What is a Good GRE® Score?

The short answer: it depends on where you want to go and what you want to study. Your score may already be more competitive than you think.

The longer answer takes a bit of context. Because unlike a lot of standardized tests, the GRE® does not give you one number that sums up how you did. It gives you three. And depending on your field, one of those numbers may matter far more than the others.

Let us walk through what the scores mean, where different scores land you compared to other test-takers, and how to figure out the number that actually matters for your situation.

The GRE® gives you three separate scores

The GRE® General Test has three scored sections:

Verbal Reasoning: 130 to 170

Quantitative Reasoning: 130 to 170

Analytical Writing: 0 to 6

Verbal and Quant are scored in one-point increments. Analytical Writing is scored in half-point increments. There is no combined "total score" that ETS reports officially, although some people add Verbal and Quant together to get a number out of 340.

Here is the thing that trips people up: Verbal and Quant percentiles are not the same at the same scaled score.

A 160 in Verbal puts you at roughly the 84th percentile. A 160 in Quant puts you at roughly the 50th percentile. Same number, very different meaning. This happens because the Quant test-taker pool skews higher — international test-takers from STEM-heavy backgrounds push the Quant curve upward.

This means you cannot just look at a raw score and know whether it is "good." You need to know the percentile, and you need to know which section you are talking about.

What the percentiles look like

Here is a rough overview of where different GRE® scores land, based on ETS data from the most recent reporting period (test-takers from July 2021 through June 2024).

For Verbal Reasoning:

• 150 (39th percentile): Below average. You scored lower than most test-takers.
• 153 (55th percentile): Average range. Above about half of test-takers.
• 156 (70th percentile): Solid. Competitive for many programs.
• 160 (84th percentile): Strong. Above most test-takers.
• 163 (91st percentile): Very strong. Competitive almost anywhere.
• 166 (96th percentile): Elite. Top few percent.
• 170 (99th percentile): Perfect score.

For Quantitative Reasoning:

• 153 (31st percentile): Below average.
• 158 (45th percentile): Near the average for all test-takers.
• 160 (50th percentile): Right at the midpoint. Half scored above you, half below.
• 163 (60th percentile): Above average. Competitive for many programs.
• 166 (71st percentile): Strong. Well above most test-takers.
• 168 (81st percentile): Very strong.
• 170 (91st percentile): Near-perfect. Top 9 percent.

Notice the gap. A 160 Verbal is in the 84th percentile. A 160 Quant is in the 50th. If you are applying to a program that cares primarily about one section, the percentile in that section matters more than the raw number.

For Analytical Writing:

• 3.5 (43rd percentile): Below average.
• 4.0 (63rd percentile): Solid.
• 4.5 (85th percentile): Strong.
• 5.0 (93rd percentile): Very strong.
• 6.0 (99th percentile): Perfect.

Most graduate programs weigh the AWA section less heavily than Verbal and Quant, but a very low score can raise questions — especially for programs that involve significant writing.

What different types of programs expect

Unlike the GMAT®, which is used primarily for business school, the GRE® is accepted across a wide range of graduate programs. That means score expectations vary significantly by field.

Here is a general sense of what admitted students tend to score in different areas, based on published program data and ETS reporting:

Engineering and physical sciences: Quant scores tend to be the priority. Admitted students at competitive programs often have Quant scores of 163 or above (60th percentile and up), with Verbal scores that are less of a differentiator. A Quant score of 166 or higher (71st percentile) puts you in a strong position at most engineering programs.

Social sciences and humanities: Verbal scores carry more weight. A Verbal score of 160 or above (84th percentile) is competitive at many strong programs in these fields. Quant scores are still relevant but may not need to be as high.

Business and MBA programs: Most MBA programs now accept the GRE® alongside the GMAT®. Competitive business programs generally look for balanced scores — a Verbal and Quant combined total in the 320 to 330 range (roughly 160 or above in each section) is typical for top-tier MBA admits.

Education: Score expectations tend to be more moderate. A Verbal score around 155 (65th percentile) and Quant around 150 (24th percentile) may be sufficient for many programs, though more selective programs will expect higher.

Life sciences and health: Varies widely by program. Medical school preparatory programs and competitive PhD programs may expect Quant scores of 160 or above. Less quantitative programs may weight Verbal and AWA more heavily.

The key takeaway: the number that matters is not some universal benchmark. It is the number that makes you competitive at the specific programs on your list.

How to figure out what score you need

Here is how to do it.

Step 1: Make a list of your target programs. Be as specific as you can. "A top engineering program" is helpful. "MIT EECS, Stanford CS, Berkeley EECS" is more helpful. But if you are still exploring, pick a few that inspire you and use those as reference points.

Step 2: Look up the GRE® score data for each program. Many programs publish median or average scores for admitted students in their class profile or admissions FAQ. Some publish ranges. If a program does not publish scores, check forums like GradCafe or program-specific subreddits where admitted students sometimes share their numbers.

