Careers360 Logo
ask-icon
share
    The Secret Formula for a 340 GRE Score That Nobody Talks About!

    The Secret Formula for a 340 GRE Score That Nobody Talks About!

    Ipshita ghoshUpdated on 14 Oct 2025, 03:35 PM IST

    The highest possible GRE score is 340 which a candidate can achieve if he/she scores a perfect 170 in both the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately from 0 to 6. However, it is exceptionally rare to score a perfect 340 in the GRE exam, but is achievable with strong dedication and preparation. In most cases, if candidates are able to achieve 320 GRE scores or above, it is considered to be competitive for top-ranked graduate programs worldwide offered by the top universities in the world. In this article, we will discuss the highest GRE score and how to achieve it.

    This Story also Contains

    1. What is the Purpose of Taking the GRE Exam?
    2. GRE Exam Format and GRE Duration
    3. What is the Highest GRE Score Ever Achieved?
    4. Average GRE Scores (Worldwide)
    5. GRE Score Statistics in India
    6. GRE Exam Dates
    7. How to Achieve the highest GRE score?
    8. What Is a Good GRE Score for Top Universities?
    The Secret Formula for a 340 GRE Score That Nobody Talks About!
    The Secret Formula for a 340 GRE Score

    What is the Purpose of Taking the GRE Exam?

    GRE full form is Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and it is conducted by the ETS (Educational Testing Service). Candidates take this standardized test to get admissions into different graduate programs at universities across the US, Canada, UK, Europe, etc. The test serves as the gateway to top universities abroad and the main purposes of taking the GRE exam in India include:

    • Gauging the readiness of candidates for graduate-level

    • Comparing candidates from different educational backgrounds

    • Check if the candidates are eligible for scholarships or fellowships

    • Supporting MBA and specialized master’s applications (many top business schools now accept GRE instead of GMAT)

    Study in USA

    Universities inviting applications | Get expert guidance

    Study in Australia

    Shortlist best ranked universities & get expert guidance

    Also Read:

    GRE Exam Format and GRE Duration

    These are three sections that the GRE exam consists of:

    Section

    Question Types

    Score Range

    Time Allotted

    Verbal Reasoning

    Reading comprehension, sentence equivalence, text completion

    130–170

    ~41 minutes

    Quantitative Reasoning

    Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis

    130–170

    ~47 minutes

    Analytical Writing

    Two essays (Issue & Argument tasks)

    0–6

    60 minutes

    • The total duration of the GRE exam is 1 hour 58 minutes.

    • The test mode of the GRE exam 2025 is computer-based at both the test centre and at home.

    • The highest GRE score possible is 340, combining the total scores of verbal and quantitative sections.

    IMS FREE Online GRE Mock Test
    Are you prepared for GRE? Take IMS FREE Online GRE Mock Test.
    Start Now

    What is the Highest GRE Score Ever Achieved?

    Only if a candidate is able to score a perfect score (170) in both the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning, he/she can achieve the highest possible GRE score, which is 340. Although securing a perfect GRE score is rare, a few candidates are able to achieve it. As per the data of ETS, only 1% of the candidates worldwide score more than 330, making securing 340 an extraordinary achievement.

    Average GRE Scores (Worldwide)

    Section

    Average Score (Approx.)

    Verbal Reasoning

    150

    Quantitative Reasoning

    153

    Analytical Writing

    4

    Total (Combined)

    303

    Candidates who are able to score more than 320 are placed among the top 10% of the GRE candidates.

    Related Reads:

    GRE Score Statistics in India

    Score Range

    Percentile (Approx.)

    Performance Level

    330–340

    97th–99th

    Excellent (Top 1%)

    320–329

    90th–96th

    Very Good

    310–319

    75th–89th

    Good

    300–309

    60th–74th

    Average

    Below 300

    Below 60th

    Needs Improvement

    GRE Exam Dates

    The GRE general test happens all throughout the year, both at the test centres and at home. Candidates can book GRE slots as per their preference depending on availability.

