Hi all, I'm planning to take the GRE soon, and I'm unsure about the scoring system. What is the maximum score on the GRE, and what would be considered a good score for grad school admissions? Also, do different programs generally have different score expectations or is there a general range I should aim for?
Hi there! The GRE consists of three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The maximum score for the Verbal and Quantitative sections is 170 each, adding up to a combined maximum score of 340. For the Analytical Writing section, scores range from 0 to 6, in half-point increments.
A "good" score depends on the specific program you are applying to, as requirements can differ across disciplines and institutions. As a general rule, a higher score is always better, and it's typically a good idea to aim for scores at least in the 50th to 75th percentile range of admitted students for the program you're targeting. Competitive and top-tier programs typically require scores in the 80th percentile or higher, but be sure to check with individual programs for specific GRE expectations.
To give you a more specific idea, let's consider a few different fields:
- For engineering and science programs, higher Quantitative scores (160 and above) are usually more important, while Verbal scores around 150-155 may be more acceptable.
- For humanities and social science programs, stronger Verbal scores (160 and above) are typically expected, and Quantitative scores around 150-155 may be sufficient.
- Business programs (e.g., MBA) typically place equal weight on both Verbal and Quantitative sections, and higher scores in both sections will make you more competitive.
To get a better sense of the score expectations for your specific programs, try to find average or median GRE scores of admitted students on their websites or contact the admissions offices directly. Good luck with your GRE preparation and grad school applications!
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