If you’re planning to apply to graduate school, your GRE score is likely to be a key part of your application. Accepted by thousands of graduate programs across the globe, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) evaluates your readiness for advanced academic work. But understanding your GRE score goes beyond just looking at the number—percentiles are equally important.
Percentiles help you understand how your performance compares with other test takers worldwide. For example, a Quant score of 165 doesn’t mean much in isolation. But if that score places you in the 89th percentile, it means you performed better than 89% of all GRE test takers—a stat that admissions committees find more informative.
In this article, we’ll break down the GRE scoring system, explain how percentiles work, and show you what qualifies as a good score for various programs. Whether you’re aiming for an MS in Computer Science, an MBA, or a degree in Public Policy, this guide will help you make sense of your scores—and use them strategically during your admissions journey.
Let’s begin by understanding how the GRE is scored across its three major sections.
GRE Scoring Structure
The GRE General Test is divided into three main sections, each scored differently. Understanding how each section is scored—and what the scores mean—is crucial for interpreting your overall performance.
1. Verbal Reasoning
- Score Range: 130–170
- Score Increments: 1-point
- Sections: Two (12 questions in Section 1 and 15 questions in Section 2)
- Total Time: 41 minutes (18 + 23 minutes)
This section evaluates your ability to understand written material, analyze relationships, and draw conclusions. You’ll answer a mix of reading comprehension, sentence equivalence, and text completion questions.
2. Quantitative Reasoning
- Score Range: 130–170
- Score Increments: 1-point
- Sections: Two (12 questions in Section 1 and 15 questions in Section 2)
- Total Time: 47 minutes (21 + 26 minutes)
This section tests your problem-solving abilities, focusing on arithmetic, algebra, and data interpretation. Calculators are allowed only on the on-screen interface.
3. Analytical Writing
- Score Range: 0–6
- Score Increments: 0.5-point
- Section: One task – Analyze an Issue
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Scoring here is done by a combination of a trained evaluator and an e-rater (automated scoring system), both of which assess the quality of your writing, critical thinking, and argument construction.
GRE Percentiles Explained
Your GRE percentile score indicates the percentage of test takers who scored lower than you. It provides context to your scaled score and helps admissions committees compare applicants from different backgrounds fairly.
Here’s how GRE percentiles currently map to scaled scores based on the most recent ETS data:
Verbal Reasoning Score Percentiles
| Scaled Score | Percentile Rank |
|---|---|
| 170 | 99 |
| 169 | 99 |
| 168 | 98 |
| 167 | 98 |
| 166 | 97 |
| 165 | 96 |
| 164 | 94 |
| 163 | 92 |
| 162 | 90 |
| 160 | 86 |
| 155 | 69 |
| 150 | 48 |
| 145 | 27 |
| 140 | 13 |
| 135 | 5 |
| 130 | 1 |
Quantitative Reasoning Score Percentiles
| Scaled Score | Percentile Rank |
|---|---|
| 170 | 89 |
| 169 | 85 |
| 168 | 81 |
| 167 | 78 |
| 165 | 71 |
| 160 | 55 |
| 155 | 37 |
| 150 | 23 |
| 145 | 13 |
| 140 | 7 |
| 135 | 3 |
| 130 | 1 |
Note: While a score of 170 in Verbal puts you in the 99th percentile, the same score in Quant places you around the 91st percentile. This reflects the stronger performance of test-takers in Quant on average.
Analytical Writing Score Percentiles
| Score | Percentile Rank |
|---|---|
| 6.0 | 99 |
| 5.5 | 98 |
| 5.0 | 91 |
| 4.5 | 81 |
| 4.0 | 55 |
| 3.5 | 38 |
| 3.0 | 15 |
| 2.5 | 7 |
| 2.0 | 2 |
| 1.5 | 1 |
| 1.0 or below | <1 |
What Is a Good GRE Score?
