GRE Score Guide 2025

GRE scores help universities assess candidates for graduate-level programs like MS, MBA, and PhD. The test is conducted by ETS and accepted by thousands of schools across the US, Canada, Europe, and other regions.

It includes three sections—Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing (AWA). Verbal and Quant scores range from 130 to 170, while AWA is graded on a scale of 0 to 6 in half-point steps.

Each section measures your ability to analyze, solve problems, and write with clarity. If you’re applying in 2025, it’s important to understand how your GRE score is calculated, how percentiles affect your profile, and what top universities expect for admission or funding.

Planning to study abroad? Explore Master’s and Bachelor’s programs that accept GRE scores.

Looking at top destinations? Check GRE-eligible courses in the USA and UK.

Targeting top universities? Use your GRE score for schools like Cornell or Drexel.

New to GRE? Understand the format with the full GRE syllabus and section-wise breakdown.

Not sure if you're eligible? Review the GRE eligibility criteria before you register.

Want to register? Follow this step-by-step GRE registration guide.

How Is GRE Score Calculated?

Your GRE score is based on a combination of raw performance and statistical scaling. This means the number of correct answers isn’t the final score—ETS adjusts it using a system that accounts for test difficulty and scoring accuracy.

GRE score range explained

Section	Score Range	Notes
Verbal Reasoning	130–170	Two sections of 20 questions; difficulty adapts based on answers
Quantitative Reasoning	130–170	Two sections of 20 questions; adaptive format applies
Analytical Writing	0–6	Two essay tasks; scored in 0.5-point steps

Only Verbal and Quant scores are combined to form your total GRE score (260–340). The AWA score is reported separately but is still important—especially for research-heavy or writing-based programs like MS, MBA, or public policy.

Each section is scored as follows:

• Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning use raw scores (number of correct answers), then convert them to a scaled score. The test adapts in difficulty: your second section becomes easier or harder based on how you perform in the first.
• The AWA score combines two ratings—one by a trained human evaluator and another by ETS’s AI scoring engine. If the scores are very different, a second human scorer steps in.

If you're aiming for a good GRE score for MS in USA or want to reach the minimum GRE score for top universities, scoring well on tougher sections increases your percentile rank. The adaptive system rewards accuracy on more challenging questions.

Confused about test structure? Get a full picture of all sections in this GRE exam breakdown.

Need a prep plan? Start with expert-picked GRE study materials for 2025.

GRE Scoring System – Verbal, Quant, and AWA

Each GRE section uses a separate scoring scale, tailored to its question types and difficulty. Understanding this system is important for setting realistic goals and knowing where to focus during preparation.

1. Verbal Reasoning

• Score Range: 130–170 (1-point steps)
• Question Types: Reading comprehension, sentence equivalence, text completion
• Scoring: Based on the number of correct responses, adjusted using a difficulty-based scale

Your performance in the first Verbal section determines how tough the second section will be. Harder questions give you the chance to reach a higher scaled score.

2. Quantitative Reasoning

• Score Range: 130–170 (1-point steps)
• Question Types: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis
• Tools: On-screen calculator available
• Scoring: Raw score converted to scaled score; adaptive format applies

GRE verbal and quant score breakdown

Section	Format	Scoring Method
Verbal Reasoning	2 sections, 20 Qs each	Raw → Scaled (adaptive)
Quant Reasoning	2 sections, 20 Qs each	Raw → Scaled (adaptive)

3. Analytical Writing (AWA)

• Score Range: 0–6 (in 0.5-point increments)
• Tasks: Analyze an Issue + Analyze an Argument

Evaluation:

• Each task is scored by one AI system and one trained human rater
• If scores differ significantly, a second human rater is involved
• Final AWA score = average of both essays

Use Case: The GRE AWA score is key for applicants to writing-heavy or research-intensive programs

GRE AWA score explained

Task	Evaluated On
Analyze an Issue	Idea clarity, structure, language use
Analyze an Argument	Logic, critique, reasoning quality

Admissions officers view AWA responses through the ETS Data Manager. So while it doesn’t impact your total GRE score, a weak AWA can affect your overall profile—especially for graduate courses in law, education, or communications.

Tracking exam dates? Check the latest GRE test calendar for 2025.

Checking budget? Here’s the updated GRE exam fee structure for all regions.

GRE Score Requirements by Country or Region

If you're targeting Ivy League universities or looking for GRE scores for scholarships abroad, a total score above 320 with a Quant score above 165 and AWA above 4.0 strengthens your profile. Check program-wise requirements, as some departments list minimum GRE scores in admission criteria.

Country-Wise GRE Score Requirements

Country	Ideal GRE Range (Top Programs)	Notes
USA	310–330	Strong Quant for MSCS; AWA crucial for MBA/Law/PhD
Canada	305–325	Competitive programs prefer 315+; Verbal matters in research
UK	300–320	GRE not always mandatory, but scores above 310 support scholarships
Germany	310–325	Focus on Quant; GRE accepted at most technical universities
Australia	295–315	GRE optional but helpful for postgraduate merit-based selection
Singapore	315–330	High expectations in Verbal and Quant; top B-schools require 325+

GRE Score Percentiles – What They Mean

Your GRE score percentile 2025 shows how your performance compares to other test takers. A 160 in Quant and a 160 in Verbal do not reflect the same standing because percentiles depend on how others scored in each section.

• Percentile = % of test takers you outperformed
• Percentiles reflect performance over the past three testing years
• High percentiles indicate competitive advantage in admissions

For example, a 160 in Verbal puts you in a higher percentile than the same score in Quant, since Quant scores tend to skew higher globally.

