When ETS questions a GRE score, the matter goes through a structured, two-stage review run by its Office of Testing Integrity. The process ends with options: canceling the score in exchange for a future test or a refund, or, for test takers in the United States, arbitration. One feature of that last option shapes everything before it: under ETS’s published rules, an arbitrator reviews only the information that was before ETS’s Board of Review. The record built during the review is the record that matters.
A note on rules: ETS updates its GRE policies over time, and the rules that govern a particular matter are the ones in effect for that matter. This article describes ETS’s process as ETS has published it. ETS’s current policies and any notice received are the controlling sources.
How Does ETS Review a Questioned Score?
ETS describes a two-stage process. First, the Office of Testing Integrity conducts an initial review to determine whether there is substantial evidence that a score is invalid. If so, the matter goes to the Board of Review, a group of ETS staff, which considers a Score Review Summary along with any information the test taker submits. If the Board finds substantial evidence of invalidity, the test taker is notified and offered options.
ETS’s policies also address testing irregularities, such as problems with test administration. In those situations, ETS may decline to score the test or cancel the score, and it states that when appropriate it gives affected test takers the opportunity to retest without charge.
What Options Does ETS Offer?
According to ETS, the options can include authorizing ETS to cancel the score and take a future test without charge, authorizing cancellation and receiving a refund, or submitting the matter to arbitration under ETS’s standard arbitration agreement. ETS states that arbitration is available only to test takers who tested in the United States.
ETS describes arbitration as an independent review of its decision that there is substantial evidence supporting cancellation, and states that the arbitrator reviews only the information submitted to the Board of Review when it decided to cancel. When ETS cancels a score that has already been reported, it notifies score recipients and may explain why.
What About the Analytical Writing Section?
ETS’s policies state that ETS may conclude, in its professional judgment, that an essay response does not reflect the independent writing skills the test seeks to measure, and in that case it cancels the Analytical Writing score. With AI tools now widely available, this provision is especially relevant to how essay responses are evaluated.
Common Misconceptions
“Arbitration is a fresh start.” ETS states that the arbitrator reviews only the information that was before the Board of Review.
“Every test taker can arbitrate.” ETS states that arbitration is available only to test takers who tested in the United States.
“Schools never find out.” ETS states that when it cancels an already-reported score, it notifies score recipients.
“Only cheating triggers a review.” ETS’s policies also address testing irregularities and the independence of essay responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who reviews questioned GRE scores?
The ETS Office of Testing Integrity conducts an initial review, and the Board of Review considers the matter if there is substantial evidence of invalidity.
What options does ETS offer?
Options can include cancellation with a future test, cancellation with a refund, or arbitration for test takers who tested in the United States.
What does the arbitrator review?
According to ETS, only the information submitted to the Board of Review when it decided to cancel the score.
Can ETS cancel my Analytical Writing score?
Yes. ETS may cancel it if it concludes an essay does not reflect the test taker’s independent writing skills.
Representation in GRE and ETS Matters
Every matter turns on its specific facts and on the rules in effect at the time, and ETS policies can change. Attorney Richard Asselta is a student defense attorney who represents test takers in standardized testing disputes nationwide, including testing arbitrations. Call 855-338-5299.