What Is a Good GRE Score in 2025? Percentiles, Averages, and Targets

What Is a Good GRE Score? (2025 Guide)

Planning to take the GRE and wondering what score you should aim for? The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is widely used for admission to graduate and some business programs worldwide. Understanding how scores work, and what different programs consider “good”, helps you set realistic targets, plan prep time, and present a stronger application.

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How GRE Scoring Works (Quick Ref)

I. Verbal & Quant

Both Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning are scored 130–170 in 1-point steps. Your “total” GRE number many schools reference is Verbal + Quant (260–340).

II. Analytical Writing (AWA)

Analytical Writing is scored 0.0–6.0 in 0.5 steps and is reported separately (not added into the 260–340 total).

III. Percentiles vs. Scores

Alongside scaled scores, you’ll see percentiles, which show how you performed relative to recent test takers (e.g., 160Q ≈ ~73rd percentile). Programs often consider both.

What Counts as a “Good” GRE Score?

A “good” score depends on the field, school, and cohort competitiveness. Use these bands as a planning aid, then verify against each program’s published ranges.

Practical bands to target

Solid/Competitive for many programs: ~155–160 in each of Verbal and Quant; AWA 4.0+
More selective programs / scholarships: ~160–165+ each; AWA 4.5–5.0+
Highly quantitative fields (CS, Engineering, Data): Quant 163–168+ typically matters most
Reading-heavy fields (Humanities, Policy): Verbal 160–165+ can carry more weight

Average GRE Scores (Recent ETS Norms)

Here are widely cited section means many applicants use as a baseline:

GRE Section	Average Score
Verbal Reasoning	150.37
Quantitative Reasoning	153.66
Analytical Writing	3.60
“Total” (V+Q reference)	≈307.6

Interpretation tip: averages are not cutoffs. Competitive programs usually expect above these means—often around the 75th percentile or higher.

GRE Score Ranges (By Section)

Section	Scale
Verbal Reasoning	130–170 (1-point steps)
Quantitative Reasoning	130–170 (1-point steps)
Analytical Writing	0.0–6.0 (0.5-point steps)
“Total” (V+Q)	260–340

GRE Percentiles (Sample Snapshot)

Percentiles shift slightly over time, but this snapshot shows how common scores map to standing among test takers.

Scaled Score	Verbal %ile	Quant %ile
170	99	96
165	96	86
162	90	79
160	86	73
158	80	67
155	68	56
153	60	49
150	46	37

For AWA, many programs view 4.0 as acceptable, 4.5–5.0+ as strong.

Setting Your Target (Fast Framework)

Step 1 — Collect program facts

Pull each program’s posted GRE ranges/averages by section (and AWA if listed).

Step 2 — Choose two targets

Pick a floor (meets typical admitted ranges) and a stretch (≈75th–90th percentile for your programs).

Step 3 — Align prep to gaps

Use a diagnostic test to locate section gaps. If Quant is your lever for your field, weight practice time accordingly; same for Verbal in reading-heavy programs.

FAQs: What Is a Good GRE Score?

#1. Is 320 a good GRE score?

Yes—320 (e.g., 160V/160Q) is competitive at many programs. For top-tier or quant-heavy fields, stronger section balances (e.g., 163–168+ Quant) can help.

#2. Is 300 a good GRE score?

300 is around average. It may meet the bar at some programs but is often below typical ranges for competitive departments or funding.

#3. What’s a “decent” GRE score?

“Decent” generally means around the 50th–60th percentile per section (≈150–156). “Competitive” is more like 75th percentile+ (often ≥160 in the key section).

#4. Can I retake the GRE?

Yes. You can retake once every 21 days, up to five times in any rolling 12 months. Many applicants improve with targeted timing and error-log-driven practice.

#5. How recent must my GRE be?

Scores are valid for 5 years. Always check each program’s policy; some prefer more recent results.

#6. Can a strong application offset lower GRE scores?

Often yes. Research fit, GPA, relevant experience, publications, portfolio, and recommendations can balance modest GREs. Especially when your strengths align with the program’s priorities.

Conclusion

There’s no single “good” GRE score for everyone. Good is the score that meets (or exceeds) your target programs’ expectations, especially in the section that matters most to your field. Start from program data, set floor and stretch goals, and prep to close the gaps. With a focused plan and thoughtful section priorities, your score can credibly support the rest of your application.

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