How to Send GRE Scores to Universities in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide (ETS ScoreSelect, Fees, Deadlines & Tips)

How to Send GRE

Sending your GRE scores is one of the most important “last-mile” steps in your study abroad journey. In 2026, ETS makes score sending flexible through ScoreSelect®, meaning you can choose which attempt(s) to send—Most Recent, All, or Any (depending on when you send). But many students still lose time (and money) because of simple mistakes like choosing the wrong institution code, waiting too late near deadlines, or not using the four free score reports on test day.

This complete 2026 guide shows how to send GRE scores to universities the right way—on test day and after test day—plus fees, processing times, and pro tips to avoid delays.

The Fast Summary (What You Must Know in 2026)

• On test day: You can designate up to four graduate institutions/fellowship sponsors to receive your scores as part of your test fee.

• These are your four FREE score reports, and ScoreSelect lets you choose what to send for each free report.

• After test day: You can send Additional Score Reports (ASRs) for a fee through your ETS account.

• ETS notes ASR requests take about 5 business days to process.

• Your score report is typically available 8–10 days after test day, and ETS says electronic scores are delivered to schools twice a week (timing depends on the delivery method a school uses).

• GRE scores remain reportable for 5 years from your test date.

Why “Sending GRE Scores” Matters More in 2026

Admissions is deadline-driven. Even if you’ve done everything else, not sending official scores correctly can delay application review.

In 2026, the key challenge isn’t just sending scores—it’s sending the right attempt to the right institution at the right time, while using ScoreSelect smartly.

ETS also recommends confirming whether a program requires all attempts or allows ScoreSelect selection (some programs request all test administrations).

How to Send GRE Scores to Universities (2026 Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Decide when you want to send scores

You have two main options:

Option A: Send on test day (Free—best for most students)

ETS states that on test day you can designate up to four approved recipients as part of your test fee.

Option B: Send after test day (Paid—ASR)

ETS allows you to order Additional Score Reports through your ETS account after test day for a fee.

Sending GRE Scores on Test Day (4 Free Score Reports)

What happens on test day?

After finishing the GRE at a test center, you can choose whether to send scores. If you decide to send, ETS explains you can select score-reporting options for each of your four FREE score reports.

ScoreSelect choices on test day

ETS lists the on-test-day ScoreSelect options as:

• Most Recent — send scores from your current test administration

• All — send scores from all GRE General Test administrations in the last 5 years

✅ Best strategy for most students: Choose Most Recent unless your program explicitly demands All attempts.

How to choose universities correctly on test day

ETS provides an official searchable list of approved score recipients (institutions and fellowship sponsors). Key notes from ETS:

• Only send scores to fellowship sponsors if you’ve applied or they asked you to.

• Some listings may not be for graduate programs—ETS m

• arks these and advises not to use them as score recipients.

Sending GRE Scores After Test Day (Additional Score Reports / ASR)

If you didn’t use all four free reports, or you’re applying to more universities later, you’ll use ASRs.

Step-by-step: How ASRs work (2026)

1. Sign in to your ETS account

2. Go to the GRE score sending area and choose Additional Score Reports

3. Select your university/fellowship sponsor from the approved recipients list

4. Choose your ScoreSelect option

5. Pay the fee and submit the order

ETS says once you submit an ASR request, it can’t be canceled, changed, or refunded. 

ScoreSelect options after test day

After test day, ETS lists ScoreSelect choices as:

• Most Recent — your most recent test administration

• All — all tests in the last 5 years

• Any — choose one or multiple specific test administrations from the last 5 years

This “Any” option is powerful if you took GRE multiple times and want to send your best attempt to one university and a different attempt to another.

GRE Score Sending Fees in 2026 (Important)

ETS shows different pricing by region/currency on its local pages.

India fees (commonly used by Indian test takers)

ETS India lists Additional score report: ₹2,900.

ETS “Send Scores” page (USD reference)

ETS’s send-scores page shows ASR fee as US$35 per score recipient and notes you can order anytime during the 5-year validity period.

✅ Practical tip: Always rely on the fee shown in your ETS checkout at the time you order, because prices and taxes can vary by location and time.

Processing Time and Delivery Timeline (Don’t Miss Deadlines)

When will you get your GRE score report?

ETS says you receive your score report 8–10 days after your test date.

How fast do universities receive scores?

ETS notes schools may receive scores faster depending on their delivery method and that electronic scores are delivered twice a week.

How long does ETS take to process ASR orders?

ETS states it takes about 5 business days to process requests to send scores to designated institutions.

✅ Deadline-safe planning rule for 2026:If your university deadline is close, aim to complete score sending at least 2–3 weeks before the deadline to account for score availability, ETS processing, delivery batches, and university processing.

Score Validity in 2026: How Long Can You Send GRE Scores?

ETS states GRE scores are reportable for 5 years following your test date.

This matters because:

• If you took the GRE earlier, you may still be able to send those scores in 2026

• If your 5-year reporting window is about to end, submit ASRs early—ETS warns that if the “reportable through” date is approaching, scores may not be sent if you don’t allow enough time.

Common Mistakes Students Make (And How to Avoid Them)

1) Sending to the wrong institution code

Always pick your university from the ETS approved recipients list (not random codes from the internet).

2) Not checking “All attempts required” policy

Some programs require all administrations. ETS explicitly recommends verifying score reporting requirements with your programs.

3) Waiting until the last week

Remember: score report availability (8–10 days) + ASR processing (5 business days) + delivery batches + university intake processing.

4) Forgetting you already have 4 free reports

Students often pay extra unnecessarily. Use your four free reports wisely on test day when possible.

Pro Tips to Send GRE Scores Smoothly in 2026

• Make a university shortlist before test day (at least 4) so you can use the free reports immediately.

• If unsure about your performance, you can choose not to send scores on test day and decide later. (ETS outlines that on test day you can choose not to send.)

• Use ScoreSelect “Any” after test day if you have multiple GRE attempts and want to tailor which attempt each university sees.

• If your name/address changed since testing, ETS says you must contact GRE Services—these changes can’t be processed through the ASR service.

FAQ: How to Send GRE Scores to Universities (2026)

1) How to send GRE scores to universities for free in 2026?

You can send GRE scores to up to four graduate institutions or fellowship sponsors on test day as part of your test fee. ETS confirms you can select ScoreSelect options for each of your four FREE score reports.

2) Can I send GRE scores after test day?

Yes. ETS allows you to order Additional Score Reports (ASRs) after test day through your ETS account for a fee, and you can use ScoreSelect to send Most Recent, All, or Any test administrations.

3) How long does ETS take to send GRE scores to universities?

ETS says ASR requests take about 5 business days to process, and electronic scores are delivered to schools twice a week (timing depends on school delivery settings).

4) What is the GRE additional score report fee in India (2026)?

ETS India lists ₹2,900 per additional score report.

5) For how many years can I send my GRE scores?

ETS states GRE scores are reportable for 5 years from your test date.

CTA: Send Your GRE Scores Now (Official Links)

Use these official ETS pages to complete score sending safely:

• ETS: Sending GRE General Test Scores (ScoreSelect + ASR details) 

• ETS: Approved Score Recipients (Find institution codes) 

• ETS: GRE Fees (India) including additional score report fees 

• ETS: Schedule page (score reporting timeline + electronic delivery frequency) 

If you tell me your target intake (Fall 2026 / Spring 2027) and your list of universities, I’ll create a deadline-safe score sending plan (when to test, when to send, and how to use ScoreSelect for each university).