GRE Scores: Ranges, Percentiles and What a Good Score Is

Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning are each scored from 130 to 170 in 1-point increments. The scores come from the number of correct answers across both sections of each measure, with no penalty for wrong answers. Because the test is section-level adaptive, the difficulty of the second section factors into the equating process that converts your raw score to a scaled score.

Analytical Writing is scored from 0 to 6 in half-point increments. A trained reader and the e-rater automated scoring engine each evaluate the essay, and the final score reflects the overall quality of the response.

Many programs and test-takers reference a combined Verbal plus Quantitative total from 260 to 340 for convenience. ETS reports each measure separately and does not publish an official combined score.

The answer depends on the program. 151 is the average Verbal score and 158 is the average Quant score. A 160 on either measure clears the 70th percentile. A 165 on Verbal is the 96th percentile. A 170 on Quant is only the 96th percentile because roughly 4 percent of test takers earn a perfect Quant score.

For competitive graduate programs in the humanities and social sciences, a Verbal score of 160 or above is strong. For STEM programs, a Quant score of 165 or above is the competitive threshold, and many admitted students score 167 or higher. For business school, a combined 320 or above (160 V and 160 Q) is competitive at most programs, though top MBA programs often look for 325 or higher. For law school, which increasingly accepts GRE scores, a strong Verbal score of 162 or above matters most.

Round your aim to the tier of program you want, not to a universal number. A 158 Verbal that clears your target program's median with your profile does more for you than a 165 aimed at a program that does not fit.

Your scores are available 8 to 10 days after your test date in your ETS account. On test day, you can designate up to four free score recipients as part of your test fee. After test day, additional score reports cost US$40 per recipient and can be ordered at any time during the 5-year validity period.

With the ScoreSelect option, you choose which scores to send. On test day, you can send your Most Recent scores or All scores from the last 5 years. After test day, you can also send Any specific test administration. Programs only see the scores you choose to send.

Scores remain valid for 5 years from your test date. You can take the GRE up to five times in any rolling 12-month period, with at least 21 days between attempts.