Latest update: For 2025, a GRE Analytical Writing score of 5.0 ranks in the ~93rd percentile, impressing humanities programs! ETS’s latest percentiles reflect a tougher Verbal curve, so prep strategically.
Scoring well on the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) isn’t just about your raw score; it’s about how you compare to others. That’s where GRE percentiles come in. A GRE percentile tells you the percentage of test-takers who scored lower than you. For example, a 90th percentile GRE score means you scored better than 90% of candidates.
According to ETS data, a 159 in Verbal places you around the 80th percentile, while a 152 in Quant is roughly the 45th percentile. Top universities often prefer scores in the 85th percentile or above, especially for competitive programs.
This guide breaks down GRE score percentiles, including Verbal, Quantitative, and Writing, to help you understand where you stand and what to aim for. Whether you're targeting a specific GRE writing score percentile or want to know your total GRE score percentile, this article covers it all with the latest data for 2025.
What Is a GRE Percentile?
A GRE percentile tells you how your score ranks compared to other test-takers. For example, a 90th percentile GRE score means you performed better than 90% of all candidates. It’s not your actual score, but your ranking among others.
Table of Contents
GRE Scaled Score vs. GRE Percentile:
Metric |
Meaning |
Scaled Score | Your actual score in a section (Verbal and Quant: 130–170, AWA: 0–6) |
Percentile Score | The percentage of test-takers who scored lower than you |
Example:
- 159 Verbal GRE percentile ≈ 80th percentile
- 152 Quantitative GRE percentile ≈ 45th percentile
Why Top Universities Use GRE Percentiles?
Universities rely on GRE percentiles to compare applicants fairly across different test sessions and years. A high GRE score percentile (typically 85th or above) helps you stand out in competitive programs. Percentiles eliminate score inflation or variability by showing your relative position in the applicant pool.
Want to understand how your GRE scores translate into percentiles? Check out the detailed GRE Score Calculator blog.
GRE Percentile Chart 2025(Updated)
Understanding where your GRE scores stand in comparison to other test-takers is essential for setting realistic university targets. Below is the latest GRE percentile chart for 2025, based on ETS data, covering all three sections: Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing.
GRE Verbal Reasoning Percentile Chart
Verbal Score |
Percentile |
170 | 99 |
165 | 96 |
160 | 86 |
159 | 80 |
155 | 69 |
150 | 48 |
145 | 28 |
140 | 12 |
135 | 5 |
GRE Quantitative Reasoning Percentile Chart
Quant Score |
Percentile |
170 | 91 |
165 | 81 |
160 | 69 |
155 | 54 |
152 | 45 |
150 | 38 |
145 | 21 |
140 | 11 |
Note: Quant scores tend to have slightly lower percentile rankings at higher scores compared to Verbal.
GRE Analytical Writing Percentile Chart
AWA Score |
Percentile |
6.0 | 99 |
5.0 | 91 |
4.5 | 82 |
4.0 | 55 |
3.5 | 42 |
3.0 | 17 |
2.5 | 7 |
Curious about what constitutes a competitive score? Explore our guide on What is a Good GRE Score? for insights into setting your target.
How Are GRE Percentiles Calculated?
Understanding how GRE percentiles are calculated can help you better interpret your scores. Percentiles show how you rank among other test-takers and are based on a rolling average of results over the past three years.
GRE Scoring System Breakdown
Before looking at percentiles, it's important to know the GRE scoring format:
- Verbal Reasoning: 130–170
- Quantitative Reasoning: 130–170
- Analytical Writing (AWA): 0–6 (scored in half-point increments)
Note: Each section is scored separately. There is no single GRE total score, but many students refer to the combined Verbal + Quant score (max 340).
How Percentiles Are Derived
Percentiles are not based on your raw score but on how many people scored below you. ETS collects performance data from all test-takers over the last three years and ranks scores accordingly.
So, if your scaled score is 159 in Verbal, and 80% of test-takers scored lower, you fall in the 80th percentile.
Example: Score-to-Percentile Mapping
Here’s a quick look at what some common scores translate to in terms of percentiles:
Section |
Scaled Score |
Approx. Percentile |
Verbal Reasoning | 159 | 80th percentile |
Quant Reasoning | 152 | 45th percentile |
Analytical Writing | 4.0 | 55th percentile |
Analytical Writing | 4.5 | 82nd percentile |
Section-Wise GRE Percentile Analysis
Understanding GRE percentiles by section helps you identify competitive benchmarks and focus your prep more effectively. Each section of the GRE- Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing has unique scoring trends, difficulty levels, and score distributions.
Typical Score Ranges by Section
Here's what most GRE test-takers score in each section:
Section |
Typical Score Range |
Approx. Percentile Range |
Verbal Reasoning | 145–160 | 25th–85th percentile |
Quantitative Reasoning | 150–165 | 38th–85th percentile |
Analytical Writing (AWA) | 3.0–4.5 | 17th–82nd percentile |
Note: Most students fall around the 50th percentile mark, but scores above 160 in Verbal or Quant push you toward the top 15–20%.
