Score High on GRE: How to Get Good Score in GRE

Achieving a high score on the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is essential for admission to top graduate programs. To excel, it’s crucial to implement effective strategies and use the best study resources. Our comprehensive guide explores proven methods to secure a top GRE exam score, including the use of GRE practice tests and mastering test-taking techniques. Learn how to effectively boost your GRE score total and track your progress with a GRE score calculator.

Understanding your position within the GRE score range helps in setting realistic goals and improving your preparation. Whether you're aiming for competitive programs or seeking to enhance your scores for the GRE exam, our guide offers valuable insights to help you succeed.

GRE Scores Range

GRE Score Percentiles

Understanding your GRE scores is essential for evaluating your performance and aiming for a top GRE exam score. Here’s a breakdown of key components:

Scaled Scores vs. Percentile Ranks:

• Scaled Scores: These scores range from 130 to 170 for both the Verbal and Quantitative sections. For example, a score of 150 in Verbal represents a certain proficiency level but does not indicate how you compare to other test-takers.
• Percentile Ranks: This indicates how your scores stack up against others. A Verbal score of 150 might place you in the 47th percentile, meaning you performed better than 47% of test-takers. Percentile ranks provide context and are crucial for understanding your standing.

Essay Scoring and Percentile Ranks:

• Analytical Writing: Essays are scored separately, with percentile ranks reflecting how your writing compares to others. Tracking recent percentile ranks can help assess and improve your essay skills.

For a high GRE score, utilize a GRE exam score calculator to estimate your performance and explore effective study methods. Regular practice with GRE practice tests and understanding the GRE score range will help you achieve your desired GRE score and enhance your graduate school application.

Analytical Writing Score Percentiles

What's a Good GRE Score?

Different colleges have different requirements when it comes to the score. The quantitative and the verbal are scores together. The average for that is around 260 to 340, whereas the analytical scoring is done separately. According to ETS, the scores are divided into the following ways provided below:

When preparing for the GRE, knowing how your scores are evaluated can significantly impact your study strategy. The GRE provides an overall score and individual scores for each section of the exam. Here’s what you need to know about GRE scoring:

1. Overall GRE Score: Ranges from 260 to 340.
2. Section Scores:
   • Verbal Reasoning: 130-170
   • Quantitative Reasoning: 130-170
   • Analytical Writing: 0-6 (in half-point increments)

Recent data reveals that the average scores among test-takers are approximately 151 in Verbal, 155 in Quantitative, and 3.5 in Analytical Writing. To stand out, aim for scores higher than 158 in Verbal, 159 in Quantitative, and 4.5 in Writing. Achieving an overall score of 318+ can place you in the 75th percentile or higher, enhancing your chances for admission into competitive graduate programs.

How GRE Scoring Works?

Understanding how your GRE scores are calculated can help you tailor your preparation effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the GRE scoring system and what factors influence your final scores:

1. Overall GRE Score: Your overall GRE score is calculated based on the scores you receive in the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections. This score ranges from 260 to 340. The Analytical Writing section (Essay) is scored separately and does not impact your overall score.
2. Section Scores:
   • Verbal Reasoning & Quantitative Reasoning: These scores range from 130 to 170. Your performance in these sections is influenced by the number of correct answers and the difficulty level of the questions.
   • Analytical Writing: Scored from 0 to 6 in half-point increments, reflecting the quality of your essay response.
3. Routing Modules: The GRE employs routing modules in both Verbal and Quantitative sections. Your performance in the initial routing module determines the difficulty level of the subsequent section. Depending on your accuracy in the first section, the second section can be of lower, medium, or higher difficulty. This difficulty level can significantly impact your final score.

How Schools Use GRE Scores?

When applying to graduate or professional programs, your GRE scores play a crucial role in showcasing your preparedness and potential for success. Here’s how these scores are utilized in the admissions process:

1. Assessing Readiness: Graduate and professional programs use your overall and section GRE scores to evaluate your readiness for the program. High scores can demonstrate your ability to handle the academic rigor of the program, giving admissions officers valuable insight into your capabilities.
2. Component of a Holistic Review: It’s important to note that GRE scores are just one component of a comprehensive admissions review. Admissions committees also consider personal statements, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and sometimes relevant work experience. Your GRE scores complement these elements, providing a fuller picture of your qualifications.
3. Program-Specific Score Expectations:
   • Math-Heavy Programs: For programs focused on mathematics or engineering, such as engineering degrees, higher GRE scores in Quantitative Reasoning are often essential. This reflects your strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
   • English and Humanities Programs: Conversely, for programs in fields like English or the humanities, higher Verbal Reasoning scores are typically required. This demonstrates your proficiency in reading comprehension and critical thinking.

How to Improve Your GRE Scores

Your GRE score will decide your future and career. Hence one needs to score well in this entrance examination to grab their target university. A good GRE score puts a good impression on various top-tier colleges and universities as it shows the candidate's analytical, logical, problem-solving, and evaluating skills. Most of the elite universities are searching for students who have scores above the 90 percentile. Scoring this much in this general test can be a bit challenging but not impossible. 

Here is how you can improve your GRE score.

To improve your score in Verbal Reasoning you can consider the following strategies:

• Enhance Vocabulary
  • GRE tests include college-level vocabulary questions that need to be prepared thoroughly.
  • Read more, look for online and offline sources, and prepare from sample questions provided by ETS.

