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GRE Total Score: Know GRE Score Range, and Percentiles

Are you gearing up for the GRE and want to ensure you achieve a competitive score? Understanding the GRE scores range and percentiles is crucial for anyone preparing for the Graduate Record Examination. The GRE is a standardized test used by numerous graduate programs to assess a candidate’s readiness for advanced education.

Achieving a top GRE score can significantly impact your application, making it essential to grasp the scoring system thoroughly.

GRE-Total-Score

GRE Total Score

GRE Score Range: What You Need to Know

The total GRE score ranges from 260 to 340, combining scores from the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections. Each section is scored between 130 and 170, with a mean score of around 150. Knowing the GRE score range helps set realistic goals and understand where you stand among other test-takers.

Section Score Range Mean Score
Verbal Reasoning 130 to 170 ~150
Quantitative Reasoning 130 to 170 ~150
Total Score 260 to 340

GRE Percentiles: Evaluating Your Competitiveness

Percentiles indicate how your score compares to other test-takers. For instance, a 90th percentile score means you performed better than 90% of the examinees. Understanding GRE percentiles is vital for evaluating your performance and determining the competitiveness of your score for your target programs.

Percentile Rank Verbal Reasoning Quantitative Reasoning
99th Percentile 169-170 170
90th Percentile 162-163 166
75th Percentile 157 161
50th Percentile 151 153

What is the GRE Score Range? 

Understanding the GRE score range is pivotal for effective exam preparation and goal-setting. The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a standardized test used to assess the qualifications of applicants for graduate programs. The total GRE score is determined by combining the scores from the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections, while the Analytical Writing score is reported separately. Familiarizing yourself with the GRE score range and how each section is scored can help you benchmark your performance and target scores that align with your graduate school aspirations.

What is a Good GRE Score?

A strong GRE score typically consists of a 158 or above in Verbal Reasoning, 159 or above in Quantitative Reasoning, and a 4.5 or higher in Analytical Writing. Achieving these scores generally places you in the 75th percentile or higher. It’s important to note that what constitutes a “good” GRE score can vary depending on the programs to which you’re applying.

Schools evaluate your GRE scores to gauge your readiness for the demands of their programs. For instance, if you’re targeting a math-heavy field such as engineering, a higher score in Quantitative Reasoning will likely be necessary. Conversely, for programs that prioritize writing and verbal skills, a stronger performance in Verbal Reasoning might be more critical.

To clarify, here’s a breakdown to help you understand what differentiates a good GRE score from a less competitive one:

GRE Scoring  Verbal Reasoning  Quantitative Reasoning  Analytical Writing 
Best GRE Score  163-170 165-170 5.0-6.0
Competitive GRE Score  158-162 159-164 4.5
Good GRE Score  152-158 153-158 4.0
Below Average GRE Score  151 or below  152 or below  3.5 or below

Given below are also major-wise GRE scores to help you understand what is expected out of you in terms of your chosen major:

    Major Verbal Range Quant Range Writing Range
Economics 157-161 162-166 3.8
Chemistry 156-160 163-167 3.7
Mathematics 156-160 168-170 3.8
History 159-163 150-154 4.1
Psychology 155-159 151-155 3.9
English 160-164 151-155 4.2
Sociology 155-159 151-155 3.8

Average GRE Score 

In the 2022–2023 academic year, the average GRE scores were approximately 151 for Verbal Reasoning and 157 for Quantitative Reasoning. The Analytical Writing section, which is reported separately and not factored into the total GRE score, had an average score of around 3.4. Keep in mind, these averages can fluctuate based on the specific field of study.

For example, students applying to highly competitive law programs typically score between 159 and 170, while those aiming for top MBA programs usually achieve scores between 161 and 167. The GRE score you need will vary depending on the graduate program and institution to which you are applying.

As previously mentioned, the GRE assists universities in distinguishing between applicants based on their chosen program and school. Although exact cut-offs can be elusive, you can refer to average GRE scores accepted by various universities. To aid in your preparation, we have compiled these average scores for your reference.

University Verbal (Average Score) Quant (Average Score)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 157 162
Stanford University 158 163
University of California Berkeley 155 161
University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign 155 163
Carnegie Mellon University 159 161
Georgia Institute of Technology 155 161
University of Texas Austin 155 160
University of Michigan Ann Arbor 154 161
Cornell University 160 162
Purdue University 158 163
University of Southern California 158 163

What is the Total GRE Score? 

The GRE total score ranges from 260 to 340, combining scores from the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections, each graded between 130 and 170. The Analytical Writing section is assessed separately, with scores ranging from 0 to 6. For GRE Subject Tests, the total score spans from 200 to 990, and no subscores are provided, though the exact range can vary slightly by subject.

