GRE Score Scale, Percentiles & What Counts as a Competitive Score
GRE Results and Scores play a crucial role for Indian students aspiring to study abroad in 2025. Understanding GRE score ranges, result timelines, and how universities use these scores is vital for admission and scholarship opportunities. This guide covers all essential details on GRE scores, including interpretation and recent updates for global university requirements.
GRE Test Scores 2025: Overview
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is accepted by thousands of universities worldwide, particularly for MS, MBA, and PhD programs. The exam evaluates verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing abilities. Most universities consider all three sections when evaluating your application. Knowing your official GRE results helps you target the right institutions and scholarships for your profile.
Exam Highlights – 2025
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | ETS (Educational Testing Service) |
| Score Range | 260–340 (General Test Total) |
| Section Score Range | 130–170 (Verbal, Quantitative), 0–6 (Analytical Writing) |
| Mean Sectional Scores (2025) | Verbal: 151.3, Quant: 157, Writing: 3.4 |
| Score Validity | 5 years |
| Accepted In | USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Australia & more |
The GRE exam is a major requirement for most MS and MBA courses abroad. Your score report—available within 10–15 days of your test date—summarizes performance in each section and includes percentile ranks for comparison with other test-takers.
GRE Scoring System Explained
The GRE General Test consists of three parts: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Each of the first two sections is scored between 130 and 170. The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6 in half-point increments. The total GRE score ranges from 260 to 340, but this only includes Verbal and Quantitative scores.
- Verbal Reasoning: 130–170 (1-point increments)
- Quantitative Reasoning: 130–170 (1-point increments)
- Analytical Writing: 0–6 (half-point increments; not included in the total score)
Top universities may require higher sectional cutoffs for STEM or business programs. For a detailed GRE curriculum, see the GRE syllabus.
How to Check and Send GRE Results to Universities
You will get unofficial GRE scores for Verbal and Quantitative sections right after your computer-based test. The official GRE score report is released within 10–15 days and sent directly to universities you select—either on test day (four free reports) or later (for an extra fee).
- On test day, select up to four institutions for free GRE score reporting
- Post-exam, send additional reports anytime during the 5-year validity period for an extra charge
- You can choose to send most recent, all, or any GRE test scores from the last five years (ScoreSelect option)
For more on how to maximize your global study chances, check out top universities in the world.
GRE Score Range & Good Scores for 2025
Indian applicants often ask, “What is a good GRE score for top universities in 2025?” Most Ivy League and top 100 global institutions accept 320+ as competitive, while many ranked 101–300 will consider 295–310. Department-specific cut-offs may differ for engineering, management, or humanities.
Best GRE Score Range for Top Universities Abroad (2025)
| University Type | Typical GRE Score Range (2025) |
|---|---|
| Ivy League/Elite | 320–340 |
| Top 100 (US/World) | 310–325 |
| Ranked 101–300 | 295–310 |
| Affordable/Regional | 285–300 |
Always check the latest cut-off scores on each university’s website or program page. For example, for admission to MIT, Caltech, or Harvard University, higher scores are expected, especially for STEM and business programs.
Mean and Percentile Scores
GRE percentiles indicate how you performed compared to other test-takers. A percentile score tells you the percentage of students you have scored better than. For example, a score of 320 typically falls in the 80th percentile range.
- Mean Verbal: 151.3
- Mean Quantitative: 157
- Mean Analytical Writing: 3.4
- High ranking programs may expect scores in the 90th percentile
GRE Score Card: What’s Included?
The GRE score card shows your section-wise scores, total marks, percentile ranks, and test history. It also lists the institutes you have chosen to receive your results. The Analytical Writing percentile is shown separately; it's not counted in the total score out of 340.
GRE Score Validity & Retaking the Exam
Your GRE scores remain valid for 5 years from the test date. This means you can apply for multiple intakes across the US, UK, Canada, and other popular destinations. If you retake the test, you can decide which scores to send to each university using ScoreSelect.
Top Universities Accepting GRE Scores
A range of world-class universities utilize GRE results for admissions, including:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Stanford University
- Harvard University
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- National University of Singapore
- Imperial College London
- Yale University
For guidance on other standardized tests, refer to SAT Exam or IELTS Exam guides.
GRE Results for Scholarships and Funding
Many universities and organizations require a minimum GRE score to qualify for scholarships and financial aid in 2025. While top awards often need scores above 320, several grants accept scores in the 300–315 range, depending on your academic portfolio and extracurricular achievements.
- Check each scholarship program’s website for current cut-offs
- Departmental and country-specific scholarships may set their own score minimums
Key Tips on Interpreting GRE Scores for 2025 Admissions
- Always compare your results to the previous year’s percentile distribution
- Review department-wise cut-offs for each university/program
- Consider retaking the test if you’re below the required threshold for your target school
- Use ScoreSelect to highlight your best scores on applications
Understanding your GRE results and scores puts you in control of your international education strategy. Analyze your results, research your chosen universities’ requirements, and maximize your application’s impact for 2025 admissions.
FAQs on GRE Scores Explained: What Is a Good GRE Score in 2025?
1. What is the GRE and what does it measure?
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test used for admissions to many graduate and business schools globally. It measures your skills in Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing, helping universities assess your readiness for advanced academic work.
2. Is the GRE out of 340 or 346?
The GRE General Test is scored out of 340, which combines the Verbal (130–170) and Quantitative (130–170) Reasoning sections. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately on a 0–6 scale and is not part of the 340 total.
3. What is the GRE score range?
The total GRE score range (Verbal + Quantitative) is 260–340. Each of these two sections is scored between 130–170. The Analytical Writing section is scored from 0–6 in half-point increments.
4. What is considered a good GRE score out of 340?
A good GRE score depends on your target program, but typically a combined score of 315–320 or above (out of 340) is considered competitive for most top graduate schools. Highly selective programs might look for scores above 325.
5. Is a 147 a bad GRE score?
A score of 147 in either Verbal or Quantitative Reasoning is below average and usually falls below the 35th percentile. Many graduate programs prefer section scores above 150–155, so 147 may be considered low for most admissions.
6. Is 320 a good GRE score?
Scoring a 320 on the GRE (combined Verbal and Quantitative) is considered very good and places you well above average. This score makes you eligible for many competitive graduate programs worldwide.
7. How do GRE scores relate to percentiles?
Each GRE score corresponds to a percentile rank, which shows how you performed compared to other test-takers. For example, a 160 in Verbal is typically around the 85th percentile, while a 160 in Quant is around the 73rd percentile. Percentiles may change slightly each year.
8. Where can I check my GRE results?
You can view your official GRE results by logging into your ETS (Educational Testing Service) account online. Score reports are usually available within 10–15 days after taking the test.
9. Can I get my GRE score report as a PDF?
Yes, once your official GRE score report is released, you can download it as a PDF directly from your ETS account. This PDF is often required for graduate school applications.
10. How long are GRE scores valid?
Your GRE scores are valid for five years from the test date. Most universities accept scores within this period for admission requirements.
11. What is included in the GRE score report?
A typical GRE score report includes your scores for Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing, and percentile ranks for each section, along with previous GRE scores (if any taken in the last five years).
12. What is the Analytical Writing section scored out of, and does it add to the 340?
The Analytical Writing section of GRE is scored separately on a 0–6 scale (in half-point increments) and is not added to the combined 340 score. It is an important component for assessing your writing and argumentation skills.
