How GRE Scores are Calculated?

How GRE Scores are Calculated?

Edited By M Anusha | Updated on Mar 27, 2024 09:43 AM IST | #GRE

How Are GRE Scores Calculated - The GRE General test exam has section-wise scores. Each question in the GRE is scored based on its correctness and then converted into scaled scores. The verbal and quantitative sections are scored on a scale of 130 to 160 per section, while the analytical writing task of the GRE exam has a score scale of 0 - 6 points. The scoring for each section is different, candidates can know the detailed process of how to calculate the GRE scores in this article.

Each GRE Subject test has a score scale of 200 to 990. The scores of the GRE subject test will depend on the number of correctly answered questions. Knowing to calculate GRE score, can help the candidates prepare their plan to conquer their targeted GRE score.

How are GRE Scores calculated?

Before knowing how to calculate GRE scores, candidates can first, have a glance at the GRE scoring pattern. To calculate GRE score, this scoring pattern is best for reference.

GRE General Test - GRE Scoring Pattern

Measure

No. of Questions/Tasks

Score Scale

Verbal Reasoning

Section 1 - 12 questions

Section 2 - 15 questions

130-170 (in 1-point increment)

Quantitative Reasoning

Section 1 - 12 questions

Section 2 - 15 questions

130-170 (in 1-point increment)

Analytical Writing

1 task

0-6 (in 0.5 point increment)

How to Calculate GRE Score for Each Section?

Here are the section-wise GRE score calculations. Let us first check with the verbal and quant reasoning scores of the GRE.

Verbal & Quantitative Section Scoring

The scoring for the verbal and quant sections is done by considering two factors one is the correctness and the second is the difficulty level. While considering correctness, every question is allotted the same score within a section. These are called the raw scores of the section.

Later these raw scores are converted into scaled scores (i.e., 130 -170) by a process called as equating. In the equating, the raw score conversion is done by considering the section difficulty level and test difficulty level.

Here, the section difficulty is due to the section-level adaptive testing followed in the GRE. Not every computer-based GRE test has the same questions, so the test difficulty can vary at the very minute levels, this is the GRE test difficulty mentioned above. Both the independent verbal and quant reasoning scores are summed to calculate GRE score (overall). Hope the given information helps the candidates to know about how are GRE scores calculated.

Analytical Writing Section Scoring

The scoring of the analytical writing task is based on the quality of the essay written by the candidate. The quality of the essay is measured in terms of critical thinking, analytical writing, grammar, etc. These essays are reviewed by both content experts and trained analysts. Once reviewed the essay is given a score in the range of 0 to 6 points. Hope the candidates have understood to calculate GRE score for the analytical writing task.

How Does The Section Level Adaption Affect GRE Scores?

The verbal and quant sections of the GRE are section-level adaptive. Each section of verbal and quant has two sub-sections (section 1 and section 2). The section 1 of verbal reasoning has questions that are a mix of hard, easy and difficult questions. Based on the performance of each question in section 1, the difficulty level of the sub-section 2 is dependent.

For example, In verbal reasoning, if a candidate answers correctly to the first question in section 1, then the second question in section 2 will be of higher difficulty. Here the number of correct answers and the difficulty level of section 2 are considered in the total score of verbal reasoning. The same applies to the quantitative reasoning section.

So, candidates who have got correct answers for the highly difficult questions, they are given higher scores. Even if the candidate performs well in section 1 and gets wrong for the difficult question in section 2, the ETS will understand the toughness of the questions and penalise less for the wrongly answered questions in section 2.

How are GRE Scores Calculated for Subjective tests?

Candidates can have a glance at the GRE subject test scoring pattern before knowing how to calculate their GRE score.

GRE Subjects Test Scoring Pattern

Measure

No. of Questions

Score Scale

GRE Maths

66

200-990 (in 10-point increments)

GRE Physics

70

200-990 (in 10-point increments)

GRE Psychology

144

200-990 (in 10-point increments)

How Are GRE Scores Calculated For Each Subjective Test?