GRE Score Conversion 

Correct Answers (verbal/quant) Raw GRE Score (verbal/quant) GRE Scaled Score (verbal/quant)
0 0 130
1 1 131
2 2 132
3 3 133
4 4 134
5 5 135
6 6 136
7 7 137
8 8 138
9 9 139
10 10 140
11 11 141
12 12 142
13 13 143
14 14 144
15 15 145
16 16 146
17 17 147
18 18 148
19 19 149
20 20 150
21 21 151
22 22 152
23 23 153
24 24 154
25 25 155
26 26 156
27 27 157
28 28 158
29 29 159
30 30 160
31 31 161
32 32 162
33 33 163
34 34 164
35 35 165
36 36 166
37 37 167
38 38 168
39 39 169
40 40 170

GRE Total Score – Highest and Lowest Scores

The GRE General Test scores are derived from your performance in the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections. Each of these sections is scored on a scale from 130 to 170. Therefore, the highest possible total score for the GRE is 340, and the lowest is 260. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately and does not contribute to the total score.

For Subject Tests, the total score ranges between 200 and 990. Additionally, for some subjects like Physics, Biology, and Psychology, subscores are provided on a 20 to 99 scale, with increments of 1 point.

Score Breakdown:

GRE Section Lowest Score Highest Score
Verbal Reasoning 130 170
Quantitative Reasoning 130 170
Total GRE Score 260 340

Subject Test Scores:

  • Total Score: 200–990
  • Subscores (for Physics, Biology, Psychology): 20–99 (1-point increments)

This table helps you understand the range of scores you can achieve in both the General and Subject Tests of the GRE.

GRE Score Percentiles

Given below is the table having Verbal and Quantitative percentile scores: 

Scaled Score  Verbal Percentile  Quantitative Percentile 
170 99% 96%
169 99% 95%
168 98% 93%
167 98% 90%
166 97% 89%
165 96% 86%
164 94% 84%
163 93% 82%
162 90% 79%
161 88% 76%
160 86% 73%
159 83% 70%
158 80% 67%
157 76% 64%
156 73% 60%
155 68% 56%
154 64% 53%
153 60% 49%
152 54% 45%
151 51% 41%
150 46% 37%
149 41% 34%
148 37% 30%
147 33% 26%
146 29% 23%
145 26% 19%
144 22% 16%
143 19% 13%
142 16% 11%
141 14% 9%
140 11% 7%
139 9% 6%
138 8% 4%
137 6% 3%
136 4% 2%
135 3% 2%
134 2% 1%
133 2% 1%
132 1% 1%
131 1% 1%
130 1% 1%

Comprehending GRE score for GRE Analytical Writing Section:

Score Levels  Writing Percentile 
6.0 99%
5.5 98%
5.0 92%
4.5 81%
4.0 57%
3.5 39%
3.0 15%
2.5 7%
2.0 2%
1.5 1%
1.0 1%
0.5 1%
0.0 1%

Why GRE Scores and Percentiles Matter?

  • Setting Realistic Goals: Understanding the GRE score range helps you set achievable goals.
  • Evaluating Competitiveness: Knowing your percentile rank helps you gauge how competitive your scores are for your desired programs.
  • Strategic Preparation: Insight into score ranges and percentiles enables you to focus your study efforts effectively.

GRE Score Validity 

GRE score is valid for 5 years and the GRE scores come out within 15 days of giving the GRE exam.

What GRE Scores are Reported?

The GRE General Test provides a detailed assessment of your abilities across three key sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Each section is scored using a distinct scale:

  • Verbal Reasoning: Scored between 130 and 170, with increments of 1 point.
  • Quantitative Reasoning: Scored between 130 and 170, with increments of 1 point.
  • Analytical Writing: Scored between 0 and 6, with increments of 0.5 points.

Score Scale Breakdown:

Section Score Range Increment
Verbal Reasoning 130–170 1-point increments
Quantitative Reasoning 130–170 1-point increments
Analytical Writing 0–6 0.5-point increments

This scoring system allows for a detailed evaluation of your strengths and areas for improvement in each section of the GRE.

Read More:

GRE 2024: Exam Dates, Registration & More

How to Prepare for GRE General Test

Introduction of GRE

GRE Data Analysis

GRE Algebra

Verbal Section of GRE

GRE Total Score- FAQs

What are the total marks of GRE?

The maximum total score you can get on the GRE is 340 (170 each in Quantitative and verbal reasoning, with a 6 in Analytical writing). On the other hand, the GRE subject test yields a total score on a 200 to 900 scale, in a 10-point increment.

Is 320 a good GRE score?

Yes, 320 is considered a good score on the GRE. Scores like 320 and above significantly improve your chances of getting admission to prestigious institutions and programs.

What is a good GRE score out of 340?

Out of 340, a candidate must secure a total of 320 if their goal is to be admitted to top universities. But it varies from one person to another, the section scores and the university requirements. 

Is 295 a good GRE score?

A GRE score average of 290 to 300 can take you to a quality university in the USA, which would surely help you take off your career ladder. Not just that, there are a variety of courses and MS programs that you can choose from.




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