A good GRE score won't guarantee you a spot in the graduate school program of your dreams. But it can help boost your admission chances by making you a more competitive applicant.
Of course, "good" is relative. So, if you're serious about putting together the best graduate school application possible, you'll also want to ask yourself questions like:
How competitive are the graduate school programs or fields I am applying to (And where do I stand relative to other applicants)?
Do my desired graduate programs have minimum requirements for GRE scores?
Will the admissions committees at my desired graduate programs value one section of the GRE more than the others?
In this blog post, we’ll help you answer those questions and provide clarity on what truly constitutes a “good” GRE score.
Let's get started by looking at the GRE score range.
However, it's important to note that your GRE score percentiles can sometimes be just as important as your GRE scores.
Understanding GRE percentiles is essential because they provide a broader context for interpreting your GRE scores: Graduate school admission committees often consider percentile ranks to assess your relative standing among applicants.
The GRE percentile rank indicates the percentage of test takers who scored at or below your score. For example, if your Verbal Reasoning score places you in the 80th percentile, you performed better than 80% of test takers.
When evaluating whether your GRE percentiles are “good,” consider the average percentiles of accepted students in your desired graduate programs. If you can’t find this information on the program's website, contact the department to ask for it. Then, you’ll have a benchmark for understanding where you stand in relation to successful applicants.
The simple answer is that a “good” GRE score is somewhere above 150 for Verbal and 152 for Math, since those are the average scores in those sections, and an overall score of 328 or above tends to be competitive at most graduate programs. But a "good" GRE for one applicant may not be "good" enough for you. Why?
Well, earlier in this blog post, we mentioned some better questions to ask yourself when trying to determine a “good” GRE score.
Let's explore each of those questions a bit more now.
How much do GRE scores matter?
As a general rule, many US universities (and schools around the world) use your GRE score as a primary component of your application for admission (with the caveat that, during the pandemic, many graduate programs temporarily waived their GRE requirements). But how much GRE scores matter also depends: How competitive are the graduate school programs or fields you are applying to?
The competitiveness of graduate school programs and fields can significantly impact what’s considered a “good” GRE score. Why?
For one, some programs and fields may attract a larger pool of applicants, making it more challenging to secure admission.
The reputation and prestige of the programs you're targeting also matter. Highly regarded programs often receive hundreds of applications from highly qualified candidates, making the competition even more intense.
For example, if you’re applying to competitive MBA or law graduate programs at top-tier universities that accept the GRE, a “good” GRE score will likely be higher than one at less competitive schools in order to stand out among the pool of applicants.
Do my desired graduate programs have minimum requirements for GRE scores?
Some graduate programs have specific minimum requirements for GRE scores that applicants must meet to be considered for admission. For example, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas requires all applicants for their Computer Science Ph.D. program to achieve a minimum GRE score of 315.
Remember: Meeting the minimum GRE score requirements doesn’t guarantee admission—it just gets your foot in the door. Falling significantly below the minimum requirements may prevent or greatly hinder your chances of acceptance into your desired graduate programs.
Will the admissions committees at my desired graduate programs value one section of the GRE more than the others?
Some programs may prioritize certain GRE sections more than others, depending on the specific requirements and skills relevant to their field of study.
For example, if you are applying to a program that heavily relies on quantitative skills, such as engineering or mathematics, admissions committees may place greater importance on your Quantitative Reasoning score.
On the other hand, if you are pursuing a program in literature or philosophy, the Verbal Reasoning section might hold more significance.
To understand the weight given to each section, review the program's admission guidelines or contact the admissions office directly. They can provide insights into the relative importance of each GRE section and how they align with the program's academic expectations.
The highest possible GRE score is 340, which would mean scoring 170 on the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections. The highest GRE score for the Analytical Writing section is 6.
Achieving a perfect score is undoubtedly remarkable and showcases exceptional proficiency in the tested skills. However, achieving a perfect GRE score is not required to get into even the most competitive graduate school programs.
While GRE scores are not the sole determinant of admission, they serve as an important quantitative measure of your academic abilities and potential success in a graduate program.
Here are some key ways in which GRE scores can affect your application.
Initial screening
Many graduate programs use GRE scores as an initial screening tool to filter through a large number of applications.
Programs may set minimum score requirements to ensure that applicants possess a certain level of proficiency in the skills required to succeed in graduate studies.
Falling significantly below these minimum score requirements may result in your application being rejected early on.
Comparing applicants
Admissions committees can use GRE scores to compare applicants from a standardized standpoint.
The scores provide a common metric to assess applicants' abilities and help identify standout candidates.
As such, higher GRE scores can help distinguish you from other applicants and showcase your academic strengths.
Scholarship consideration
Some graduate student scholarships or fellowships ask for GRE scores for consideration. For example, a completed application for the Walter S. Barr Fellowships includes GRE scores or scores from other graduate-level standardized tests.
If you’re applying for scholarships or fellowships that have similar requirements, higher GRE scores can make you a more competitive candidate.
Compensation for application weaknesses
In certain cases, strong GRE scores can help mitigate weaknesses in other areas of your grad school applications. For example, an impressive GRE score can still demonstrate your academic potential if your undergraduate GPA is below the program's average.
Note: While GRE scores hold weight in the admissions process, admissions committees consider the scores alongside other application components. A well-rounded application with strong letters of recommendation, a compelling statement of purpose, relevant work experience, and a solid academic record can also help compensate for a lower GRE score.
Official GRE scores, including the Analytical Writing section, are typically available within 10 to 15 days after the test date.
You will receive an email notification when your official scores are ready, and you can access them through your ETS (Educational Testing Service) account.
Sending Your Scores to Graduate School Programs
Once your scores are available, you can send them to the institutions you are applying to. ETS offers the option to send four free score reports directly to institutions or programs of your choice. There are additional fees for sending scores to more institutions or requesting score reports later.
A good GRE score can boost your competitiveness and make it more likely you’ll get into your desired graduate programs. But remember: a "good" GRE score is relative and depends on the type and competitiveness of programs you intend to apply to.
Also, achieving a “good” or above-average GRE score doesn’t guarantee admission. Many graduate school admissions committees review applications holistically, considering various factors to evaluate fit for their programs.
If you're seeking additional guidance throughout the graduate school application process, consider consulting with our graduate school admissions experts. We can provide personalized assistance in crafting a standout application that showcases your strengths and aligns with your goals.
If you want to explore options for support with your grad applications, schedule a consultation and begin taking the next step in your grad school journey!
