How to Send GRE Scores to Universities in 2026

 

Latest update: Recent guidance shows that programmes may require you to send all testattempt scores if you’ve taken the GRE multiple times, even though you have options under ScoreSelect.

How to send GRE scores to universities is a critical step in your graduate school application. Every year, over 600,000 students take the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) worldwide, but many struggle with understanding the score reporting process. With ETS’s ScoreSelect system, test-takers can send scores to up to four universities for free on test day, while additional reports cost around $27 (₹2,400 approx.) per institution. Choosing the right score option: Most Recent, All, or Any, and sending scores before application deadlines can significantly improve your admission chances.  

Some top universities accepting GRE scores include Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, the University of California Berkeley, Cornell University, and the University of Pennsylvania.  

In this blog, you’ll learn how to send your GRE score to universities step by step, including differences between free and paid score reports, strategic tips for international students (especially from India), timelines, costs in INR, and common mistakes to avoid. We also provide a question section to answer all your queries, ensuring your scores reach universities accurately and on time. 

How to Send GRE Scores to Universities: Step-by-Step Guide 

Sending your GRE scores to Top-ranked universities worldwide may seem complicated, but once you know the steps, it becomes simple. ETS provides clear options through the ScoreSelect system, allowing you to control which scores reach the schools you’re applying to. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make sure your scores are sent accurately and on time. 

Step 1: Check Your Unofficial Scores 

After completing the GRE, you’ll see your unofficial scores for the verbal and quantitative sections immediately. This lets you decide whether you want to send these scores or wait for the official report. 

Step 2: Choose Your Universities 

• ETS allows you to send scores to four universities for free on test day. 

• Carefully confirm institution codes and department codes for each program. 

• Double-check the spelling of the university name to avoid errors. 

Step 3: Select ScoreSelect Option 

You have three options when sending scores: 

• Most Recent: Only your latest attempt. 

• All: Every GRE attempt you’ve taken. 

• Any: Choose a specific test attempt to send. 

Step 4: Confirm Free or Paid Reports 

• Free reports: Up to 4 universities on test day. 

• Paid reports: Additional universities cost $27 (₹2,400 approx.) per institution. 

Step 5: Submit and Track Scores 

• After confirming your selections, submit your score reports. 

• You can track sent reports through your My GRE account to ensure the universities received them. 

• Keep a screenshot of confirmation for reference in case of any discrepancies. 

How GRE Score Reporting Works: Free vs Paid Reports & ScoreSelect 

Understanding how GRE scores reporting works is key to sending your scores correctly and avoiding unnecessary fees. ETS manages GRE score reporting worldwide, ensuring universities receive your results securely and officially. Using the ScoreSelect system, test-takers can choose which scores to send, giving you flexibility and control over your application strategy. 

Free vs Paid Score Reports 

When you take the GRE, ETS allows you to send scores to up to four universities for free on test day. This is a convenient way to cover your top-choice schools without paying extra. 

• Free Reports: Up to 4 universities, included in your test fee, sent on test day. 

• Paid Reports: Any additional university beyond the four free reports costs $27 (₹2,400 approx.) per school. 

Free vs Paid Score Reports:  

Report Type	Number of Universities	Cost (INR)
Free	4	0
Paid	Additional	₹2,400 per university

Note: Paid reports are useful if you decide to apply to more universities later or if you need to send scores after the test day. Always factor this into your budget, especially for international applications. 

ScoreSelect Options 

ScoreSelect gives you control over which GRE scores are sent to universities: 

• Most Recent: Sends only your latest test attempt. Ideal if your most recent GRE performance is your best. 

• All: Send all your GRE attempts to a university. Some programs request this to see your full testing history. 

• Any: Lets you select a specific test attempt to send. This option is helpful if you want to highlight your strongest scores. 

How ETS Delivers Scores 

Once you select your universities and ScoreSelect option, ETS delivers scores securely and electronically. Universities receive them in a format they can process immediately, ensuring your scores are official and verifiable. 

• Online score reports usually arrive in 5 business days. 

• Mail or fax delivery may take up to 10 days, depending on the university location. 