A “good” GRE score is relative—what’s competitive for a top engineering program differs from what’s expected in an MBA or humanities discipline. Below is a framework to help you gauge where your scores fall:
| Category | Combined Verbal + Quant | Verbal Reasoning | Quantitative Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average (50th pct.) | ~304 | 151 (44th percentile)⁽¹⁾ | 153 (52nd percentile)⁽¹⁾ |
| Competitive (75th pct.) | ~315 | 156 (69th percentile) | 158 (86th percentile) |
| Top 25% (85th pct.) | ~320 | 158 (86th percentile) | 161 (92nd percentile) |
| Top 10% (90th pct.) | ~325 | 160 (91st percentile) | 163 (94th percentile) |
| Top 1% (99th pct.) | ≥ 335 | ≥ 165 (96th+ percentile) | ≥ 168 (98th+ percentile) |
⁽¹⁾ Based on ETS mean scores of Verbal 151 and Quant 153 (Table 1a).
Program-Specific Benchmarks
- STEM & Quant‑Heavy Masters
- Target Quant ≥ 160 (86th percentile)
- Verbal ≥ 150 (48th percentile)
- Combined ≥ 310 for competitive engineering/CS programs
- MBA & Business Analytics
- Balanced strength: Quant ≥ 158 (86th) and Verbal ≥ 155 (69th)
- Combined ≥ 315–320 to place in the top quartile of MBA applicant pools
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- Verbal ≥ 160 (91st) can offset a slightly lower Quant
- Quant ≥ 150 (48th) often suffices if writing (AWA ≥ 4.5) is strong
- Highly Selective PhD Programs
- Quant ≥ 165 (96th) and Verbal ≥ 160 (91st)
- AWA ≥ 4.5 (81st percentile) to demonstrate advanced writing skills
Analytical Writing Expectations
| AWA Score | Percentile |
|---|---|
| 6.0 | 99th |
| 5.0 | 92nd |
| 4.0 | 54th |
An AWA score of 4.5 or above (81st percentile) is typically viewed as strong evidence of writing ability for graduate‑level research or policy programs.
Key takeaway: Your “good” GRE score depends on your field and target schools. Aim to beat the median (50th percentile) as a baseline, then push into the top 75th–90th percentile range in the sections most critical to your intended program.
GRE Score Breakdown by Program Type
Different graduate programs place varying emphasis on the Verbal, Quant, and AWA sections. Here’s how GRE scores are typically evaluated across major program categories:
Engineering & Computer Science Programs
| Component | Target Score |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | ≥ 165 (94th–96th percentile) |
| Verbal Reasoning | ≥ 150 (48th percentile) |
| Analytical Writing | ≥ 4.0 |
| Total Target Score | ≥ 315–325 |
Engineering and tech-heavy programs prioritize Quant. Some top-tier CS programs may also weigh Analytical Writing for research potential.
MBA & Business Analytics Programs
| Component | Target Score |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | ≥ 158 (78th–86th percentile) |
| Verbal Reasoning | ≥ 155 (69th percentile) |
| Analytical Writing | ≥ 4.0 |
| Total Target Score | ≥ 315–325 |
Balance is key here. A strong Quant is essential, but so is Verbal for leadership and communication-focused MBA programs.
Humanities & Social Sciences
| Component | Target Score |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | ≥ 150 (48th percentile) |
| Verbal Reasoning | ≥ 160 (91st percentile) |
| Analytical Writing | ≥ 4.5 (81st percentile) |
| Total Target Score | ≥ 310–320 |
Verbal and AWA carry significant weight, especially for English, Political Science, History, and Public Policy programs.
Science & Life Sciences Programs
| Component | Target Score |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | ≥ 155 |
| Verbal Reasoning | ≥ 152 |
| Analytical Writing | ≥ 4.0 |
| Total Target Score | ≥ 310–320 |
These programs often expect moderate-to-high scores across all sections, depending on the research focus.
Education, Psychology, and Public Policy
| Component | Target Score |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | ≥ 150 |
| Verbal Reasoning | ≥ 157–160 |
| Analytical Writing | ≥ 4.5 |
| Total Target Score | ≥ 310–320 |
Verbal and Writing are crucial. Quant scores are often reviewed in context rather than used as a hard cutoff.