Difficulty Level and Percentile Impact
Each section’s percentile is impacted by how well the overall pool performs:
- Quant tends to be more competitive. Many test-takers, especially from STEM backgrounds, score high, so even a 165 may not place you in the top 10%.
- In Verbal, percentile gains increase more sharply with each point above 155.
- AWA scores have a narrower distribution, and even small jumps (e.g., 4.0 to 4.5) can significantly boost your percentile.
How to Improve Your GRE Percentile Score
Improving your GRE percentile score requires more than just studying harder; it’s about studying smarter. Since percentile rankings reflect how well you perform compared to other test-takers, even small score jumps can lead to significant percentile boosts, especially in weaker areas.
Verbal Reasoning: Sharpen Reading & Vocabulary
- Focus on Reading Comprehension by practicing complex passages daily.
- Strengthen your vocabulary with high-frequency GRE words and contextual usage.
- Solve Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence under timed conditions.
Note: 159 in Verbal places you near the 80th percentile, ideal for top programs.
Quantitative Reasoning: Prioritize Accuracy & Speed
- Master GRE math topics like algebra, geometry, and data interpretation.
- Practice timed sets with increasing difficulty to build endurance.
- Analyze errors to spot patterns in careless mistakes.
Note: A 152 Quant score is about average, but scoring 160+ pushes you into the 75th percentile and higher.
Analytical Writing: Structure Matters
- Use pre-planned essay templates to save time and stay organized.
- Practice both Issue and Argument tasks weekly.
- Get feedback or use GRE writing evaluation tools for improvement.
Note: A score of 4.5+ in AWA puts you above the 80th percentile.
Also check out: GRE Results 2025: Understanding Your Scores, Timeline, and How to Interpret Them
Conclusion
Understanding GRE percentiles is key to evaluating where you stand among other test-takers. Whether you're aiming for a 159 Verbal GRE percentile, targeting the 90th percentile GRE score, or improving a 152 Quant percentile, your focus should be on balanced performance across all sections; Verbal, Quant, and AWA.
Top universities don’t just look at your total GRE score; they analyze your GRE score percentiles to gauge your readiness for rigorous academic programs. So, a strategic approach to each section can significantly boost your GRE total score percentile and improve your chances of admission.
FAQs on GRE Percentiles
What is the 95th percentile for the GRE?
The 95th percentile generally means you scored better than 95% of test-takers. In GRE terms, this usually equates to 165+ in Verbal and 168–170 in Quant. Scoring here makes you a top applicant. It’s ideal for Ivy League and elite grad schools.
What percentile is 320 on the GRE?
A 320 GRE score typically places you in the 80th percentile range overall. This is a strong score for most graduate programs. The exact percentile depends on your Verbal and Quant split. Top STEM and MBA programs often accept this score.
What is the 75th percentile on the GRE?
The 75th percentile reflects a score better than 75% of test-takers. It’s around 157 in Verbal and 161 in Quant. This score is considered above average. Many competitive grad programs set this as their benchmark.
What percentile is a 335 GRE score?
A score of 335 is exceptional and places you in the 98–99th percentile. It signals outstanding performance in both sections. Very few test-takers reach this level. It opens doors to top-tier universities worldwide.
How do GRE percentiles differ from raw scores?
Raw GRE scores reflect the number of correct answers, while percentiles show how your score compares to others. A higher percentile means you did better than most. Percentiles offer a clearer idea of competitiveness. Admissions often consider both.
Is the GRE percentile more important than the score?
Both are important, but percentiles give context to your score. A score of 160 may seem high, but if it's the 70th percentile, it’s not top-tier. Schools often use percentiles to compare applicants fairly across years. It's a key evaluation metric.
Do GRE percentiles change every year?
Yes, percentiles can shift slightly each year. They're based on recent data from all test-takers. As score distributions change, percentile cutoffs are updated. Always check the latest ETS GRE percentile chart for accuracy before applying.
How are GRE percentiles calculated?
Percentiles are calculated by comparing your score to all test-takers from the past three years. ETS uses this data to determine what percentage of people scored lower than you. It’s a standardized way to rank performance levels.
Where can I find a GRE percentile calculator?
You can use ETS’s official resources or third-party GRE percentile calculators online. These tools estimate your percentile based on current data. Just enter your section scores to see how you rank. It’s a quick way to assess competitiveness.
What is considered a good GRE score percentile?
A “good” percentile usually means scoring in the 75th or higher. For top schools, aim for the 90th percentile or above. It depends on your field and university. STEM programs may expect higher Quant scores, while Verbal matters more for humanities.
Can GRE percentiles impact scholarship chances?
Yes, high GRE percentiles can boost your scholarship eligibility. Many universities and programs consider percentile rankings during funding decisions. A score in the top 10–15% can significantly strengthen your financial aid prospects.
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