Latest safe date to take GRE and scores given?

[antigone56]

Two questions:

 

1) What's the latest one can take the GRE and still feel pretty confident that scores will be ready in time for applications, assuming first application due Dec. 15th?  I took the GRE last year in July, so I have a score in the bag already, but I'd like to re-take this year.  Was thinking some time between October 15th and November 15th?  I'd like it to be Nov 1st or so if that's reasonable.

 

2) If I score worse than I did in July 2012, (hopefully I won't, but if I do), can I still have my July 2012 scores apply instead of my October or November 2013 scores?

 

Thanks in advance!

[Guest Gnome Chomsky]

About 2 weeks before the application deadline. I think it took me 10-12 days to get my score. I guess you can 2 months in advance to be safe, but it's not necessary. 

[complexbongo]

If you want to be safe, I think 1 month in advance is a safe bet. Even you can prepare and feel ready by the first few weeks in November, I would take it then.

 

Remember also that some schools have separate "Supplemental Materials" deadlines which may or may not include GRE scores. Each school varies. 

[jmu]

I took it 10/31. Also, you can choose which scores to send if you pay to send them but I don't think you can choose in the ones included.

[exploregre]

it is always better to take gre test at least  1 month before your university deadline.