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How To Get a Good GRE Score? - Know GRE Score Range, Total Score

Exam

Aditya Jha

Updated on 15th July, 2024 , 4 min read

GRE Total Marks: GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination. It is a standardized test that is commonly required for admission into graduate school in the United States and other countries. The GRE Exam measures skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. The GRE Exam is administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is offered as a computer-based or paper-based test.

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) Exam is scored on a scale of 130-170 for both the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections, in one-point increments. The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0-6, in half-point increments. The total score of the GRE Exam is the sum of the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores, which can range from 260 to 340. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately, and the score ranges from 0 to 6 .

Also Read: GRE Exam Fee In India

GRE Total Marks: A Good GRE Exam Score

A good GRE Exam score depends on the requirements of the graduate program to which you are applying. Generally, a good GRE Exam score is one that falls within or above the range of scores for the graduate program you are applying to. A score of 160 or higher in both the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections is generally considered to be a good score, and a score of 5 or higher in Analytical Writing is also considered good.

The range of a good GRE Exam score is:

  • GRE Verbal Section: 163 - 170
  • GRE Quantitative Section: 165 - 170
  • GRE Analytical Writing: 5.0 – 6.0

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What is a Good GRE Score?

GRE Total Marks: A Suitable GRE Exam Score

The range of a suitable Exam score is as follows:

  • GRE Verbal Section: 158 - 162
  • GRE Quantitative Section: 159 - 164
  • GRE Analytical Writing: 4.5

GRE Total Marks: Improving GRE Score

There are many ways to improve your GRE score, including studying with prep materials, taking practice tests, and seeking help from tutors or study groups. Additionally, focusing on your weaknesses and developing a targeted study plan can help you improve your score.

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GRE Total Marks and Exam Pattern:

The following table helps in comprehending the GRE Exam exam pattern and other special features:

SectionPaper-Based GREComputer-Based GREScore ScaleIncrements
Analytical Writing

2 Sections, 2 tasks

[60 minutes]

1 Section, 2 tasks

[60 minutes]

0-6In Half-Points
Verbal Reasoning

2 Sections, 50 questions

[70 minutes]

2 Sections, 40 questions

[60 minutes]

130-170In 1-Point
Quantitative Reasoning

2 Sections, 50 questions

[80 minutes]

2 Sections 40 questions

[70 minutes]

130-170In 1-Point
UnscoredUncertain & UnmarkedUncertain & Unmarked  
ResearchUncertain & UnmarkedUncertain & Unmarked  

GRE Total Marks: Analytical Writing 

The Analytical Writing section of the GRE exam consists of two tasks - Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument. In both tasks, the test-taker is evaluated on their ability to analyze complex ideas, develop well-reasoned arguments, and express their ideas in a clear and organized manner.

The Analytical Writing score is reported separately from the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores and is an important factor considered by many graduate schools in the admission process.

TypeSectionsTotal TasksTime
Computer-Based1230 Minutes (per task)
Paper-Based21 Task in Each30 Minutes (per section)

GRE Total Marks: Verbal Reasoning

The section consists of two types of questions: Reading Comprehension and Text Completion/Sentence Equivalence. The Verbal Reasoning section is scored on a scale of 130-170, in one-point increments. A strong performance on the Verbal Reasoning section can demonstrate to graduate schools that a test-taker has strong reading comprehension skills and a broad vocabulary, which are essential skills for success in many graduate programs.

TypeSectionsTotal QuestionsTime
Computer-Based220 in each section30 Minutes (per section)
Paper-Based225 in each section35 Minutes (per section)

GRE Total Marks: Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning section consists of two parts, each containing 20 questions, and the total testing time for this section is 70 minutes. The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE Exam measures an applicant's ability to apply mathematical concepts and solve problems using quantitative reasoning. It tests both basic and advanced math skills and requires the test-taker to interpret and analyze quantitative information.

TypeSectionsTotal QuestionsTime
Computer-Based220 in each section35 Minutes (per section)
Paper-Based225 in each section40 Minutes (per section)

GRE Total Marks: Unscored and Research Section

The unscored section, also known as the experimental section, is an extra section that ETS includes in the exam to test out new questions for future tests. The research section is also an additional section, but it is used by ETS for research purposes only. It is not scored, and it does not count toward the candidate's score. It's important to note that test-takers cannot distinguish between the scored, unscored, and research sections during the exam, so they should approach each section with equal importance and effort.

