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Once you've finished the test, you'll have one last question to
answer. The computer will ask, "Do you wish to see your score?" If
you click on "yes" (twice to be exact) you'll see your
Quantitative, Verbal and Combine scores. Such a quick turnaround
should not be surprising - think of it as instant gratification.
But as with other forms of instant gratification, the effects are
long lasting. Your results go into the ETS databank, where they
will stay for five years. Each time you send a score report to a
graduate school, all results during the past five years will
appear on your report. There's no way to hide a poor test result!
If you don't reach your target score, you can take another GRE as
of the next calendar month. Keep in mind that most of the top
programs will consider the higher of two GRE scores. Some will
even consider a third set of results. But none of the top programs
will take seriously a strong score that shows on a report next to
three, four or more weak scores.
If you decide you don't wish to see your score, click on "no" and
the computer will cancel your results and your performance will
not be logged in the ETS databank. Your record will show you took
the test, but no school will ever know how you did. Neither will
you - it is impossible to cancel the exam once you've seen your
scores. Because the exam is expensive and you'll be (hopefully)
well prepared when you take it, you probably shouldn't cancel your
score unless your exam becomes a clear disaster.
What is an acceptable score?
What Is a Good GRE Score? There is no official minimum. In theory,
any score above 550 for verbal and 700 for Quantitative can be
considered acceptable. In the event you get a lower score, but the
rest of your application offers very competitive features
(professional career so far, secondary studies, etc.), there's no
use wasting time working on your GRE. Bear in mind that putting
together an application takes time and that you should manage your
time as best as you can. No point in retaking GRE to go from 550
to 570 (verbal); concentrate instead on your personal state and
your references. In short, retake GRE only if you've made a
mistake, and your score was significantly lower than the one you
did during your preparation. |
