Did you know thousands of students appear annually for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)? 113,304 Indians took the test in the 2022-23 testing cycle, followed by 97,676 in the USA and 57,769 in China. With the pandemic restrictions lifted, GRE remains an integral part of the admission process of several universities. Colleges like McGill University, the University of Manchester, the University of Oxford, and the University of Cambridge are among the renowned institutions requiring GRE test scores. GRE has become immensely popular since it is one of the key standardized tests that are vital for admissions into graduate programs at leading institutions. Hence, it is vital for those looking to study abroad. You will also notice certain universities accepting GRE scores for business programs like MBA. Gaining a spot in these universities starts with securing a good GRE score to stay ahead of the competition. Stay with us as we discuss what is a good GRE score and understand all the vital aspects of the examination.
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is composed of three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the scoring range for each section:
1.Verbal Reasoning:
Score Range: 130 to 170
The Verbal Reasoning section measures your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, synthesize information obtained from it, analyze relationships among component parts of sentences, and recognize relationships among words and concepts. Questions include reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence.
2.Quantitative Reasoning:
Score Range: 130 to 170
This section assesses your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information, solve problems using mathematical models, and apply basic mathematical skills and concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Question types include quantitative comparison, multiple-choice questions, and numeric entry questions.
3.Analytical Writing:
Score Range: 0 to 6 (in half-point increments)
The Analytical Writing section measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills, specifically your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively, support ideas with relevant reasons and examples, examine claims and accompanying evidence, and sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion. It includes two tasks: "Analyze an Issue" and "Analyze an Argument."
What is Average GRE score
The average total GRE score typically falls around 300. For the sectional averages, Verbal Reasoning scores usually average around 151, and Quantitative Reasoning scores hover around 156. The Analytical Writing section has an average score of approximately 3.5.
What is Total GRE Score
The total GRE score is the sum of the scores from the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections, which ranges from 260 to 340. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately and does not contribute to the total score.
What are GRE Score Percentiles
Percentiles provide a way to compare your GRE scores with those of other test-takers. Here’s a general idea of the percentiles for GRE scores as reported by ETS:
Scaled Score
Verbal Reasoning
Quantitative Reasoning
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
69
42
155
65
40
154
59
36
153
55
34
152
48
31
151
43
29
150
39
25
149
34
23
148
30
21
147
26
18
146
23
15
145
21
13
144
18
11
143
16
9
142
13
8
141
11
6
140
9
5
139
8
4
138
6
3
137
5
2
136
4
2
135
3
1
134
2
1
133
2
1
132
1
131
1
130
Scaled Score
Analytical Writing
6
99
5.5
98
5
92
4.5
83
4
59
3.5
41
3
16
2.5
8
2
3
1.5
1
1
-
0.5
-
0
-
What is Good GRE Score
A "good" GRE score depends on the program and school you are aiming for. Generally, a score above 310 is considered good, and a score above 320 is considered excellent. Top programs may require scores above 310. For the Analytical Writing section, a score of 3.7 or higher is often deemed competitive.
GRE Score Conversion
GRE scores can be converted into percentiles to better understand how they compare to other test-takers' scores. This conversion helps in assessing the competitiveness of your scores for specific programs. For example, a score of 160 in Verbal Reasoning is around the 86th percentile, meaning you performed better than 86% of test-takers.
GRE Marks Distribution
A total of six sections for 340 marks make up the basic structure of the GRE. You will have sufficient time to finish these six sections, with a 10-minute after every part to help you prepare for the next session.
Here is a detailed illustration of the GRE marks distribution along with the sections and time provided for each part.
Name of the Section
Total Questions
Total marks
Time Duration
Analytical writing
Two tasks:
Analyzing a given issue
Analyzing a given argument
6 (score is measured in half-point increments)
30 minutes
Verbal Reasoning
40 questions (2 sections with 20 questions each)
170
35 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning
40 questions (2 sections with 20 questions each)
170
35 minutes
Unscored section
Fluctuates
Fluctuates
Not fixed
Based on the marking structure, you can get a GRE max score of 340 + 6 if you score full marks in analytical writing.
