Understanding GRE Score: Score Range, Good & Average Scores, Percentiles

GRE score serves as a key metric to measure the quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills of graduate applicants. The GRE score range for quantitative and verbal sections is 130–170, in one-point increments. For Analytical writing, the score ranges from 0–6, in half-point increments. Grad schools use GRE scores as an indicator of the candidate’s readiness for the rigorous graduate programs.  While what constitutes a 'good' GRE score is subjective and varies by program and institution, understanding the benchmarks is essential. Generally, a 75th percentile or above, with 157+ in Verbal Reasoning and 165+ in Quantitative Reasoning, is considered a good GRE score. For highly competitive programs, a 90th percentile score or higher, with 162+ in Verbal and 169+ in Quant, is required to secure admission.

As per ETS, the conducting body of GRE, the average GRE scores are 151.29 for Verbal, 156.93 for Quantitative, and 3.49 for Analytical Writing. It is crucial for candidates to understand how GRE scores work, identify the GRE score requirements for their preferred program, and set clear goals to achieve their target score.

What you need to know about GRE Scores?

Before we get started, here are some key insights about GRE scores that you should know:

• GRE scores are awarded for all three sections of the exam separately. An overall score is awarded by combining the quantitative and verbal section scores.
• The Overall GRE score ranges from 260–340.
• For the Verbal and Quantitative sections, the score ranges from 130–170 in one-point increments.
• For the Analytical writing section, the score ranges from 0–6 in half-point increments.
• Each GRE score is accompanied by a GRE percentile score which indicates the level of your performance compared to other test takers. 
• A report from ETS, which analyzed the performance of a million test takers between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2023, revealed that the mean GRE scores among recent test takers are: 155 in Quantitative, 151 in Verbal, and 3.5 in Writing. 
• A good GRE score is generally considered 159+ for quantitative, 158+ for verbal, 4.5+ for Analytical writing, and an overall score of 318+ that falls into the 75th percentile or higher. 
• Some schools follow the “superscore” approach, where they consider your highest section score across multiple attempts.

GRE Scoring System Explained

All three GRE sections are scored separately. The quantitative and verbal section scores are taken into account to calculate the overall score. The Analytical Writing (Essay) section score does not contribute to the overall score. All GRE scores are assigned a percentile score. The percentile scores are used to measure the performance of a candidate against other test takers.

In the Quantitative and Verbal sections, the scores are determined based on the number of questions answered correctly and the difficulty level of those questions. While the Essay (Analytical Writing) score is determined by your ability to present an argument and the quality of your writing. In case none of the questions in a section are answered, a No Score (NS) is reported for that section.

As the GRE follows an adaptive-testing format, the difficulty level of the second quant or verbal section depends on your performance in the first section. The difficulty level of the second section can range anywhere from lower to higher and it will play a significant part in determining your final score.

GRE Score Range Explained

GRE score is awarded to all three sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing (essay). Refer to the table below for the GRE score range of all three sections:

GRE Section	GRE Score
Verbal Reasoning	130–170, in one-point increments
Quantitative Reasoning	130–170, in one-point increments
Analytical Writing	0–6, in half-point increments

It is to be noted that getting a good GRE score is subjective and it depends on the program and institution. Let’s take a look at GRE scores ranging from the best to below average in the following section.

Best GRE Score

This set of GRE scores will place you in the top 10% of all GRE test takers, giving you the best chance to secure admission at top universities in the US, UK, and Canada.

• GRE Verbal Score: 163-170
• GRE Quantitative Score:  165-170
• GRE Writing Score: 5.0-6.0

Competitive GRE Score

These GRE scores will place you in the top 25% of all GRE test takers, providing you with a competitive edge to get into the most sought-after programs of top abroad universities.

• GRE Verbal Score: 158-170
• GRE Quantitative Score:  159-170
• GRE Writing Score: 4.5

Good GRE Score

This set of GRE scores will place you in the top 50% of all GRE test takers but won’t give you the competitive edge you need for reputed schools.

• GRE Verbal Score: 152-158
• GRE Quantitative Score:  153-158
• GRE Writing Score: 4.0

Below Average GRE Score

These GRE scores will place you at the bottom of the testing population and will make it difficult to secure admission to a wide range of graduate programs. 

