What is the total GRE score?

The total score you can get on the GRE is 340 (170 each in Quantitative and verbal reasoning, with a 6 in Analytical writing).

What is a good score for the GRE exam?

Usually, the 75th percentile is a good GRE score, and the 90th percentile is excellent.

When will I receive my official GRE score report?

You’ll get your GRE official score report 15 to 20 days after the test date.

How long are GRE scores valid?

The GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the test date.

GRE Scores: Know How are Your GRE Scores Calculated

GRE is the standard admission test in the world that is acknowledged for admission to business programs and graduate courses, including MS programs in universities abroad. The GRE exam has sections known as 'portions, and each verbal and quant section comprises two. Now, adaptive testing is only valid for the computer-delivered GRE test. Adaptive testing regulates the difficulty level of the second question based on the performance of the first one.

The first portion of both verbal and quant comprises questions of reasonable complexity. The second measure displays either easy, modest, or complex questions based on the test-taker's achievement in the previous one. International students preparing for the computer-based GRE test must understand the GRE scoring system to strategize their answer plan. A thorough look at the GRE scoring system, understanding the section-level adaptability method and gaining section-wise scoring knowledge will allow you to ace your paper.

Do you know why your GRE test marks vary?

Calculating the total GRE scores isn’t just about adding numbers. The process is extremely systematic and employs the twin accuracy processes of equating and section-level adaptability.

What is Section-Level Adaptability?

The computer system of the GRE monitors the speed and ability of the test takers as they attempt questions. Based on their answering capacity, the monitor adjusts the difficulty levels of the test. Doing so, you will be assessed on questions you answer as well as the difficulty level you worked upon.

The number of questions correctly answered is the raw score.
There are no deductions made for wrong answers. However, multiple answers to one question or unanswered questions cause deductions.
The final score is then equated to the level of difficulty one has answered.
Each section of the GRE is presented with a score range. Students who score within the range secure a GRE percentile and a ranking. Using this score, students can enrol in various colleges abroad.

For example, if you score 163 in Verbal Reasoning & 167 in Quantitative Reasoning, you can apply for admission to Princeton University.

Suggested: How to Score 320+ in GRE?

How to Calculate Total GRE Marks?

Total GRE marks or scores can be calculated by summing up the score received in each of these three sections- Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.

Given below is the bifurcation of how individual section scores impact the total GRE score:

How are GRE Total Scores Calculated per Section?

Section	Minimum GRE Score	Maximum GRE Score
Verbal Reasoning	130	170
Quantitative Reasoning	130	170
Analytical Writing	0	6
Total GRE Score	260	340

As mentioned above, the GRE marking scheme for Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning is scored on a scale of 130-170, in 1 1-point increment, while Analytical Writing has a score scale of 0-6, in a half-point increment. The scores put together give you an overall score. The total GRE score or maximum mark one can get is 340.

Confused? Let's help you with an example,

Example: The total GRE score is calculated on a scale of 260 to 340. Since, both, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are measured out of 130-170 each.

So, if you score 145 in Verbal Reasoning and 150 in Quantitative, your raw score comes up to 295.

GRE Scores Calculation for Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning:

Here is a list of the various factors that affect the calculation of your GRE scores for Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative based on your answering capability:

Number of questions you answer
Speed of answering
Difficulty level of answering
Questions in Verbal Reasoning tests you on your ability to comprehend passages and answer
Quantitative test questions are based on mathematical problems and statistics
Both the sections have a score range between 130-170

GRE Scores Calculation for Analytical Writing:

Analytical Writing test examines the student’s critical thinking capacity, analytical writing and prolificacy in articulating a complex idea. The essays are marked by an examiner and a computerized e-rater.

If the score given to you by the examiner and the computerized e-rater are similar, then the average of the two becomes your score. However, if the scores vary, then another examiner is appointed to mark your essay and your final score is the average of scores marked by both the human examiners.
The average score of the two essays is your final score for the Analytical Writing section.
The scores are marked in a 0-6 range.

