What is a Good GRE Score and How to Achieve it?
Planning on pursuing a masters abroad? Are you considering taking the GRE? Want to achieve a good GRE score? Here is everything you must know about a good GRE score and how you can achieve it. Before we begin, let us have a quick look at the GRE scores.
GRE Scores
The GRE scores for each section are as follows:
| GRE Section | Score Range |
| Verbal Reasoning | 130 to 170 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130 to 170 |
| Analytical Writing Assessment | 0 to 6 |
The sum of the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores make up for the total GRE score. As a result, the highest possible score on the GRE is 340 and the lowest possible score is 260. The scores of the Analytical Writing Assessment do not contribute to the total GRE score. If you are planning to pursue a masters abroad, a good GRE is essential.
What is a Good GRE Score?
A good GRE score accelerates your chances of getting into the university of your choice. But, what counts as a good GRE score? Based on the average GRE scores of tests takers in the past, a good GRE score is as follows:
| GRE Scores | Performance |
| 320 to 340 | Excellent |
| 300 to 320 | Good |
| 280 to 300 | Average |
| Below 260 | Poor |
As you can see from the above table, a good GRE score lies anywhere between 300 to 320. However, the definition of a good GRE score can vary based on the university and program of your choice. For example, if you are interested in applying for masters at MIT and the GRE score for MIT is between 315 to 320, a good GRE score for you is anything above 315. Similarly, if you are looking to apply for masters at Harvard University and the GRE score for Harvard is 300 and above, a good GRE score for you is any score above 300. Hence, before setting your target score, make it a point to research the GRE cutoffs of your preferred universities and programs to get an accurate figure.
How to Achieve a Good GRE Score?
A commonly asked question by most GRE candidates is, how to achieve a good GRE score or a desired GRE score? The key to achieving your desired GRE score is utmost dedication and meticulous preparation. Since the GRE is a competitive exam, you need to be thorough with the GRE syllabus. An organised study plan will help you cover the GRE syllabus thoroughly and effectively. Before you begin to draft your study plan, you need to set a target score and alter your study plan accordingly.
When creating your study plan, you must make it a point to pace yourself. Remember, preparing for the GRE is not something you can achieve in a day or two. Once you have created a study plan, the next step is to take a GRE practice test to assess your strengths and weaknesses. The ETS official website offers you access to free GRE practice tests. You will also find numerous results for ETS practice test GRE online. However, you must make sure that the tests you are using are from credible sources.
Taking a GRE practice test not only helps in accessing your strengths and weaknesses but also helps you practice the GRE concepts you have learnt. Hence, you must take them in regular intervals to help you practice and revise for the GRE. Last but not the least, practice makes you perfect! Once you are thorough with the GRE concepts, practice with sample questions, take as many practice tests as you can, and work on your weak areas.
If you create a good study plan and practice as much as you can, there is no stopping you from acing the GRE and achieving your desired GRE score. So, draft your study plan today and ace the GRE. All the best!
