What Is a Good GRE Score?

When it comes to the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), what constitutes a good score can be a bit of a moving target. It's not just about the numbers - it's about where you're aiming to go. A good GRE score is one that gets you into your dream grad school!

The GRE General Test is a standardized test administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), and it's used by many graduate programs as a part of their admissions process. 

This article can help you understand GRE scores, including the scoring range for different sections, score percentiles, how GRE scores impact grad school admissions, and how College Rover can help you navigate your journey to grad school.

GRE score ranges by test section

The GRE General Test is made up of three main sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Each section assesses different skills that are deemed important for success in graduate school.

The verbal reasoning section tests your ability to analyze and draw conclusions from discourse, understand multiple levels of meaning (such as literal, figurative and author's intent), summarize text, distinguish major from minor points, and understand the meanings of words, sentences, and entire texts.

The quantitative reasoning section assesses your basic mathematical skills, understanding of elementary mathematical concepts, and ability to reason quantitatively and solve problems in a quantitative setting.

The analytical writing section measures your critical thinking and analytical writing skills. It specifically assesses your ability to articulate complex ideas effectively and clearly.

For both the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections, scores range from 130 to 170 in 1-point increments. For the analytical writing section, scores range from 0-6 in half-point increments. Your total GRE score will be a combination of these three scores with the verbal and quantitative sections contributing the most to your overall score.

Understanding your score range for each section is critical as it helps you to gauge your performance in each area and identify where you need to improve.

GRE score percentiles

While your raw GRE score is important, grad school admissions committees often pay close attention to your percentile rank. This tells them how your score compares to other test takers. If you scored in the 90th percentile, for instance, you outperformed 90% of test takers.

Percentiles can be particularly important when comparing scores across different sections. A score of 160 on the verbal reasoning section might place you in a different percentile than a score of 160 on the quantitative reasoning section.

Generally, a percentile rank of 75 or higher on all three sections is considered competitive for most graduate programs. However, for more prestigious programs, you might need to aim even higher. 

For example, the average GRE scores for admitted students to the doctoral program at MIT's School of Engineering were 161 for verbal reasoning, 167 for quantitative reasoning, and 4.4 for analytical writing.

GRE verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning percentiles

When you take the GRE test, you'll receive a scaled score for the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections. These scores - ranging from 130 to 170 in one-point increments - are then converted into percentiles. The percentile rank is a measure of how your score compares to all other GRE test takers.

For example, if you score in the 75th percentile on the quantitative reasoning section, you've outperformed 75% of test takers on that section. This percentile rank can be a crucial factor in your grad school application, as it provides a standardized measure of your performance.

Stanford, for instance, is known for its competitive admissions process and typically expects high percentile ranks.

Here's a chart of the latest GRE verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning percentiles:

Understanding your percentile rank for the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections of the GRE General Test is key to assessing your performance. It's not just about the raw test scores - it's about how you stack up against other test takers.

Whether you're aiming for a quant score in the 75th percentile or striving to surpass the 50th percentile benchmark in the verbal section, knowing where you stand can help you focus your study efforts and set realistic goals.

Remember, each GRE section contributes to your total score, and different graduate programs may prioritize different section scores. For instance, a program heavily focused on mathematics or data analysis might weigh your quant score more heavily.

Also, don't forget about the GRE Subject Tests if they're relevant to your field of study. These can further demonstrate your expertise in a specific area and complement your scores on the GRE General Test.

GRE analytical writing percentiles

The analytical writing section of the GRE exam is a bit different. Instead of multiple-choice questions, you'll be asked to write two essays. This section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6 in half-point increments.

Just like the verbal and quantitative sections, your analytical writing score is converted into a percentile rank. This allows grad schools to compare your writing skills with those of other test takers.

If you're applying to a program that places a high emphasis on writing skills, such as a humanities program, your percentile rank on the analytical writing section can be particularly important.

Here's a chart of the latest GRE analytical writing percentiles:

The weight placed on your GRE score can vary depending on the competitiveness of the program you're applying to. In highly competitive programs, every point can make a difference.

It's important to set a target score based on the average scores of admitted students in the programs you're interested in. This can help you gauge how much prep time you'll need before test day.

How much do GRE scores matter?

While acing the GRE exam is a worthy goal, remember that your GRE score is just one piece of your grad school application.

Graduate school applications are about showcasing your holistic academic and professional profile. Factors like research, work experience, and published papers often carry more weight than your GRE score alone.

Do grad schools look at all parts of your GRE score?

Not all grad programs weigh each section of the GRE equally. Some might prioritize your quantitative score over your verbal score or vice versa. Knowing this can help you focus your prep time effectively.

If you're considering retaking the GRE, it's important to know how schools will consider multiple scores. Some schools will take your highest score, which can take some pressure off your first attempt.

What else impacts your grad school admission?

While your GRE score is a critical component of your grad school application, it's far from the only factor that admissions committees consider.

Your undergraduate GPA, for instance, provides a long-term perspective on your academic performance. If you're applying to a business school or a MBA program, your GMAT score might also be relevant.

Your undergraduate coursework - particularly if it's in a related field to your graduate studies - can also carry significant weight. For example, if you're applying to a humanities grad program, having a strong background in humanities subjects can be beneficial.

Other factors impacting grad school admissions include:

• Work experience
• Letters of recommendation
• Your personal statement
• Test prep

While your GRE score is important, it's just one piece of the puzzle. A holistic approach that considers all aspects of your application will give you the best chance of success in graduate school admissions.

Discover how College Rover helps you find your perfect school

Navigating the grad school admissions process can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. 

College Rover is here to help you research schools, programs, and more. With our resources, you can find the perfect fit for your academic and career goals. Start exploring today and take the next step toward your future!