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International students require the test scores of GRE (Graduate Record Examination) for getting admission in several universities abroad. Therefore, it becomes important to know about this standardized test before applying to universities abroad. It's really important for future students to grasp the GRE score range, the percentiles, and what a good GRE score actually looks like.
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Do you aim to score 320+ in your GRE exam? If you are wondering how to sail through your admissions? In this article, we will talk about the GRE score range 2025 and help you understand how to score better for studying abroad.
The GRE exam is divided into three key sections, each with its own score range. The table below shows the sections of GRE and their score range:
Section | Score Range |
---|---|
Verbal Reasoning | 130 - 170 |
Quantitative Reasoning | 130 - 170 |
Analytical Writing | 0 - 6 |
The combined total of verbal and quantitative reasoning becomes the total GRE score range. It ranges from 260 to 340. It is possible for a student to score a maximum 340, which will be when he/she scores 170 in each of the two sections.
Read more: How GRE scores are calculated?
As discussed above, the total GRE exam scores range from 260 to 340 in verbal and quantitative reasoning sections. However, the last section, that is the Analytical section, is a bit different from them. Students can score from 0 to 6 here. Students can score from 200 to 900 in 10 increments as GRE Subject Test scores. A student who does not perform well in the exam is likely to score 200, which is the lowest and similarly, a student who performs really well gets the chance to score a perfect 900, which is the highest.
Do you know what are good and bad GRE scores? Before we delve into that, let us understand the GRE score range in the table below:
Section | GRE Score Range | Increment |
---|---|---|
GRE Verbal Reasoning | 130-170 | 1 point increment |
GRE Quantitative Reasoning | 130-170 | 1 point increment |
GRE Analytical Writing | 0-6 | 0.5 point increment |
GRE Subject Test | 130-170 | 10 point increment |
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A student appearing for GRE must score at least 320 if he/she wishes to get admission in a top foreign university. However, the GRE score requirement for each university is different and decided by them. In general, if a student is able to secure 158+ in verbal section, 159+ in quantitative section and 4.5+ in the analytical section, then most likely, it will be considered a good GRE score. If you score this, then If you are able to score this much, then you are placed in the 75th percentile or higher.
A number of universities accept GRE scores between 300 and 320, Ivy league or top-tier universities need at least 330+ for admission.
A good GRE score depends on several factors, such as the course chosen and the university applied to. In general, these are the scores required.
Top universities: 320+ (Verbal 160+, Quant 160+)
Competitive programs: 310-320
Moderate programs: 300-310
Below average: <300
The below table will clear all your doubts regarding a good or bad GRE score:
GRE Scoring | Verbal Reasoning | Quantitative Reasoning | Analytical Writing | Overall GRE Score |
Best GRE Score | 163-170 | 165-170 | 5.0-6.0 | 330+ |
Competitive GRE Score | 158-162 | 159-164 | 4.5 | 320-330 |
Good GRE Score | 152-158 | 153-158 | 4.0 | 320+ |
Below Average GRE Score | 151 or below | 152 or below | 3.5 or below | 300 or below |
Students generally score an average GRE score of 300 to 310. If we talk about each of the sections of GRE, they score an average of 152 in verbal, 158 in quantitative and 3.5 in analytical sections respectively.
University | Verbal (Average Score) | Quant (Average Score) |
---|---|---|
157 | 162 | |
158 | 163 | |
155 | 161 | |
155 | 163 | |
159 | 161 | |
155 | 161 | |
155 | 160 | |
154 | 161 | |
160 | 162 | |
158 | 163 |
GRE score percentiles indicate how a test-taker's performance compares to others. A percentile rank shows the percentage of candidates who scored lower than a given score.
For instance, a 90th percentile score means the test-taker outperformed 90% of examinees, providing valuable insight into competitiveness.
