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)

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.

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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.

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Questions related to GRE

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to GRE ?

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

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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,