Many universities worldwide accept GRE Exam scores to offer admission to international students into graduate programs. A score of more than 300 is usually considered a good score. It helps you to get admission in your desired university. Creating a comprehensive study plan, utilizing quality resources, and managing your time effectively to maximize your chances of success.
GRE or Graduate Record Examination is one of the most popular standardised tests for getting admission to graduate programs worldwide. It is important to score high on GRE exam to get admission to top graduate programs and secure scholarships. A GRE score above 300 is considered a good performance, which is definitely not easy to get.
The GRE exam consists of three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Verbal Reasoning assesses your reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. Quantitative Reasoning evaluates your problem-solving abilities in mathematics and data analysis. In this article, we will discuss the tip to score between 300 and 320 in GRE exam, including recommended study materials and a comprehensive study plan.
- Understand the GRE Exam
- Tips for GRE Verbal Reasoning
- Tips for GRE Quantitative Reasoning
- Tips to Prepare for GRE Analytical Writing
- Create an Effective Study Plan for GRE
- Best Study Materials for GRE Exam
- Top Universities Worldwide Accepting a 300 to 320 GRE Score
Understand the GRE Exam
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers the GRE exam year-round. ETS has established over 1,000 test centers located in 160 countries to conduct the test smoothly. There are two types of Graduate Record Exam: the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test. There are no official eligibility requirements to take the GRE. Students from any educational background can participate.
Indian students must pay a GRE fee of INR 22,500 to register for the exam. To perform well in the GRE, it's essential to fully understand the exam including syllabus, pattern and score format.
GRE Exam Pattern
According to GRE Pattern 2025, there will be 54 questions and an essay-writing task in the exam to test your knowledge and skills related to the exam. The score of essay writing won’t be added to the final GRE score. The duration of the updated GRE exam format is 1 hour and 58 minutes only.
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GRE Syllabus
There are multiple important topics in the GRE Syllabus. The difficulty level of these topics varies according to your knowledge, strengths and weaknesses.
- Analytical Writing: Issue task and argument task.
- Verbal Reasoning: Reading comprehension, sentence equivalence, and text completion.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
Tips for GRE Verbal Reasoning
There are two sub-sections in the GRE Verbal Reasoning section. Students face 27 questions and to solve them the time limit is 47 minutes. Basic Sentence structure, Nouns, Pronouns, Adjectives Verb Tense Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions and Pronoun Agreement are some of the important topics of GRE verbal section. Here are some tips to prepare for verbal reasoning:
- Improve your vocabulary by reading, creating flashcards, and playing word games.
- Consistent practice is key to improving your verbal reasoning skills.
- Use official GRE Practice Materials to practice regularly.
- Improve your sentence structure and grammar.
- Join a study group or online forum. Discussing questions and strategies with others can be helpful.
- Take small breaks to manage stress and avoid burnout.
Tips for GRE Quantitative Reasoning
To score 300 in GRE or more than that, you have to pay equal attention to the Quantitative Reasoning section. There are 27 questions related to Arithmetic, Geometry, Data Analysis, Algebra and other topics. Students will get only 47 minutes to solve these questions. Here are some tips to solve Quantitative reasoning questions:
- Develop your knowledge related to mathematical topics.
- Memorise the formula and practice regularly
- Use calculators only for complex questions.
- Eliminate wrong answers to narrow down the correct answer.
- Answer every question, as there is no negative marking in GRE exam.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- GRE provides a calculator, avoid relying on it for simple calculations.
- Not memorising the mathematics formulas.
- GRE is a timed exam so avoid spending too much time on one question only.
- Take your time to review your calculations and avoid careless errors.
Tips to Prepare for GRE Analytical Writing
You will have 30 minutes to write on the given topic in GRE Analytical Writing. There is only one sub-section “Analyze an Issue”. Many students take this section for granted as the Analytical Writing score is not directly added to your overall GRE score. Many top universities have announced the required score for the Analytical Writing section. Here are some tips to prepare for this section:
- Create a strong introduction. Clearly state the points you will discuss.
- Spend a few minutes brainstorming and planning your essay before you start writing.
- Avoid grammatical mistakes and proofread once before submitting.
- Summarize your main points and prepare a concise conclusion at the end.
Create an Effective Study Plan for GRE
A well-structured study plan is important for GRE preparation. It starts with setting realistic small goals to get the desired 300-320 score in GRE exam. Creating a study schedule helps you stay organized and ensures you cover all the necessary topics. Prioritize topics based on your strengths and weaknesses. Here are point-wise study plans for GRE:
- Setting Realistic Goals: Assess your current skill level and set goals that are achievable.
- Time Management Strategies: Allocate dedicated study time and prioritize topics based on strengths & weaknesses
- Finding Quality Study Materials: Utilize official GRE practice tests and study materials. If possible, join the coaching institute and join a study group or online forum.
Best Study Materials for GRE Exam
There are multiple options for GRE study material, such as buying books, practice test papers, and joining coaching institutes. Books offer comprehensive coverage of topics. GRE Practice test papers help you to prepare for exam conditions and assess your progress. GRE Coaching institutes provide structured guidance and expert advice.
Best Books for GRE Preparation
Here is a list of the best books for GRE exam:
- Official Guide to the GRE General Test (4th Edition)
- Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions, Vol. 1
- Kaplan GRE Prep Plus 2025
- Kaplan GRE Vocabulary Flashcards
- 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems
Following all these tips will help you score between 300 and 320 on the GRE exam. This can increase your chances of getting admitted to your dream university. Note that, the GRE is just one factor that universities consider when considering applicants. Other factors, such as your academic record, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation, are also important.
Top Universities Worldwide Accepting a 300 to 320 GRE Score
Now, thinking about which universities you can apply to with a GRE score between 300 and 320? To help you better, we have picked 5 universities from the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Check out the table below:
| Country | Universities Accepting 300–320 GRE Scores | Typical Minimum GRE (if available) |
|---|---|---|
| USA |
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| Canada |
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| UK | 300 to 325+ (Higher for top schools and programs) | |
| Australia | 300 to 310+ for many programs | |
| New Zealand | 295 to 320 (Depends on course) |
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