Why Does ETS Cancel GRE Scores?

You’ve spent months studying, paid a hefty test fee, and anxiously awaited your GRE results, only to receive a notification that your scores have been cancelled. The recent news of widespread GRE score cancellations has sent shockwaves through the academic community. Countless test-takers are left wondering if their hard work was all for nothing.

But why exactly are GRE scores getting cancelled in increasing numbers? In this blog, we delve into why this is happening, what it means for your graduate school aspirations, and discuss how you can overcome this uncertain situation.

Why is ETS Cancelling GRE Scores?

Since its inception, the GRE has always had the potential for score cancellation by ETS. This has occurred for various reasons related to test administration or security. However, cancellations were infrequent until the advent of the online GRE.

The online GRE, taken at home or outside test centres, introduced two key issues:

1. Failure to follow procedures

2. Cheating

These issues have increased the frequency of GRE score cancellations. ETS prioritises the GRE’s integrity and takes a cautious approach to cheating. Any evidence of cheating can result in the swift cancellation of scores, even without ironclad proof.

Reasons for GRE Score Cancellation

There are two primary reasons for ETS to cancel GRE scores:

Procedural issues:

1. Testing irregularities: Testing irregularities refer to problems that occur during the administration of a test. These issues can arise from various sources, including test-taker actions, GRE test centre personnel actions, actions taken by ETS, or even natural or man-made causes. Testing irregularities can impact test takers or entire groups, and they encompass a wide range of situations.

These situations may include administrative errors like incorrect timing, improper seating arrangements, defective materials (e.g., incorrect test forms), and faulty equipment. Additionally, testing irregularities can involve unauthorised access to test content or other disruptions during the test administration, such as natural disasters or emergencies. In response to testing irregularities, ETS reserves the right to either cancel the scoring of the test or invalidate the scores. When appropriate, affected test takers are offered the opportunity to retake the test free of charge as soon as possible.

2. Identification discrepancies: If ETS at-home proctors or test centre administrators determine that a test taker’s identification is invalid—whether due to a mismatch with the provided information, an inability to validate photos or biometrics, or evidence of absence on test day—the test taker may be removed from the session.

Furthermore, even after a test has been scored, ETS reserves the right to withhold or cancel scores if identification irregularities are discovered. In such cases, the test taker may be prohibited from taking future ETS exams, and score recipients will be notified of the cancellation.

3. Misconduct: If ETS at-home proctors or test centre administrators determine that a test has been compromised by misconduct, ETS may take action. Misconduct includes a range of behaviours, including, but not limited to, violating Test Centre Procedures and Regulations.

The consequences of misconduct can be severe. ETS has the authority to refuse to score the test, cancel the test score, or even ban the test taker from future ETS exams. If a test score is cancelled due to misconduct, the test taker loses their GRE test fees and must pay again to retake the entire GRE test. Furthermore, future score reports sent to academic institutions or fellowship sponsors will not disclose any information about the score cancellation or the reasons behind it.

Cheating-related issues:

1. Plagiarism: ETS employs sophisticated essay-similarity-detection software and experienced essay raters to thoroughly assess essay responses within the Analytical Writing section of the GRE. This rigorous evaluation process aims to uphold the integrity and fairness of the test by identifying instances of plagiarism or unauthorised collaboration.

In cases where an essay response demonstrates an unusually high degree of similarity to other GRE essays, incorporates unattributed quotations or paraphrasing from published or unpublished sources (including online content), uses collaborative work without proper acknowledgement, or appears to be wholly or partially plagiarised or prepared by someone else, ETS reserves the right to cancel the test taker’s score.

This decisive action is taken when the ETS determines that the essay does not accurately reflect the independent writing skills the test is designed to measure. As Analytical Writing scores are integral to the overall GRE General Test results, the cancellation of these scores also necessitates the cancellation of the entire test results.

2. Invalid score: Test scores may be considered invalid if there is substantial evidence to suggest they do not accurately reflect the test taker’s abilities. “Substantial evidence” is defined as evidence that would be sufficient to convince a reasonable person, though it does not meet the higher standards of proof required in legal settings. Examples of evidence that could invalidate scores include discrepancies in handwriting, unusual answer patterns, and inconsistent performance across different sections of the test.

If ETS suspects that GRE test scores are invalid, they will notify the test taker in writing and explain their concerns. The test taker is allowed to provide additional information or evidence to address these concerns. ETS will then review all available information and offer the test taker a choice of options, such as voluntarily cancelling the scores or retaking the test free of charge.

Note: Score cancellation and consequences can occur even after official scores are released or reported to schools.

What Happens If ETS Cancels Your GRE Score?

ETS may cancel your GRE test scores in two stages:

• Before official score release: If ETS identifies irregularities before your official score is released, your score will be withheld pending review. This review could result in your score being released, or if cheating is suspected, it could lead to a score cancellation. You will be notified of the decision and given a chance to appeal.

