Can all schools see my GRE score on CASPA if not required?

[SF Bay area]

Do you think schools are able to view your GRE score through CASPA even if they don’t require you to take it? I have never taken the GRE and the main programs I want to apply to do not require it, but some programs that I plan to apply to as back-up do require the GRE. Im afraid if I dont do well on the GRE that Ive risked my top schools seeing my bad score.

[PaulK]

If you show your GRE scores to one school, you show them to all. Schools on the CASPA system all get the same digital packet of application information. This means that if your GRE score isn't needed by a school, that school will ignore it. But I understand your concern that they might pay it more attention than they let on. It's hard to say.

My suggestion is that you do the very best you can on the GRE (Duh, I know). The only alternative is to only apply to schools that do not require the GRE, and that seems like throwing the baby out with the bath water to me.

[SF Bay area]

Thank you!

[izumi.ru]

I was told that the earlier I send out my applications (around June/July), the better; however, I will be taking the GREs in mid-August. Is it possible for me to submit the CASPA applications to all the schools first, and then send the GRE scores after I take them? I guess my question is could I update the completed application afterwards or is the next alternative is to send GRE scores through ETS to individual schools? Thanks!

[PaulK]

Here's CASPA's official word on this topic:

: I haven't taken the GRE yet so I can't fill out the GRE section of my application. What do I do?

A: The GRE section of the application is optional and does not affect the status of your CASPA application. PLEASE NOTE: some PA programs REQUIRE applicants report their GRE scores in this section. Failure to do so can lead to an automatic rejection from these particular programs. Please check with your PA programs before deciding whether or not to list your scores here. These scores can not be added in or updated after you e-submit your application. Also note that all official GRE scores must be sent directly to the programs to which you apply that require them, regardless as to whether or not you have chosen to list them on your application.

[pvoss]

Interesting, as I had this question, where a program wanted me to have scores sent directly to CASPA, and I wasn't sure if the scores already showing would go out to everyone. The important part for me is that ordering another score report won't help, since I already e-submitted.

[PaulK]

OFFICIAL ANSWER:

I spoke with a PA school admissions committee, and they said that if they don't request GRE scores, they DO still receive them (it's part of the CASPA App file for each applicant and can't be removed for some and not all. So for the schools that don't require GRE scores, they are just ignored.