How important is it as to when I take the GRE?

[Rhodo]

If I'm planning on applying to graduate programs in 2014-15 but took the GRE late this year or early 2013, am I taking any big risks? Does anyone have any experience with this?

Thank you!

[zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz]

I'm sure you're fine. I took the GREs 9/30/2011 and I am applying for fall 2012 admissions. The most important thing is to study for the GREs (i.e. don't spend too much time worrying about whether or not you'll have to retake the test, just study instead). Unless you really struggle with test taking, then probably try to take them in 2012 so you have some wiggle room if you need to retake them, but I would say try to avoid retaking them and just study study study until you feel completely prepared.

If you're worried about knowing your scores - they flash on your screen as soon as you are done the test (except writing) so you know exactly where you are and you can fill that in on applications as well.

[Rhodo]

I'm definitely going to study. The plan is to study over this summer and get them out of the way soon after. Hopefully I'll do well and not have worry about them when it comes time to apply to grad schools a year or two later when I'll have my Honors thesis and other classes to worry about.

[Triumph]

We are in the same boat Rhodo. I am also planning to apply for Fall 2014 graduate program, but I want to give my GRE this August.

My only concern is that the Universities may dispose my scores, since to avail the free score reporting facility, I will have to send them right after I take my GRE. But my application would reach them in late 2013. I hope they save my scores till then.

Do you, or anyone, have any idea about this?

[Rhodo]

I'm not sure how that works. I assumed the GRE has some record of your scores and sends them to you or the university on request, or something like that, and the cost of it didn't even come to my mind. But if I'm understanding you correctly then you're not going to have to pay, but the scores are sent right after you complete them? As you can see I'm not too informed on the score reporting options.

I would guess that the universities would hold on to your scores, but I can't really confirm anything. I don't know why they would throw them away, especially if it's only a difference of one year.

[zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz]

As soon as the test is done and you get your score on the screen, you then have the option of reporting it to 4 schools (So you should go in knowing what schools to send it to). I don't know if schools have a policy to keep them, but many schools keep the records electronically or you can just always send an email to programs you want to send your scores to and ask them if they have a policy regarding early sent scores.

[Eigen]

Don't send scores a year before you apply. Very few departments will keep them, and it can cause confusion and frustration on their part.

If you take the exam during an application season and send the scores, they will assume your applying that year.

Just wait and pay the relatively small cost to send a report to the school when you apply.

The only other worry is the scores expiring- some schools do 5 years, but I've heard of others doing 2, which means you'll only get one application season out of the scores and have to retake it if you don't get in.

[Rhodo]

Just to clarify--I can take the GRE and they'll hold my scores indefinitely essentially? And then I can have them sent to schools even a year or two later, whenever I decide to apply.

[zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz]

The ETS will send out scores from the last five years when you request a score report. Most schools will tell you on their website that they accept scores from the last 5 years but depending on the program, they may want more recent scores, like from the last two years as Eigen said.

[Rhodo]

Ok, thanks for the clarity!

[Arya Underfoot]

If I'm planning on applying to graduate programs in 2014-15 but took the GRE late this year or early 2013, am I taking any big risks? Does anyone have any experience with this?

Thank you!

Hey Rhodo. I think you will be fine - I took the physics GRE in mid-November, with scores not being reported until Dec. 23rd. This was past the admission deadline for several of my programs, but they are all showing my GRE scores as received and my application complete. I think it's mostly important that they have your scores by the time they start reviewing applications (usually not until January or February). One issue is if you need to retake the GRE and you don't think you'll be able to budget enough time for a second round of studying. Here is kind of a nice infographic answering the question when to take the GRE.

Cheers!

[CharKel27]

OK question relating to the GRE. I took mine in early November of 2007 right after I graduated. I am planning on applying to schools next fall. I understand my GRE expires November of 2012; if I get my GRE in before that date will grad schools accept the score? And if they do, will they look down on it for being that old? A little background, I'm a Peace Corps volunteer serving in Ukraine and taking the GRE here would not be super easy. Thanks for the help!