GRE Scoring Overview and Methodology

The GRE consists of five sections: one Analytical Writing section, two Verbal Reasoning sections, and two Quantitative Reasoning sections. After completing the exam, you will receive the following scores:

Analytical Writing score
Verbal Reasoning score
Quantitative Reasoning score
Total GRE score (combination of Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores)

The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0-6 in 0.5-point increments. A score of 5 is at the 93^rd percentile, 4 is at the 54^th percentile, and 3 is at the 14^th percentile.

The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections of the GRE are scored on a scale of 130-170 in 1-point increments. Percentile scores for Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning are as follows:

Percentile	Verbal Reasoning Score	Quantitative Reasoning Score
50^th	152	156-157
75^th	157-158	164-165
90^th	162-163	168-169

Total GRE scores fall within a range of 260-340. A Total score of 330 falls at the 90^th percentile, a score of 318 falls at the 75^th percentile, and a score of 309 falls at the 50^th percentile. It is important to remember that percentile scores will vary slightly each year.

Computer Adaptive Testing

The GRE is a computer adaptive test at the section level, which means the exam uses an adaptive scoring algorithm that modifies the difficulty level of the second Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections based on your performance in the first sections. Students who perform well on their first Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections will “level up” to a more difficult test and receive more challenging questions. While some students may be tempted to perform poorly on the first Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections, this is a mistake, as more difficult sections offer the chance to earn a higher final score.

Scoring Methodology

Each test question on the GRE contributes equally to a “raw score” for each section, which is equal to the number of questions answered correctly. You do not lose points for incorrect answers on the GRE; instead, you earn points for correct answers. The raw score is then converted into a “scaled score” for each section, which is the score that will be reported to graduate schools. The process of conversion from a “raw score” to a “scaled score” is called “equating”. Equating compensates for variations in difficulty across different versions of the test, as well as the individual test differentiation due to the adaptive test algorithm. The scaled section score is intended to reflect a particular level of performance regardless of when the test was taken or how it was adapted.

You will have the opportunity to see your unofficial scores for the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections at the completion of your test, if you choose to report your scores. You will not receive your Analytical Writing score until approximately 8-10 days after completing the GRE, as this section takes longer to grade because it uses a combination of human and computer evaluation.

GRE Scoring Confidentiality

GRE scores are valid for five years from the testing date, but the use of scores is entirely controlled by the student. Students who achieve an especially competitive score on the General Test or who demonstrate subject knowledge with the GRE Subject Tests may utilize their scores to demonstrate their aptitude and accomplishment in diverse work areas. Some students include especially competitive scores on their CVs or resumes. Students who are merely using the GRE to gain acceptance into graduate school, however, can rest assured that their scores will remain confidential unless they choose to share them.

Retaking the GRE

You can retake the GRE once every 21 days or up to five times within a continuous 12-month period. This limit applies even if you canceled your scores on a given exam. After the completion of your test, you will have the option to submit only your most recent score, or all of your recent test scores. If you want to submit only the scores from specific testing sessions, you must wait to submit your scores until after test day. At the conclusion of your test, you will also have an opportunity to cancel your scores.

Cancelling Scores

After the completion of your test, you will be given the option to either Report your scores or Cancel your scores. If you decide to report your scores, you will be able to view your unofficial scores for the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections. If you choose to cancel your scores, you will not be able to access them or report them to schools, and your Analytical Writing section will not be scored. Although ETS gives students the option to cancel their scores if for some reason they believe they did not perform at the level of their capability, they also give students flexibility in the reporting of their scores and guarantee confidentiality for whatever scores students choose not to report.

If you choose to report your scores, you will be given access to the “Scoreselect” tool, which will allow you to choose where to send your scores, as well as whether to send scores from all testing dates or only the most recent test. Your official scores, including your Analyical Writing score, will be available 10-15 days after your test dates, when they will automatically be sent to your selected score recipients. Your test fee entitles you to request that scores be sent to as many as four graduate institutions or fellowship sponsors; you will be asked to designate your recipients during registration or on your admissions ticket correction stub. After test day, you can also send additional score reports for a fee.