What Is a Good GRE Score?

To pursue your education beyond the undergraduate level, you will typically need to take the Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, and meet minimum score requirements. This exam, along with an application and academic records, helps graduate programs select top candidates. The score you receive on the GRE is an important indicator of success since programs typically have a specific score range they will accept.

In general, the higher your score, the better, but what is a good GRE score? Discover what the range of a good GRE score includes and how the field you’re hoping to study affects the score you need.

What is the GRE?

Educational Testing Service (ETS), a global educational organization, provides the GRE, which is a standardized exam that uses multiple-choice questions and an essay to measure a learner’s ability to engage with graduate-level work. The GRE measures skills that require development over long periods of time, such as communication and reasoning. Many programs, including law, business, and other graduate programs, require potential learners to submit their GRE scores as part of the application process.

Who needs to take the GRE?

If you’re considering going to graduate school, you’ll typically need to take the GRE. The GRE applies to learners across many subjects, including those who want to advance their education in life sciences, engineering, physical sciences, social sciences, business, and law.

What is a good GRE score?

A good GRE score depends on the field you’re hoping to study in. Each one has its specific requirements. Look into the average GRE scores for your intended degree to better understand what that program might be looking for.

The GRE breaks down into three scores: quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and verbal reasoning. You can divide the range of possible scores as follows: 

• Verbal reasoning: 130–170 

• Quantitative reasoning: 130–170

• Analytical reasoning: 0–6 

To calculate your total score, add these three scores together for a score ranging from 260 to 340. The average GRE scores for all test takers currently sits at 151.29 for verbal reasoning, 156.93 for quantitative reasoning, and 3.49 for analytical reasoning [1].

You will also see your GRE scores split into percentile rankings, which compare your performance to the rest of the test-takers. For many programs, your percentile ranking carries a heavier weight than your scaled score. Typically, the higher your scaled score, the higher your percentile ranking. For example, a score of 6 on the essay section means you performed better than 99 percent of all test-takers.

GRE score range

The score range depends on your field, but in general, you’d want to try and get 155 or above in the quantitative section and 150 or above in the verbal section. If looking into a more math-focused program, you might want to aim for 165 or higher in the quantitative section.

According to Kaplan, a good score is considered 158 or above for verbal, 159 or above for quantitative, and 4.5 for writing. An overall score of at least 318 would place you into the 75th percentile or higher [2].

In general, you’ll want to try and earn as high a score as possible. That way, you can ensure you will meet or exceed your desired program’s requirements.

What is ScoreSelect®?

ScoreSelect® is an option available to those who take the GRE multiple times. It lets you choose which scores from the last five years to send to your chosen institution or program.

What does the GRE include?

The GRE covers subjects such as math, vocabulary, and data analysis. It features the types of skills that you would learn over a lifelong education, such as your communication and critical thinking skills. The topics aren’t tailored to a specific field or subject, but they assess skills you’ll need across all sorts of specialties, such as business or law.

It includes the following three sections, each of which contributes to your score:

Analytical writing

This section assesses your ability to express ideas clearly, support claims with relevant information and examples, and create a comprehensible, focused essay. It does not evaluate you on specific areas of knowledge.

Verbal reasoning

This portion of the exam assesses how you analyze written material. You’ll need to read passages and answer questions about them or read, interpret, and complete sentences or paragraphs. You’ll also need to have the ability to understand multiple levels of meaning and discern between relevant and irrelevant information.

Quantitative reasoning

This part of the GRE examines your mathematical abilities. You’ll need to solve problems using mathematical models and apply elementary algebra, geometry, and data analysis concepts.

GRE test format

The GRE test format includes an essay and two multiple-choice question sections. You’ll have 30 minutes for the essay, 41 minutes for verbal reasoning, and 47 for quantitative reasoning. The entire test takes approximately one hour and 58 minutes. It’s offered on computers in testing centers or remotely on your home computer with a virtual proctor.

How hard is the GRE?

While the GRE's difficulty level is subjective, it’s generally considered a challenging test that requires prep and study time.

How to prepare for the GRE

Research from ETS suggests that test-takers typically spend one to three months preparing for the GRE [3]. The first step is to take a practice GRE test, which will give you a baseline to work with and insight into the areas where you might need to focus or improve. ETS offers a wide range of free and low-cost resources to help you prepare, including a mentor program, flashcards, books, and practice tests.

Topics you should know for the GRE

The exam covers various topics with no emphasis on specific subject matter. You will need a firm grasp of verbal reasoning, critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.

Habits to help you succeed

Setting yourself up for success requires a little time and planning to help improve your performance from your baseline score. Some habits to consider getting into as you prepare include the following: 

• Practice by mimicking the GRE test conditions

• Focus on how you answer questions, not just the answer

• Take advantage of prep resources, including books, practice tests, and skill refreshers

• Give yourself lots of time to prepare 

Prepare for your GRE on Coursera

The GRE is a requirement for many grad schools, and aiming for a high score helps to increase your chances of acceptance. Certifications and courses on Coursera can help you develop your learning skills and build a solid foundation from which to take the GRE. With options such as the University of Michigan’s Good with Words: Writing and Editing Specialization, you can work on strengthening your communication skills. Another option, Google’s Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, can help you develop foundational knowledge to prepare for data analysis-related questions on the GRE, as well as becoming job-ready for a career in the field. You’ll find these options and more on Coursera.