How are GRE Scores Calculated
Before diving into the details of the ideal range of GRE scores, let's look at the logic behind calculating GRE test scores.
The analytical writing section uses a 6-point holistic scale to rate the quality and relevance of your essay. The grading system involves a trained rater and an e-rater scoring engine and averages out scores if they lie close to each other. If the e-rater's scoring varies too much from the rater's, the latter is asked to submit another score. The second score of the rater is combined with the first to figure out the average.
Seeing how the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections carry the maximum weightage, they are subjected to a uniform grading system. There are two kinds of scores, as defined by the GRE organizers.
Raw score, based on the number of correct answers. One mark is awarded for every correct answer.
Scaled score, obtained after equating your raw score from all corresponding sections.
The equating process accounts for the variations in the difficulty of tests taken at different points in time. Doing this ensures your score is on par with your peers who took the examination earlier.
GRE is an adaptive test designed to scale with the candidate's knowledge and ability. If two students receive the same average raw scores in two sections, the student who has encountered more challenging questions will get a higher scaled score.
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Average Sectional Score Range
After seeing the maximum scores awarded for each section, it might naturally invoke your curiosity about what is a good average GRE score. In line with the scores of previous years' applicants, here is an estimation of average GRE scores that might help you qualify for your ideal university.
Section of the Test
Maximum Score
Average score
Analytical Writing
06
3.5
Quantitative Reasoning
170
154
Verbal Reasoning
170
150
7 Globally Renowned Universities & Their GRE Cut-Offs
Most institutes use GRE to assess your critical thinking abilities, verbal reasoning, approach to problems, and grasp of English. A high GRE score helps showcase your value as a candidate to some of the most renowned universities in the world.
Some of the top-rated universities, the QS World University Rankings 2025, that accept GRE scores are as follows:
University
QS World Ranking 2023
GRE Cut-off Score (Verbal and Quantitative)
Recommended GRE Score
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
#1
Above 80 percentile
Above 85 percentile
Stanford University
#2
No cut-off specified
325
Oxford University
#3
No cut-off in place.
320+
Harvard University
#4
Above 80 percentile
Above 85 percentile
Imperial College, London
#6
156 in verbal reasoning
158 in quantitative reasoning
320+
UCL
#7
161 in quantitative reasoning
161 in verbal reasoning
322
ETH Zurich
#9
Not specified
300+
Source: topuniversities.com
So, what is a good GRE score out of 340? Based on the table, it is safe to assume that a score of around 320 will be sufficient to land you under consideration by top universities.
Depending on the competition, specific courses may require higher scores than others. Here is a list of popular subjects and the ideal GRE scores to increase your chances of securing admission.
Name of the Subject
Recommended Scores
Economics
328 (Minimum 162 in Quantitative Reasoning)
Physics
325
Aeronautics and Astronautics
329
Chemistry
329
Clinical Science
326
Computer Science
320
Finance
330
Tips to Boost Your GRE Score
Given that the GRE has six sections, you should brush up on several basic concepts to improve your chances of reaching the 320+ GRE score range. Polish your skills in data interpretation, elimination, vocabulary, and more to stay prepared and answer the questions rapidly.
Along with brushing up on your knowledge, here are some tips to help you plan your preparation better.
Solve as many question papers as you can. Repeated practice will give you an idea of the question patterns and increase your solving speed. It will also help you understand where you stand and convince you to work harder to achieve your desired score.
Browse through resources from ETS and leverage the ETS official guide to gain familiarity with the examination's pattern.
Choose a time to study without distractions and use it to focus on the study materials.
Pay special attention to topics that pose a challenge to you. Practice them more to get comfortable with different types of questions.