• GRE Verbal Score: 151 or below
• GRE Quantitative Score:  152 or below
• GRE Writing Score: 3.5 or below

GRE Score Percentiles

A GRE score has two components: a scaled score ranging from 130-170 and a percentile rank ranging from 1 to 100. GRE score percentiles play a vital role in score interpretation, helping test takers compare their performance against other candidates. A GRE percentile indicates the percentage of test-takers who scored lower than a specific score. This provides context to raw scores across all sections, making it easier for B-schools to assess candidates.

GRE Verbal & Quantitative Scaled Scores and Percentiles

As mentioned earlier, the Verbal and Quantitative sections in the GRE are scored on a scale of 130 to 170. According to an ETS report, the scaled scores and percentiles based on the performance of test takers between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2023 are as follows:

Scaled Score	Verbal Reasoning Percentile	Quantitative Reasoning Percentile
170	99%	94%
169	99%	91%
168	98%	87%
167	97%	83%
166	96%	80%
165	95%	76%
164	94%	73%
163	92%	70%
162	89%	68%
161	87%	65%
160	84%	61%
159	81%	58%
158	77%	55%
157	73%	52%
156	70%	49%
155	65%	46%
154	60%	42%
153	56%	39%
152	50%	36%
151	46%	33%
150	41%	30%
149	36%	27%
148	32%	24%
147	29%	21%
146	25%	18%
145	22%	15%
144	19%	13%
143	17%	11%
142	15%	9%
141	12%	7%
140	10%	6%
139	9%	5%
138	7%	4%
137	6%	3%
136	5%	2%
135	4%	1%
134	3%	1%
133	2%	1%
132	2%
131	1%

GRE Analytical Writing Score Levels and Percentiles

An ETS report reveals the Writing percentiles for every score level based on the performance of test takers between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2023.

GRE Writing Score	GRE Writing Percentile
6.0	99%
5.5	98%
5.0	91%
4.5	81%
4.0	56%
3.5	38%
3.0	15%
2.5	7%
2.0	2%
1.5	1%
1.0	1%
0.5	1%
0.0	1%

How Admission Committees Use GRE Scores?

Admission committees use GRE scores as one of the measuring metrics to analyse the readiness of candidates for graduate and professional programs. Admission officers consider the overall score and section-wise scores to determine the candidate’s eligibility for the program. For instance, some math-heavy programs like engineering require the candidates to perform exceptionally well in the quantitative reasoning section while some programs require higher scores in the verbal reasoning section. Hence, universities have different GRE cutoff scores depending on the program’s requirements. Top Universities like Harvard Business School, Stanford University, and the University of Cambridge demand a GRE score of 320+ from applicants.
 
Along with the GRE score, other factors like personal statements, transcripts, letters of recommendation, undergraduate GPA are also carefully considered to form a holistic view of the applicant. In extremely competitive programs, strong GRE scores can be the differentiating factor between similarly qualified applicants.

Strategies to Improve Your GRE Score

If you want to improve your GRE score, you need focused practice, effective study habits, test-taking strategies, and more. Here are key strategies to boost your performance and improve your GRE score:

• Understand the Test Format: Gain a thorough understanding of the GRE structure and the requirements of each section. Familiarize yourself with all the question types.
• Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas by taking practice tests. Dedicate more time and practice to maximize improvement in those areas. 
• Use Quality Prep Materials: Make use of GRE prep books, online courses, and practice tests from trusted and reputed sources.
• Practice with Time limit: Take full-length timed practice tests to improve your pacing and endurance.
• Review Performance: After every practice test, take the time to review your performance and analyze your mistakes. Take the necessary measures to correct the mistakes.
• Follow a Consistent Study Schedule: Develop an effective study schedule and stick to it. Make place for periodic reviews and rest in your study plan.

FAQ

1. What is the GRE score validity?

A GRE score is valid for five years from the date of the examination. 

2. What is a good GRE score?

A good GRE score is an overall score of 315 to 320+ with 156+ for verbal, 158+ for quantitative, and 4.5+ for writing section.

3. What is the highest GRE score?

The highest GRE score is an overall score of 340 with 170 scores on both verbal and quantitative sections.