
GRE score ranges on a scale between 260 and 340. The minimum score for the quantitative and verbal section is 130 points, with increments of 1 point, and the maximum score is 170 points. The score range for the analytical writing section is 0-6 scale, with increments of 0.5 points. There is no negative marking in the GRE test, the candidate's score depends on the question's difficulty level and correct answers.

Graduate record examination scores are accepted by most of the top universities worldwide. ETS publishes GRE exam scores within 15 days after the exam. 300+ GRE score is required for top universities like MIT, Stanford, University of California, and Pennsylvania State University. The test score is valid for 5 years after the exam date. On test day, you can select up to four graduate institutions or universities to receive your scores as part of your test fee. If you want to send your GRE score range to additional universities, a fee must be paid.
There are multiple types of services that GRE score provides. These include GRE Diagnostic Service, Question-and-Answer Review Service and Score review for the Analytical Writing. You can request the review through your ETS account created during registration. ETS has provided ScoreSelect option where you can decide which test scores to send to the institutions you designate. This will help you send your best score to the target university.
Candidates planning to study in universities abroad in master's and MBA programs need GRE score. University administrators evaluate candidate's academic abilities by using their GRE test scores. GRE eligibility depends on the university and the course candidates are applying. Students need to achieve a great GRE score range to get admission into top universities. Here’s a table that can help candidates understand and calculate their GRE total marks:
| GRE Exam Sections | Minimum Score | Maximum Score | Increment |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRE Quantitative reasoning | 130 | 170 | 1 point |
| GRE Verbal reasoning | 130 | 170 | 1 point |
| GRE Analytical writing | 0 | 6 | 0.5 point |
Combined GRE score ranges from 260-340, candidates get 1 point increment for verbal and the quant section. GMAT analytical writing score ranges from 0-6, with a 0.5 point increment. A candidate's GRE grade scale depends on their results in the 3 sections of GRE syllabus. The table mentioned below describes the GRE score range and their grades:
| GRE Scoring grade | Verbal Reasoning Section | Quantitative Reasoning Section | Analytical Writing Section |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best GRE Score | 163-170 | 165-170 | 5.0-6.0 |
| Competitive GRE Score | 158-162 | 159-164 | 4.5 |
| Good GRE Score | 152-158 | 153-158 | 4.0 |
| Below Average GRE Scores | 151 or below | 152 or below | 3.5 or below |
Candidates must understand the GRE total score report to apply to the top universities. GRE exam total score report includes the candidate's personal information, educational info, scores, and percentile ranks. Candidates can know their overall GRE score by downloading it from their own ETS account. This exam score report is available within 15 days after the GRE exam date.

GRE Percentile is calculated by comparing candidate's scores within a selected comparison group. Many universities worldwide accept scores in percentile ranks. Candidates must understand the GRE score calculation of section-wise exam score to percentile rank.
GRE Score Percentile for Verbal and Quantitative Section:
| Percentile Rank | Verbal | Quantitative |
|---|---|---|
| >90% | 162-170 | 166-170 |
| 80-90% | 158-161 | 162-165 |
| 70-80% | 156-157 | 156-157 |
| 60-70% | 153-155 | 156-157 |
| 50-60% | 151-152 | 153-155 |
| <50% | <150 | <152 |
GRE Score Percentile for Analytical Writing Section:
| Percentile Rank | Analytical writing Score |
|---|---|
| 6.0 | 99 |
| 5.5 | 97 |
| 5.0 | 91 |
| 4.5 | 79 |
| 4.0 | 54 |
| 3.5 | 37 |
| 3.0 | 13 |
| 2.5 | 6 |
| 2.0 | 2 |
| 1.5 | 1 |
After taking the exam, the candidate's GRE score valid for 5 years. The GRE subject test is organized thrice a year, usually in April, September, and October. GRE is a paper-based test, that helps students to get admission in masters to the best universities worldwide. Students need effective GRE preparation to achieve their desired scores for study abroad.
GRE exam score is available within 15 days from the exam day. Students can select 4 institutions to send GRE maximum score. An additional GRE fee is required to send scores to more than 4 institutions. Candidates can download their additional score report for a fee of INR 2496 per score. There are 3 ways candidates can order additional GRE graduate exam score reports online, by mail, and by fax.
After the test, candidates will have an option to cancel their GRE test scores. Candidates must remember that cancel scores for one section can not be canceled, it is required to cancel the total score report. After canceling the GRE score report, students are able to take the test again. Candidates must do GRE registration again and have to submit other payments.