GRE Score Sending Strategy: Best Practices for Maximum Impact 

Sending GRE scores isn’t just about hitting submit; it’s about strategically choosing when and how to send them. Making the right decisions can save you money, reduce stress, and improve your chances of admission. 

How Many Universities Should You Send Scores To? 

• On test day, you can send scores to four universities for free. 

• Additional reports cost $27 (₹2,400 approx.) each, so plan wisely. 

• Consider application deadlines, budget, and university preferences before sending. 

Scenario Comparison: Send Day-of vs Later 

Scenario	Advantages	Disadvantages
Send on Test Day	Immediate submission, free	Limited to 4 universities
Send After Test Day	Flexible selection	Extra cost, slightly longer delivery

Choosing the Right ScoreSelect Option: 

• Most Recent: Ideal if your latest GRE attempt is your best. 

• All: Useful if universities want to see your entire GRE history. 

• Any: Lets you pick the highest scoring attempt, which is strategic if you’ve taken the test multiple times. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid: 

• Sending to the wrong institution code. 

• Missing the department code for specific programs. 

• Paying for additional reports unnecessarily. 

• Missing application deadlines by sending scores late. 

Retaking the GRE: 

• If planning a retake, it’s often best to wait to send scores until you achieve your best possible performance. 

• This avoids sending multiple low scores, saving both money and stress. 

GRE Score Report Costs, Timeline & Tracking: India & Abroad 

Understanding the costs, timeline, and tracking process for sending GRE scores is crucial, especially for international students. It ensures you stay on budget and meet application deadlines without any last-minute surprises. 

Cost Overview 

• Free Score Reports: Up to four universities on test day at no cost. 

• Paid Additional Reports: $27 (₹2,400 approx.) per university. 

GRE Score Report Costs:  

Report Type	Number of Universities	Cost (INR)
Free	4	0
Paid	Additional	₹2,400 per university

Timeline for Score Delivery:  

• Free reports: Typically reach universities in 10–15 days (computer-delivered). 

• Paid online reports: Around 5 business days. 

• Mail or fax: Can take up to 10 days, depending on location. 

Tracking Your Scores: 

• Log in to your My GRE account to check the status of sent reports. 

• ETS provides confirmation once a report is sent and received by the university. 

• Keep proof of submission for reference, particularly if deadlines are tight. 

Strategic Tip for International Students (India):  

• Always check the INR conversion if paying in USD to avoid unexpected fees. 

• Plan submissions so universities receive scores before deadlines, considering shipping times if using mail/fax. 

GRE Score Sending Tips for Indian Students Applying Abroad 

For Indian students aiming to study abroad, sending GRE scores requires a few extra considerations. From currency conversion to university codes and deadlines, knowing the specifics can save both time and money. 

1. Currency and Payment Considerations 

• Paid additional score reports cost $27 (₹2,400 approx.) per university. 

• Make sure your payment method supports international transactions if paying in USD. 

• Keep a record of all payment confirmations for reference. 

2. Verify University and Department Codes 

• Each university has a unique institution code; some programs also require a department code. 

• Double-check codes on the ETS website before submission to avoid delays. 

• Mistakes can lead to scores being sent to the wrong program, costing extra in INR for resubmission. 

3. Timing and Deadlines 

• GRE scores are valid for 5 years, but universities may have strict application deadlines. 

• Send scores well before deadlines to account for processing time (5–15 days for online reports, 10 days for mail/fax). 

• Plan ahead if you’re retaking the GRE, so only your best scores are sent. 

Conclusion 

Sending GRE scores to universities is a crucial step that can impact your graduate school admission chances. By understanding how to send GRE scores to universities, including free vs paid reports, ScoreSelect® options, timelines, and costs in INR, you can avoid unnecessary fees, meet deadlines, and ensure your scores reach the right programs accurately.  

Planning strategically, especially as an international applicant, helps you submit your best scores and strengthens your applications. Leveraging the right guidance can simplify the process, giving you confidence that your GRE scores are sent efficiently and correctly. 

Start your GRE journey with a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad today and send your best scores with confidence!