• Practice Reading Comprehensions
  • To improve reading comprehension you need to practice hard on unseen passages. 
  • Analyze the main idea, key details, and the author's tone of writing style.

To improve your score in Quantitative Reasoning you can consider the following strategies:

• Practice Math Questions
  • Quantitative reasoning is mainly based on problem-solving skills.
  • To conquer your GRE you need to work hard on various types of math problems and concepts consistently.

• Work on Time-Management
  • Without time management you cannot succeed in anything. 
  • Practice math problems with a timer next to you so that you can improve your time-management skills.

To improve your score in Analytical Writing you can consider the following strategies:

• Understand the two tasks
  • Unlike the other two sections, analytical writing has a subjective format. 
  • In comprises of two tasks, the Issue task, where you explain your views on a very common issue, and the Argument task, where you are required to support your argument.

• Practice Essays
  • Essays are not as easy to write and prepare as MCQs. Hence you need to structure your essay in the examination with appropriate knowledge. 
  • To master essay writing, practice essays on multiple topics while also assessing your time-management skills.

10 Tips to Get Good Score in GRE

For achieving the highest score in GRE there is no shortcut method. The only path is hard work along with the smart world. You have to adopt those strategies that work the best for you. Following are some of the tips that you can consider to score high on the GRE.

1. Make a study chart

Before starting your preparation, make a study plan about the things and topics you need to cover. Focus on those topics that need more attention according to you for example something with an average difficulty level and higher marks. Divide your time based on this plan.

2. Use official GRE materials

Education Testing Service or ETS administers the GRE and offers official practice materials for the GRE including sample questions, mock tests, and various sources for preparation. With the help of this only thing you need to do is stay consistent.

3. Give the maximum number of mock tests

As you finish your topics, give mock tests available on the internet for each topic separately. By doing that you can understand how much time it takes for you to complete each section. Therefore working on the one that needs attention. It will also help in improving your speed.

4. Improve time-management

There are a total of 40 questions in both quantitative and verbal sections that you need to attempt in 3 hours and 45 minutes hence while preparing for essays or math problems or giving mock tests, always have a timer next to you to efficiently utilize the time limit.

5. Highlight your errors

Mistakes make a man perfect. Always highlight the errors you are making while problem-solving, understand them, learn from them, and ensure you don't repeat the same mistakes.

6. Start Early

Take your time and begin your preparation for the GRE early to allow more chances of improvement. By starting early you can give time to each topic instead of cramming in the last few days.

7. Set a target score

Paste your ideal GRE target score in your study room so that the first thing you see while preparing for your examination is your dream score. This will help you stay motivated and will force you to work when you want to watch series, movies, anime, etc.

8. Stay Calm

During your preparation period, you will have anxiety and that is normal. It just means you are getting out of your comfort zone. Make sure to stay calm to stay focused on your exam preparation. 

9. Take brakes

You need to understand that sitting for a long time won’t help. You should have the capacity to understand and learn what you are studying and to do so breaks are required. There are many different methods which help you study as well as in taking breaks. Example of such a technique is the Pomodoro method.

10. Work Hard

Hard work is the key to success. Be consistent in your preparation and always push your limits. There will be days when you don’t want to study, it's not about doing more, it's about not giving up.

What is a good GRE score for an MBA?

When applying to top business schools, your GRE score plays a critical role in determining your candidacy. Here’s a breakdown of what constitutes a competitive GRE score for MBA programs, particularly at top 50 business schools:

1. Score Ranges for Top Business Schools:
   • Top 50 Business Schools: Generally, GRE scores range from 310 to 330. The average GRE score among these schools is approximately 308.
   • Competitive Score for MBA Applicants: To stand out, aim for a GRE score that is at least 10 points above the average score of your target business school. For instance, if the average GRE score at your chosen school is 308, a competitive score would be 318 or higher.
2. Adjusting for Candidacy Pool:
   • Over-Represented Candidates: If you belong to a more common pool of candidates, such as those with similar professional backgrounds or academic qualifications, you may need to score at least 20 points above the average to be competitive.
   • Target Scores: For top 50 business schools, aim for a GRE score between 318 and 330. Scores exceeding 330 are considered excellent and can significantly strengthen your application.

What is a Good GRE score for a scholarship?

GRE scores play a significant role in helping business schools and graduate programs assess your application. A higher score can make your application stand out and improve your chances of securing a scholarship. However, it’s important to note that a high GRE score alone does not guarantee a scholarship.

Scholarship Criteria:

• Merit-Based Scholarships: Some institutions, like the Kelley School of Business, award merit-based scholarships based on academic performance, professional experience, and the overall strength of the application.
• Need-Based Scholarships: Schools such as Harvard Business School focus on financial need rather than merit when awarding scholarships.

Scholarship Strategies:

1. Check Scholarship Requirements: Review the scholarship page of your target institution to understand the evaluation criteria and types of scholarships offered. Many schools do not specify exact score requirements but will detail their selection process.
2. Consult with Scholarship Recipients: Reach out to current or past scholarship recipients to learn about their scores and application strengths.
3. Aim Higher Than the Average: Research the average GRE score of admitted students and aim to score a few points above it. For example, if the average GRE score at Yale is 330, targeting 334 or higher could enhance your admission chances. To improve scholarship prospects, consider aiming for scores even higher, such as 337.

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