To get admission to the top universities worldwide, candidates are required to a good GRE test scores. Students can send their GRE scores to 4 institutions for free. A better understanding of the GRE cut-off requirements by universities helps students to send their scores accordingly. To meet the cut-off requirements, students must have a clear understanding of GRE exam pattern. Candidates are advised to check the university's official website to check the updated cut-off for GRE maximum marks.
| Universities | Verbal | Quantitative | Analytical Writing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 158 | 159 | 5.3 |
| Stanford University | 159 | 158 | 4.8 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | 158 | 167 | 4.3 |
| University of Michigan | 160 | 167 | 5.0 |
| University of Washington | 156 | 167 | 4.0 |
| University of California | 156 | 167 | 4.5 |
| Northwestern University | 160 | 160 | 5.0 |
| Rice University | 160 | 167 | 5.0 |
| The University of Chicago | 158 | 167 | 4.0 |
| Duke University | 160 | 160 | 4.5 |
A higher GRE test total score can improve a student's chances of being accepted into a top university. Candidates must have a better understanding of percentile ranks and score sending process. A good GRE score reflects the candidate's academic potential and is a good fit for the program.
Ques: What is a good score for GRE?
Ans: - Most of the educational programs worldwide accept an average score of 157+ in verbal, 162+ in quantitative, and 5.0+ in GRE scores. 75th percentile and above is considered a good score for the GRE.
Ques: What is the full score of GRE?
Ans: - The full score on GRE is 340, both the section verbal and quantitative reasoning include 170 scores each. The analytical section score ranges between 0-6 scale.
Ques: How do I calculate my GRE score?
Ans: - Candidates can calculate their GRE scores by summing up the total scores of the three sections; quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing.
Ques: What is the 95% percentile for the GRE?
Ans: - A score of 165 is calculated as 95% percentile for the GRE. Candidates must have a better understanding of calculating GRE exam scores into percentile ranks.
Ques: What is a good GRE score?
Ans: - Any score above 310 is considered a good GRE score 2023. Most of the top universities worldwide accept overall scores above 320.
Ques: How much GRE score is required for scholarship in USA?
Ans: - A score above 300+ is considered an ideal GRE score for a scholarship in USA. Candidates need effective preparation and practice to achieve a great GRE score.
Ques: Is GRE mandatory for MS in USA 2024?
Ans: - Many universities are waiving GRE requirements for MS in USA 2024. This means candidates can apply for study programs without having a GRE score.
Ques: Is there negative marking in GRE?
Ans: - There is no negative marking in GRE test, candidate scores depend on the given correct answers and the difficulty level of the question.
Ques: Is 307 a good GRE score?
Ans: - There are many best universities, that accept GRE scores between 300-310. So, 307 can be considered as a good GRE score.
Ques: What is the failed score for GRE?
Ans: - There is no specifying passing or failed scores for GRE. Scoring above 300 is considered as a good GRE score.
Ques: How long are GRE scores valid?
Ans: - The GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the test date. You can use the score for 5 years to send to the universities. Once the validity is over, you will not have an option to send the scores.
Ques: Can I retake the GRE?
Ans: - Yes, you can take it as many times as you want. Only the highest scores within the past 5 years are sent to programs if you select the Scoreselect option. If you are retaking GRE, you must ensure that the scores have improved.
Ques: What affects my GRE score?
Ans: - The factors that affect the GRE score are preparation, practice and delivery on the test day. Your performance on each section determines your overall score. Scores are scaled, so the difficulty of your test slightly impacts your final score.
Ques: How are Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning scores scaled?
Ans: - The GRE VErbal and Quantitative section scores range from 130-170, with most scores concentrated between 140-160. Each correct answer raises your score, while each wrong answer slightly lowers it. However, there is no negetive marking.
Ques: How are Analytical Writing scores scaled?
Ans: - The GRE Analytical section where you need to write an essay has a scores range of 0-6, with 0.5 increments. ETS has assigned two raters who will assess your essays. Each of them will score seperately and and their average score will be counted as the final score.
Ques: What is the average GRE analytical writing scores for top universities?
Ans: – The average GRE score for the Analytical writing section for top universities is 4.5 and above. You need to score higer to get admission to the top universities of the world. Always try to score more than average which will improve your chances of admission.
Ques: How soon do I get my scores?
Ans: - You can get your GRE scores online about 10-15 days after your test. You'll see unofficial verbal and quantitative reasoning scores immediately after finishing the test. The scores can be viewed by looging into your ETS account created during registration.
Ques: Can I send my scores to specific programs?
Ans: - Yes, you can choose which programs receive your scores when you register or after you receive your results. You can send scores to up to four programs for free, with additional fees for each additional program.
Ques: Can I cancel my scores?
Ans: - Yes, you can cancel your scores at the test center or online within 10 days of your test date. if you cancel the score at the test center, you must fill a form and send it to the ETS office. If you want to cancel the score online, you can do it from your ETS account.
Ques: What else do Universities consider besides GRE scores?
Ans: - The abroad university that you will apply to considers GPA, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. If you are applying to abroad universities, a strong scores can boost your application, but other factors play a significant role.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.