Each correctly answered question in a respective subject test is given an equal score. These are called raw scores. These raw scores are converted into scaled scores of 220 to 800. The content area scores of each subject test displayed in the GRE score report in a range of 0 -100 percent. Each content area's scores indicate the number of correctly answered questions among the total content questions in terms of percentage.

What Is a Good GRE Score?

Once after knowing the GRE scores, the next step is to confirm whether it is a good score or not. Well, this answer depends on the qualifying score set required for GRE-participating institutes preferred by the candidate. This GRE score requirement varies for every institute or college. The top universities require high GRE scores to seek admission. In general, a good GRE score allows the candidate to apply to many universities.

A good GRE score ranges from

  • GRE Verbal: 152-158

  • GRE Quantitative: 153-158

  • GRE Writing: 4.0

Know more about GRE scores:

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How is GRE score calculated by ETS?

The GRE general test scores are allocated on the basis of the correctness and difficulty level of questions and tests. Whereas the GRE Subject test is scored only on the basis of correctness.

2. Do we add both verbal and quant scores for the total GRE score?

While GRE scorecard, mentions the verbal and quant reasoning scores and analytical task scores separately. Some of the universities mention the total GRE score requirement i.e., verbal + quantitative scores. However, the analytical scores are always mentioned separately in points 0 to 6.

3. Is analytical score mentioned in GRE score?

No. The analytical scores are not included in the GRE total score. They are mentioned separately. The GRE-participating institutes either mention the GRE score requirement separately or combined for the quant and verbal sections. However, the analytical score requirement is always mentioned separately in the admission criteria.

4. How to find my GRE scores?

The GRE scores are released within 8 to 10  days from the GRE exam date. Once the scores are released, the candidate is informed via email and can be accessed directly in their ETS GRE account.

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Questions related to GRE

Have a question related to GRE ?

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.


For pursuing a PhD, the subject you choose for the GRE largely depends on your intended field of study. Generally, you will need to take the GRE General Test, which assesses your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. Additionally, some programs may require or recommend a GRE Subject Test, which focuses on specific fields such as biology, chemistry, literature, mathematics, physics, and psychology. To get personalized guidance and tailored recommendations on choosing the right subject for your GRE and further assistance with your PhD applications, consider consulting Invicta Career Consultancy, which specializes in helping students navigate the complexities of studying abroad, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get a consult with them for better guidance. All the best to 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.

Dear Student,

For admittance to premier universities like MIT, Harvard, Stanford, UC Berkeley, and CMU, your resume must be exceptionally strong.

  • GRE - on the safe side, 325+
  • GPA of at least 110 and a TOEFL score of at least 110.
  • Do as many articles as you can, attempt to participate in research activities at your college, and if at all feasible, try to obtain patents.
  • Internships: I firmly feel that internships are important. Utilize your vacation time for internships, and attempt to concentrate on professions that are research-based or pure CS.
  • Extracurricular Activities: Present Papers, Participate in GSOC and Other Coding Events, etc.
  • Do two or more projects during your undergraduate studies, preferably ones that are linked to your field of study.
  • Work Experience - This is an optional consideration, but if you spend a few years in a top product company's R&D, it might be worthwhile.
  • Put a lot of time and work crafting your SOP and make sure it accurately expresses your reasons for obtaining an MS in Computer Science.
  • Get letters of recommendation from top management at your job and from research faculty at your college—they must know you!

Even if you address all of the aforementioned criteria, there is no assurance that you will be admitted to one of the universities you have named. When you make a decision, a combination of all these criteria will be taken into account, but these 10 ideas are a fantastic place to start.

I know someone who received acceptance letters from MIT, UC Berkeley, and Carnegie Mellon University for their MS and PhD programmes after scoring between 1400 and 1600 on the GRE. He applied with an excellent resume that included a 9+ GPA throughout college, two years of research in Microsoft R&D, and a few patents. Therefore, what matters is your whole profile.


I hope that helps! I wish you the best!

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