Interpreting Your GRE Percentile Scores
Your GRE score doesn’t just indicate how many questions you got right—it also tells you how well you performed compared to other test-takers worldwide. This is where percentile scores come in.
What Is a GRE Percentile Score?
A percentile score tells you the percentage of test-takers who scored lower than you. For example, if your Verbal Reasoning score is in the 90th percentile, it means you scored better than 90% of GRE test-takers.
Each GRE section—Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing—has its own percentile ranking based on historical test data. Here’s what that looks like:
GRE Verbal Reasoning Score Percentiles
| Scaled Score | Percentile Rank |
|---|---|
| 170 | 99th |
| 165 | 96th |
| 160 | 86th |
| 155 | 69th |
| 150 | 48th |
| 145 | 27th |
| 140 | 12th |
GRE Quantitative Reasoning Score Percentiles
| Scaled Score | Percentile Rank |
|---|---|
| 170 | 89th |
| 165 | 78th |
| 160 | 64th |
| 155 | 48th |
| 150 | 34th |
| 145 | 20th |
| 140 | 10th |
GRE Analytical Writing Score Percentiles
| AWA Score | Percentile Rank |
|---|---|
| 6.0 | 99th |
| 5.5 | 98th |
| 5.0 | 93rd |
| 4.5 | 81st |
| 4.0 | 57th |
| 3.5 | 38th |
| 3.0 | 14th |
Why Percentiles Matter
- Top universities don’t just look at raw scores—they evaluate how you stack up against others.
- A 167 Quant might sound great—but if you’re applying to an elite STEM program, where the average Quant is 167, you’re just average.
- Use percentile data to evaluate your relative competitiveness.
GRE Score Validity & Retake Policy
How Long Are GRE Scores Valid?
Your official GRE scores are valid for five (5) years from your test date. This means if you take the GRE on August 15, 2025, your scores will be valid through August 15, 2030.
This 5-year validity allows you to:
- Apply to multiple programs over time
- Build flexibility into your application timeline
- Retake the GRE later if needed, without pressure to reapply immediately
How Many Times Can You Retake the GRE?
You can retake the GRE up to five times in any rolling 12-month period, and only once every 21 days—whether you take it at a test center or online.
| Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Retake gap | 21 days |
| Max retakes in 12 months | 5 times |
| Max attempts overall | No lifetime limit |
| Valid for | 5 years |
Should You Retake the GRE?
You should consider retaking the GRE if:
- Your score is below your target program’s average
- You scored significantly lower than your practice test average
- You had test-day anxiety or tech issues that impacted performance
Many test-takers improve on their second or third attempt, especially if they analyze their mistakes and follow a structured study plan between attempts.
Tips to Improve Your GRE Score
Improving your GRE score is not just about putting in the hours—it’s about using the right strategies tailored to your strengths, weaknesses, and target programs. Here are some effective tips to help you achieve a higher GRE score:
1. Set a Clear Target Score
Start by researching the average GRE scores required by the programs you are applying to. Establish your own target score for each section—Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing—and use this as a goal throughout your preparation.
2. Take a Diagnostic Test
Before beginning your prep, take a full-length practice GRE to understand your baseline. A diagnostic test will help you:
- Identify your current level
- Highlight your strengths and weaknesses
- Create a more personalized and effective study plan
3. Focus on High-Yield Areas
In Quantitative Reasoning, concentrate on arithmetic, algebra, percentages, ratios, and word problems. Build your ability to solve problems accurately and quickly.
In Verbal Reasoning, develop your reading comprehension skills by practicing dense academic texts. Strengthen your vocabulary in context and practice analyzing arguments for critical reasoning questions.
For Analytical Writing, practice structuring essays logically, supporting ideas with clear examples, and improving grammar and clarity. Reviewing highly scored sample essays can be especially helpful.