GRE Total Marks: Things To Remember

For an applicant, it is essential to keep the following pointers in mind:

  • The total marks of the GRE Exam are not indicative of the applicant's intelligence or academic potential. The GRE is just one of many factors considered by graduate schools when evaluating applicants for admission. 
  • Other factors, such as undergraduate grades, letters of recommendation, and relevant work experience, are also taken into consideration.
  • The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are computer-adaptive, meaning that the difficulty level of the questions adjusts based on the test-takers performance on previous questions. 
  • The first section of Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning is of average difficulty, and the level of difficulty of the second section is determined by the performance of the first section.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest possible GRE score?

The highest possible GRE score is 340. This is the sum of the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores, which are each scored on a scale of 130-170.

What is the average GRE score?

The average GRE score varies depending on the field of study. According to ETS, the average Verbal Reasoning score for test-takers between 2017 and 2020 was 150.5, and the average Quantitative Reasoning score was 153.6.

What is a good GRE score?

A good GRE score depends on the requirements of the graduate program you are applying to. Generally, a score of 160 or higher in both Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, and a score of 5 or higher in Analytical Writing, is considered to be a good score.

How long is the GRE score valid?

GRE scores are valid for five years from the test date.

Can you retake the GRE?

Yes, you can retake the GRE. However, there are restrictions on how often you can take the test. You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period.

How are GRE scores calculated?

GRE scores are calculated based on the number of correct answers, and penalties for incorrect answers, in the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections. The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0-6 by trained readers.

How important are GRE scores for graduate school admissions?

GRE scores are just one aspect of the graduate school application process, and their importance varies by program. Other factors, such as undergraduate grades, letters of recommendation, and work experience, are also considered by graduate school admissions committees.

What is a good GRE score for Ivy League schools?

A good GRE score for Ivy League schools depends on the specific program and the competitiveness of the applicant pool. However, in general, a score of 165 or higher in both Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, and a score of 5.5 or higher in Analytical Writing, is considered competitive for Ivy League programs.

How many times can you take the GRE?

You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period.

How good is a 320 GRE score?

A 320 GRE score is considered to be a good score. It is in the 85th percentile, which means that you scored better than 85% of the people who took the GRE. A 320 score is considered to be competitive for most graduate programs.

Is 300 an okay GRE score?

A 300 GRE score is considered to be an average score. It is in the 60th percentile, which means that you scored better than 60% of the people who took the GRE. A 300 score is considered to be competitive for some graduate programs, but you may need to score higher to be competitive for top-tier programs.

What is the highest GRE score?

The highest possible GRE score is 340, which is the maximum score for each of the two sections (Verbal and Quant). The GRE is scored on a scale of 130 to 170, with 170 being the highest possible score.

What is the full form of GRE?

The full form of GRE is Graduate Record Examinations. It is a standardized test that is used for admissions to graduate programs in the United States and Canada. The GRE is a computer-based test that is administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS)

What is GRE score for Harvard?

Harvard University does not have a specific GRE score requirement for admission. However, the average GRE score for admitted students is around 160 for the Verbal section and 165 for the Quantitative section.

What is the lowest GRE score?

The lowest GRE score is 130. It is the minimum score for each of the two sections (Verbal and Quant). The GRE is scored on a scale of 130 to 170, with 170 being the highest possible score.

What is the total marks of GRE exam?

The total marks for the GRE General Test are 340, with a possible score range of 260 to 340.

What is a good GRE score out of 340?

A good GRE score out of 340 is generally considered to be 320 or above. However, the exact score that is considered "good" will vary depending on the graduate program you are applying to.

What is a failing GRE score?

There is no such thing as a failing GRE score. The GRE is a standardized test, and there is no minimum score that you need to pass.

What is the top 1% GRE score?

The top 1% GRE score is 340. This means that only 1% of all GRE test-takers score 340 or higher. To achieve a score in the top 1%, you will need to have a strong foundation in math and verbal reasoning, as well as excellent test-taking skills.

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