GRE Score Range Explained (By Graduate Program Type)

If you’re applying to graduate school, GRE scores may be required by one or more programs on your list. Graduate schools use them in different ways, but most grad programs that require them will look closely at how your scores compare to other test takers. Understanding the GRE score range is key to knowing where you stand.

As a GRE course author with over 1,000 hours of GRE tutoring experience, I've helped over 100 students achieve their target scores and gain admission to their top graduate schools. This guide breaks down how GRE test scores are calculated, what counts as a good score, and how expectations vary by graduate program type.

How GRE Scores Are Calculated

The GRE General Test has three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Each section is scored separately, but the quantitative and verbal scores are sometimes added together and presented as a single score. The Analytical Writing score is not part of the sum score.

Each section score is calculated based on the number of correct answers and adjusted for difficulty, contributing to the overall GRE score. This means that there is no benefit to leaving questions blank. Make sure to answer every question, even if that means guessing.

• Verbal and Quantitative sections are scored from 130 to 170, in 1-point increments
• Analytical Writing is scored from 0 to 6, in half-point increments

Your raw score (the number of correct answers) is converted into a scaled score. This accounts for slight differences in difficulty between test versions and section difficulty. The writing section is scored by both a trained evaluator and an automated system. Your final score is essentially the average of the two scores that the evaluator and computer-based grader reach.

GRE Score Breakdown

Your GRE score report shows your scaled scores, percentile rank, and test date.

GRE Scoring Scale

The GRE scoring scale ranges from 130 to 170 for both the verbal and quantitative reasoning sections, with scores increasing in one-point increments. The analytical writing section is scored separately on a scale from 0 to 6, with scores increasing in half-point increments. The total GRE score is the sum of the verbal and quantitative reasoning scores, ranging from 260 to 340. This scoring system allows graduate programs to evaluate a candidate’s strengths in specific areas, whether they can reason verbally, solve quantitative problems, or write analytically. Understanding these score ranges helps test takers set realistic goals and measure their progress accurately.

Understanding GRE Percentiles

Percentile scores compare your performance to others. If you’re in the 80th percentile, you scored higher than 80% of test takers. Graduate programs use these rankings to understand where you fall compared to their typical applicant pool.

Selected GRE Score Percentiles

Percentile rankings depend on the section. A 160 in verbal and a 160 in quantitative do not mean the same thing. Quantitative scores are generally higher across test takers, especially among STEM applicants.

What Is a Good GRE Score?

A good GRE score depends on the field and schools you’re targeting. Most schools don’t publish hard cutoffs, but many share average GRE scores or score ranges for accepted students. Setting target scores based on these averages can help you understand your realistic chances for each school.

Typical targets:

Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning

• Competitive Programs: Aim for scores in the 75th percentile or higher.
  • Verbal Reasoning: 157+ (75th percentile)
  • Quantitative Reasoning: 165+ (89th percentile)
• Top Engineering Programs: Quantitative scores between 161–166 are typical for the top 100 programs.

Analytical Writing

• General Expectation: A score of 4.0 or higher is commonly expected.
• Law and Social Sciences: Aim for 4.5 or above to be competitive.

Overall Score

• Competitive Range: An overall GRE score of 320 is often considered competitive for many graduate programs.

A score of 320+ total is considered a good GRE score by many programs. But it’s not just about total score, as verbal and quantitative scores are looked at separately.

GRE Score Ranges by Graduate Program Type

MBA Programs

MBA programs, a type of business school, want balanced GRE test scores. Some programs accept either the GMAT or GRE, but most applicants submit scores close to the 85th percentile in both sections if they choose the GRE.

Typical top MBA programs fall between 318 and 330, based on reported average GRE scores from the Classes of 2019 to 2025. Elite programs like Stanford GSB, Yale SOM, and Harvard consistently report average scores in the 326–330 range. Other highly regarded programs, such as Dartmouth University’s Tuck School, Michigan Ross, and Georgetown McDonough, report averages between 316 and 324 score ranges for

If your background is non-quantitative, a strong Quantitative Reasoning score can help show readiness for business coursework. High verbal scores can also matter, especially in roles that involve communication, leadership, or consulting. Do not worry too much about your verbal score if you are a non-native English speaker. Generally speaking, the grad school should put this into account and they will lean more heavily on your English proficiency test results or your past success studying in an English taught degree program. Nonetheless, you should always attempt to reach the highest score possible so that your sum score does not suffer.

Law Schools

Most law schools still require the LSAT, but a growing number now accept GRE scores. Programs like Harvard Law School and Columbia are among them.

Law schools focus heavily on the verbal reasoning section and the analytical writing section.

Target score ranges:

• Verbal Reasoning: 162–168
• Quantitative Reasoning: 155–162
• Analytical Writing: 4.0–5.5

The GRE helps law schools evaluate analytical skills and reading comprehension. Strong writing samples and scores in the upper percentiles are often required.

STEM and Technical Graduate Programs

STEM programs place high value on quantitative reasoning scores. Many engineering and computer science programs expect a 165 or higher in Quant. In some cases, a GRE subject test may also be required.

While verbal and writing scores are reviewed, the overall score, particularly the quantitative section, is a key factor for these fields.

Target score ranges:

• Quantitative Reasoning: 165–170
• Verbal Reasoning: 150–155
• Analytical Writing: 3.0–4.0

While verbal and writing scores are reviewed, they are less important for these fields unless the program involves communication, policy, or interdisciplinary work.

Humanities and Social Sciences

For graduate majors in literature, political science, history, or sociology, verbal reasoning matters most. Writing ability is also reviewed closely.

