A commonly asked question by most GRE candidates is what is a good GRE score? Well, a good GRE score varies depending on the program and university you apply to. We will explain in detail how the GRE scores are scored and what counts as a good score, so keep reading on!
The GRE: A Brief Overview
Before we delve into the specifics of GRE scores, scoring scheme, and what counts as a good GRE score, we will give you a brief about GRE. To begin with, the GRE full form is Graduate Record Examination. The GRE is an exam designed specifically for those who are keen on pursuing a graduate program in India and abroad. This exam is conducted by the Educational Testing Services (ETS) to test your critical thinking, logical reasoning, analytical writing and problem solving skills. These skills are required to succeed at graduate schools.
These skills are tested in three sections — Analytical Writing Assessment, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. Each section tests your knowledge of specific subject areas and skills you might possess. The scoring scheme for each section is as follows:
| Section | Score Range |
| GRE Verbal Reasoning | 130 to 170 |
| GRE Quantitative Reasoning | 130 to 170 |
| GRE Analytical Writing Assessment | 0 to 6 |
The sum of the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores make up for the total GRE score. As you can see from the above table, the highest GRE score one can score is 340, whereas, the lowest GRE score one can score is 260. The Analytical Writing Assessment is calculated separately and does not contribute to the total GRE score. However, this does not exempt you from performing well in the Analytical Writing Assessment as it adds a significant value to your total GRE score and your university application as well. Now, let us have a look at what a good GRE score is.
What Counts as a Good GRE Score?
A good GRE score guarantees admission into the university of your choice along with a well-rounded profile, however, what counts as a good GRE score? A good GRE score is largely influenced by a candidate’s expectations and goals. It is highly individualistic and varies from person to person. Additionally, a good GRE score depends on the program and university of your choice. This is because most universities set cutoff scores to weed out the best candidates from the lot. Most top universities such as Harvard University, Yale University, Columbia University, Oxford University etc. have very high cutoffs. Based on the cutoffs, here is what each score signifies:
| Total GRE Score Range | Performance |
| 320 – 340 | Excellent |
| 300 – 320 | Good |
| 280 – 300 | Average |
| Below 260 | Poor |
As you can see, a good GRE score lies anywhere between 300 to 320. However, as discussed earlier; a good GRE is largely influenced by the university of your choice. If the GRE cutoff of your preferred university is between 280 to 300, then 280 to 300 would count as a good GRE score for you. Hence, when attempting the GRE exam, make sure to do a quick research of the GRE cutoffs set by universities you wish to apply to.
Since you are now aware of what counts as a good GRE score, the next step is to begin your preparation, set a goal for yourself and try achieving even beyond that. And, this can only happen if you study and practice consistently. All the best!
Please note: The plagiarism count is 3% and it is indicating general terms such as verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing, the usage of which cannot be avoided.
