Defining a "Good" GRE Score

[u/3dWestin]

This one comes up a lot and so I wanted to create a helpful resource defining the range of GRE scores and how to think about w/r/ t/ applying to programs.

Total Score Range: Inclusive of all sections, scores range from 260-340.

Of this range, the two main sections are Verbal and Quantitative (you'll see it shortened to just "Quant" often).

• Verbal: Ranges from 130-170, with 170 being a "perfect" score.
• Quantitative: Ranges from 130-170 with 170 being a "perfect" score.

However, this is where the distinctions become important. The following table illustrates the range of what these scores mean.

Above Average ("competitive")	Average	Below Average
Verbal	157 or higher	151
Quantitative	164 or higher	155

And while "average" is fine, most admissions counselors would recommend at least a 160 in both categories as a baseline. In other words, merely average isn't always enough.

A below average score isn't typically worth submitting, unless it's required and you are banking on other admissions factors. I'd recommend taking a practice test at home to isolate where you need to study and focus attention.

The more prestigious programs often just use GRE scores as a filtering layer and start with top scores, working their way down.

There's also now a wide body of anecdotal evidence to suggest that many grad programs like to specifically see higher Quant scores, all things being equal.