What’s a Good GRE Score for Grad School? Experts Weigh In
If you’re applying to grad school and wondering how your GRE scores stack up, keep in mind that different programs have different expectations, according to admissions experts.
They recommend checking the GRE score ranges for admitted students at your target schools and seeing if those programs have any specific score requirements. Looking into admissions stats can help you figure out what scores you’ll need to get into your desired programs.
“A good GRE score depends entirely on the program you’re applying to,” says Pierre Huguet, CEO and founder of admissions consulting firm H&C Education, in an email. “The best way to gauge how competitive your score is would be to find the latest average GRE scores for that program. If you can’t find the numbers online, don’t hesitate to reach out to the department—they’re usually happy to help prospective students.”
Test-takers receive three scores: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Here’s how the scoring breaks down, per the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization behind the GRE:
GRE Score Ranges
| Section | Score Scale |
|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 130–170 (in 1-point increments) |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130–170 (in 1-point increments) |
| Analytical Writing | 0–6 (in 0.5-point increments) |
If you’re unsure what scores to aim for, ETS provides percentile data based on test-takers from July 2018 to June 2021.
GRE Verbal & Quantitative Percentiles
| Percentile | Verbal Score | Quantitative Score |
|---|---|---|
| 99 | 169–170 | — |
| 95 | 165 | 169–170 |
| 90 | 162 | 168 |
| 85 | 160 | 166–167 |
| 80 | 158–159 | 164–165 |
| 75 | 157 | 162–163 |
| 50 | 151–152 | 154–155 |
Analytical Writing Percentiles
| Score | Percentile |
|---|---|
| 6.0 | 99 |
| 5.5 | 97 |
| 5.0 | 91 |
| 4.5 | 79 |
| 4.0 | 54 |
| 3.5 | 37 |
| <3.0 | <13 |
What’s a Competitive GRE Score?
Between 2018 and 2021, the average GRE scores were:
- Verbal Reasoning: 150.61
- Quantitative Reasoning: 154.34
- Analytical Writing: 3.6
According to Ryan Starr, an instructor at Manhattan Prep (a Kaplan test-prep company), scoring above 155 in Quant puts you in decent shape, especially for programs that aren’t math-heavy. For most programs, 160 or higher is solid, though top STEM programs may expect scores closer to 165. For Verbal, anything in the high 150s or above is considered strong.
Program-Specific Expectations
- Math-heavy programs prioritize high Quant scores and care less about Verbal.
- Humanities programs value high Verbal scores over Quant.
“A low math score won’t necessarily hurt your chances for a humanities program, just like a low verbal score may not matter for a math-based program,” Huguet explains.
Andrew Selepak, who coordinates the University of Florida’s social media grad program, notes that a score good enough for one program might not cut it for another.
“It’s crucial to know the minimum score for your program,” he says. “But even a few points can make a big difference in grad school admissions, so applicants should keep that in mind.”
GRE vs. LSAT for Law School
Some law schools now accept GRE scores instead of the LSAT. An ETS tool converts GRE scores into LSAT equivalents, but policies vary by school.
Why Percentiles Matter
Admissions officers often look at percentiles—how you compare to other test-takers—just as much as raw scores.
“They want to see how you stack up against peers,” says Nellie Gaynor, an admissions counselor at IvyWise. “A 160 on one test might have a different percentile than a 165 on another, so context matters.”
Scoring in the 75th percentile or higher across all sections is generally strong enough for competitive programs, though elite schools may expect more. For example, MIT’s engineering Ph.D. program had average 2022 admits with:
- Verbal: 161
- Quant: 167
- Writing: 4.4
How Much Do GRE Scores Really Matter?
Since COVID-19, many programs have gone test-optional. Submitting GRE scores can help, but they’re not always mandatory. Experts suggest weighing the time and cost of prep against potential benefits.
For applicants with weaker undergrad records, a high GRE score can showcase academic ability. Conversely, a lower score can sometimes be offset by strong essays, resumes, or work experience.
“Most schools view your GRE score and transcript together,” Starr says. “If your grades aren’t stellar, a good GRE score can reassure them you’re prepared for grad-level work.”
Some programs waive test requirements for applicants with high GPAs or extensive professional experience—worth looking into.
Prepping for the GRE
Those planning to take the GRE should prepare thoroughly. Gaynor says most spend 2–3 months studying, though timelines vary.
But Huguet adds that a low score doesn’t automatically disqualify you.
“Of course, aim high, but don’t assume a mediocre GRE score ruins your chances,” he says. “Things like research, work experience, or publications often carry more weight.”
Gaynor agrees, noting that admissions decisions are holistic.
“The GRE is just one piece of the puzzle,” she says. “With test-optional policies, applicants have multiple ways to stand out—even at top schools.”