Score Level	Test Assessment
Score Level 0	The examinee's analytical writing skills cannot be evaluated because the responses merely attempt to copy the assignments, are in a foreign language or display only indecipherable text.
Scores 0.5 and 1	Fundamentally flawed - content that is extremely confusing or mostly irrelevant to the assigned tasks; little or no development; severe and pervasive errors that result in incoherence.
Scores 1.5 and 2	Displays serious weaknesses in analytical writing. Serious lack of analysis or development; flawed structures or language usage.
Scores 2.5 and 3	Limited analysis or development; weak control of sentence structure or language usage, with errors that often result in vagueness or lack of clarity.
Scores 3.5 and 4	Provides competent analysis of ideas; is adequately organized; demonstrates satisfactory control of sentence structure and language usage, but may have some errors that affect clarity.
Scores 4.5 and 5	Provides generally thoughtful analysis of complex ideas; develops and supports main points with logically sound reasons and/or well-chosen examples; is generally focused and well-organized.
Scores 5.5 and 6	Sustains insightful, in-depth analysis of complex ideas; develops and supports main points with logically compelling reasons and/or highly persuasive examples; skillfully uses sentence variety and precise vocabulary to convey meaning effectively.

To give you a clear idea, here is a table of tentative average GRE score ranges you might have to aim for in Verbal and Quants to secure admission to colleges abroad. Please note that these are tentative values and might vary from course to course or university to university.

Average GRE Scores

Example: To attend a B-school abroad, you must aim to secure a Verbal Reasoning score of 150 & about 153 Quantitative in your GRE.

What is a Good GRE Score?

A good GRE score depends on the universities you are targeting. However, according to ETS and various institutions, scoring around 300 makes a good score. This means, if you score about 150 (46th percentile) in the Verbal and 153 (49th percentile) in the Quantitative section of GRE, you will still score around 300.

Various universities have different requirements. You can look into their acceptance score and apply accordingly. For instance, Harvard accepts an average score of 160 in Verbal Reasoning and about 167 in Quantitative Reasoning for admissions. While Princeton accepts students with a score of 162 - Verbal and 166 - Quantitative.
If you’re aiming at a 90% GRE score range, you need to score between 160-166 in both these subjects.
Once you’ve received your scores, the next step is to apply to universities. However, if you need some time off or are hoping to take a break for a while, you must check on the validity of your GRE scores.

Check out this video to learn about getting a GRE score Card

How Long Is the GRE Score Valid For?

Students appearing for computer-based tests receive their GRE results within 15 days of attending the exam. Whereas, students who tend to write the paper-delivered examination take about six weeks to receive the score mail.

The GRE score validity period is about 5 years. This means, that if a student attempts the GRE examination on August 1, 2021, he/she can use these marks until July 31, 2026, to get admission to his/her desired college. This validity period of the GRE score grants students the freedom to join their desired university in about five years. It also gives them the required time to reappear for the exam if they aren’t satisfied with their GRE total marks.

However, if you’re wondering how many years is my GRE score valid for universities?

The answer is tricky and subjective. As ETS considers that students must be granted a validity period for their GRE scores for five years, not all universities agree with the same validity period. Some of the universities accept scores of GRE within a timeframe of 2-3 years, which is why you need to be sure of the validity of the score for the university, acceptance dateline and additions while you are choosing your university.

How to Send GRE Scores?

After your exam, GRE score sheets are available for you online. A copy of your scoresheets is mailed to your registered address too. Students receive their GRE score sheets after 15 days of attending the examination. To reflect your total GRE marks, scales are printed on the score sheets for better understanding.

ETS generates two different kinds of score sheets i.e., one being the Test Takers ScoreCard (GRE Scorecard), and the other is the Graduation Institute ScoreCard (Recent GRE Test Scorecard). Both of these are your official GRE score reports, with a minor difference between the two.

Test-takers Score Card:

This is a GRE scorecard with your complete GRE record.

What does it contain?

