How Is the GRE Scored?
The GRE General Test is divided into three independently scored sections, each designed to measure different academic skills essential for graduate-level study. Understanding how each section is scored is the first step toward setting realistic target scores and building an effective study plan.
Your raw score (the number of questions answered correctly) is converted into a scaled score through a statistical process called equating. This ensures that scores are comparable across different test editions and administrations, regardless of when or where you take the exam.
GRE Score Breakdown by Section
Each section of the GRE is scored independently, and graduate programs may weigh certain sections more heavily depending on the field of study.
Verbal Reasoning
Score Range: 130 – 170
Scored in one-point increments, the Verbal Reasoning section measures your ability to analyze written material, evaluate arguments, and understand relationships among words and concepts. The section includes reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence questions.
Quantitative Reasoning
Score Range: 130 – 170
Also scored in one-point increments, the Quantitative Reasoning section tests your mathematical skills and your ability to interpret and analyze quantitative information. Topics include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. An on-screen calculator is provided.
Analytical Writing
Score Range: 0 – 6
Scored in half-point increments, the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) measures your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively. Each essay is evaluated by a trained human rater and an e-rater (a computerized scoring program developed by ETS), and the final score is the average of both.
GRE Score Summary Table
| Section | Score Range | Increments | Average Score | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 130 – 170 | 1 point | ~151 | 41 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130 – 170 | 1 point | ~153 | 47 minutes |
| Analytical Writing | 0 – 6 | 0.5 point | ~3.6 | 30 minutes |
What Is a Good GRE Score?
A "good" GRE score is ultimately determined by the requirements of the specific graduate programs to which you are applying. There is no universal benchmark that applies to every school or field of study. What counts as competitive for a master's program in education may differ significantly from what a top engineering or business program expects.
That said, there are general guidelines that can help you set meaningful targets. A combined Verbal and Quantitative score of 310 or above is considered competitive for the majority of graduate programs. If you are aiming for highly selective programs — think Ivy League institutions, top-ranked MBA programs, or elite STEM doctoral programs — you will typically need a combined score of 320 or higher.
It is also important to recognize that many programs place greater emphasis on one section over another. A humanities-focused program will likely scrutinize your Verbal Reasoning score more closely, while a quantitative or technical program will weigh your Quant score more heavily. Before setting your target, research the median scores of admitted students at your target programs to establish a realistic and personalized goal.
The Analytical Writing score, while sometimes overlooked by applicants, remains an important factor for programs that value strong written communication, particularly in the humanities, social sciences, and law-adjacent fields. A score of 4.0 or above is generally considered solid, while a 5.0 or above is exceptional.
Average GRE Scores
According to data published by ETS (the organization that administers the GRE), the average scores across all test takers are approximately:
Verbal Reasoning
The midpoint of the 130–170 scale
Quantitative Reasoning
Slightly above the scale midpoint
Analytical Writing
On the 0–6 half-point scale
These averages are calculated from the scores of over 1.7 million test takers worldwide. Even if your overall GRE score falls near the average, there is still a strong possibility of gaining admission to your desired program. Many schools take a holistic approach, weighing your GPA, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and relevant experience alongside your GRE scores. Some programs may also value one section of the GRE more than others, so it is always worth investigating the specific expectations of your target schools.
GRE Score Percentiles
Percentile rankings tell you the percentage of test takers who scored lower than you. Below are approximate percentile benchmarks for Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning.
| Percentile | Verbal Score | Quantitative Score |
|---|---|---|
| 99th | 169 – 170 | 170 |
| 95th | 165 | 168 |
| 90th | 162 | 166 |
| 75th | 157 | 160 |
| 50th (Median) | 151 | 153 |
| 25th | 146 | 147 |
| 10th | 141 | 142 |
Source: ETS GRE score data. Percentiles are approximate and may shift slightly from year to year based on test-taker performance.
How Long Are GRE Scores Valid?
GRE scores are reportable for five years following your test date. After that five-year window, your scores are no longer available for reporting to graduate programs through ETS.
This means that if you took the GRE several years ago and are now considering graduate school, you may need to retake the exam. Planning ahead is important — give yourself enough lead time to prepare, take the test, and potentially retake it if your initial scores do not meet your target.
One advantage of the five-year validity period is flexibility. If you score well but are not ready to apply to graduate school immediately, you can take comfort in knowing your scores will remain on file for several application cycles.
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