Estimate your GRE scores from raw answers. Get scaled scores, percentiles, and see how you compare.

Scores are approximate estimates based on publicly available conversion data. Actual GRE scores may vary depending on test form difficulty and ETS equating. Analytical Writing is scored separately by trained raters.

How GRE Scores Are Calculated

The GRE General Test measures three skills: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Verbal and Quantitative sections each contain 40 questions spread across two sections of 20. Your raw score (number correct) is converted to a scaled score ranging from 130 to 170 in one-point increments. There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so you should attempt every question.

The conversion from raw to scaled scores uses an equating process developed by ETS to ensure consistency across test administrations. A raw score of 40 corresponds to 170, while answering zero questions correctly yields 130. The relationship is not perfectly linear — the middle range tends to be more compressed, meaning each additional correct answer at the extremes has a larger impact on your scaled score. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately on a 0–6 scale in half-point increments by trained human raters, with an algorithmic check for consistency.

What is a Good GRE Score?

A "good" GRE score depends entirely on your target program. The average GRE score is approximately 150 for both Verbal and Quantitative, placing you near the 50th percentile. Scores above 160 in either section are considered strong, putting you in the top 15% of test takers. For competitive graduate programs, aim for the 75th percentile or higher in the section most relevant to your field. STEM programs typically weight Quantitative scores more heavily, while humanities and social science programs focus on Verbal. A combined score of 320+ is competitive for most top-50 programs.

GRE Score Requirements for Top Programs

Program	Verbal	Quantitative	Combined
Harvard MBA	163	163	326
MIT Engineering	155	167	322
Stanford CS	160	167	327
Yale Law	165	160	325
Columbia Social Work	155	150	305
UC Berkeley Economics	160	167	327
Johns Hopkins Public Health	155	155	310
NYU Psychology	160	155	315

FAQ

How long are GRE scores valid?

GRE scores are valid for five years from your test date. For example, if you take the GRE in March 2026, your scores can be sent to programs through March 2031. Most graduate programs accept scores within this window, though some may prefer more recent results.

Can I retake the GRE?

Yes. You can take the GRE up to five times within any 12-month period, with at least 21 days between attempts. ETS offers a ScoreSelect option that lets you choose which scores to send to programs, so a lower score on a retake won't hurt you if you decide not to report it.

Do all graduate programs require the GRE?

No. Many programs have made the GRE optional or eliminated it entirely, especially since 2020. However, strong GRE scores can still strengthen your application, particularly for competitive programs or if other parts of your application are weaker. Check your target programs' requirements directly.

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