Introduction

When preparing to submit your Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores to universities, you might wonder if it is necessary to mention the department code. This article explores the importance of including a department code during the GRE score submission process and what to do if you forget to provide it on the test day. Whether you need to mention the department code or not can make a significant difference in how your scores are routed and received by your intended institutions.

The Importance of Mentioning the Department Code

1. Ensuring Direct Delivery

The most crucial reason for mentioning the department code is to ensure that your scores are directly forwarded to the appropriate department or program you are applying to. Skipping this step can result in delays or misrouting of your scores, which might affect the timely evaluation of your application. Direct delivery minimizes the chances of your scores being lost or delayed, ensuring that your application is assessed promptly and accurately.

Scenario 1: Direct Delivery vs. Delayed Routing

Imagine you have applied to a PhD program in Psychology and have submitted your GRE scores. If the department code for the Psychology department is mentioned, your scores will be immediately forwarded to the appropriate program for assessment. In contrast, if no department code is provided, your scores might be handled in a less prioritized manner and could take longer to reach the correct department, potentially causing unnecessary delays in the admissions process.

What If You Forget to Mention the Department Code?

2. No Immediate Harm

While mentioning the department code is highly recommended, it is not strictly necessary to include it during the initial GRE score submission process. In situations where you forget to mention the department code, your scores will still be sent to the institution but may not be routed directly to the specific department or program. This oversight might lead to a delay in the processing of your application, but it is not likely to cause significant harm.

3. Steps to Take

Contact the Admissions Office: If you are worried about the potential delay or misrouting of your scores, consider contacting the admissions office of the institutions to which you are applying. They can help confirm whether your scores will be appropriately directed or if they need to be rerouted to the correct department. Reroute Your Scores: You can also send your scores again through the ETS (Educational Testing Service) website. If you need to include the correct department code, you can do so by logging in to your ETS account and resubmitting your scores with the necessary information.

Conclusion

In summary, while the inclusion of the department code is not strictly mandatory during the GRE score submission process, it is highly recommended to ensure the efficient and accurate routing of your scores. If you forget to provide the department code, there are steps you can take to ensure your scores are properly directed to the correct department. Proactive communication with the admissions office and the ETS can help prevent any delays or misrouting of your scores, ultimately ensuring your application is processed in a timely and effective manner.