Key takeaways
- GRE scores have three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning are scored on a scale of 130 to 170. Analytical Writing is scored on a scale of 0 to 6.
- The composite score is calculated from Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. Analytical Writing is scored separately.
- Raw scores are the number of questions you answer correctly in each section. These scores are converted to scaled scores through an equating process that ensures fairness across different GRE test versions.
- GRE scores are valid for a period of 5 years from the date of taking the test. You can use the GRE ScoreSelect option to select the test scores from the last five years and send them to educational institutions.
- The GRE score percentile indicates the percentage of candidates who have scored lower than a specified score. The percentile score provides a comparison of how you have performed compared to others who took the test in recent periods.
Want to learn more about GRE scores? Talk to our experts.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised test that is often required for admission into graduate programs in the United States and other countries.
The GRE consists of three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Each section is scored separately, and the scores are combined to create a composite score.
Understanding how to calculate your GRE score section-wise can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and develop a study plan to improve your scores. In this article, we will explain how the GRE is scored, how to calculate your score section-wise and provide tips for improving your GRE scores.
Table of Contents
- How is the GRE scored?
- GRE raw score vs scaled score
- Calculation of raw score and scaled score
- Step-by-step guide to calculate your GRE score section-wise
- Overview of GRE score percentiles
- Good GRE scores for top universities or programmes abroad
- Tips to improve your GRE scores
- Final thoughts
- Frequently asked questions
How is the GRE scored?
GRE is scored on a scale of 130-170 for the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections, and on a scale of 0-6 in half-point increments for the Analytical Writing section.
The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are section-level adaptive. Each subject area is divided into two sections, and the difficulty of the second section depends on your performance in the first section. So, if you perform well in the first Verbal Reasoning section, the second section will be harder.
However, this is limited to the subject area. Performance in the Quantitative Reasoning does not affect the difficulty level of the Verbal Reasoning test.
The Analytical Writing section is not adaptive. The essays are scored by human raters and then by e-rater, an automated scoring system. If the scores do not have a significant difference, the average of the two scores is taken.
However, if the scores differ widely, a second human score is taken, and the final score is calculated as the average of the two human scores.
Once the scores for all three sections have been calculated, the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores are added together to obtain the Composite Score. The Composite Score is the most commonly used score for graduate school admissions. Analytical writing, which is scored separately, does not contribute to the total score.
Note: There is no penalty for negative marking in the GRE. Hence, you must attempt all questions to maximise your score.
Want to learn more about GRE scores? Talk to our experts.
GRE raw score vs scaled score
There are two types of scores in the GRE: raw score and scaled score. The raw score refers to the number of questions you answer correctly, while scaled scores are the final scores of each section. A scaled score serves as a standardised measure of performance, taking into account the test difficulty.
Here is a comparison of the raw score and the scaled score.
| Aspect | Raw score | Scaled score |
|---|---|---|
| What is measured | Number of questions answered correctly | Adjusted score considering test difficulty |
| Score range | 0 to the total number of questions | 130 to 170 for verbal and quantitative reasoning 0 to 6 for analytical reasoning |
| Purpose | Basic counting of correct answers | Standardised score to compare across different test forms |
| Impact of difficulty | None (each question is equal) | Accounts for variations in difficulty across test versions and adaptive sections |
| Interpretation | Simple measure of accuracy | Reflects relative performance relative to all test takers |
Calculation of raw score and scaled score
The raw score is calculated by counting the total number of questions that you have answered correctly in each section. There is no penalty for incorrect answers. This is a straightforward method that provides an initial basis for scoring.
The raw score is converted to a scaled score through a process called equating. The GRE tests may vary in difficulty, and this has to be reflected in the scores. Equating is the process of adjusting the score for difficulty in the various test versions.
The process provides you with a standardised score across different test versions. Equating also adjusts for the section-level adaptation that happens in the GRE test format.
GRE score validity
GRE scores are valid for a period of 5 years from the date of taking the test. Once you take the test, the score will be available in your ETS account. You can log in to the account and check the score. However, after 5 years, once your GRE score expires, it is deleted by ETS. You will no longer be able to send the score to universities or use it for applications.
GRE ScoreSelect option
The GRE ScoreSelect option is a feature that allows you to select the test scores from the last five years that you may want to send to an educational institution. This helps you to choose and send your best score.
You have the option to send your GRE scores to 4 universities for free. You can select the universities during the online test or at the GRE test centre.
The unofficial verbal and quantitative scores are provided to you after the test. It is possible to order more reports online, by fax, or by mail, but at an additional fee.
Also read: GRE percentiles
Want to learn more about GRE scores? Talk to our experts.
Step-by-step guide to calculate your GRE score section-wise
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to calculate your GRE score section-wise:
Step 1: Understand the scoring scale
The first step to calculating your GRE score is to understand the scoring scale. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are scored on a scale of 130-170, in one-point increments. The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0-6, in half-point increments.
Step 2: Calculate the Verbal Reasoning score
The Verbal Reasoning section consists of two subsections, each containing 20 questions. The total number of questions in the Verbal Reasoning section is 40. For each correct answer, you earn one point, and there is no penalty for incorrect or unanswered questions. The Verbal Reasoning score is calculated by adding the number of correct answers in both subsections and converting it to a scaled score using the scoring scale mentioned above.
