GRE Unofficial Score: Meaning, Difference from Official Score, and Why It Matters

Your official GRE score is available on the ETS website about 10–15 days after your test. You can check it by logging into your ETS account. However, right after finishing the test, ETS also shows you your unofficial GRE scores for the Quant and Verbal sections.

In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the unofficial GRE score.

How is the GRE Unofficial Score Generated?

The GRE lasts for 1 hour and 58 minutes. After finishing the test, you’ll see two options on the screen: one to view your scores and another to cancel them.

• Click “REPORT” to see your scores.
• Click “CANCEL” if you don’t want them to be reported.

When you choose “REPORT,” you’ll see your unofficial scores for the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections. However, the Analytical Writing score is not included in this unofficial report — you’ll get it later with your official GRE score.

Note: The unofficial GRE score report is available only for computer-based tests. If you take the paper-based GRE, you’ll need to wait for your official score report. For the GRE General Test, the unofficial score appears on test day.

What is the Purpose of the GRE Unofficial Score?

The GRE is an exam for students applying to graduate or higher-level programs, so it’s naturally quite challenging. Many test-takers prepare for months, but some still don’t get the scores they need to enter their desired programs.

Because of this, many people choose to retake the GRE with better preparation. The unofficial GRE scores help them make this decision sooner. Without these scores, candidates would have to wait 10 to 15 days for the official results.

The GRE Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections are each scored between 130 and 170, in 1-point increments. Both sections contribute equally to the total GRE score. The Analytical Writing section is scored from 0 to 6, in half-point increments.

By knowing their unofficial Quant and Verbal scores, test-takers can estimate their overall GRE score and decide early whether they should retake the exam.

Cost of GRE Unofficial Score Report

On test day, GRE test-takers receive their unofficial score report for free. They can also choose up to 4 universities to receive their official GRE scores automatically once they’re available, and this service is free on test day.

If they want to send scores to more universities after test day, they’ll need to pay a fee (₹2,900) for each additional score report.

Check: GRE Test Fees

Difference Between Unofficial and Official GRE Scores

The unofficial GRE score report is a great way for test-takers to see their results right after finishing the exam. However, many wonder if the unofficial and official scores are exactly the same.

The answer is: they’re almost the same, but there’s a small difference. The official GRE score includes results from all 3 sections, including the Analytical Writing section. The unofficial score, shown on test day, only includes the Quantitative and Verbal sections—based on the answers you marked during the test.

So, the main difference between the two reports comes from the Analytical Writing score.

Why is the Analytical Writing Assessment Score Not Given in the Unofficial GRE Score Report?

The Analytical Writing section of the GRE is a descriptive task, which means your essays need to be checked and scored manually. This process takes time and careful evaluation, so the score for this section isn’t available immediately after the test.

Check: GRE Analyze an Issue

In contrast, the Quantitative and Verbal sections are multiple-choice, and their correct answers are already stored in the system. As soon as you finish the test, the computer can quickly calculate your scores for these sections based on your answers.

So, while the unofficial GRE score report doesn’t include the Analytical Writing score and is therefore incomplete, it’s still very useful for test-takers to get an early idea of their performance.

GRE Unofficial Score: Recommended or Not?

There’s no doubt that the unofficial GRE score is a very useful feature, and all test-takers should take advantage of it. Waiting for the official score report can feel stressful, especially when university application deadlines are approaching. In such cases, the unofficial score report can be a real lifesaver.

Must Read: US University Application Deadline 2026 for International Applicants

With the unofficial GRE scorecard, candidates can see their Quantitative and Verbal scores right after the test. If the scores aren’t high enough, they can decide early to retake the exam before deadlines and focus their preparation more effectively.

That’s why it’s always recommended to view your unofficial GRE scores on test day, and since it’s completely free, there’s no reason to skip it.

Check: How to Register for GRE?

GRE scores are an important requirement for getting into graduate programs around the world. The unofficial scores you see on test day help you estimate your overall performance before the official results are released. No matter how prepared you are, it’s a good idea to check your unofficial GRE scores. This helps you quickly understand whether you’re eligible for your desired university or if you need to retake the test for a better score.