How Is the GRE Scored?

How the GRE Scoring System Works

The GRE scoring system uses section-level adaptive testing for both Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. Your performance on the first section of each measure determines the difficulty of your second section. Every question within a section carries equal weight toward your final score.

Your raw score is the number of correct answers. The Education Testing Service (ETS) then converts that raw score into a scaled score through a process called equating. Equating adjusts for slight difficulty differences between test editions and accounts for the adaptive section you received.

Each section uses a different scoring scale, and none of them combine into a single composite score.

However, many graduate programs use a "total score" that adds Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning (260-340 range). Analytical Writing never factors into that total.

Here’s a detailed look at the GRE scoring breakdown, according to the ETS:

How Is the Verbal Reasoning Section Scored?

Verbal Reasoning scores range from 130 to 170 in one-point increments. You answer 27 total questions across two sections. Every correct answer counts equally within a section. 

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) calculates a raw score (the number of answers you got right) and then converts it to a scaled score through a process called equating. 

Equating adjusts for the difficulty differences between the two sections you received, since the GRE is section-level adaptive. That means if you perform well on Section 1, then Section 2 gets harder. However, in this case, the harder section also unlocks access to higher scaled scores. 

The average Verbal Reasoning score is 151.21, and a 160 puts you at the 86th percentile. For PA programs, MPH tracks, or biomedical sciences programs aim to land at or above 160 on the Verbal Reasoning.

How Is the Quantitative Reasoning Section Scored?

Quantitative Reasoning uses a 130-to-170 scoring scale with one-point increments. You will encounter 27 questions across two adaptive sections, and every correct answer counts equally within a section.

A score of 160 in the Quantitative Reasoning section only aligns with the 50th percentile, with an average score of 157.58. To be competitive, aim for around the 70th percentile, or a Quantitative Reasoning score of 166.

How Is the Analytical Writing Section Scored?

In the Analytical Writing section, your score lands on a 0-to-6 scale in half-point increments. A trained human rater reads your essay and assigns a holistic score based on overall quality.

ETS then runs the essay through its e-rater software, an algorithm that evaluates features like sentence variety, vocabulary sophistication, and usage accuracy. If the human score and e-rater score closely agree, ETS averages them for your final score. 

If they disagree, a second human rater steps in, and ETS averages the two human scores instead. 

What Is Adaptive Testing, and How Does It Affect Your Score?

Adaptive testing means that everyone starts with a medium-difficulty Section 1 for both Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. Your accuracy on that first section determines whether Section 2 is easier, medium, or harder. 

Scoring well on Section 1 routes you into a harder Section 2, which is exactly what you want. A harder second section gives the equating algorithm room to place you at the top of the 130-170 scale. 

A strong performance on an easy second section, by contrast, caps your scoring potential in a lower range. Focus on accuracy in those first sections. Rushing to finish every question matters less than getting the ones you answer right, so make sure you study well to fully prepare for test day.

A Misconception About Adaptive Difficulty

The idea of performing too well in the first section may seem intimidating. However, receiving a more challenging second section is actually preferable to receiving an easier one.

If you encounter a difficult second section, it indicates that you performed well in the first section by answering numerous questions correctly. This not only earns you valuable points but also significantly contributes to achieving a high score.

On the other hand, if you come across an easy second section, it implies that your performance in the first section may not have been as strong.

Use our Practice GRE Question Pop Quiz to help you prepare for the exam. This tool provides sample questions and detailed explanations to help you study for the GRE.

FAQs: Understanding How the GRE Is Scored

How Is the Overall GRE Score Calculated?

Your overall GRE score is your Verbal Reasoning score (130-170) plus your Quantitative Reasoning score (130-170), yielding a composite score between 260 and 340. Analytical Writing (scored 0-6) is reported separately and does not factor into that total.

What Is a Good Score on the GRE?

A good GRE score is 160 Verbal, 166 Quantitative, and 4.5 on the Analytical Writing section. That combination places you at or above the 70th percentile across all three sections. However, a good GRE score ultimately depends on the programs you're targeting, so check each school's admitted-student averages and aim to meet or exceed them.

Is 300 a Good Score on the GRE?

A 300 GRE score is about the average, so it’s considered a good score. However, aim for a 320+ GRE score to be competitive at most programs.

How Long Are GRE Scores Valid?

GRE scores are valid for five years from your test date. Some programs require GRE scores within the past three years, so confirm each school's policy before assuming an older score will be accepted.