You’ve finished your GRE, clicked “Submit,” and now the waiting begins. But how long does it actually take to get your GRE test results — and when can you send them to schools? Let’s break it down.

Immediate Scores vs. Official Scores

When you finish the GRE, you’ll see your unofficial scores for the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections right on your screen. That gives you a quick snapshot of how you did — and whether you’re close to your target range.

However, your official GRE score report takes a bit longer to arrive. ETS, the test administrator, typically releases official scores within 10 to 15 days after your test date.

This official report includes:

• Your Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical Writing scores
• Percentile rankings
• The list of schools you chose to send scores to
  
  

When Schools Receive Your Scores

If you selected institutions before taking the test, those schools usually receive your scores around the same time they’re released — roughly two weeks after your test date.

If you decide to send your scores later, it can take an additional few days for ETS to process and deliver them.

In short: You can expect schools to have your GRE results within 2–3 weeks after you take the test.

And one more important note: There are several well-known, top MBA programs — such as the University of Chicago Booth School of Business — that have historically allowed applicants to submit their official GRE (or GMAT) score after submitting their application, under certain conditions. This flexibility can be helpful if your test date is close to the application deadline.

What If You Took the GRE at Home?

If you opted for the GRE General Test at Home, the timeline is almost identical. Your official scores will still be available in your ETS account within 10–15 days, and you’ll receive an email notification when they’re ready.

How Long GRE Scores Stay Valid

Once your scores are out, you can use them for up to five years from your test date. That gives you plenty of time to apply to multiple programs or plan future admissions cycles without retaking the test right away.

Final Takeaway

You’ll see your unofficial GRE scores immediately, but official results take about two weeks to arrive. From there, they’re valid for five years — giving you flexibility in when and where you apply.

And if you want to make sure those scores impress admissions committees, The Brujo Method’s GRE prep courses can help you strengthen your quantitative, verbal, and analytical writing skills — so your results don’t just arrive quickly, they arrive strong.