What is a Good GRE Score?
What is a good GRE score? A good score typically ranges from 310 to 320+, depending on your target universities and the competitiveness of the programs. For top-tier universities, a score of 325+ is considered highly competitive, while scores around 300-310 are acceptable for many mid-range programs.
In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know, including score ranges, averages, and percentiles, to help you set the right target.
What is a Good GRE Score: Understanding GRE Score Range
The GRE consists of three sections, with its own scoring scale:
- Verbal Reasoning: 130–170
- Quantitative Reasoning: 130–170
- Analytical Writing (AWA): 0–6
Your total score (Verbal + Quant) is out of 340.
What is the Average GRE Score?
| Category | Quant Score | Verbal Score | AWA Score | Total Score Insight |
| Average Score | 153–154 | 150–151 | ~4.0 | ~304 |
| Top Scores | 165–170 | 163–169 | 5.0–6.0 | 328+ |
| Competitive Scores | 159–164 | 158–162 | 4.5 | 317–327 |
| Mid-Level Scores | 153–158 | 152–157 | 4.0 | 305–316 |
| Low Scores | ≤152 | ≤153 | ≤4.0 | ≤304 |
Key Takeaway:
- 317+ = Good GRE score (competitive programs)
- 310–316 = Decent for many universities
- Below 310 = Limited chances at top-tier colleges
What are GRE Score Percentiles?
Along with your score out of 340 for GRE, you are also given a percentile ranking. This percentile shows how your performance compares to other test-takers.
In simple terms, your percentile indicates the percentage of candidates you scored higher than. For example, a 55th percentile means you performed better than 55% of students who took the test.
Percentiles provide better context than raw scores, as they help you understand your relative standing among all GRE applicants. Below is a detailed mapping of GRE scores and their corresponding percentiles.
GRE Score Percentiles (Verbal vs Quant)
| Scaled Score | Verbal Percentile | Quant Percentile |
| 170 | 99% | 96% |
| 169 | 99% | 95% |
| 168 | 98% | 93% |
| 167 | 98% | 90% |
| 166 | 97% | 89% |
| 165 | 96% | 86% |
| 164 | 94% | 84% |
| 163 | 93% | 82% |
| 162 | 90% | 79% |
| 161 | 88% | 76% |
| 160 | 86% | 73% |
| 159 | 83% | 70% |
| 158 | 80% | 67% |
| 157 | 76% | 64% |
| 156 | 73% | 60% |
| 155 | 68% | 56% |
| 154 | 64% | 53% |
| 153 | 60% | 49% |
| 152 | 54% | 45% |
| 151 | 51% | 41% |
| 150 | 46% | 37% |
| 149 | 41% | 34% |
| 148 | 37% | 30% |
| 147 | 33% | 26% |
| 146 | 29% | 23% |
| 145 | 26% | 19% |
| 144 | 22% | 16% |
| 143 | 19% | 13% |
| 142 | 16% | 11% |
| 141 | 14% | 9% |
| 140 | 11% | 7% |
| 139 | 9% | 6% |
| 138 | 8% | 4% |
| 137 | 6% | 3% |
| 136 | 4% | 2% |
| 135 | 3% | 2% |
| 134 | 2% | 1% |
| 133 | 2% | 1% |
| 132 | 1% | 1% |
| 131 | 1% | 1% |
| 130 | 1% | 1% |
GRE Analytical Writing (AWA) Score Percentiles
| Score Level | Writing Percentile |
| 6.0 | 99% |
| 5.5 | 98% |
| 5.0 | 92% |
| 4.5 | 81% |
| 4.0 | 57% |
| 3.5 | 39% |
| 3.0 | 15% |
| 2.5 | 7% |
| 2.0 | 2% |
| 1.5 | 1% |
| 1.0 | 1% |
| 0.5 | 1% |
| 0.0 | 1% |
What is a Good GRE Score?
At a basic level, scoring around 150–154 in each section (total ~308) is above average and can work for many universities. However, this does not necessarily meet the standards of top-tier programs. For instance, top business schools like Stanford Graduate School of Business report average GRE scores close to 330, which falls in the 90th percentile.
For most competitive programs, a clearer benchmark for GRE is 160+ in each section, placing you in a strong percentile range and making your application more competitive.
How to Determine What is a Good GRE Score for You
Instead of blindly targeting 320+, it’s smarter to define what a good GRE score is based on your goals. Here are five key questions to guide you:
1. What GRE Score Do You Need for Your Target Program?
Start by researching:
- Average GRE scores
- Median scores
- 75th percentile scores
A score above the 75th percentile is typically considered competitive. If you belong to an over-represented applicant pool, aiming slightly higher is advisable.
👉 For example, the average score for for MS Engineering at University of California, Berkeley is around 322, so a safer target would be 325+.
2. Do All Sections Carry Equal Weight?
Not always.
- STEM programs focus more on Quant
- Management or humanities programs value balanced scores
This means your strategy for what is a good GRE score can vary depending on your field.
3. Will Your GRE Score Impact Scholarships?
Yes, in many cases.
Programs like the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University offer merit-based scholarships where a higher GRE score can significantly improve your chances. However, some scholarships (such as need-based ones at Harvard University) do not require GRE scores.
4. How Important is GRE in Your Overall Profile?
Your score can strengthen your application’s weak areas.
For example:
- Non-quant background → High Quant score proves ability
- Lower GPA → Strong GRE boosts credibility
5. Does Your Target School Accept Multiple GRE Scores?
- Some universities consider only your highest score
- Others require all attempts
This affects how aggressively you should prepare for your first attempt.
Final Takeaway
Ultimately, what is a good GRE score is not just about crossing a number like 320+. It is about achieving a score that aligns with your:
- Target universities
- Program competitiveness
- Scholarship goals
- Overall profile
Answering these questions will help you define a realistic and strategic GRE target, making your preparation far more effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good GRE score out of 340?
A good score typically ranges between 310 and 320+. For top universities, a score of 325+ is considered highly competitive.
Is 300 a good score for GRE?
A score of 300 is considered average. While it may be sufficient for some universities, it may not be competitive for top-tier programs.
What is a good score for top universities for GRE?
For top universities, what is a good score usually means 320–330+, with many elite programs expecting 325+.
Is 320 a good GRE score?
Yes, 320 is a good score and is competitive for many reputed universities, though top programs may require slightly higher scores.
What is a good score for GRE for MS programs?
For MS programs, especially in STEM fields, a good score is typically 315+, with a strong emphasis on a high Quant score (160+).
What is score for MBA programs of GRE?
For MBA programs, score generally falls between 320–330+, depending on the business school’s competitiveness.
Does a high score guarantee admission for GRE?
No, a good score improves your chances but does not guarantee admission. Universities also consider GPA, SOP, LORs, and work experience.
What percentile is considered a good GRE ?
A good score usually falls above the 75th–80th percentile, while top programs often expect scores in the 90th percentile or higher.
