Did I make a fatal mistake?

[highbounce]

I made request to send score report to Princeton after I took the PGRE but before I took the general test. It turns out Princeton is the only school that I forgot to reorder my score report after I took the general test. So now Princeton only has my PGRE score but not my general score (even though I am applying to the EE department which doesn't even require the PGRE). I just requested ETS to send my general score to Princeton a moment ago and It will probably take at least a week before they get it. The deadline was Dec 31. I didn't think I have a good chance to getting in to beging with. Now with this mistake, it's probably slim to none.

[kroner]

I would be a little surprised if they care that much. You tell them your scores in the application, so they don't need the report from the ETS in order to make a decision. The score report just let's them check to make sure you're telling the truth, but it's not like anyone ever lies since it's going to be checked at some point anyway so they have no reason to doubt your self-reported scores. If they think you're someone they want at their school they aren't going to let the fact that your score reports were late get in the way of admitting you. The only negative I can think of is that they decide that ordering score reports late reflects poorly on your character, but that seems kinda silly.

[pqortic]

First, ask your questions in the proper subforums.

second, it's less likely that they start reviewing applications before January 10th or 15th which is the beginning of the classes in spring semester. I think you will be safe.

[highbounce]

I would be a little surprised if they care that much. You tell them your scores in the application, so they don't need the report from the ETS in order to make a decision. The score report just let's them check to make sure you're telling the truth, but it's not like anyone ever lies since it's going to be checked at some point anyway so they have no reason to doubt your self-reported scores. If they think you're someone they want at their school they aren't going to let the fact that your score reports were late get in the way of admitting you. The only negative I can think of is that they decide that ordering score reports late reflects poorly on your character, but that seems kinda silly.

The thing is that Princeton doesn't ask your GRE scores on its online application. The only way for them to know your scores is by reading the official score report.

[mobytish]

Princeton's website makes mention of the ability to upload a copy of your GRE score report (unofficial of course). I'm not sure if you can do that on an already completed and submitted application, though.

[twistor]

Admissions committees do not usually meet immediately after applications are due. If schools see the only thing missing is your scores they will typically wait until they receive them up until the committee starts evaluating applicants. A week or two should not be a problem if they are only waiting on scores.

[highbounce]

I called Princeton about this problem. It turns out the EE department has already started reviewing applications. The admission coordinator told me that missing GRE scores may or may not affect my application. I don't know what that means. Do they automatically throw out my application if they see there aree GRE scores missing or do they wait and look at it again when it is complete. It sure doesn't sound good since I was told that it will probably take another a week before my application is updated with my GRE scores.

[grae313]

Why don't you tell the secretary your scores and have her make a note of them on your file for the committees preliminary reviews, and let them know that the scores should be arriving promptly?

There aren't mysteries here, just talk to people and give them the information they need to make informed decisions.