When preparing for the GRE, one of the most pressing questions is, ‘What is a good GRE score?’ The answer depends on you and the postgraduate programs you’re targeting or the field of study you wish to pursue.
Understanding GRE Scores
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is scored on a scale of 130 to 170 for both Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. The Analytical Writing section is scored differently on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments. Your GRE scores for Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning are often looked at together, with the Analytical Writing score considered separately.
E2’s GRE test prep course will guide you through each section of the test and ensure you’re achieving your best possible GRE score.
What Is a Good GRE Score?
A ‘good’ GRE score is relative and largely depends on the programs you are applying to. Here’s a general breakdown for Verbal & Quantitative Reasoning.
- Average GRE Score: The average GRE score is typically around 150 for both Verbal and Quantitative sections. Scoring around this range places you in the 50th percentile of all test-takers.
- Above Average GRE Score: A score above 155 in each section is considered above average and can improve your chances at a broad range of graduate programs.
- Competitive GRE Score: A score of 160–165 in both sections is considered competitive and will make you a strong candidate for many selective graduate programs.
- Excellent GRE Score: A score of 165 and above in both sections is considered excellent and will give you a strong chance of admission to top-tier graduate programs.
Analytical Writing is a score out of 6, and acceptance scores vary widely, however aiming for a score of 4+ will ensure a positive result for most schools, while a score above 4.5 will ensure you’ve got a competitive score for your postgraduate applications.
GRE Scores for Top Graduate Programs
If you’re aiming for admission to top graduate schools, you must score well above average. Here’s a look at the GRE score ranges for the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning for some of the most competitive programs.
Not all programs consider GRE scores, and they vary from program to program. For current details of the acceptance ranges for each of the three sections of the GRE, make sure you contact your desired school.
Harvard school of Public Health, for example, states that many of their successful candidates score above the 60th percentile in the Quantitative section. For programs in the STEM area, having a strong quantitative score is going to strengthen your application, while postgraduate studies in education or psychology, for example, require stronger verbal reasoning skills.
While not all programs state specific required GRE scores, having a strong score will strengthen your application.
GRE Scores for Specific Graduate Programs
Your intended field of study can also influence what is considered a good GRE score:
- STEM Programs: STEM programs often require higher GRE Quantitative scores. For example, top engineering programs at schools like MIT may expect a Quantitative score close to 170.
- Humanities and Social Sciences: For programs in these areas, schools generally place more emphasis on the Verbal score, a score above 160 will be competitive for most top programs.
- Business Programs (MBA): MIT states that their MBA class of 2026 average GRE scores are 157-168 for Verbal and 159-170 for Quantitative.
Ultimately a good GRE score is one that aligns with the expectations of the graduate programs and courses you’re targeting.
For highly competitive programs, aim for at least a 160 in both Verbal and Quantitative sections, while less selective institutions may accept scores in the 150–160 range. Just as Verbal & Quantitative reasoning scores vary across schools, so too do Analytical Writing scores, aiming for a score about 4.5 will keep you on track for a competitive outcome. For exact requirements, reach out to your desired school.
Get on track with your GRE preparation and graduate school journey!