What is a Good GRE Score for Top Universities? Know Score Range

What is a Good GRE Score for Top Universities? Know Score Range

Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Jul 25, 2024 05:39 PM IST | #GRE

The most crucial academic requirement to be a part of any master's course abroad is a good GRE score. Hence, the first question before the application process is 'What is a good GRE score?'. To answer that, one must note that a good GRE score range can vary depending on the graduate programme and institution to which applicants are applying.

Generally, a good GRE score meets or exceeds the average score of students in their desired programme. Generally, the GRE score range that are of 160 or above are considered good GRE scores. The GRE scores are measured based on the answers correctly answered and are considered raw GRE scores. Moreover, it is one of the major requirements to secure admission in MS courses, although now over 1300 business schools worldwide are accepting the GRE scores for MBA courses as well.

Therefore, the GRE test has two segments one is the general test section, which includes verbal and quantitative reasoning along with analytical writing. Other than this, the GRE subject test contains math, physics and psychological sections. The chemistry section will be discontinued in May 2023. The provided GRE score range is on a scale of 130 to 170 for verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning in one-point increments, whereas for analytical writing, the score range is between 0 and 6 in half-point increments.

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Read the article below to learn more about the ideal GRE score range, types, and other important things one requires regarding the standardised test results.

Type of GRE Scores

There are two types of GREs taken by students who want to study graduate courses.

  • General Test: This part of the GRE syllabus covers verbal and quantitative reasoning along with analytical writing.

  • Subject Test: This exam is subject-specific such as if the student wants to get into a business school or law school. They have an open-door opportunity with GRE tests. The subject test is now in three subjects; math, physics, psychology and Chemistry GRE test is discontinued from May 2023.

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Every subject's GRE score is calculated on a scale of 220 to 990 with 10-point increments. Whereas as of September 2023, the Psychology and Physics GRE score ranges from a percentage of 0 to 100.

General test GRE Scores

The general test of the GRE contains three sections verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing. Here is the overview of all three sections of general GRE test scores.

Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning: A GRE score above 160 on each section is generally considered good, although some highly competitive programmes may expect even higher scores. However, it's essential to research the average scores of admitted students in your chosen field and aim to be at or above that level.

Analytical Writing: The analytical writing section of the GRE scores is as important as the verbal and quantitative sections; it is frequently considered important for the selection process and requirements like letters of recommendation, academic and transcript records and personal statements. A GRE score of 4.0 or above is generally seen as good.

For a detailed overview of scores and their percentile, check out the table mentioned below:

GRE Scorecard: Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning

GRE score

Verbal Reasoning

Quantitative Reasoning

170

99

94

169

99

91

168

98

87

167

97

83

166

96

80

165

95

76

164

94

73

163

92

70

162

89

68

161

87

65

160

84

61

159

81

58

158

77

55

157

73

52

156

70

49

155

65

46

154

60

42

153

56

39

152

50

36

151

46

33

150

41

30

149

36

27

148

32

24

147

29

21

147

25

18

145

22

15

144

19

13

143

17

11

142

15

9

141

12

7

139

10

6

138

9

5

137

7

4

136

6

3

135

5

2

134

4

1

133

3

1

132

2

1

131

2


130

1


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GRE Scorecard: Analytical Writing

Scores

Analytical Writing

6.0

99

5.5

98

5.0

91

4.5

81

4.0

56

3.5

38

3.0

15

2.5

7

2.0

2

1.5

1

1.0

-

0.5

-

0

-

What is a good GRE math subject test score?

To get a good GRE score in math, the applicant must have a minimum score of 60% or above. Check out the table below for a reference of score range and percentile.

GRE scorecard: Maths subject

Score range

Maths

980

-

960

96

940

96

920

95

900

93

880

90

860

86

840

82

820

78

800

74

780

71

760

66

740

63

720

58

700

54

680

50

660

47

640

42

620

38

600

34

580

30

560

26

540

22

520

18

500

14

480

10

460

7

440

5

420

3

400

2

380

1

360

1

340

-

GRE scorecard: Physics and Psychology

Score range

Physics

Psychology

980

96

-

960

92

-

940

89

-

920

85

-

900

81

-

880

77

-

860

74

-

840

71

-

820

68

99

800

64

97

780

61

95

760

58

91

740

55

86

720

52

79

700

47

72

680

44

64

660

40

57

640

36

50

620

32

43

600

27

37

580

24

32

560

20

27

540

16

22

520

12

18

500

9

15

480

6

12

460

5

9

440

3

7

420

2

5

400

1

3

380

1

2

360


1

340


1

In the Physics GRE score range, a score of 900 and below is 97 per cent.

What is a competitive GRE score?

Usually, there is no range for measuring the GRE scale, as the GRE score varies as per the university and programme requirements. A competitive GRE score is primarily a score above 160 in verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning and a score above 4.5 in analytical writing is a good competitive GRE score. Scores above 165 are highly accepted and competitive among various highly reputed universities.

What is a good GRE score out of 340?

A GRE score ranges from 130 to 170 for both verbal and quantitative reasoning and 160 is considered a good GRE score. Therefore, an overall score of 320 or above out of 340 is a good score.

What is a good GRE analytical writing score?

A good GRE score for analytical writing is 4 out of 6, whereas if the score is above 4 or 4.5, it is considered a competitive and excellent score and students with higher scores than required have higher chances of selection.

How to check the GRE Score?

Students can check their official GRE scores for general test scores in their ETS account 8–10 days after the test date. Test-takers will also receive email notifications from the ETS.

GRE Scorecard

Sections

Scores

Verbal Reasoning

130–170, in 1-point increments

Quantitative Reasoning

130–170, in 1-point increments

Analytical Writing

0–6, in half-point increments

Details in GRE Scorecard

Candidates can check their GRE scores from their ETS account; the official GRE Test-taker Score Report contains information and personal records. The GRE score report contains:

  • Contact information (name, phone number and email)

  • Date of birth

  • Gender

  • Intended graduate major

  • Test dates

  • GRE test scores and the associated percentile ranks

  • Authorised score recipients or fellowship sponsors and the scores reported to those institutions

  • The cumulative record of scores reported within the last 5 years.

What is a good GRE score for Top Universities?

A good GRE score is a primary requirement for the top university to secure admission to a graduate course. Here is a list of good GRE scores for some top universities as per their requirements.

GRE score requirement in Top Universities:

Universities

GRE Scores

Harvard University

Verba and Quantitative section score are 160 or above

University of Oxford

Verbal- 160 Quantitative- 160 or above; Writing- 4.0

Stanford University

163-167

Yale University

163

Imperial College London

156 in the verbal and 158 in the quantitative sections.

Also Read:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is 320 a good GRE score?

Yes, a total GRE score of 320 and above is a good GRE score. Test takers must score an equal GRE score of 160 in the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE.

2. What is an excellent GRE score?

An excellent GRE score depends on the programme the student is applying to. A GRE score of 152 or above is considered average, and a score of 160 is considered good. Scores above 160 are highly competitive and excellent, as per many top university requirements.

3. Is 270 a good GRE score?

One should have a score higher than the average GRE score; a GRE score of 270 is average. If calculating the overall GRE score, the test taker must have a score above 300 to be considered a good GRE score. Although it is not a general GRE score. It may vary depending on the university and programme the candidate is applying to.

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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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