GRE Score (Verbal/Quant) | Percentile (Verbal) | Percentile (Quant) |
170 | 99th | 96th |
165 | 96th | 86th |
160 | 90th | 73rd |
155 | 80th | 59th |
150 | 50th | 38th |
145 | 27th | 18th |
140 | 12th | 7th |
Following table shows the GRE score range for top universities:
University | Average GRE Score |
325 - 335 | |
Stanford University | 325 - 335 |
MIT | 325 - 340 |
University of Chicago | 320 - 330 |
320 - 330 | |
320 - 330 | |
University of Michigan | 310 - 325 |
Following table shows GRE score range by major:
Major | Competitive Score Range |
Engineering | 315 - 330 |
Computer Science | 320 - 335 |
Business (MBA) | 310 - 325 |
Social Sciences | 300 - 320 |
Biological Sciences | 305 - 320 |
Humanities | 300 - 315 |
Physical Sciences | 310 - 330 |
The GRE score range for PA school is 295-310, with top programs expecting 310+ and the GRE score range for PT school is between 290-310, with top schools expecting 310+.
Before August 2011, the GRE had a different scoring system:
Section | Old GRE Score Range | New GRE Score Range |
Verbal Reasoning | 200 - 800 | 130 - 170 |
Quant Reasoning | 200 - 800 | 130 - 170 |
Analytical Writing | 0 - 6 | 0 - 6 |
A strong GRE score enhances your graduate school application but should be considered alongside GPA, SOP, LOR, and other factors. Preparing well with practice tests and a structured study plan is key to achieving your desired score.
A GRE score of 314 is considered competitive for mid-tier universities and some top programs, depending on the field. For STEM programs, higher Quant scores (160+) are preferred.
A good GRE score for most graduate programs generally involves 75th percentile or above for each section (157+ Verbal, 162+ Quant, 4.0+ Writing), translating to an overall score of 318 or higher. However, target scores can vary significantly based on the specific program and university.
Yes, a GRE score of 320 is generally considered a good score, especially for competitive programs, placing you in the 80th percentile or higher, indicating you scored better than 80% of test-takers.
Aspiring applicants should aim for a total score between 330 and 340 if they wish to get an admission in Harvard.
Students can score a perfect score of 340 (170 in both verbal and quantitative). Although there are three sections in the GRE exam, the scores of the analytical section (0-6) are not considered.
Hello,
It depends on the university you are applying to. Most German universities do not require GATE for admission to a Master's in Biotechnology. However, some universities may ask for the GRE , especially if you are applying to a highly competitive program.
You should check the specific admission requirements of the universities you are interested in. Generally, having IELTS (or TOEFL) and a German language proficiency certificate (if the course is in German) is enough.
Hope it helps !
GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, and GMAT are standardized tests often required for admission to universities abroad, but they serve different purposes. The **GRE** (Graduate Record Examination) is used for admission to graduate programs and some business schools, focusing on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. The **TOEFL** (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and **IELTS** (International English Language Testing System) assess English language proficiency, often required for non-native speakers applying to English-speaking countries; TOEFL is more common in the U.S., while IELTS is popular in the U.K. and other regions. The **GMAT** (Graduate Management Admission Test) is specifically for business school admissions, testing quantitative, verbal, analytical writing, and integrated reasoning skills, and is required for MBA programs. I would advise that you get in touch with a prominent abroad education advisor - a great one will really help you through the entire process, end-to-end.
Hello aspirant,
Those who wish to pursue postsecondary education, specifically a Master's degree, specialised Master's programme, MBA, or PhD, are eligible to take the GRE. You must show up for the GRE general exam. Use the following link to get the comprehensive exam details:
https://studyabroad.careers360.com/exams/gre
Thank you
Hope this information helps you.
Choosing the best GRE coaching center in Hyderabad depends on various factors such as the quality of faculty, study materials, class size, and the success rate of the institute. Look for centers that offer comprehensive courses, personalized attention, flexible timings, and extensive practice tests. Additionally, consider the center's reputation, feedback from former students, and any additional resources like online support or library access. Visiting a few centers to get a feel for their teaching style and environment can also help in making an informed decision.
Yes, pursuing an M.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) through the GRE is possible. Many universities, especially in the US, accept GRE scores for admission into their master's programs in CSE. Strong GRE scores, along with a solid academic record, relevant work experience, and a compelling statement of purpose, can enhance your chances of admission. For personalized guidance and to navigate the application process effectively, consider reaching out to Invicta Career Consultancy, which can provide expert advice and support tailored to your goals, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.
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