Are you curious what a good GRE score is? We review everything score related in our guide below.
A good score will vary and depend on the program you are applying to. You can use percentiles and average GRE scores to compare your score to others.
Summary: Learn about GRE scores below. For help studying, use our reviews of the best GRE prep courses.
What is a Good GRE Score?
A good GRE score isn’t so much about the actual score you get, but rather the score you need to get into the school you desire.
Of course, the higher the score you earn, the better chance of getting into your dream grad school.
There are common GRE scoring baselines we can use when determining where you stand. Use the table below:
| Verbal | Quantitative | Writing | |
| Top 10% Score (Great) | 162+ | 168+ | 5.0+ |
| Top 25% Score (Good) | 157 | 163 | 4.5 |
| 50% Score (Average) | 151 | 155 | 4.0 |
| Bottom 25% Score (Below Average) | 145 | 147 | 3.5 |
How is the GRE Scored?
You will receive 3 GRE scores on your score report. The GRE score range is from 130 to 170. You will receive the following scores on your score report:
- Verbal Reasoning: 130-170
- Quantitative Reasoning: 130-170
- Analytical Writing: 0-6
The verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning scores are in 1-point increments while the analytical writing score is in 0.5-point increments.
If you want to see where you currently stand, take our GRE practice test.
GRE Score Percentiles
A percentile score tells you how you scored when compared to other test-takers. If you scored in the 61st percentile, that would mean you scored better than 61% of other test-takers.
Here is data from ETS on GRE score percentiles:
| Percentile Score | Verbal | Quantitative |
| >90% | 162+ | 168+ |
| 80-89% | 159-161 | 165-167 |
| 70-79% | 156-158 | 161-164 |
| 60-69% | 153-155 | 158-160 |
| 50-59% | 151-152 | 155-157 |
| 40-49% | ~150 | 152-154 |
| 30-39% | 147-149 | 149-151 |
| Percentile Score | Analytical Writing |
| 99% | 6.0 |
| 97% | 5.5 |
| 91% | 5.0 |
| 79% | 4.5 |
| 54% | 4.0 |
| 37% | 3.5 |
| 13% | 3.0 |
Average GRE Scores
The best way to find average GRE scores is by looking at percentiles. Looking at data from ETS, we can see that the average GRE scores for each section of the exam are:
- Verbal Reasoning: 150.61
- Quantitative Reasoning: 154.34
- Analytical Writing: 3.60
It is important to note that you cannot get a 150.61 or 154.34 on the exam. The scores are calculated in 1-point increments for verbal and quantitative reasoning and 0.5-point increments for analytical writing.
Even if you have an average GRE score, there is still a chance you might get into your desired program.Schools may value one part of your overall score higher than the other.
For example, for math-intensive programs, a high quantitative reasoning score combined with a lower verbal reasoning score could still get you admitted.
Each school is different, so it is best to aim for the highest score you can on every section. Read our guide on GRE test dates to see when you can take your exam.
What is a Good GRE Score for You?
What is considered a good score for one person may not be a good score for someone else. You will need to do the following research when determining what a good score for you is:
1. Determine Average Scores for Programs You Are Applying To
You can do some research of your own to determine what the average GRE scores were for the program you are applying to. This will give you a good baseline to aim for.
If you are nervous about doing well, consider using a best GRE prep course to prepare.
2. Determine Which Portions of Your Score Your Program Will be Looking at
Some programs will only care about your quantitative score while other programs will only care about your verbal score. Some programs may care equally about all of your GRE scoring as a whole.
It is important to figure out which areas you need to focus on.
3. Are There Thresholds for Incentives?
Does your school or program have a certain score you need to be eligible for scholarships? Some schools may also have score requirements for placement in various courses in their program.
Can You Use Multiple Scores?
Does your school take your highest score? Do they take your first score? Knowing this information can help you prepare better.
GRE Scores FAQs
