What is a good GRE score range? Is it important in the evaluation of a good GRE score?
You need a good GRE score to get into your desired program, and many of you are not aware of a good score range you should aim for.
The GRE score range is a wide one, and it can be difficult to know what a good score is. However, by understanding the score range you can, you can set your goals and prepare for the exam accordingly.
In this article, we will discuss the GRE score range, GRE score validity, GRE score calculation, and more. We will also provide tips on how to improve your GRE score.
What Is a GRE?
GRE stands for “Graduate Record Examination”. It is a competitive exam required by many graduate schools in the United States, Canada, and a few other countries. The GRE is owned and administered by the Educational Training System (ETS).
GRE is a computer-based test that consists of three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
The verbal reasoning section measures your ability to read and understand complex texts, while the quantitative reasoning measures your ability to solve complex math problems and the analytical writing section measures your ability to think critically and work effectively.
These three sections are used to assess your quantitative and verbal reasoning skills. It is one of the factors considered by the universities when making decisions about who to admit.
Now let’s talk about the GRE score and the GRE score range in detail.
What is a good GRE score?
A good GRE score depends on the university you are targeting. You are required to figure out the average GRE score range for your targetted university. It will help you to decide on a good GRE score.
However, the GRE score of above 315 can be considered a good score for many of the universities.
Note that the above score can vary according to the university and program you are targeting. To understand more in detail connect with our experts Now!!
GRE score range
The GRE is scored on a scale of 130-170 on each section, Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning, with a total score of 340 and 510. A higher score indicates better performance.
Here is the GRE score range for each section as prescribed by ETS:
Types of GRE tests
There are two types of GRE tests to evaluate an applicant, General Test and Subject Test. Both have different GRE score ranges and different processes of evaluation.
- The GRE General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills that are required to achieve success in many demanding programs.
GRE score range for general test
The scores for the GRE general test include:
- A verbal reasoning score was reported on a 130-170 score scale, in one-point increments.
- A Quantitative Reasoning score reported on a 130-170 score scale, in one-point increments.
- An Analytical Writing score reported on a 0-6 score scale, in half-point increments.
Here is the description of the analytical writing abilities of particular score levels:
Scores 6 and 5.5
- Maintains valuable insights and in-depth analysis of complex ideas.
- Ability to develop and support main points with compelling reasons and examples.
- Ability to form a variety of sentences with a precise vocabulary to convey meaning effectively.
- Ability to form sentence structure and be aware of its usage, but may have minor errors.
Scores 5 and 4.5
- Ability to analyze complex ideas thoughtfully.
- Ability to develop and support your points with logical reasons and proven examples.
- Ability to form a variety of sentences with precise vocabulary to convey meaning effectively.
- You are focused and well-organized.
- Good control of forming sentence structure and aware of its usage, but may have minor errors.
Score 4 and 3.5
- Ability to provide competent analysis of ideas by addressing task directions.
- You can develop and support your main points with appropriate reasons and/or examples.
- Acceptable Clarity is there in every meaning conveyed.
- Satisfactory control of sentence structure or usage, with errors that can result in a lack of clarity.
Score 3 and 2.5
- You demonstrate some competence in analytical writing and addressing specific task directions, although the writing is imperfect in at least one of the following ways: limited analysis or development.
- Weak organization
- You have weak control over sentence structure or its usage, with errors that obscure meaning.
Scores 2 and 1.5
- You have a serious weakness in analytical writing.
- The writing is imperfect in at least one of the following ways: serious lack of analysis or development.
- You are not clear in addressing specific task directions.
- Lack of organization
- There are frequent problems in sentence structure or usage, with errors that obscure meaning.
Scores 1 and 0.5
- You have fundamental deficiencies in analytical writing.
- The writing is imperfect in at least one of the following ways: content that is extremely confusing or mostly irrelevant to the assigned tasks.
- There is little or no development
- There are pervasive errors that result in confusion.
Score 0
- Your analytical writing skills cannot be evaluated because your response does not address any part of the task assigned to you.
- You have attempted to copy the assignment from external sources that are in a foreign language or any inappropriate text.
Score NS:
A test taker has not produced any text.
The GRE score range for subject test
- Each subject has a total score on a 200-990 score scale, in 10-point increments, although the score range for any particular subject test is usually smaller.
- For Physics and Psychology tests taken at the beginning of September 2023, percent correct sub scores are reported on a 0-100 score scale, in one-point increments.
- For Physics and Psychology tests taken prior to September 2023, equated sub scores are reported on a 20-99 score scale, in one-point increments, although the score range for any particular subject test sub score is usually smaller.
GRE percentile score for general test
Every GRE score has two parts, scaled score (130-170) and percentile rank. The percentile rank is more important than the scaled score. Your percentile rank indicates your GRE scores compared to other test takers.
Here is the scorecard for verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning:
Here is the scorecard for analytical writing:
Note: “This data is based on the performance of all the individuals who tested between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2022)”
GRE percentile score for the subject test
Here is the percentile score of the GRE subject test for three subjects, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology:
Note: “This data is based on the performance of all the individuals who tested between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2022)”
What is a good GRE score for an MBA?
A good GRE score for an MBA depends on the program and the university you have chosen. Overall, a good GRE score for an MBA applicant who is targeting the best universities is 315.
Note: This is an estimated score, it can vary by the university and the program you are targeting.
What are good GRE scores for scholarships?
The main purpose of GRE scores is to help universities to evaluate your applications for the program you are applying for. Overall, a good GRE score for scholarships can be 315-320.
Note: This is an estimated score, it can vary depending on the scholarship program and the institutions offering them.
The GRE scoring system
- Verbal reasoning: 130-170
- Quantitative reasoning: 130-170
- Analytical Writing: 0-6
The total GRE score is calculated by adding the two sections together, verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning. The total score ranges from 260-340.
GRE score validity
GRE scores are valid for five years after the test date. For example, if you have taken your GRE test on January 1, 2023, then your scores will be valid until January 1, 2028.
After that date, your scores will expire and you will need to retake the test if you want to send your scores to graduate schools.
Tips on how to improve your GRE score
Here are the 5 tips on how to improve your GRE score:
- Take a GRE practice test: It will help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses so that you can work on those areas and improve accordingly.
- Study the GRE test format and question types: As you are aware the GRE is a computer-based test, so it is important for you to be familiar with the format and question types before you take the exam. You can also find information regarding the GRE test format and questions on the ETS website.
- There are a number of GRE study materials available, including books, online courses, and practice tests. Choose study materials that are appropriate for your learning style and needs.
- Take a GRE preparation course: If you are facing difficulties in your preparation, you may want to consider taking a GRE preparation course. GRE preparation courses can provide you with structured instruction and practice opportunities.
- The GRE is a timed test, so it is important to practice answering questions under timed conditions. This will help you get used to the pace of the test and manage your time effectively.
