GRE Quant and Verbal sections of the GRE exam are scored on a scale of 130 – 170. The GRE Analytical writing section of two writing tasks uses a score of 0 – 6. Read on as we explain the concept of GRE scoring for each section to candidates looking to appear for their GRE Test.
320 or above, any GRE score is good. However, what makes a "good" score also depends on the specific programs and universities you are applying to. For some courses, a GRE Score between 300 and 310 might be sufficient, while others may require a 330 or higher.
The maximum GRE score a test taker can receive for either of the sections, Verbal/Quant, is 170. Test takers get 30 minutes for one writing task, "Analyse an issue" in the Analytical Writing Section. A score of this section ranges between 0–6, in half-point increments. ETS releases the scorecard of the GRE Exam in 8 to 10 days from the date you complete the test. This is the most difficult phase for a GRE test taker, as they can only predict their total based on their performance.
Related Reads:
- What is a Good GRE Score?
- How GRE Scores are Calculated: Verbal & Quantitative Reasoning
- How the GRE Scores are Calculated: Analytical Writing Section
- GRE Score Reporting
- What is Your Target Score Range for GRE: Poll Analysis
- GRE Percentile
- How to Prepare for GRE Exam?
What is a Good GRE Score?
Any score above 320 on the GRE is good. It means you have scored 160+ the Verbal Reasoning section, around or above 160 in the Quantitative Reasoning section, and around 4.5 in the Analytical Writing section. This score can increase your chances of getting selected in a reputed institute.
Candidates should note that GRE scores are program-specific. Meaning, that a particular university could have different GRE Cut Offs based on the programmes they offer. Candidates should note that math-heavy graduate programmes would require students to have a high GRE Quantitative Score and usually our less weightage on Verbal Scores. Similarly, candidates looking to pursue humanities subjects for their graduate programmes would be required to have a higher verbal score as compared to their Quant scores.
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GRE Scoring Range
Here is the score range of different sections of the GRE.
| GRE Sections | Score Scale |
|---|---|
| GRE Verbal Reasoning | 130–170, in 1-point increments |
| GRE Quantitative Reasoning | 130–170, in 1-point increments |
| GRE Analytical Writing | 0–6, in half-point increments |
How GRE Scores are Calculated: Verbal & Quantitative Reasoning
The GRE Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections are adaptive in nature. This means the difficulty level of subsequent sections would be based on your performance in the earlier section. Within each section, all questions contribute equally to the final score. There are 27 questions in the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning section.
For each of the two sections of the exam, a raw score is computed. It depends on the number of questions you answered correctly. The raw score is then converted to a scaled score between 130 – 170 through a process known as equating.
| Number of Correct Responses | GRE Raw Score | GRE Scaled Score (Verbal & Quantitative Section) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 5 | 0 – 5 | 130 – 135 |
| 6 – 10 | 6 – 10 | 136 – 140 |
| 11 – 15 | 11 – 15 | 141 – 145 |
| 16 – 20 | 16 – 20 | 146 – 150 |
| 21 – 25 | 21 – 25 | 151 – 155 |
| 26 – 30 | 26 – 30 | 156 – 160 |
| 31 – 35 | 31 – 35 | 161 – 165 |
| 36 – 40 | 36 – 40 | 166 – 170 |
How the GRE Scores are Calculated: Analytical Writing Section
In the GRE Analytical Writing section, candidates are required to attempt only one writing task within 30 minutes, which is the ‘Analyse an Issue’ task. The essay is assessed by at least one trained rater using a 6-point scale. Here, the human rater is looking at the overall quality of the essay, which includes critical thinking and analytical writing skills rather than grammar and mechanics.
The essay is evaluated using an ETS-developed e-rater scoring engine, a computerised program adept at identifying writing proficiency-related essay attributes. All essay responses on the Analytical Writing section are reviewed by trained analysts using ETS essay similarity detection software and by experienced content experts.
Read: How to Calculate GRE Score Section Wise?
GRE Score Reporting
GRE test takers will be informed over email once their GRE test scores (official score report) are available. Your official score report will also be sent to the recipients you designated on test day. Your GRE Official Score Report (for you) contains personal details, while the Institution Score Report (for universities) includes only selected information.
