even though there was the option to enter destination schools on the test day I was under the impression that one could delay this until later and still receive the 4 free scores.

Was I mistaken? $92 is better off in my pocket than in the bank account of ETS.

[Mal83]

Oh boy, if I'm not mistaken I believe you had to enter in the recipients at that point during the test or forfeit the freebies. You should poke around the ETS website or call for clarification.

[emmm]

Yes, if you wait until you have seen the scores to decide to have them sent, you have to pay for them. Nice system, eh?

[Mal83]

Oh yes, that's right you can choose to not send the reports after you've seen your score...ugh, brings back some pretty gross memories.

[second_rate]

Hmm, on a slightly related topic, I'm currently in my 3rd year and I'm planning to take the GRE within the next 2 months. Since applications for grad school would only open probably about 8 months after I take the GRE (assuming I don't retake it), should I have my scores sent to the schools to avail of the 4 freebies you guys mentioned?

I'm not quite sure how this works, do you only specify the school code once you've started an application with that school or can you specify the school code on the GRE exam day even if you plan to apply say more than a year after you took the test?

thanks guys!

[Mal83]

Hmm, on a slightly related topic, I'm currently in my 3rd year and I'm planning to take the GRE within the next 2 months. Since applications for grad school would only open probably about 8 months after I take the GRE (assuming I don't retake it), should I have my scores sent to the schools to avail of the 4 freebies you guys mentioned?

I'm not quite sure how this works, do you only specify the school code once you've started an application with that school or can you specify the school code on the GRE exam day even if you plan to apply say more than a year after you took the test?

thanks guys!

I definitely understand wanting to get the GRE done and out of the way as soon as possible, but sending out the scores that far in advance is something I wouldn't do. If you take the test within the next 2 months that's still within the Fall 2012 application cycle for many schools. Even if the deadlines pass for the schools you would apply to by the time you send out your scores, they are still in the decision making process for this coming fall. They would get your scores and not have an application to match it to. They couldn't possibly know that you are planning to apply for Fall 2013. I guess unless you notified them, but they probably would advise you to wait. Before you start sending in materials you should have already at least begun the application online, you know you generally have to create an account and fill in some contact information or something like that, this way they have a record of you and an intention to apply. But you won't be able to do this until the application season for your desired start date opens. I believe this generally doesn't happen until maybe August/September, maybe a little earlier, before they're due sometime in the winter or early spring. But you can certainly start thinking about and preparing the other parts of the application, like statement of purpose, who you'd want to write a letter of recommendation, etc.

If you do take the exam long before you start the application process you can skip the part where you enter in school codes and address. If I remember correctly, after the test you'll be asked again if you want to send score reports...But yeah, you'll have to pay to have the scores sent later. Again, if you have the scores sent that far in advance, especially if you don't notify the schools ahead of time, I'm not sure what would happen to them, they might think they received them by mistake. You just have to decide how much money you're willing to shell out for the GRE, pay for the test now and have to spend $23 for each report later, or just take the test during your application cycle and not spend $23 a report. But if you really want to get it out the way and feel like you're really prepared then I would do it now and because it's so far in advance wait to send the reports.

[emmm]

I took the GRE late in the spring the year I applied -- several months before any of my online applications opened. The schools were able to match my scores to my applications with no problems. I used the free scores for as many programs as I could -- basically, the programs I was SURE I wanted to apply to. The rest were sent later, as I had to pay for those, and I was still making up my mind about exactly which programs I wanted to apply to.

[nauru]

I called and it turns out the rules have changed. It used to be that your 4 freebies could be used at anytime. But now, they have to be used on the day you take the test. So let this be a warning to everyone else! Don't give ETS $92 they didn't earn, like I did.

[Triumph]

I am a Fall 2014 applicant.

I wish to give GRE in Aug 2012. That means I would begin my application in Sept/Oct 2013, about a year later.

So, will I be able to use this facility of free score reporting? Will the universities dispose my score by the time I apply, or is it saved?

[finknottle]

@second_rate, @Mal83 and @Triumph: I think it shouldn't be a problem. ETS doesn't send physical score reports. This is my guess, but this is what makes most sense. ETS would just update the database of scores that is accessible to the university. So, the way it would work is that once a university receives an application, they'll look up the name in that database to verify the scores. Not the other way round. Since there are no physical scores sent, the universities don't really need to catalogue them or keep a track of who has applied and who hasn't. Whenever they receive an application, they would just look up the database. The entry in the database would be accessible till your scores expire. On a side note, this makes charging $23 for individual score reports seem quite ridiculous and exorbitant.

Edited January 2, 2012 by finknottle

[Triumph]

Thanks for the clarification. Do you think I should clarify from the universities before I book my GRE date? Because if I would have to lose $92, then I wouldn't mind delaying my GRE by a year.

Searched everywhere on the ETS website, but they do not have anything regarding this issue.