GRE score percentile 2025

GRE Score	Verbal Percentile	Quant Percentile
170	99th	96th
165	96th	84th
160	86th	70th
155	69th	53rd
150	47th	33rd

The GRE AWA score percentile is separate:

GRE AWA score percentile

AWA Score	Percentile
6.0	99th
5.0	92nd
4.0	54th
3.5	38th

Targeting a top AWA score? Use these tips for GRE AWA essays to improve your writing band.

What Is a Good GRE Score for Top Universities in 2025?

Top programs set GRE score cutoffs or publish average accepted scores. What qualifies as a “good” score depends on your program and competition pool.

• MS in the USA: Quant is weighted more heavily, especially for STEM
• MBA applicants: Balanced Verbal and Quant scores preferred
• PhD programs: AWA and Verbal scores matter more for research roles

Target GRE Scores for Top Programs

University / Program	Target Total	Focus Areas
MIT (Engineering)	325–330	High Quant (165+), AWA 4+
Harvard (Social Sciences)	320–330	Strong Verbal, AWA 4.5+
Stanford (MBA)	325–335	Balanced Verbal & Quant
UC Berkeley (CS PhD)	325+	Quant 168+, AWA 4+
ETH Zurich (STEM)	320–330	Quant 165+, English Proof

Score Tips by Discipline

Field	Ideal Total Score	AWA Emphasis
Engineering / CS	320–330	Moderate (4.0–4.5)
MBA / Business	315–330	High (4.5+)
Humanities / Law	315–325	High (4.5+)

So if you're asking, what is a good GRE score for MS in USA?—aim for at least 160+ Quant and 315+ total to stay competitive. For Ivy Leagues or globally ranked programs, 325+ with high percentile ranks in all three sections is recommended.

How to Send GRE Scores to Universities

When	Options Available	Cost
On test day	4 free score recipients	Included in test fee
After test day	Additional Score Reports (ASR)	USD 40 per recipient

ETS reports:

• Verbal + Quant scores
• AWA score
• Percentile ranks

No details about other institutions or test attempts unless selected

Waiting on results? Here’s how to access and understand your GRE results after test day.

GRE Score Validity and Retake Policy

Your GRE score remains valid for 5 years from the test date. This long validity period gives you flexibility in choosing programs and applying across multiple admission cycles. However, institutions can have their own cutoff dates—always check university requirements to confirm if your score falls within their accepted range.

You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous 12-month period. This applies even if you cancel your score after the test. If you’re planning multiple attempts, use this retake policy to build a score improvement strategy.

ETS offers the ScoreSelect® option to control what universities see:

• Most Recent: Send only the latest score
• All: Send all test scores from the last 5 years
• Any: Send selected scores from specific dates

Old scores do not get automatically overwritten. Every test you take remains in your ETS account for 5 years, and you choose which ones to send. If you’re targeting scholarships or top-tier schools - retaking the GRE to improve your sectional scores or GRE AWA score may be worth it.

GRE Total Score vs Sectional Scores – Which Matters More?

When admissions officers evaluate your GRE score, they don’t always focus only on the total. Most graduate schools consider your sectional scores (Verbal, Quant, AWA) in context with your target program.

Here’s how it typically breaks down:

GRE total score vs sectional scores

Program Type	Most Important Section	Notes
MS in Engineering, Data Science, Math	Quantitative Reasoning	Target 165+ in Quant, even if Verbal is lower
MBA or Law	Balanced Verbal and Quant scores	Some business schools weigh AWA too
Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences	Verbal Reasoning	Strong Verbal (160+) and AWA preferred

Your GRE total score (Verbal + Quant: 260–340) helps with basic shortlisting. But most top schools, including Ivy League universities, look at section-wise performance to judge subject-fit. For example, a 160 in Verbal may place you in the 86th percentile, while a 160 in Quant might only hit 70th percentile, depending on the competition pool.

The GRE AWA score (0–6) often acts as a tie-breaker or red flag—especially in writing-heavy programs like law, education, or public policy. Schools also view essay responses directly via the ETS Data Manager, so consistency between your application essays and AWA response matters.

If you're applying for STEM, aim to push Quant above 165. For non-STEM, focus on a high Verbal score and a solid 4.5+ in AWA.

How to Improve Your GRE Score in 2025

Since the GRE is adaptive, every correct answer builds momentum. Use these focused strategies to raise your score effectively in 2025:

• Start with a diagnostic test: ETS offers free and paid GRE practice tests. Use these to benchmark your Verbal, Quant, and AWA performance.
• Master question types: For Verbal, focus on reading comprehension and sentence equivalence. For Quant, target data interpretation and problem-solving with on-screen calculators.
• Practice pacing: Every GRE section is timed. Track how long you spend per question to avoid time pressure in the second half.
• Use official GRE study material: Stick to ETS prep books and GRE preparation books with answers and scoring guides. This helps align your prep with the actual exam format.
• Build section-specific strategies:
  • For Quant, revise math formulas, avoid careless errors, and practice under time limits.
  • For Verbal, build vocabulary through high-frequency word lists and practice reading complex passages.
  • For AWA, follow a fixed structure for both essays, and review ETS scoring rubrics to understand what earns a 5.0+.
• Review full-length mock tests weekly: Don’t just solve them—analyze your mistakes, revisit weak areas, and track progress.
• Use ScoreSelect® wisely: Retaking the GRE? Practice with fresh questions and only send your best scores.

Improvement takes 4–6 weeks of structured effort. Whether you’re aiming for a top GRE percentile in 2025 or trying to meet the minimum GRE score for top universities, consistency and review matter more than cramming.

Want to prep smarter for free? Explore resources on upGrad Free Courses.

Need help shortlisting programs by GRE score? Contact upGrad for expert guidance.