    GRE General Test 2025 Dates in India

    • October 2025: 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, and 31

    • November 2025: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, and 28

    • December 2025: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 26, 28, 29, 30, and 31

    GRE Subject Test dates in India

    • October 2025: October 13–26, 2025

    • April 2026: April 20–May 3, 2026

    Month (2026)

    GRE Dates (India)

    January

    Jan 10, Jan 17, Jan 24

    February

    Feb 7, Feb 14, Feb 21

    March

    Mar 6, Mar 13, Mar 20

    April

    Apr 3, Apr 10, Apr 17

    May

    May 8, May 15, May 22

    Note: Ensure the GRE registration is done at least 2-3 months before the scheduled GRE exam date.

    How to Achieve the highest GRE score?

    Achieving a perfect GRE score requires strategic preparation. Here are some effective strategies that can help you attain 340 on the GRE exam.

    • Visit the official ETS website to find practice tests to understand the different types of questions in the GRE exam.

    • Focus on building a strong vocabulary to get a perfect GRE score

    • Pay attention to gain expertise on quantitative concepts like interpretation, algebra, arithmetic

    • Refer to the official scoring rubrics and review sample essays

    • Take GRE sample papers and mock tests to be able to manage time effectively

    • Note down your mistakes and focus on improving weak areas

    • Aim for at least 2-3 months of focussed preparation for GRE exam dates 2025

    What Is a Good GRE Score for Top Universities?

    University

    Average GRE Score Range (Accepted Students)

    Harvard University

    325–330+

    Stanford University

    325–335

    MIT

    328–335

    University of California, Berkeley

    320–330

    University of Oxford

    320–330

    University of Toronto

    315–325


    Note: If you aim and achieve 320+, you will be competitive enough for most of the top-ranked programs worldwide.

    Free GRE 2025 PDF with Answers

    Particulars

    Links

    GRE mock test online free

    GRE Sample Paper - Set 1 PDF

    GRE sample test paper with answers

    GRE Sample Paper with Explanation PDF

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q: Is 320 a good GRE score?
    A:

    Yes, a GRE score of 320 is considered to be a good GRE score, as candidates scoring this are placed among the top 10% of the overall candidates worldwide taking the test. It is competitive for top-ranked universities, however, it depends on the specific requirements of the program.

    Q: What is the top 1% GRE score?
    A:

    The score percentiles for verbal and quant are not the same. In verbal, if a candidate scores 169 or 170, both will be 99th percentile scores which is the top 1%. However, for quant,  a perfect score of 170 is 97th GRE percentile.

    Q: What is the highest GRE score ever?
    A:

    The highest GRE score possible is 340, with the combined scores of verbal and quant ranging from 260 to 340.

    Articles
    |
    Upcoming Studyabroad Exams
    Certifications By Top Providers
    Software Engineering Essentials
    Via Technical University of Munich, Munich
    The Science and Business of Biotechnology
    Via Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge
    Nutrition in the Health Sector
    Via The University of Adelaide, Adelaide
    Pathology
    Via Tsinghua University, Beijing
    Udemy
     3320 courses
    Edx
     1944 courses
    Coursera
     1649 courses
    Futurelearn
     1073 courses
    Vskills
     553 courses
    Explore Top Universities Across Globe

    Questions related to GRE

    On Question asked by student community

    Have a question related to GRE ?

    Brooklyn Review in Hyderabad is highly considered for GRE, GMAT, and IELTS coaching due to its accessible location in KPHB, Kukatpally. Also, it provides specialised test preparation.

    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

    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

    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

    Brooklyn Review is the Best GRE Coaching Center in Hyderabad . There are a variety of factors that makes Brooklyn Review the  top rated GRE coaching centre in Hyderabad. Let us a have  a sneak peek into the factors that makes Brooklyn Review The Top GRE coaching center in Hyderabad.