Typical score expectations:

• Verbal Reasoning: 160–166
• Quantitative Reasoning: 145–155
• Analytical Writing: 4.0–5.5

A lower Quantitative Reasoning score is not disqualifying for these programs. However, some quant heavy social sciences like economics will certainly still expect high Quant scores.

Physical Therapy and Health Programs

Physical therapy programs at many universities require GRE scores, especially if they receive funding or use competitive admissions criteria. These programs often want consistent performance across sections.

Typical scores:

• Verbal Reasoning: 150–155
• Quantitative Reasoning: 150–155
• Analytical Writing: 3.5–4.5

These programs look for overall readiness rather than extreme strength in one area. Your final score should reflect that balance.

GRE General Test vs. Subject Tests

The GRE General Test is required for most graduate school applications. But some science-heavy or research-oriented fields recommend or require GRE subject tests, which focus on one topic area like math, biology, or physics.

Subject test scores are reported separately from your general GRE scores. They're sometimes used for scholarships or assistantships in research-based programs.

GRE Exam Format

The GRE consists of three main sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Each section is designed to test different skills that matter for success in graduate school. The verbal reasoning section evaluates a test-taker’s ability to analyze and evaluate written material, while the quantitative reasoning section tests their ability to reason mathematically and solve problems. The analytical writing section assesses a test-taker’s ability to articulate complex ideas and arguments in writing. By understanding the format of the GRE exam, test takers can better prepare for each section and improve their overall performance.

Quantitative Reasoning Section

The quantitative reasoning section is designed to test a test-taker’s ability to reason mathematically and solve problems. This section includes questions on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. The quantitative reasoning section is important for applicants to STEM and business programs, where strong mathematical skills are important. By focusing on these areas, test takers can improve their quantitative reasoning score and enhance their overall GRE performance.

Verbal Score

The verbal score is a critical component of the GRE exam, as it assesses a test-taker’s ability to analyze and evaluate written material. The verbal section includes questions on reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. A good verbal score is important for test takers applying to graduate programs in the humanities, social sciences, and other fields that require strong verbal skills. By honing their reading and analytical abilities, test takers can achieve a high verbal score and strengthen their graduate school applications. This is best achieved by learning applicable GRE strategies and practicing as many practice questions as one can.

Setting a Target GRE Score

To set a target score, research the average GRE score at each school. Aim to be at or above the 75th percentile in the sections that matter most to your field when setting your target scores.

Steps to follow when planning the study:

1. Check each school’s GRE score report or admissions FAQ
2. Look at both average scores and percentile scores
3. Build a study plan to improve my weaker section
4. Take practice exams using scaled score estimates

Remember, if you score below the median for a program, that does not mean you should not apply. Half of all students in the program scored at or below the median so you still have a chance at being accepted.

Who Takes the GRE and Why It Matters

Every year, thousands of GRE test takers from diverse backgrounds, including working professionals, recent grads, and even non-enrolled college graduates, take the GRE General Test to qualify for graduate programs worldwide. Some are aiming for top MBA programs and compare their GRE score range to GMAT scores, while others are switching careers and trying to stand out in new fields.

Because the GRE is a standardized test score, it allows schools to fairly evaluate applicants from different academic and work backgrounds. Whether you’re aiming for a perfect score or just trying to boost one weak section, knowing how your performance compares to others, verbal reasoning section percentiles, quantitative reasoning section percentiles, and analytical writing section percentiles, can help you set smarter, more personalized goals.

How to Use Your GRE Score to Guide Your Next Steps

GRE scores are one part of your graduate school application, but they can affect how competitive your profile is, especially at top programs. Knowing how your scores compare to other test takers and the expectations of your target schools can help you decide where to apply and how much to study. Use your score report to understand where you stand in each section, and focus on improving weak areas if needed. If your goals include MBA programs, law schools, or competitive graduate majors, consider working with a coach to raise your scores and strengthen your application.

Work With Me – Get Expert Support From a GRE Test Prep Coach

Practicing on your own can take you far, but working with a seasoned GRE coach can take you further, faster. I’ve spent over 1,000 hours tutoring students one-on-one, including as a GRE instructor with Kaplan, and I’m also the sole author of the Achievable GRE course. Whether you’re just getting started or aiming for a top percentile score, I’ll help you build a personalized study plan, master the key concepts, and learn the tips, tricks, and mnemonics that make a real difference. Let’s make your GRE goals a reality!

Related Resources

Leland provides you with the content, community, and coaching that you need to get into your dream MBA program. Here are some other articles/resources you may find helpful:

• What is an MBA Degree? An Expert Guide
• The Different Types of MBA Programs—and Which One is Right for You
• MBA vs. MPA: How to Decide Which One is Right For You
• Why Should You Get an MBA? An Expert Coach's Perspective
• Is an MBA Worth It? Pros and Cons and How to Decide
• The 10 Best GRE Tutors

GRE Score Range – FAQs

What is the highest GRE score?

• The highest GRE score is 340 – 170 in verbal reasoning and 170 in quantitative reasoning. Analytical writing is scored separately on a scale from 0 to 6.

What is a good GRE score for graduate school?

• A good GRE score varies by program, but many applicants aim for 160+ in each section and a 4.0+ in analytical writing.

Is 300 a good score on the GRE?

• A GRE score of 300 is slightly below the average combined score of most admitted applicants to competitive programs. Some programs may still accept a 300, especially if other parts of your application are strong.

Is 320 a good GRE score?

• Yes. A 320 is typically considered a good GRE score. It usually places you around or above the 80th percentile, depending on your section breakdown. This score is competitive for many graduate programs, including business and technical fields.