• After official score release: If ETS discovers issues after your score has been released and potentially sent to schools, your score will be removed from your report. You will be informed of the cancellation and offered an opportunity to appeal.

What to Do When Your GRE Score is Cancelled?

If your GRE score is cancelled, ETS will notify you via email, which will include the reason for the cancellation and the next steps. You should familiarise yourself with ETS’s score cancellation and test security policies beforehand to understand what occurred. If you believe there’s been an error, gather any relevant information or documents to support your case.

A cancelled score allows you to retake the GRE. You can use this opportunity to prepare thoroughly and avoid any previous issues. On your retake, strictly adhere to the test centre’s procedures, be respectful to staff, and follow all instructions diligently.

You should treat the cancellation as a learning experience. Reflect on the situation, learn from it, and take steps to prevent similar issues in the future. Honesty, integrity, and adherence to the rules are important to avoid further score cancellations by ETS.

A GRE score cancellation can be a setback, but it’s not insurmountable. Whether due to testing irregularities, identification problems, or other reasons, use this experience to grow. By understanding ETS policies, following the rules, and preparing diligently for your retake, you can achieve your target GRE score.

GRE Score Cancellation and Retake Policies

At the end of the GRE, you have the choice to cancel your score before it’s calculated. Cancelled scores can be reinstated within 60 days of the GRE test date for a $50 fee. If you choose to see your score, you’ll immediately receive an unofficial score for the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections of the computer-based test. The Analytical Writing score will not be included as it requires human grading.

The GRE can be retaken every 21 days, up to five times within a 12-month period for the computer-based test. For the paper-based test, it can be taken whenever it’s offered, with a maximum of three attempts per year where the computer-based test isn’t available.

Can I Retake the GRE If ETS Cancels My Score?

Yes, you can retake the GRE if ETS cancels your score. However, the circumstances surrounding the cancellation will determine the next steps. If your score was cancelled due to technical issues or procedural errors, ETS often provides a free retake voucher. This allows you to reschedule the gre exam without incurring additional fees.

On the other hand, if your GRE score was cancelled due to suspected misconduct or cheating, the consequences are more severe. ETS may impose a waiting period before allowing you to retake the GRE exam or even permanently ban you from testing. It’s crucial to understand the reason for the cancellation to determine your options and prepare accordingly for a potential retake.

How to Prevent Your GRE Score from Being Cancelled

There are several ways to prevent your GRE score from being cancelled, whether you take the test at a test centre or online. Taking the GRE at a test centre is the simplest way to avoid a score cancellation, as it eliminates many of the potential issues associated with online testing. However, if you choose to take the GRE online, following these guidelines will help ensure your score is not cancelled:

1. Avoid suspicious behaviour

Actions that might suggest external assistance can lead to score cancellation. To avoid this, refrain from mouthing words or talking to yourself during the GRE exam. Additionally, maintain a neutral posture by avoiding excessive leaning towards or away from the computer screen. 

Additionally, it’s also crucial to keep your eyes focused on the screen, minimising unnecessary eye movements or head turns.

2. Maintain consistent performance

Inconsistencies in test performance can raise red flags. While it’s impossible to achieve perfect consistency, strive to accurately answer easy and medium-difficulty questions. Errors on simpler questions may appear suspicious to ETS. Furthermore, significant score increases compared to previous attempts can be flagged, so be mindful of your performance improvement.

To maintain a balanced profile, ensure that your Analytical Writing score aligns with your Verbal score, especially if strong Verbal performance is your norm. If Analytical Writing is not required for your target programs, omitting the section might be preferable to submitting weak essays.

3. Use technology wisely

Improper technology use can also trigger score cancellations. To avoid this, refrain from using keyboard shortcuts like ctrl-c or ctrl-v during the exam. Additionally, avoid using Boot Camp on a Mac to access the online GRE, as this can be detected as an unauthorised program.

It’s important to maintain full-screen mode by avoiding the Windows key. Lastly, using borrowed laptops or shared Wi-Fi networks should be avoided. These devices or networks may have been used for multiple GRE attempts, raising suspicion of fraudulent activity.

From the Desk of Yocket

The cancellation of GRE scores is a complex issue with valid concerns on both sides. The integrity of the test is paramount for fair admissions decisions and maintaining the value of the GRE. If there’s credible evidence of cheating or misconduct, cancellation is a necessary step to uphold these principles. However, the lack of transparency and communication from ETS can be incredibly frustrating for test-takers who may have unknowingly violated rules or been victims of technical glitches.

It’s crucial for ETS to strike a balance between safeguarding the exam’s integrity and ensuring fairness for all test-takers. This could involve implementing clearer guidelines and procedures for score cancellations, providing more detailed explanations to affected students, and offering opportunities for appeal. Additionally, ETS could invest in more robust cheating prevention measures to minimise the need for cancellations in the first place. The goal should be to create a system that is both secure and equitable, ensuring that deserving students are not unfairly penalised. In parallel, incorporating GRE practice tests into their resources could help test-takers better prepare and reduce the likelihood of violations.