Step 3: Your target is at or slightly above the highest median on your list. If the most competitive program on your list has a median Quant of 166, aim for 167 or 168. That puts you in the upper half of admitted students at every program on your list.

Step 4: Prioritize the section that matters most for your field. An engineering applicant with a 168 Quant and a 155 Verbal is in a different position than a humanities applicant with the same scores. Know which section your programs care about most and allocate your study time accordingly.

The score is not the only factor

The GRE® is one part of your application. An important part — but not the only one.

Admissions committees are looking at your GPA, your statement of purpose, your letters of recommendation, your research or work experience, and the overall fit between you and the program. If you stand out in these areas, you may receive an offer with scores below the median. Many programs publish score ranges for admitted students, and the low end of those ranges can be surprisingly low.

Having said that, a stronger score gives you more options. If you can raise your score, it is almost always worth the effort. More options means more leverage, more potential funding, and less stress about whether one specific program will work out.

Can you actually reach the score you need?

Almost certainly. The limiting factor is almost never ability. It is usually the approach — the plan, the structure, the willingness to adjust based on what the data is telling you.

If your score is not moving, it is probably not because you have hit your ceiling. It is more likely that something in your preparation needs to change. Maybe you are spending too much time on content you already know. Maybe you are not reviewing practice tests deeply enough. Maybe your study schedule needs restructuring.

The question is not "can I reach my goal score?" It is "am I doing the right things to get there?"

If you are not sure, that is a good place to start asking for help.

A note about Quant percentile trends

One thing worth knowing: Quant percentiles on the GRE® have been declining year over year. The test-taker pool has gotten quantitatively stronger over time, driven largely by growth in international test-takers from STEM-heavy academic backgrounds.

A 160 Quant was around the 61st percentile a few years ago. Today, it is the 50th.

If you are reading older content — blog posts from 2020, forum threads from 2022 — the Quant percentiles you see may overstate how competitive a given score actually is today. Always check the current ETS interpretive data, which ETS updates annually.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average GRE® score?

The average Verbal Reasoning score is approximately 151, and the average Quantitative Reasoning score is approximately 158. The average Analytical Writing score is about 3.5. Keep in mind that these averages include all test-takers across all fields. The averages for admitted students at competitive programs are usually higher than the overall test-taker averages.

Is 320 a good GRE® score?

A combined score of 320 (Verbal plus Quant) is above the overall average and competitive for many graduate programs. Whether it is strong enough depends on how that 320 breaks down between sections and what programs you are targeting. A 160 Verbal and 160 Quant is very different in percentile terms — the Verbal would be in the 84th percentile, while the Quant would be in the 50th. Check your target programs' published score data to see where 320 lands relative to their admitted students.

What GRE® score do I need for a top MBA program?

Most competitive MBA programs that accept the GRE® look for combined Verbal and Quant scores in the 325 to 335 range, with strong performance in both sections. Programs like Stanford, Wharton, and Harvard typically see admitted students with Verbal and Quant scores both above 160. But the GRE® is evaluated alongside the rest of your application, so a score slightly below the median is not automatically disqualifying if other parts of your profile are strong.

Do programs care about the Analytical Writing score?

It depends on the program. Most graduate programs weight Verbal and Quant much more heavily than AWA. However, a very low AWA score (below 3.0) can raise concerns, particularly for programs that involve significant research or writing. For most applicants, a 4.0 or above is sufficient. If writing is central to your field, aim higher.

Is the GRE® scored differently for different fields?

No. The scoring is the same regardless of what you intend to study. Everyone takes the same test and is scored on the same scale. What differs is how programs interpret those scores. An engineering program may focus primarily on your Quant score, while a literature program may care far more about Verbal. The test itself does not change — but the way your scores are evaluated does.

Should I retake the GRE®?

If your scores are meaningfully below the published averages at your target programs, and you believe your preparation approach could improve, a retake may be worth it. If you are within a few points of the median and the rest of your application is strong, your time might be better spent on your statement of purpose and other components. There is no universal answer — it depends on your specific situation and how much improvement you think is realistic.

Can I use my GRE® score for business school?

Yes. Most MBA programs now accept the GRE® alongside the GMAT®. Some programs have historically preferred the GMAT®, but that preference has been shifting. If your target programs accept the GRE®, it is a valid path. Check each program's admissions page to confirm.

How long are GRE® scores valid?

GRE® scores are valid for five years from the test date. You can send scores to programs at any point during that window.

Want to learn even more?

If you are just getting started with your preparation, our guide on how to start your GRE® studies walks through the first steps. For a full breakdown of study techniques and daily session structure, check out our complete GRE® study guide. And if you are ready to build a timeline, our study plan guide covers the phases from baseline to test day.

If you are not sure what score to aim for, or you want help figuring out whether your current plan is on track, you are welcome to book a complimentary strategy session. We will take a look at your situation and help you figure out the best path forward.