What is Good GRE Score?

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.

What is GRE Score Range 

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:

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.

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.

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.

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:

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. 

Recommended : How to Send GRE Scores to Universities?

Recommended GRE Scores for Top Disciplines

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.

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!

Know More : GRE Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Final Thoughts

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.