GRE Score Percentiles Overview

GRE scores provide a brief about the competitive GRE test scores when compared to other candidates. Each GRE score contributes to a distinct percentile that evaluates candidates’ performance in the GRE test. Thus, higher GRE percentile indicates better scoring. Below mentioned table provides a brief breakdown of GRE scoring pattern:

In order to determine the GRE total score percentile, the GRE percentile calculator evaluates the raw scores. Raw scores in the GRE percentile calculator is based on the number of answers attempted correctly in the GRE test. The evaluated raw scores in GRE score range percentile are then converted into scaled scores. Scaled scores are evaluated with a process called equating that is based on the level of difficulty of the attempted question. Besides, some questions may have more weightage than others, since the GRE test is a section-level computer-adaptive test (for Quant and Verbal).

The GRE AWA section has a different pattern for GRE percentile calculation. The GRE score calculator for Analytical Writing is based on candidates' responses. Candidate’s Analytical Writing scores depend upon the two sub tasks: Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument and are scored by one trained rater, and an e-rater. The GRE total score percentile is an average of the three sections as mentioned above.

GRE Score Percentile for General Test

The GRE total score percentile helps with understanding of competitive scoring with other GMAT candidates. To better understand this, suppose a percentile score of 99 indicates that 99 percent of candidates scored less when compared to a single candidate in a specific GRE section. Besides, candidates are to remember that GRE percentiles vary from section to section. A number of GRE percentile calculators are available throughout the internet that can help with an estimated percentile for candidates. Below mentioned tables provides a breakdown into the GRE score percentile 2023 for general tests:

GRE Verbal Percentile

Below mentioned table highlights the GRE verbal percentile for effective understanding:

GRE Quantitative Percentile

Below mentioned table highlights the GRE Quantitative Percentile for effective understanding:

GRE AWA Percentiles

Below mentioned table highlights the GRE AWA Percentiles for effective understanding:

It can be concluded from the above GRE AWA percentile table that there are no ranks available for score range of 0.5 to 1.0. Thus, it is evident that no candidates have scored below 1.5 as their GRE AWA percentile.

GRE Score Percentiles For Different Fields of Study

The GRE general test is taken by candidates for pursuing their graduate degrees, and abroad universities have innumerable fields of study where students apply. Here, we’ve curated a few of the top fields of study along with its GRE verbal and quant scaled scores.

GRE Verbal Percentiles by Discipline

Below mentioned table provides GRE score range percentile for Verbal in different disciplines:

It can be concluded from above GRE scores and percentile table that:

• In Arts and Humanities, a 150 score is just equal to a mere 17th percentile;
• Whereas in business the same score is equal to 50th;
• The former at a GRE score of 165 is equal to a percentile of 86th
• Whereas, business jumps to a 98th percentile.

This observation states how the GRE scores and percentile are dependent on the course of study that the candidate is opting for.

GRE Quant Percentiles by Discipline

Below mentioned table provides a GRE percentile chart for Quantitative Reasoning in different disciplines:

Average GRE Score with Bar Graph

Below portrayed is a bar graph that provides a brief comparison of average GRE scores by intended major:

What is a Good GRE Score?

Candidates can refer to the above table and understand that the lowest GRE score for Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning is 130. However, 170 stands as the maximum score in both the sections in the GRE test. GRE score percentiles table given below based on data from 2016-2019 to provide you an idea about the GRE total score percentile:

• The Economics program at the University of California Davis asks for a 60th GRE score percentile in the GRE verbal section and for non-English speakers, it is a 30th. The GRE quant score percentile has to be at least 70th.
• Harvard’s Graduate School of Education demands a minimum of 50th GRE verbal score percentile whereas the GRE quant score can be a low one with 30th.
  Generally, grad schools require a 50th to 60th percentile or a 155 score in one section of the GRE syllabus.
• GRE 50th percentile: In the GRE verbal, scoring 150 (46th percentile) or 151 (51st percentile) will result in the desired 50th percentile. In the case of GRE quant, either aim for a 153 (49th percentile) or a 154 (53rd percentile); A score more than 50th percentile is considered as 300 GRE score while is accepted by many colleges and universities.
• GRE 60th percentile: Aim for a GRE verbal score of 153 (60th percentile), whereas a single decrease in the score will make the GRE percentiles 54th. For GRE quant, 156 is equal to the 60th percentile and 155 is 56th;
• GRE score 155 to percentile: Quinte anticipated, a GRE verbal score of 155 is the 68th percentile, on the contrary, a GRE quant score of 155 is just 56th – which is a huge difference. In the case of the GRE AWA score percentile, the nearest to 155 is 4.0.