The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is one of the most widely accepted standardized tests for admission to graduate, business, and PhD programs worldwide. Understanding how the GRE scoring system works is crucial for students who want to interpret their results, set realistic goals, and maximize their scores.
In this guide, we explain how the GRE is scored, section-wise breakdown, score calculation, percentiles, and what constitutes a good GRE score.
Understanding the GRE Scoring System
✔ The GRE General Test consists of three main sections, each scored separately:
- Verbal Reasoning: 130–170 (1-point increments)
- Quantitative Reasoning: 130–170 (1-point increments)
- Analytical Writing (AWA): 0–6 (0.5-point increments)
✔ The total GRE score is the sum of Verbal and Quantitative scores (260–340).
✔ The AWA score is reported separately and does not contribute to the total GRE score.
📌 GRE Score Range Summary
| GRE Section | Score Range | Score Increments |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 130–170 | 1-point |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130–170 | 1-point |
| Analytical Writing (AWA) | 0–6 | 0.5-point |
💡 Why It Matters? Understanding how each section is scored helps test-takers set realistic score goals based on their target programs.
GRE Verbal & Quantitative Reasoning Scoring
✔ The Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections use a scaled scoring system based on raw scores.
✔ The raw score is the number of questions answered correctly.
✔ ETS uses a section-level adaptive scoring system, meaning:
- Your performance in the first section determines the difficulty level of the second section.
- A strong first section leads to a harder second section, which can result in higher scores.
📌 How Are Verbal & Quant Scores Calculated?
✔ Raw Score (Correct Answers) → Scaled Score (130-170) Using Adaptive Scaling
✔ Higher difficulty in the second section = higher scaled score potential
💡 Pro Tip: Answer as many questions correctly in the first section to get a higher difficulty second section and a higher scaled score.
GRE Analytical Writing (AWA) Scoring
✔ The Analytical Writing section consists of two tasks:
- Issue Task: Write an essay analyzing an issue.
- Argument Task: Evaluate an argument and provide a critique.
✔ Each essay is scored from 0-6 by two graders (one human, one AI).
✔ If the two graders’ scores differ by more than 1 point, a third grader resolves the discrepancy.
📌 GRE AWA Score Interpretation
| AWA Score | Performance Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 5.0 – 6.0 | Excellent writing & strong argumentation |
| 4.0 – 4.5 | Good writing skills with minor flaws |
| 3.0 – 3.5 | Average writing skills, needs improvement |
| Below 3.0 | Weak argumentation and grammatical issues |
💡 Pro Tip: Focus on strong essay structure, logical arguments, and grammar to achieve a higher AWA score.
GRE Score Percentiles: How You Compare to Other Test-Takers
✔ Your GRE percentile rank tells you how you performed compared to other test-takers.
✔ A higher percentile means a better ranking relative to other students.
📌 GRE Score Percentiles for Verbal & Quant (Based on Recent Data)
| GRE Score | Verbal Percentile | Quant Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 170 | 99% | 96% |
| 165 | 96% | 86% |
| 160 | 90% | 73% |
| 155 | 74% | 56% |
| 150 | 48% | 38% |
| 145 | 25% | 20% |
| 140 | 10% | 8% |
💡 Why It Matters? Graduate programs evaluate GRE scores based on percentiles, not just raw scores. A 320+ score is competitive for top universities.
What Is a Good GRE Score?
✔ A "good" GRE score depends on your target program and university ranking.
✔ Top STEM and business programs prioritize high Quant scores (165+).
✔ Humanities and social sciences value higher Verbal scores (160+).
📌 General GRE Score Benchmarks
| GRE Score Range | Performance Level | Top University Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| 320 – 340 | Excellent | Ivy League, MIT, Stanford |
| 310 – 319 | Competitive | Top 50 US Universities |
| 300 – 309 | Moderate | Mid-Tier Universities |
| 290 – 299 | Below Average | Limited University Options |
| Below 290 | Low | Few University Acceptances |
💡 Pro Tip: Research the average GRE scores required by your target universities and set a realistic goal accordingly.
GRE Score Validity: How Long Is Your Score Good For?
✔ GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the test date.
✔ Scores can be sent to universities anytime during this period.
✔ After 5 years, GRE scores expire and cannot be used for applications.
📌 GRE Score Reporting Options
✔ ScoreSelect lets you choose which GRE scores to send to universities.
✔ Universities typically accept your highest GRE score if you’ve taken the test multiple times.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re not satisfied with your GRE score, retaking the test is an option to improve university admissions chances.
FAQs About GRE Scoring System
1. How is the GRE scored?
✔ The Verbal and Quant sections are scored on a 130-170 scale, while AWA is scored on a 0-6 scale.
2. What is the highest GRE score possible?
✔ The maximum GRE score is 340 (170 in Verbal + 170 in Quant).
3. What is the lowest GRE score?
✔ The minimum GRE score is 260 (130 in Verbal + 130 in Quant).
4. Is a GRE score of 310 good?
✔ Yes, 310 is a competitive score for mid-tier universities, but 320+ is preferred for top programs.
5. How long does it take to receive GRE scores?
✔ GRE scores are available 10-15 days after the test and sent to universities automatically.
Conclusion
Understanding the GRE scoring system helps students set realistic score goals, interpret results, and maximize their admissions chances.
