Even then, don’t forget that most programs look at GRE scores as only one element of your application package, which generally includes several different elements. Some departments, such as those in the humanities, for instance, may care more about the Analytical Writing and Verbal Reasoning scores. We’ll dive into this topic of cutoff scores later.ĭepending on the graduate program you’re applying to, you should also be aware that some departments weigh different measures of the GRE differently. That means that, if the total GRE score you send them doesn’t meet a specific number, they won’t even look at your application. On top of national and school-based average scores, you should be aware that some graduate programs have cutoff scores for the GRE. So, if you want a good GRE score that’s a bit higher than the average, aim for a total score above 306. The mean score for the GRE’s Analytical Writing section is 3.55.* According to the ETS, the mean scores for the GRE’s Verbal and Quantitative sections are 150 and 153, respectively. Though telling you what a ‘good’ GRE score is can be problematic, we can at least inform you about some GRE averages. Determining a good GRE score for you, then, definitely requires looking into the scoring standards of specific institutions. Though the GRE is a tremendously important part of the application process, test-takers can’t let themselves get too caught up on getting 170s and 6s on their GRE measures, as these goals are incredibly difficult to reach. There are so many different factors that go into your graduate school application, and the GRE is just one of them. This takes some research, as test-takers who want to get into a good graduate school will need to identify their target programs, investigate their average GRE scores, and create a well-rounded application to complement their goals. While many GRE scores are undoubtedly better than others, it’s not easy (or all that helpful) to say whether a GRE score is outright ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ Instead, everyone taking the GRE needs to identify their personal and professional goals and base a target score off of that. The Analytical Writing GRE score range has not changed, and is scored between 0-6 in half-point increments. The Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections are now scored between 130-170 in 1-point increments, so 170 is the highest possible GRE score for the individual Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning measures. You may see those numbers thrown around online, so it’s important to remember the current scoring system for the GRE: For GRE exams taken prior to August 1, 2011, the Verbal and Quantitative sections of the exam were both scored from 200-800 in 10-point increments, and from 0-6 in half-point increments for the Analytical Writing portion of the exam. Though it’s been a while since then, you should be aware that the GRE was revised in 2011, which included revisions to its scoring system. No matter the format of the test that you take, the scores and scoring increments of the measures are always the same. Just make sure that you maximize your opportunity to do well in each section, because it certainly impacts the rest of your testing experience. The test makes it easy, as the computerized GRE includes ‘mark’ and ‘review’ features to help you note questions that you need to come back to. If you’re taking the computerized version, then it’s a good idea to go back and check your answers carefully in the first section of each measure. If you answer more questions correctly in the first section of the Verbal Reasoning measure, for example, the second section may be more difficult. This means that while you are taking the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning measures, the sections of questions within those measures will change depending on your performance. If you’re trying to decide whether to take the paper-and-pencil or computerized version of the GRE, you should be aware that the computerized version of the GRE is section-adaptive. Each format includes the same 3 sections, otherwise referred to as ‘measures’: The GRE exam, or GRE General Test, as it is sometimes called, can be taken either online or on paper. Whether you’re still considering applying to grad school, are well on your way to taking the exam, or are anxiously waiting for your GRE results, gaining a deeper understanding of GRE scores and structure can be a vital next step toward your academic and professional goals. The 3 sections of the GRE examine your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and writing abilities, providing grad schools with an overall view of your academic ability. The GRE is an integral part of the graduate school application process used by hundreds of programs around the country. GRE stands for the Graduate Record Examinations, and refers to a 3-part standardized test created by the ETS, or the Educational Testing Service.
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