GRE Official Score Report vs. GRE Institution Score Report
| GRE Official Score Report (For Test Takers) |
GRE Institution Score Report (For Universities) |
|---|---|
| Contact information (name, phone number and email) | Contact information (name, address, phone number, email) |
| Date of birth | Date of birth |
| Gender | Gender |
| Intended graduate major | Your intended graduate major field |
| GRE Test date(s) | The GRE test dates and score(s) you choose to report with the ScoreSelect option and the associated percentile ranks |
| GRE test score(s) and the associated percentile ranks | |
| Authorised score recipients or fellowship sponsors and the scores reported to those institutions | n/a |
| A cumulative record of scores reported within the last 5 years | n/a |
What is Your Target Score Range for GRE: Poll Analysis
Shiksha conducted a poll. Here we have asked test takers, “What is your target score range for the GRE exam?”. In total, 314 students voted, and 72% students said that they are targeting 320 to 340. We have mentioned the detailed poll breakdown below
GRE Scores Validity
Your GRE scores are valid for a total of 5 years from the day of your GRE General Test. So, if you took the GRE exam on September 08, 2023, your scores would be valid through September 8, 2028.
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GRE Percentile
Admission officers are often equally interested in knowing about your GRE Percentile. The GRE percentile/percentage would basically be the percentage of students the candidate has outperformed on each section of the exam. Mostly, they are interested in knowing how you performed as compared to your peers. Anything in the 75th percentile or higher in all three sections of the test will generally be good enough to get into the most competitive graduate programmes. However, some prestigious programmes may want to see higher scores.
GRE Percentiles July 2020 – June 2023
The table below shows the percentage of test takers scoring lower than the selected scaled scores. The data is based on the performance of all individuals who tested between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2023.
| Scaled Score | Verbal Reasoning Percentile | Quantitative Reasoning Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 170 | 99 | 92 |
| 169 | 99 | 87 |
| 168 | 98 | 83 |
| 167 | 97 | 78 |
| 166 | 96 | 74 |
| 165 | 95 | 70 |
| 164 | 93 | 66 |
| 163 | 91 | 63 |
| 162 | 89 | 60 |
| 161 | 86 | 57 |
| 160 | 84 | 53 |
| 159 | 80 | 50 |
| 158 | 77 | 48 |
| 157 | 73 | 45 |
| 156 | 70 | 49 |
Source: ETS
GRE Percentiles July 2020 – June 2023
The table below shows the percentage of test takers scoring lower than the selected scaled scores. The data is based on the performance of all individuals who tested between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2023.
| Score Level | Analytical Writing |
|---|---|
| 6.0 | 99 |
| 5.5 | 98 |
| 5.0 | 92 |
| 4.5 | 83 |
| 4.0 | 59 |
| 3.5 | 41 |
| 3.0 | 16 |
Source: ETS.
How to Prepare for GRE Exam?
To prepare for the Graduate Record Exam and get the desired score, you need to follow the tips mentioned below:
- Understand the exam format and syllabus topics
- Set realistic goals
- Create a study plan and practice regularly
- Utilize effective study materials and online resources
- Develop strong verbal reasoning skills and practice vocabulary
Apart from these, you can use other GRE preparation tips and learn how to score 300 to 320 in GRE Exam in the first attempt. That's all about the topic. Candidates can get in touch with us in the comments below. Looking for assistance with University admissions? Get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors, here.
It is possible to cover the GRE syllabus in one month only if you have understood the basics information of Graduate Record Examination. Here is the 1-month GRE preparation plan.
- Join a class. It is really stressful to cover the syllabus in one month without guidance.
- Understand the GRE pattern and syllabus before you start the preparation.
- Create a study plan and dedicate 10 hours daily for the preparation.
- Practice with different sets of GRE sample papers and identify your weakness.
- Create Flashcards to remember the lessons
This one month plan can help you to improve your score and not to become topper.
Any score above 320 is considered good for admission to top universities worldwide. However, securing admission also depends on several other factors, such as:
- A Strong Academic Record
- An Impressive Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Relevant Work or Research Experience
- Extracurricular Achievements
Pick your stage and get free guidance from counsellors who've helped thousands get into top universities.
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To buy the preparation books for GRE exam 2025, you can visit the online or offline market. Websites like Amazon, Flipkart, and other websites offer the latest edition books for GRE prep. You can also try online marketplaces like OLX and second hand book stores where you can buy one or two-year-old editions at a lower price.