4. Practice with Timed Sections
Time management is key on the GRE. Make sure to:
- Practice sections under timed conditions
- Learn how much time to spend per question
- Use the skip-and-return method when faced with difficult questions
5. Analyze Mistakes and Relearn Concepts
Track your mistakes in a dedicated notebook or error log. For each error, ask yourself:
- Was it due to a lack of conceptual understanding?
- Was it a misreading or a careless mistake?
- Could it have been avoided with a better strategy?
Review incorrect answers thoroughly and revisit those concepts after a few days to reinforce learning.
6. Use Official Materials and Adaptive Platforms
Rely on official materials from ETS such as the PowerPrep tests for the most accurate practice. Use trusted adaptive tools like Magoosh, Manhattan Prep, or Target Test Prep for targeted improvement. Prioritize platforms that mimic the adaptive nature of the GRE.
7. Build a Structured and Realistic Study Plan
Your study schedule should align with your availability and timeline. Break down your preparation into phases:
- Phase 1: Concept Building
- Phase 2: Sectional Practice and Strategy
- Phase 3: Full-Length Tests and Analysis
Stick to a consistent routine, study in focused time blocks, and include review days to reinforce learning.
8. Engage with the GRE Prep Community
Join online study groups, forums, or local prep circles to stay motivated. Engaging with others helps you exchange resources, ask questions, and gain new insights into solving problems effectively.
Final Thoughts
Understanding GRE scores and percentiles is essential for setting realistic expectations, building a targeted preparation strategy, and evaluating your performance. Your GRE score is more than just a number—it’s a comparative measure of your readiness for graduate-level study and your ability to stand out in a competitive applicant pool.
While a score in the 90th percentile might open doors to top-tier programs, remember that “good” is relative. It depends on your target schools, your overall profile, and the strength of other application components such as your GPA, work experience, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
By reviewing percentiles, interpreting what they mean across Verbal and Quant, and identifying your strengths and gaps early on, you can take a more strategic approach to GRE preparation. Whether you’re aiming for a balanced score or seeking to boost one section, focused practice and consistent tracking of your progress will go a long way.
Use the tools and data in this article as a benchmark—not a barrier—and aim to maximize your score based on your unique goals. Ultimately, your GRE performance is one part of a broader admissions story. Be informed, stay consistent, and trust the process.
FAQs on GRE Scores and Percentiles
1. What is a good GRE score?
A good GRE score depends on the programs you’re applying to. Generally, a score of 320+ is considered competitive for top programs. However, some highly selective programs may expect 330+, while others may accept scores in the 300–310 range, depending on your overall application.
2. What is the highest possible GRE score?
The highest possible GRE General Test score is 340, which includes 170 in Verbal Reasoning and 170 in Quantitative Reasoning. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately on a scale of 0 to 6 in half-point increments.
3. What percentile is a 320 GRE score?
A 320 GRE score typically places you around the 80th percentile or higher, depending on your specific Verbal and Quant scores. Percentiles vary each year based on test-taker performance.
4. How is the GRE percentile calculated?
GRE percentiles are calculated based on the performance of test-takers over a recent three-year period. Your percentile tells you what percentage of test-takers you scored better than. For example, a 90th percentile means you scored higher than 90% of test-takers.
5. Do universities look at GRE percentiles or raw scores?
Most universities focus on your raw (scaled) scores, but top programs may also consider your percentiles to gauge how you compare with other applicants globally. Some schools use percentiles to interpret scores across different disciplines.
6. Is 50th percentile on the GRE a bad score?
Not necessarily. A 50th percentile score means you performed better than half the test-takers. While it may be below average for top-tier universities, it could be sufficient for other programs depending on the strength of your overall application.
7. How long are GRE scores valid?
GRE scores are valid for five years from the date you took the test. Make sure your scores will still be valid during the application cycle of your target programs.
8. Can I improve my GRE percentile by retaking the test?
Yes. With focused preparation and test-taking strategies, many candidates improve their scores and percentiles in subsequent attempts. GRE allows multiple retakes, and most schools consider your highest scores.
