GRE Scores

đź’­ How is the GRE scored?

The GRE is a graduate school exam conducted by ETS. It is usually used by various schools as a means for admission to the graduate programs. If you want to enroll in your preferred program, you must know the minimum requirements for the GRE. Moreover, understanding the GRE scoring is essential because you’ll know the scores that you should aim for in order to pass or get the highest GRE score.

The ETS GRE scores have different ranges based on the different sections of the General Test. The Verbal and Quantitative Reasonings both have a GRE test score range of 130 to 170 in 1 point increments. Analytical Writing, on the one hand, is scored using a human rater and an e-rater. These raters use the 6-point holistic scale for each of the essays. 

For the GRE Subject Tests, each of them has scores that range from 200 to 990 in 10-point increments. Your scores shall be based on the number of questions that you have correctly answered. Moreover, the scores are independently calculated from each subject test.

đź’Ż How do GRE scores work?

Depending on your GRE score report, you’ll be able to determine whether you are academically ready to enter into graduate programs or business school programs. When you look at your scores, you need to take note of your GRE scale. It is because they will be considered as indicators of your GRE percentiles. 

Your GRE score percentiles will show your rank in comparison to those who have taken the test. Getting scores that will give you a higher rank will be advantageous to you since more institutions would accept your admission.

If you want to know what are the score ranges you should remember, check out the tables below. It is the latest score report of a percentage of test-takers who took the GRE General Test between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2025. 

GRE Score Scale

Verbal Reasoning Percentile

Quantitative Reasoning Percentile

170

99

96

169

99

95

168

98

93

167

98

90

166

97

89

165

96

86

164

94

84

163

93

82

162

90

79

161

88

76

160

86

73

159

83

70

158

80

67

157

76

64

156

73

60

155

68

56

154

64

53

153

60

49

152

54

45

151

51

41

150

46

37

149

41

34

148

37

30

147

33

26

146

29

23

145

26

19

144

22

16

143

19

13

142

16

11

141

14

9

140

11

7

139

9

6

138

8

4

137

6

3

136

4

2

135

3

2

134

2

1

133

2

1

132

1

1

131

1

1

130

1

1

Score Levels

Analytical Writing Percentile

6

99

5.5

98

5

92

4.5

81

4

57

3.5

39

3

15

2.5

7

2

2

1.5

1

1

1

0.5

1

0

1

Based on ETS’ official website, the tables below show the GRE Subject Tests performance information from July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2025.

Subject Test

Number of Test Takers

Mean

Standard Deviation

Biology

3,560

670

120

Chemistry

9,158

690

118

Literature in English

3, 763

543

102

Mathematics

15,305

661

147

Physics

20,700

712

160

Psychology

12,668

618

106

⌛ How long does it take to get GRE scores?

For the computer-delivered GRE General Test, you may get your GRE results through your ETS Account. It will be available and sent to the designated institutions 10 to 15 days after your test date.

The paper-delivered tests shall also be available in your ETS Account  and sent to the respective institutions within 5 weeks after your test date.

🤔 How long are GRE scores valid?

If you have taken the test on or after July 1, 2025, your scores shall be reportable for 5 years following your test date. For those that were taken before July 1, 2025, your scores are reportable for 5 years following the year in which you took the test. Lastly, if you obtained your scores before July 2020, then those are no longer reportable. 

It takes at least 5 business days to process your request to send GRE scores. That’s why if you want to send your scores at your preferred institution, then you must take note of the date that you will receive your official scores.

âť” GRE Questions

What are the best ways to score higher in GRE?

One of the ways you can score higher is with the help of best GRE practice tests. It’s one of the most effective ways of preparing for the GRE tests. It will help you review the topics, and it’ll help you know the test format.

What is the total score for the GRE?

The GRE max score or highest GRE total score that you can get is 340. This is a combination of your scores in the different sections of the GRE General Test. But, your score report usually contains separate scores. It is because most graduate schools are interested in some sections more so than the others.       

What do you have to do to get a perfect score on the GRE?

To get a perfect GRE score wouldn’t be too impossible if you studied and prepared in advance. You have a lot of time to get ready for the upcoming admissions test. You need to be able to discipline yourself and stay away from distractions. You can also use test preps, study guides, and other materials that will help ease you through your review.

What is a good MBA GRE scores?

For MBA applicants, a GRE score of 310 to 315 is considered good, while a score of 325 is considered excellent.

How important are GRE scores for PT school?

The GRE (Graduate Record Exam) allows physical therapy programs to compare and select the finest candidates. Other standards, such as a minimum GPA or clinical experience, are also in place. This means that even if your GRE scores aren’t stellar, your application has a shot.

Can I do masters without GRE?

There are several colleges’ masters programs without GRE requirements. If you want to get into masters programs not requiring GRE, you’ll need a solid profile. Additionally, having GRE scores, particularly best GRE scores, can help you get into a reputable university in a variety of situations.

How is GRE grading calculated?

It’s determined by putting your Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning scores together. A 90th percentile GRE score is generally considered exceptional, whereas a 75th percentile GRE score is considered good. As a result, anything above a perfect GRE score of 300 can be considered.

What is a bad GRE score?

A low GRE score is defined as one that is in the 25th percentile or below. In terms of GRE verbal percentiles, this equates to a scaled score of 145; in terms of quantitative percentiles, this equates to a scaled score of 147.

How long do GRE results take?

After taking the exam, you’ll get your official GRE subject test scores around five weeks later. If you require more copies of your score reports, you can contact ETS, the corporation that administers the GRE. For up to five years after you take the exam, you can request your results at any time.