GRE Scores Guide 2025: Ranges, Percentiles & University Cutoffs

GRE scores play a key role in admissions for graduate-level programs like MS, MBA, and PhD. The exam is conducted by ETS and is widely accepted by universities across the US, Canada, UK, Europe, Singapore, and Australia. If you’re targeting global schools, understanding your GRE total score, GRE score range, and how cutoffs are set is very essential to building a strong application. 

New to the test? Get a quick overview of the GRE exam format and explore the GRE overview guide to understand structure, duration, and question types. 

The test includes three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing (AWA) essays. Verbal and Quantitative scores range from 130–170 each, while AWA is graded on a scale of 0–6 in half-point steps. Together, these sections contribute to your GRE maximum score, which is crucial for admission into competitive programs. 

Confused about what is a good GRE score for your target program? Check our in-depth GRE good score guide to benchmark yourself against top applicants. 

Each section measures your ability to analyze, solve problems, and write with clarity. In 2025, applicants should also consider percentile rankings and how universities weigh different sections. To see where you stand, try the interactive GRE score calculator tool to predict your performance and plan improvements. 

Planning to study abroad? Browse our GRE Score for Stanford and explore GRE-based courses in USA and UK to match your profile with the right programs. 

How Is GRE Score Calculated?

Your GRE scores are not just the number of answers you get right. ETS uses a process called scaling and equating, which means your raw performance is converted into a scaled score that accounts for question difficulty. This ensures fairness across different test versions. 

The GRE score range is as follows: 

Section	Score Range	Notes
Verbal Reasoning	130–170	Two sections of 20 questions each; difficulty adapts as you progress
Quantitative Reasoning	130–170	Two sections of 20 questions each; adaptive format applies
Analytical Writing	0–6	Two essays, scored in half-point increments

Only Verbal and Quant are combined into your GRE total score (260–340). AWA is reported separately but still matters for programs like public policy, MBA, or humanities. 

Want a complete breakdown of sections? Read the GRE syllabus & section-wise guide for topics covered and question types. 

GRE Scoring Explained 

• Verbal & Quant: Raw score → Scaled score, with adaptive difficulty. 

• Analytical Writing: Each essay is graded by a human evaluator and an AI system. If their ratings differ a lot, another human grader reviews it. 

If you’re unsure about the importance of each section, check how GRE results are reported and how schools evaluate your GRE score card. 

Understanding how ETS calculates your GRE maximum score is primarily important if you’re planning for scholarships or aiming for Ivy League programs.  

Looking for actionable strategies? These 7 tips to score 170 in GRE Quant can help push your Quant performance to the top percentile. 

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 to plan your target GRE scores. The test evaluates you on three main sections: 

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. It is reported separately on the GRE score card, so while it does not affect your GRE total score, universities still look at it carefully.

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.

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+

Not sure what score you need for your program? Explore our detailed GRE score for top universities guide to see target scores for different disciplines and countries. 

If you’re aiming for scholarships, knowing your GRE max score and how your Verbal, Quant, and AWA scores compare globally is crucial. Check the GRE percentiles to see where your scores stand. 

Planning your application? Browse GRE-accepting programs abroad to align your target score with the right university and course. 

GRE Score Percentiles – What They Mean

Your GRE scores are meaningless without context, that’s where percentiles come in. 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?

The question most test-takers ask is, “What is a good GRE score?” The answer depends on your target universities, chosen course, and competition in your field. 

• 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.

For highly competitive programs, students try to maximize their Verbal or Quant scores depending on their course. For example, engineering applicants focus on reaching the GRE max score in Quant, while humanities majors emphasize strong Verbal scores. 

A more detailed breakdown is available in this article on what counts as a good GRE score, including cut-offs for different streams and strategies to set your target score. 

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

Once you’re confident with your scores, learn how to send GRE scores to universities and maximize your chances of admission to your dream school. 

Curious about how universities compare applicants? Read our guide on GRE percentiles to seewhere your performance stands globally. 

GRE Score Validity and Retake Policy

One of the most common questions students have is, “How long is my GRE score valid?” Your GRE score validity is five years from your test date. This means you can take the exam in 2025 and still use those GRE scores for applications up to 2030. This flexibility is especially useful if you are planning to apply to multiple universities over different admission cycles. 

For a detailed breakdown, check the official guide on GRE score validity and acceptance. 

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:

1. Start with a diagnostic test to identify weak areas. Use our GRE preparation resources for practice tests and mock exams. 

2. Master question types: Reading comprehension, sentence equivalence, and math problem-solving. Check the GRE syllabus & section-wise guide to target your prep effectively. 

3. Practice pacing: Time management is crucial. 

4. Use official study material for alignment with the actual exam format. See GRE study materials. 

5. Section-specific strategies: 

6. Quant: Revise formulas, avoid careless mistakes, practice timed questions. Boost your Quant with 7 tips to score 170 in GRE Quant. 

7. Verbal: Build vocabulary and practice comprehension. 

8. AWA: Follow a fixed essay structure and review scoring rubrics. 

9. Review full-length mocks weekly and analyze mistakes. 

10. Use ScoreSelect® wisely to send only your best GRE 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 free prep? Explore upGrad Free Courses for GRE to enhance your readiness. 

Confused about which programs match your GRE scores? Get personalized guidance and expert advice: connect with upGrad today to shortlist the best programs for you!”