Key Takeaways:
- A top GRE score is 346, with verbal and quantitative sections maxing at 170 each, and analytical writing at six points.
- Ivy League schools typically require scores above 300, while other institutions may accept scores around 250.
- Scores are valid for 5-6 years, and many schools do not require the analytical writing score for applications.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about what is considered a good GRE score for grad school. From understanding the GRE scoring scale and score percentiles to reviewing the GRE score breakdown and the average GRE score, we’ll help you understand how your results stack up. The GRE is a standardized test, much like the SAT or ACT, but it’s designed for students applying to graduate programs. Many schools require your GRE score as part of the admissions process, with each section scored on a specific scale.
Sections on the Test
One of the first things you should know before taking this test is what each section includes. The first section is the verbal reasoning section, which includes a number of multiple-choice questions. You’ll generally read a short passage or paragraph and then select the best option from several choices to respond to a question. The quantitative reasoning section requires strong math skills and also includes multiple-choice questions. This test also consists of an analytical writing portion that asks you to analyze a question or statement and write a short essay.
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Total Number of Points Available
A perfect score on the GRE is 346. Both the verbal reasoning and analytical reasoning portions of the test are worth 170 points each, and the analytical writing section is worth an additional six points. You can only score a round number on the first two sections, but you can earn half a point on the writing portion. The minimum that an individual can score on the total test is 260. You cannot score less than 130 points on the first two sections, but you can score a zero on the last portion. According to the Educational Testing Service, the score you receive on the test is valid for five to six years, depending on the date you took the test.
What is a Good Score?
A good score on the GRE depends on where you want to go to graduate school. Ivy League schools typically only accept those who score above 300 on the complete test, whereas other schools accept those who score in the 250 range. Increasingly, students have been inquiring lately about whether Ivy League schools are worth it. We try to answer this complex question in the linked article. You can take the GRE without completing the writing portion, and many colleges do not require an analytical writing score in their applications. Graduate schools often look for students who earned at least 140 on each of the two main sections.
Improving Your Score
If you receive your GRE score and are unhappy with that score, you can retake the test. That is why most students take the exam in the middle of their junior year. This gives them time to register and retake the test that summer or in the following fall. There are lots of GRE testing materials available, including books and guides, as well as online resources. You can take practice tests that include the same questions found in previous exam editions. Some students also find it helpful to enroll in GRE test prep courses run by those who scored highly on the exam.
Taking the GRE is mandatory for many students hoping to attend graduate school. This standardized exam tests your knowledge and skills in English, math, and writing. A good score on the GRE is usually in the high 200s or the low 300s, which can help you get into your dream grad school program.