GRE Score Validity: How Long Are GRE Scores Valid?

GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the date of the exam. This means candidates can use their scores to apply to graduate or business schools at any time within that period. Understanding the validity timeline is essential for effective application planning, especially if you are considering a gap between taking the test and applying.

In this article, we explain how GRE score validity works, how to check your score expiration date, and what steps to take if your scores are about to expire or have already expired.

What is GRE Score Validity?

GRE score validity refers to the period during which your GRE scores are accepted by graduate and business schools. According to the official testing agency, ETS (Educational Testing Service), GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the exact date of your exam.

For example, if you took the GRE on October 1, 2025, your scores will be valid until October 1, 2030. After this date, the scores will no longer appear in your ETS account or be reportable to institutions.

This validity period is the same for both the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Tests.

Understanding GRE score validity is important for:

• Planning when to take the test
• Aligning your scores with application deadlines
• Avoiding the need to retake the exam unnecessarily

Most universities follow the 5-year rule set by ETS, but it's always a good idea to double-check individual program requirements, especially if you're applying internationally or to competitive programs.

How Long Are GRE Scores Valid?

GRE scores are valid for exactly 5 years from your test date, not the date you receive your results. This means if you take the GRE on October 17, 2025, your scores will remain valid until October 17, 2030. After this date, your scores will expire and can no longer be sent to universities or used for applications.

Validity Examples:

ETS automatically removes expired scores from your account, and they are not accessible or reportable after the expiration date.

Important Notes:

• No extensions are provided. Once the 5-year period is over, the only option is to retake the GRE.
• If you’re planning to apply to multiple programs over a few years, make sure to time your test accordingly.
• Some universities may require recent scores (within 2–3 years) even if ETS considers them valid. Always check the individual program’s requirements.

Understanding the 5-year rule helps ensure that your scores align with your application deadlines, especially if you're planning to take a gap year, gain work experience, or apply for future intakes.

Why Is GRE Score Validity Important?

Knowing how long your GRE scores are valid helps you make informed decisions about when to take the test and how to plan your applications. Since the scores expire exactly 5 years from your test date, timing is key, especially if you're not applying to schools immediately after the exam. Here’s why GRE score validity matters:

1. Application Planning

Many students take the GRE during their undergraduate studies but apply to graduate schools later. If you wait too long, your scores might expire before you apply. Planning your test date around your intended application cycle ensures your scores will still be accepted.

2. Avoiding Retakes

The GRE is time-consuming and can be costly. If your scores expire, you’ll need to retake the test, which means more preparation, another registration fee, and possibly different test formats or scoring changes.

Check: GRE Exam Fees

3. Multiple Application Cycles

A valid GRE score can be used across several application cycles. If you’re applying to multiple programs over 1-2 years, your single score can support all of those applications, as long as it’s still within the 5-year validity window.

4. University-Specific Requirements

While ETS considers GRE scores valid for 5 years, some universities or programs may require more recent scores, within the last 2-3 years. This is especially common in highly competitive programs or in fields where skills assessed by the GRE are expected to be current.

What Happens When GRE Scores Expire?

GRE scores expire exactly 5 years from the date you took the test. Once expired, they are automatically removed from your ETS account and can no longer be sent to universities or programs. ETS does not provide extensions or allow any exceptions once this period ends.

Here’s what happens:

• Your scores will no longer appear in your ETS dashboard.
• You cannot request score reports for expired results.
• Universities will not accept expired scores, even if you apply just a day after expiration.
• If you want to apply again, you’ll have to retake the GRE and get a new score.

Example:

If you took the GRE on November 10, 2025, your scores would expire on November 10, 2030. If you try to send scores on November 11, 2031, they will no longer be available.

What If You Apply Before the Expiry Date?

As long as your scores are still within the 5-year window at the time of your application deadline, they are valid, even if the scores expire after you’ve applied. Schools will still accept them as long as the validity period is met during submission.

Tip: Some programs may not accept scores that are about to expire or may prefer scores from the last 2-3 years. Always check the score policy of the universities you’re applying to.

