How GRE test scores are recorded?

Exam: GRE Test - Graduate Record Examination Test: Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical Writing

Graduate Record examination (GRE) is a standardized test that is accepted by most of the reputed business schools and institutions operating in United States of America. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) has been revised in the recent past for inculcating better policies and techniques in order to provide a better test taking experience for the entrants. The changes in the structural format of GRE took place on August 1^st 2011. The examination is opted by those students or graduates who wish to pursue higher education such as Masters in Business Administration (MBA) or in other fields. It covers a broad category of skills that are deemed necessary for an individual if he or she is determined to pursue higher studies. The test covers three major categories namely: -

Verbal Reasoning
Quantitative reasoning
Analytical Writing

Each category is divided into further sections and there are six sections in total. The examination also includes an Unscored or Research Section, which are not marked, and therefore has no bearing on the total score of an applicant. The Analytical Writing is always the first section to appear and it is be followed by other sections in any random sequence. Such a structure ensures that applicant cannot identify the Unscored or Research Section and thus have to give their best in all. Results of the applicants are reported to the preferred business schools and institutions in order to identify whether they have made the minimum cut or not.

GRE Test Scores Recording

The change in the structure of GRE has also resulted in a change in the scoring method used. Scores obtained are valid for a period of five years from the year in which the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is taken. This means that the scores obtained prior to August 1^st 2011 would still be valid in the years to be followed. The score scale used prior to August 1^st 2011 is as follows: -

Verbal Reasoning was marked in accordance to the score scale of 200 to 800.
Quantitative Reasoning was also scored between the ranges 200 to 800.
Both the above-mentioned categories witnessed 10-point increments in the range.
Analytical Writing was scored in the range of 0 to 6 and it witnessed an increment of half a point.

The scores recorded after August 1^st 2011 has a completely different method. There is not only a change in the scale of scoring but also how they are reported to the business schools and institutions. The scoring method after August 1^st 2011 is as follows: -

The score range for Verbal Reasoning has changed from 200 - 800 to 130 – 170.
Score range for Quantitative Reasoning is also laid down on a similar pattern. The scale range has changed to 130 – 170.
Analytical Writing has the same scale range from 0 – 6.
Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning both witness 1-point increment each whereas Analytical Writing witnesses an increment of half a point.

GRE Score Reporting

The reporting of GRE scores is done in a very personalized manner. Only the applicant and other designated recipients mentioned by the applicant can view the scores. The time period of obtaining the scores differ in Computer Delivered Test and Paper Delivered Test.

Computer Delivered Test
One could view the unofficial GRE score for Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning at the test center only. Though it would not be of accurate measure, as the scores for Analytical Writing are not displayed due to its complex essay scoring method. It takes a time period of ten to fifteen days for the official scores and once obtained they could be viewed in the “My GRE Account”. The scores are also forwarded to the designated recipients.
Paper Delivered Test
The time involved in the scoring process of a Paper Delivered Test is slightly more than that of a Computer Delivered Test. In approximately six weeks the scores are forwarded to the “My GRE Account” of the individual. The scores are also mailed physically to the test taker, which takes a little more time. The same scores are also forwarded to designated recipients. In the case of Paper Delivered Test the test taker can choose the designated recipients at the time of the registration.

Forwarding Score

The test fee allows a test taker to forward the obtained score to four graduate business schools and institutions. In case of a Computer Delivered Test the following recipients could be mentioned at the test center only but in the case of Paper Delivered Test the name of the recipients are mentioned while registering for the GRE.

Score Select Option

Score Select Option provides for high level of customization in the case of forwarding scores to different business schools and institutions. One could choose from whether to send the most recent scores obtained or from any one specific test given in the past five years. The Score Select Option allows the test taker to forward any or all scores obtained in the past five years.

The revised GRE not only has made the method of recording and reporting scores more transparent but also much more personalized. The recording criteria has been improved by bringing a change in the range and increment methodology whereas reporting of the scores has been taken to another level with the help of Score Select Option. With continuous regulation and transparent method of recording the scores, the test takers do not have to worry and they could gain whatever information they need about the scores. The main aim of revising the GRE was to accomplish high standards of scoring and providing a better experience for the test takers, which the Educational Testing Service has managed to provide flawlessly.

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