Identity information (Name, Contact, Gender, Intended Graduate Major)

Most recent GRE score (Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing, along with score percentiles for each of them)
Test scores history: Dates, Scores and Percentages of previous GRE Scores
Scores of any GRE subject tests attempted
List of scores, dates and schools you might have submitted your scores to

Sample Score Card:

Graduation Institution Score Report:

This is a personalised scorecard with all the relevant information you would select during the test.

What does it contain?

Identity information (Name, Contact, Gender, Intended Graduate Major)

Most recent GRE score (Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing along with score percentiles for each of them)
In this scorecard, you have the same information as the test-taker's scorecard. The difference though is that only the GRE test scores that you have selected to submit to multiple universities are published here.

For example, if you don’t wish to disclose the marks of your previous GRE scores, select only the MOST RECENT test option, and the scorecard generated will hold information on only the recent GRE test you appeared in.

Sample Score Report:

How to send my GRE scores to universities?

Students can send their GRE scores using ScoreSelect, a service provided by ETS to reach out to their desired colleges swiftly. However, students can utilise the same service to strategize sending GRE total marks wisely.

Pick the information you wish to submit to universities using ScoreSelect.
Using the same, GRE aspirants can send their marks to four universities for free.
Selected colleges receive your scores after 10-15 days of your examination.

ScoreSelect free submission to universities can proceed in two ways i.e., You can choose to send the GRE score to the University on the TEST DAY or AFTER THE TEST DAY.

ScoreSelect options you get on the test day:

Send NO scores
Send ALL scores from the last 5 years
Send only the MOST RECENT score

ScoreSelect options you get after the test day:

Send ALL scores from the last 5 years
Send ANY scores from the last 5 years
Send the MOST RECENT score

By opting for any of these score submission options, students can be assured that the selected universities are notified. However, it is recommended that you choose wisely and submit your score to universities that provide your desired courses.

Suggested: Best Time to Take GRE

How much does it cost to send GRE scores to universities?

If you wish to send GRE scores to more than 4 universities, you can do so using the ETS services. However, after that, you will be required to pay your GRE score reporting fee. The cost to send GRE scores is $27(USD) for each institution you wish to apply to.

How to send GRE scores for free?

Conduct your research on how much score you can expect and the universities that accept your scoring range. Fix on the top four Universities and send your GRE score for free via ScoreSelect.

While you’re mapping your way to various colleges across the world, remember that you need to stand out of the crowd to get the best. Hence, a good GRE scoring plan is the way to do it. It will help you seek admission to the college you desire. Have your score scale research in hand, examine your college options and send scores to crack a seat. To know more about the GRE and other details connect with our Yocket Professionals and clear all your queries.

Suggested: GRE 1 month study plan

How to Prepare for the GRE with Yocket Prep?

Having trouble reaching your score targets? Have trouble sticking to your schedule? Or cannot understand which is your strongest area? Have issues with your speed? *Enter Yocket Prep*

To be your best, you need to test and try products which are meant for best results. Being aware of the GRE syllabus, and GRE portions will only help you if your mind aligns high-scoring potential with content precision. And that, we believe, can be done through Yocket Prep.

Through Yocket Prep you can get your hands on highly focussed study material, especially personalised for you. Yes, you are that important to us.

And well, not just that, Yocket Prep will offer you with FREE resources such as:

Diagnostic tests to analyse your strengths and weaknesses
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Focussed and prioritised GRE learning and practice schedule, to keep you ahead of time.

If you wish to upgrade your GRE preparation and are determined to get your target score, you can get our Yocket Prep+ which will help you with:

GRE classes from our GRE experts have years of experience!
Custom priority-based study planner, which focuses on the practice of the most important & marks-fetching topics by volume
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Access to Priority Dashboard and much more than you can imagine through Yocket Prep+

Getting to know about the GRE syllabus is the first step, setting and preparing for GRE score targets in full swing, is the second. There is no better feeling than feeling well-prepared before your exam. And trust us, rigorous practice and drills can do you wonders!

If you’ve also set your sights on the best B-school or a tech university, reach out to us, reach out to Yocket Study Abroad Experts; and we shall make it the best decision you’ve ever taken!