GRE Requirement

You may be required to submit valid General Test scores from Educational Testing Service (ETS) to be considered for admission, depending on the department. Refer to the GRE table on the Graduate School website to determine if the GRE General Test is required, optional/not required or not accepted, and if a subject test is required.

• Required: Applicants need to submit GRE scores as part of the application for the department or program to which they are applying.  Scores will be reviewed as part of the admission review process. Required GRE scores cannot be waived.
• Optional/Not Required: Applicants are not required to submit GRE scores as part of the application for the department or program to which they are applying.  If scores are submitted by an applicant, they may be reviewed as part of the admission review process.  Applicants who do not submit scores will not be put at a disadvantage.
• Not Accepted: Applicants do not need to submit GRE scores as part of the application for the department or program to which they are applying.  If scores are submitted by an applicant, they will not be reviewed as part of the admission review process. 

GRE Subject Test Score Requirement

To see if a department requires GRE subject test scores, please refer to the GRE table on the Graduate School website.

Finance Applicants

If you are applying to the Department of Finance you may submit GMAT scores in place of GRE scores. Refer to the Department of Finance Admission page for more information.

GRE Scores Waived

If the department to which you wish to apply requires GRE scores, they may not be waived.

How to Submit

Contact ETS to have your test score report sent directly to the Graduate School. The GRE Institution code for Princeton is 2672. We will not accept expired, self-reported, copies of, or partial test scores.

Department Codes

You may select a department when submitting your scores, but it is not required by Graduate Admission. All score reports are received by Graduate Admission regardless of which department code is selected. If you selected a department code when you had your GRE scores sent, you do not need to have the scores sent again. 

When to Take the GRE

You should take the GRE no later than three weeks before the application deadline.

When to Submit Your Application

You can submit your application prior to taking the GRE. Upon receipt, we will match your test scores to your application. You should not wait for GRE score results to submit your application. You should submit your application as soon as it is ready. If we receive your GRE scores before you submit your application, we will hold them on file. Once you submit your application, allow up to seven business days for the scores to match and your checklist to be updated with the test date.

If we have your application on file when your scores are received, we will match the scores to your application and update your checklist with the test date within seven business days.

Test scores received after the application deadline will be matched to your application, but faculty may have already begun review of your application. There is no guarantee that test scores received after the deadline will be seen by the committee. You are advised to have all scores sent by the deadline for the fullest consideration.

Number of Score Submissions

You may submit more than one GRE score. We will consider the highest score from each section, but the department can see all scores and components. We do not accept GRE scores that are missing a component.

GRE Score Submission for Those with a Master's Degree

Having one or more master’s degrees does not exempt you from the GRE requirement. If you wish to apply to a department that requires GRE scores, you must submit valid GRE scores.

Minimum Score

If a department/program requires the GRE, there is no minimum score requirement.

GRE Score Due Dates

Your GRE scores should be received by the department deadline. Please refer to the Deadlines and Fees page on the Graduate School website for more information.

Scores Received After Application Deadline

Scores received after the deadline will still be matched to your application; however, faculty may have already begun their review of your application without your test scores. There is no guarantee that test scores received after the deadline will be seen by the committee. You are advised to have all scores sent by the deadline for the fullest consideration.

Applicants that Have Been Out of School for Years

If you have been out of school for several years and wish to apply to a department that requires GRE test scores, you must take the GRE and submit your scores.

Submitting LSAT or MCAT Scores Instead of GRE Scores

If you wish to apply to a department that requires GRE scores, you cannot submit LSAT or MCAT scores.

GMAT Instead of GRE

Only the Bendheim Center for Finance Master program will accept GMAT scores.

Average GRE Score

The Graduate School does not report on average GRE scores; however, the department to which you wish to apply may provide average scores. Please check with the department by visiting the Fields of Study page on the Graduate School website. Click on the link to the department, and then on the link to the department’s website.

Self-reporting Scores on Application

You will not self-report your GRE test scores as part of your Graduate School application. The Graduate School only accepts official GRE score reports sent from ETS.