Step 3: Calculate the Quantitative Reasoning score
The Quantitative Reasoning section is also divided into two subsections, each containing 20 questions. The total number of questions in the Quantitative Reasoning section is 40. For each correct answer, you earn one point, and there is no penalty for incorrect or unanswered questions. The Quantitative Reasoning score is calculated by adding the number of correct answers in both subsections and converting it to a scaled score using the scoring scale mentioned above.
Step 4: Calculate the Analytical Writing score
The Analytical Writing section consists of two tasks: Analyse an Issue and Analyse an Argument. Each task is scored on a scale of 0-6, in half-point increments. The scores for the two tasks are averaged to create the Analytical Writing score, which is reported on a scale of 0-6, in half-point increments.
Step 5: Calculate the Composite score
The Composite Score is the most commonly used score for graduate school admissions. It is calculated by adding the Verbal Reasoning score and the Quantitative Reasoning score together. The Composite Score ranges from 260-340, in one-point increments.
Also read: Apps for GRE preparation
Related articles
Overview of GRE score percentiles
The GRE score percentile is a method of relative performance comparison. It indicates the percentage of candidates who have scored lower than a specified score. The percentile score provides a comparison of how you have performed compared to others who took the test in recent periods.
These percentile scores are essential for comparisons during the admission process as the difficulty and scoring vary across the tests. Many academic programmes have minimum percentile requirements, while most competitive programmes value high percentiles during the selection process.
A GRE Verbal reasoning score above the 75th percentile is considered good, and this is generally 158 or higher. A score of 160 or higher is considered to be strong.
In Quantitative reasoning, a score of 160 or above is considered a strong and competent score. For many programmes, 150 is the passing score, and a score of 168 to 170 will place you in the top 10% of the GRE test takers.
Analytical writing is scored separately and considered on a scale of 0 to 6. A score of 4 is considered average, while a score of 6 falls in the 99th percentile and is considered outstanding.
Also read: GRE reading comprehension tips
Want to learn more about GRE scores? Talk to our experts.
Good GRE scores for top universities or programmes abroad
GRE score requirements vary based on the university and academic programme you are applying for. If you are aiming for prestigious institutions, you must aim for high scores that demonstrate your academic capability for rigorous studies. Take a look at the GRE score ranges for admission to top universities or academic programmes.
| University/Programme type | Total GRE score range |
|---|---|
| Ivy League (Harvard, Yale, etc.) | 320 – 335+ |
| STEM programmes (Engineering, Computer Science) | 320+ |
| Humanities and Social Sciences | 310 – 320 |
| Business schools (Top MBA) | 320+ |
Tips to improve your GRE scores
Here are some tips for improving your GRE scores:
1. Understand the test format and question types
Familiarising yourself with the GRE format and question types can help you develop effective test-taking strategies. You can find this information on the ETS website.
2. Create a study plan
A study plan can help you organise your study time effectively and ensure that you cover all the material you need to learn before test day. It can also help you stay focused and motivated.
3. Use official practice materials
Official GRE practice materials are the most accurate and reliable source of test preparation. They can help you become familiar with the types of questions and level of difficulty you can expect on the test.
4. Practice under test conditions
Taking practice tests under test conditions can help you get a sense of the actual test experience and improve your time management skills. It is important to simulate the test environment as much as possible by following the time limits and other testing guidelines.
5. Identify your strengths and weaknesses
Identifying your strengths and weaknesses in each section can help you develop a more targeted study plan. Focusing on your weaknesses will help you improve more quickly.
6. Build your vocabulary
Improving your vocabulary can help you improve your Verbal Reasoning score. You can do this by reading widely, studying word lists, and using flashcards to memorise new words.
7. Develop problem-solving skills
Developing problem-solving skills can help you improve your Quantitative Reasoning score. This can be done by practising math problems, learning mathematical formulas and concepts, and reviewing basic arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
8. Seek help if needed
If you find that you are struggling to improve your scores on your own, consider seeking help from a tutor or taking a prep course. This can help you identify areas where you need more help and provide additional support and guidance.
Also read: GRE preparation tips
Final thoughts
Understanding how to calculate your GRE score section-wise is essential for anyone planning to take the test. Knowing how each section is scored can help you identify areas where you need to improve and develop a study plan to achieve your target score.
By practising regularly and familiarising yourself with the test format and types of questions, you can increase your chances of success on the GRE.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to improve GRE scores?
Improving GRE scores depends on various factors such as your current level of proficiency, study habits, and the amount of time you dedicate to preparation. Typically, it takes a few months of consistent study to see significant improvements in scores.
How many times can I take the GRE?
You can take the GRE up to five times in a 12-month period, but you must wait at least 21 days between tests. However, it is generally recommended to take the test no more than three times.
Is it necessary to take a GRE prep course?
It is not necessary to take a GRE prep course, but it can be helpful for some students. Prep courses can provide structured study plans, access to official practice materials, and support from experienced instructors.
How important is the vocabulary for the GRE?
Vocabulary is important for the Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE, but it is not the only factor that determines your score. Understanding sentence structure, context, and tone is also essential.
Should I focus more on Quantitative or Verbal Reasoning?
The answer to this question depends on your strengths and weaknesses. If you are stronger in math, you may want to focus more on Quantitative Reasoning. If you are stronger in reading and writing, you may want to focus more on Verbal Reasoning. However, it is important to aim for a balanced score in both sections.
What percentile does a GRE score of 160 correspond to?
A GRE score of 160 is considered a high score. It corresponds to the 86th percentile for Verbal Reasoning and 69th percentile for Quantitative Reasoning. The percentile might shift slightly each year based on the number of GRE test takers.
