GRE Score Percentiles

November 8, 2025

Percentiles, percentiles, percentiles. Is that a word you hear often when studying for the GRE? You're likely immersed in test day strategies that will help you navigate tricky questions and increase your overall score. That's only natural—and frankly, worrying about percentile rankings is certainly not the best use of your time or energy. However, exploring universities and their percentiles can be very useful during the application process. Although it may seem tiresome and appear to be just one more thing to worry about, why wouldn't you want to know how you rank against other test takers? When it comes to admission, competition is key. 

Getting into the school of your dreams is no easy feat; understanding percentiles and how they relate to your score can help you better gauge your chances of admission, as well as how you stack up against other prospective students. Think about it this way—admissions committees need a way to organize all the applications they receive each year. Using percentiles allows admissions officers, as well as other students, to understand the scope of the academic capabilities of those who are enrolled. 

All of the following percentile data is published by ETS, the creator and administrator of the GRE, so this isn't "top secret" information that can't be shared with the general public. Some schools publish their own percentile rankings, and that information would be available on their websites or through their admissions committees/offices. Let's take a look at some charts to better understand GRE percentiles. If you have your score handy, you'll probably be able to determine your own percentile. 

GRE Scores: The Basics

Before discussing percentiles, let's review how GRE scoring works. The exam has two Quantitative Reasoning sections, two Verbal Reasoning, and one Analytical Writing. The total Quant and total Verbal results are scored separately, each on a 130-170 scale in one-point increments. They're calculated based on the number of correct responses and the sections' difficulty. Analytical Writing scoring is on a 0-6 scale in half-point increments. This is a holistic score based on your essay's overall quality in response to the prompt. Your score report will include your results for Quant, Verbal, and Analytical Writing, along with their percentiles.

GRE Score Percentiles

Percentiles are used to evaluate your performance on the GRE compared to other test takers, which admissions officers can use when making their acceptance decisions. A percentile indicates the percentage of test takers who had a lower score. For example, if your score is at the 75^th percentile, you performed better than 75% of test takers. Therefore, the higher your percentile, the more you outdid other students on the exam. 

The chart below shows overall percentiles for Verbal and Quantitative GRE scores from July 2021 to June 2024. If you have your scores, you can determine your own ranking. This chart could go on for pages, so we only included top scores, since that's what you're aiming for. Notice that the percentiles are significantly lower for Quant. 

GRE Analytical Writing Percentile

Just as with the other sections, the GRE Analytical Writing percentile is important information. It matters a great deal, particularly if a university or graduate program/business school values writing in their program or curriculum. If you've had the opportunity to write a sample essay or two and they've been graded, you can find your percentile below. As with anything, you always want to aim high! 

GRE Verbal Percentiles

We're getting a little more specific here. However, not all grad programs are alike and some value percentiles in Verbal sections more if those skills are emphasized in the program. Below you will see percentiles by discipline, which should give you an idea of where you rank. Knowing your intended major and school will go a long way in determining your chances of admission by looking at GRE percentiles. 

GRE Quant Percentiles

As with the Verbal section, Quant percentiles are also valued. Below you will again see percentiles by discipline, this time for Quant scores. Does your university or program value mathematics as a part of its curriculum? Science majors, as well as Engineering majors should definitely take note of these percentiles in particular! 

GRE Percentiles: The Takeaway

You can't have your GRE percentile looming in the back of your mind while you're trying to apply effective test day strategies and techniques. However, determining your percentile every time you take a mock exam is a good way to use this information. Knowledge is power, and knowing where you rank in relation to other applicants via this tool is key. We'll conclude with important information that should encourage you as you proceed with your course of study. Below are average GRE scores published by the makers of the exam from the 2023-2024 testing year: 

Verbal: 151.2

Quant: 157.6

AW: 3.5

Are you above or below the average? Naturally, you want to keep aiming high, particularly for the school of your dreams. Use your GRE percentile as a tool, one that will hopefully serve you well as you move forward to accomplish your goals.