How to Keep Track of Your GRE Score Validity?

Keeping track of your GRE score validity is essential to avoid missing deadlines or having to retake the test unnecessarily. Since your scores are valid for exactly 5 years from your test date, staying organized will help you plan your applications effectively.

Ways to Track Your GRE Score Validity:

1. Check Your ETS Account

• Log in to your ETS account to view your official test date and score report.
• The expiration date is not listed directly, but you can calculate it by adding 5 years to your test date.

1. Set Calendar Reminders

• Add a reminder on your digital calendar (Google Calendar, iCal, etc.) for your score’s expiration date.
• Set multiple alerts. For example, one 6 months before expiry and another 1 month before, so you have time to act if needed.

1. Use a Spreadsheet or Planner

• Maintain a spreadsheet with key application details: GRE test date, score expiration date, university deadlines, etc.
• This is especially helpful if you're applying to multiple programs over time.

1. Check Program Requirements

• Some universities might require scores taken within the last 2-3 years, even though ETS allows a 5-year window.
• Keep a checklist of each program's GRE policies to avoid surprises.

What to Do If Your GRE Scores Expire?

If your GRE scores have expired, unfortunately, they cannot be used for applications. ETS does not allow any exceptions once the 5-year validity period has passed. However, there are clear steps you can take to stay on track with your graduate school plans.

1. Retake the GRE

• The most straightforward option is to register for the GRE again and aim for a new score.
• Prepare using updated materials, as the GRE format may change over time (e.g., the shorter GRE introduced recently).
• Schedule the test in advance to align with upcoming application deadlines.

2. Plan Ahead for Future Validity

• When you retake the test, keep your long-term goals in mind.
• Try to take the GRE close to your expected application cycle, so your scores stay valid throughout.

Check: US Universities Application Timeline

3. Check for Score Flexibility (Rare Cases)

• While most universities strictly follow the 5-year rule, you can email admissions offices to check if they’ll accept slightly older scores. However, this is not common and is generally discouraged.

4. Consider Alternatives (If Applicable)

• Some programs may waive GRE requirements or accept alternative tests like the GMAT, depending on the course or university.
• Explore test-optional programs or those with flexible admission criteria, especially for professional degrees.

Also Check:

• Canadian Universities Waiving GRE
• Top European Universities Waiving GRE
• US Universities Waiving GRE

Tip: Don’t wait until the last moment. If your GRE scores are within a year of expiring, it’s wise to either use them soon or plan a retake to keep your options open.

Tips to Maximize Your GRE Score Validity

Making the most of your GRE scores within the 5-year validity period can save you time and money. Here are some practical tips to ensure your scores serve your graduate school goals effectively:

1. Take the GRE When You’re Ready

• Avoid rushing to take the GRE too early if you’re not fully prepared. A strong score early on is only useful if you apply within the next five years.
• Plan your test date based on your graduate application timeline.

2. Use Your Scores for Multiple Applications

• You can send your GRE scores to up to 4 schools for free on your test day.
• After that, sending scores to additional universities incurs a fee, but your one test score report can be reused for all applications submitted within the validity window.

3. Keep Track of Your Expiry Date

• Use calendars, reminders, or planning tools to monitor when your scores will expire.
• This helps avoid situations where you miss deadlines or have to retake unnecessarily.

4. Apply Early

• Applying early in your application cycle ensures your GRE scores are valid at submission time.
• Some schools have rolling admissions where earlier applications get priority, so having valid GRE scores on hand is beneficial.

Check: Rolling Admissions for US Universities

5. Be Mindful of Program-Specific Requirements

• Some programs prefer scores from the last 2-3 years.
• If you plan to apply to these programs late in your score’s validity, consider retaking the GRE to submit fresh scores.

GRE scores remain valid for exactly 5 years from the test date, after which they expire and cannot be used for applications. Planning your test date to align with your application timeline is essential to avoid retakes. Always check individual university requirements, as some may prefer scores within the last 2-3 years. Keeping track of your score validity ensures a smoother graduate admission process.