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GRE - Results & Scoring

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Overview
Exam Pattern
Syllabus
Analytical Writing
Quantitative Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning
Registration
Exam Fees
Exam Dates
Mock Test
Results & Scoring

This guide covers everything you need to know — from score ranges and section-wise scoring to result timelines, how to check your scores online, and the minimum GRE scores required by institutions worldwide.

SectionScore RangeScore IncrementQuestion Count
Verbal Reasoning130–1701-point increments~27 questions
Quantitative Reasoning130–1701-point increments~27 questions
Analytical Writing0–6Half-point increments1 essay task

GRE Score Descriptors

Below is an approximate guide to what each score range means across the Verbal and Quantitative sections. Percentile rankings shift slightly each year based on test-taker performance, so always check the official ETS percentile tables.

Score (V or Q)Skill LevelDescription
165–170ExceptionalHighly competitive for top-ranked graduate programs
160–164StrongCompetitive for most graduate programmes globally
155–159Above AverageAbove the median; meets requirements for many universities
150–154AverageAround the 50th percentile; suitable for many programmes
145–149Below AverageMay limit options; consider retaking for competitive schools
130–144LowSignificantly below average; most competitive programmes require higher

How GRE Score Is Calculated

Section-Adaptive Scoring

The GRE uses a section-adaptive format. Your performance on the first section of Verbal or Quant determines the difficulty of your second section. A stronger first-section performance routes you to a harder — but higher-scoring — second section.

Raw Score to Scaled Score

Each correct answer earns one raw point; there is no penalty for wrong answers. Raw scores are then converted to scaled scores using ETS’s equating process, which accounts for minor difficulty variations between test editions.

Scaled ScoreApprox. Verbal Correct (/27)Approx. Quant Correct (/27)AW Score
17027276.0
16524–2525–265.5
16021–2322–245.0
15517–2018–214.5
15013–1613–174.0
1459–129–123.5
1405–85–83.0
1300–40–40–2.5

Note: The approximate correct-answer counts above are illustrative. Actual conversion depends on question difficulty assigned by the section-adaptive engine.

Verbal Reasoning — Scoring

The Verbal Reasoning section tests reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. Scores range from 130 to 170 in 1-point increments. The mean score is approximately 150–151, with most competitive programmes expecting 155 or above.

The section contains around 27 questions spread across two sub-sections (roughly 12 and 15 questions). All question types carry equal weight within the section.

Question Types Assessed

  • Reading Comprehension — Understanding and interpreting passages
  • Text Completion — Filling one, two, or three blanks with contextually correct words
  • Sentence Equivalence — Choosing two words that complete a sentence with the same meaning

Quantitative Reasoning — Scoring

The Quantitative Reasoning section covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Scores also range from 130 to 170. The mean score is approximately 153–154, and STEM-focused programmes generally expect 160 or above.

Like Verbal, the section has around 27 questions across two sub-sections. An on-screen calculator is available for the computer-delivered test.

Topics Covered

  • Arithmetic & Number Properties
  • Algebra & Linear Equations
  • Geometry & Coordinate Planes

Data Analysis, Statistics & Probability

Analytical Writing — Assessment Criteria

The Analytical Writing section consists of one 30-minute essay task — Analyse an Issue. Responses are scored by a trained human rater and an e-rater (automated scoring engine). If the two scores differ significantly, a second human rater resolves the discrepancy.

The section is scored on a 0–6 scale in 0.5-point increments. The mean score is approximately 3.5. Scores are based on four equally weighted criteria:

How to Check Your GRE Results

The time it takes to receive official GRE scores depends on the test format you sat. Computer-delivered scores are typically available faster than paper-based results.

Test FormatResult AvailabilityHow Delivered
Computer-Delivered GRE8–10 days after testOfficial scores available on ETS account; score report emailed
Paper-Delivered GREApprox. 5 weeks after testMailed score report; viewable online after processing

Steps to Check Your Score Online

  1. Visit the official ETS website (ets.org/gre) and log into your My GRE account
  2. Navigate to ‘My Test Taker Account’ and select the ‘Scores’ section
  3. View your individual Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing scores
  4. Download your official Score Report (PDF) directly from the portal
  5. Send scores to universities using the ‘Send Scores’ option — the first four score recipients designated at test registration are free of charge

GRE Score Validity

GRE scores remain valid for five years from the test date. For example, if you took the GRE in June 2024, those scores are reportable until June 2029. Most universities accept scores within this five-year window, though some programmes prefer more recent results.

Score Validity: 5 years from the date of the test

Minimum GRE Score Requirements

Different universities, graduate programmes, and visa categories require different minimum GRE band scores. The table below provides a general overview. Always verify current requirements directly with the institution, as these can change year to year.

Purpose / DestinationTypical Minimum ScoreNotes
USA – Top Graduate Programs160+ V & QHighly competitive programs often require 165+
USA – General Graduate Admission150–155 V & QVaries by programme and institution
Business School (MBA)155+ V & QSome schools also accept GMAT; check individual policy
Engineering / STEM160–165 QQuant score weighted more heavily
Humanities / Social Sciences158+ VVerbal score and AW often prioritised
Canada – Graduate Study150+ V & QRequirements vary widely by university
Australia – Universities150–155 V & QDepends on course level and institution

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum GRE score?

The maximum GRE score for Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning is 170 each. Analytical Writing is scored on a scale of 0 to 6. There is no single composite GRE score — the three sections are always reported and reviewed independently.

A score of 160 or above in both Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning is generally considered competitive for top graduate programmes. For Analytical Writing, a score of 4.0 or higher is typically regarded as strong. The right ‘good score’ depends on the specific programme you are applying to.

For computer-delivered GRE, official scores are typically available within 8–10 days after the test date via your ETS My GRE account. Paper-based test takers usually receive scores approximately 5 weeks after the test date.

You can take the GRE General Test once every 21 days, and no more than five times in any continuous rolling 12-month period. All attempts within the five-year validity window are visible to you; however, you choose which scores to send to universities using the ScoreSelect option.

ScoreSelect allows you to choose which set of GRE scores to send to universities — either the most recent scores or all scores from the past five years. This gives you control over which results institutions see, which is particularly useful if you have retaken the test.

GRE - Exam Fees
GRE - Overview
GRE - Verbal Reasoning
GRE - Analytical Writing
GRE - Quantitative Reasoning
GRE - Exam Dates
GRE - Registration
GRE - Mock Test
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