gre scores- the time factor

**ari** · 06-12-2003, 01:09 AM

hi all,

i have read that most universities accept gre scores from the tests taken in the last 3-5 years, but are the scores as good for the next 3-5 yrs? i mean, would my gre scores be undermined if i apply in fall 2005 instead of 2004?

i would really appreciate thy views on the matter.

ari

**nu_nam2001** · 06-12-2003, 01:04 PM

ari;
Normally, GRE score has valided for 5 years. Therefore, I think it is okay if you want to use it in 2005. (I mean if you took the test after 2000.) So, do not worry about that.

**Sri** · 06-12-2003, 02:18 PM

What do u mean by undermined, Ari?? GRE scores are always considered on the percentile basis. These percentile numbers may (or even maynot) change next year. So except that there shouldn't be any other impact as far as I know.

Did I answer thy question??? If not feel free to ask....

Sri.

**raghuveer_v** · 06-12-2003, 05:26 PM

Yes, I agree with Sri that there would be a change with time in the percentiles.

I would like to add one more view of mine. The reason behind prescribing a validity period for the scores might be this...

As far as my knowledge goes, ETS constantly looks to modify the standardized tests to provide the best index of students' aptitude. They take feedback from various sources, especially the schools and try to evolve the test into a form that better brings out the characteristics that most schools look for in applicants.

So, It would not be correct to compare scores when the underlying test structure itself has changed. That's why the scores need to be considered invalid after a few years. If the candidate has the worth, he would be able to achieve a similar score in the new form of the test.

**praneet** · 06-12-2003, 05:59 PM

hello,
i have heard that gre scores would be valid for 2 years only from now on.
i dont know if this information is correct; i heard it from my seniors. is it true???

**Erin** · 06-12-2003, 06:05 PM

There are some schools that prefer more recent scores to older scores, perhaps because they think the applicant's abilities may have changed, so you should check with each program that you're going to apply to.

However, I don't think that scores that are two years old should cause any problem.