GRE Score Validity: How Long Are GRE Scores Accepted by Schools?

I. How Long Are GRE Scores Valid?

Your GRE scores are valid 5 years from the date you took your GRE exam. For instance, if your GRE exam took place on July 10th, 2023, your test scores would continue to be valid until July 10th, 2028. How long is GRE score valid if applying internationally? GRE scores are valid for 5 years regardless of whether you are applying for a domestic or international graduate program. For more general information about the GRE, follow this link: What Is the GRE and Why It Matters for Grad School.

II. Why Do GRE Scores Expire After 5 Years?

GRE scores expire 5 years after your test date because the GRE test is meant to reflect your skills as they are currently. Skills, such as analytical writing and quantitative reasoning skills, can change over time, especially if not in use. The institutions to which you send GRE scores want test scores that reflect your current abilities. Schools use GRE scores as proof that you are still capable of completing graduate-level work, and outdated GRE scores stand the chance of no longer serving as an accurate reflection of your abilities. Additionally, the GRE test is occasionally updated, meaning that GRE scores that are over 5 years old may not reflect current GRE test scoring criteria. The GRE general test and GRE subject tests follow the same expiration rules. 

III. How to Check If Your GRE Scores Are Still Valid?

To check if your GRE scores are still valid, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your ETS account.
2. Once you have logged in, click “view scores.”
3. If your GRE scores are valid, you will be able to view them and will see options to send your GRE scores to institutions. If the window for GRE score validity has expired, you will no longer be able to see your GRE scores, nor will there be options to send your GRE scores to institutions. 

IV. Can You Use Expired GRE Scores for Applications?

Most universities do not accept expired GRE scores. Once your score validity expires 5 years after your test date, most institutions around the world will no longer accept your GRE score. If you are applying to schools with rolling admissions, you need to ensure your GRE scores are valid at the time of submission.

V. What Happens When GRE Scores Expire?

When GRE scores expire and test takers have passed the 5-year period during which GRE scores are valid, those scores can no longer be sent to institutions. Additionally, test takers will no longer be able to view these scores online, as they are removed from the ETS system. Institutions will not accept paper copies of expired results, since this does not make an expired GRE score valid. If a program still requires the GRE exam, you will need to retake it. After retaking the GRE exam, you will receive new test scores, and a new score validity period of 5 years will begin from your latest test date.

VI. When Should You Retake the GRE Based on Score Validity?

There are a variety of situations in which you should consider retaking the GRE based on GRE score validity. If your test scores have already expired, you will need to retake the GRE if your program of choice requires it. If your test scores will expire within the next 12 -15 months, consider that many institutions require GRE general test and subject test scores to be valid at the time they are reviewed, not just when they are sent. Be sure to send your test scores to programs you wish to apply to before the scores expire, and retake the GRE test if you are planning to apply to graduate programs after the point at which your current GRE scores are valid. To help decide the best GRE test dates for you, follow this link: GRE Test Dates 2025 – Exam Schedule, Registration Deadlines, and How to Reschedule.

VII. GRE Score Validity and Business School Applications

You may be wondering, how long are GRE scores valid for business schools? Some business schools require recent GRE scores and not simply scores that are still valid under ETS’s 5-year rule. Some of these schools ask that your test scores be no more than 3 years old or are taken within a certain window of time before you apply. This is because many business schools want an accurate picture of your current quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing skills. Certain business schools may accept older GRE scores if they are within the 5-year score validity window, but these scores may hold less weight than more recent scores. To determine the specific requirements for your business school of choice, check the GRE policy on the institution’s webpage, often found in the admissions or FAQ section. If you are applying to a business school or any other program requiring the GRE, it is important to have a solid idea of what constitutes a strong score. 

VIII. FAQ

Q: How long is GRE score valid?

A: GRE scores are valid for 5 years after you take your GRE. This rule applies to both the subject test and the GRE general test and is applicable worldwide. 

Q: Can I send my GRE scores near the expiration date?

A: You can send your scores at any point before the 5-year expiration date, however, if you are sending your scores days before they expire, it may take up to 5 days for your scores to be delivered to schools; thus, they might already be expired when they arrive. Furthermore, certain programs may require your GRE to be valid through to the point at which your application is reviewed, not just at the point of submission.

Q: What happens after GRE validity expires?

A: After GRE validity expires, you will no longer be able to access your scores on the ETS website, nor will you be able to send these scores to institutions through the ETS website. Most legitimate institutions will not accept expired GRE scores. If you have expired scores and wish to apply to a program requiring the GRE, you will most likely need to retake the exam. Always keep the question in mind, “how long is a GRE score valid?” so that your scores do not expire before you are able to send them to your institution of choice.

Q: When should I plan my test if I apply next year?

A: It is advisable to take the GRE a minimum of 4 to 6 months before your application deadline. You can retake the GRE every 21 days and up to 5 times per year, so taking the exam earlier allows you time to retake it if you are not satisfied with your scores. A window of 4 – 6 months should also give you adequate time to study. 

Q: Are GRE scores valid for international applications?

A: GRE scores are valid for many international applications, though this is dependent on the specific country, program and institution to which you are applying. The GRE is most often required for programs in the United States, but is often accepted in Canada, even if not required. It is occasionally accepted as part of an application in the UK and Europe and is usually optional to include in Australia and New Zealand, though not required. Countries in Asia such as India sometimes require the GRE for top-tier programs and often accept it as part of an application even if they do not explicitly require it.