Admittedly, the day of the test can be nerve-wracking. But as long as you stay focused and recall your preparation, you can ace the test and complete the first step to gain admission to your desired university!
Carve out a tailored plan to make the best of your GRE preparations and emerge among the top-ranked holders of the examination. Scores of 320+ will put you at the top of the pile of candidates, provided your profile supports your performance.
A good GRE score is also ideal for getting noticed by admission committees of different universities. With cutthroat competition for subjects like finance, computer science, aeronautics, and chemistry, your GRE scores can be one of the ways to differentiate yourself from the crowd.
Don't wait any longer! Start your preparation now and stick to the study plan that helps you without making you feel too stressed.
Important Resources For PTE/SAT/ACT Exam
PTE Examination Eligibility Criteria
There are no specific PTE exam eligibility criteria set by Pearson VUE – the organizers of the test.
The PTE exam pattern is designed to test whether candidates can study at international institutions that have English as the main language for instructions.
Canada is a country that is renowned for the quality of its educational infrastructure. As a result, it is no surprise that a list of PTE accepted universities in Canada is sought-after.
The SAT exam dates fall on Saturdays and the test is generally conducted on 7 Saturdays every year; the deadline for registration is four weeks prior to the date of the test.
According to the latest update on SAT syllabus 2022, SAT Subject Tests and the SAT optional essays have been discontinued which has now reduced the duration of the exam by 50 minutes.
Understanding the SAT exam pattern is of paramount importance for all those who want to study undergraduate courses from universities or colleges abroad.
The College Board India Scholars Program offers the SAT scholarship for Indian students. This scholarship helps students receive education from renowned institutes worldwide.
How to register for the SAT examination? Stay assured that the procedure is not at all complex. Students desirous of obtaining admission into bachelor’s or undergraduate courses in the US or Canada will find this to be an important examination.
It is very important for ACT aspirants to be aware of the complete ACT exam syllabus, as it will help them to avoid any surprises on the day of the examination.
The ACT is a widely accepted and standardized examination in the U.S. and several other countries. It is used majorly for undergraduate admissions into several colleges and universities.
Registration of the ACT examination is done through the official website online. Applicants need to register for the test at least two months before the test date.
The American College Testing– ACT score is a part of the college applications in the United States of America (USA), depending on the institution students apply to. There are no fixed passing marks for this examination.
Carefully curated list of the top SAT prep material can prove invaluable to reducing aspirants' efforts. So, to simplify your research, here are 10 SAT exam books to consider for thorough preparation.
For most institutes, a good GRE score lies near 320, with 160 in quantitative and verbal reasoning.
What is a good GRE score out of 340?
Any score over 320 is sufficient to be considered for top global universities.
What is a good GRE score for engineering?
Top engineering schools like MIT are keen to consider students who score above 320 on the GRE.
What is a good average GRE score?
With the minimum score being 130 and a maximum of 170 for each section, a score around 150 is a good average GRE score.
Is 320 a good GRE score?
Yes, a score of 320 is generally considered very good and competitive for many graduate programs, including some top-tier schools.
Is 315 a low GRE score?
A score of 315 is still quite competitive and can qualify you for many graduate programs. However, it may be considered on the lower end for the most competitive programs.
Is 316 a good GRE score for an MBA?
A score of 316 can be competitive for many MBA programs, but the competitiveness also depends on other factors like work experience, undergraduate GPA, and the specific MBA program's requirements.
Is GRE easier than GMAT?
The difficulty of the GRE vs. GMAT can vary depending on the test-taker. The GRE tends to be more focused on vocabulary and reading comprehension, while the GMAT places a stronger emphasis on grammar and quantitative reasoning. Some may find the GRE easier if they are more comfortable with the type of questions it asks.
What GRE score do I need for an MBA?
The required GRE score for MBA programs varies widely. Competitive programs may look for scores above 320, but many programs consider a range of scores and other application components like professional experience, essays, and interviews.
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