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GRE Percentiles, GRE Score Percentile, GRE Verbal Percentile, GRE Quant Percentile, GRE AWA Percentile, and Score Conversion

GRE scores are calculated for three distinct sections of the GRE test. The sections in GRE test includes; Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing and Verbal Reasoning. The GRE score for GRE Analytical Writing assessment ranges from 0 to 6 with half-point increment. GRE Verbal and GRE Quantitative Reasoning score ranges from 130 to 170 with a one-point increment. These GRE scores are converted to scaled scores and then GRE percentile is calculated. GRE Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning contribute to the final GRE score. GRE score for GRE Verbal and GRE Quantitative Reasoning is calculated based on the number of correct answers attempted by the candidate. However, the analytical GRE writing score is calculated based on each essay question (2 essay questions in total). Candidates can refer to the GRE exam pattern for effective understanding of the GRE scoring pattern.

GRE Score Percentiles Overview

GRE scores provide a brief about the competitive GRE test scores when compared to other candidates. Each GRE score contributes to a distinct percentile that evaluates candidates’ performance in the GRE test. Thus, higher GRE percentile indicates better scoring. Below mentioned table provides a brief breakdown of GRE scoring pattern:

GRE Sections Score Range
Verbal Reasoning 130-170 (in 1 point increments)
Analytical Writing 0-6 (half point increments)
Quantitative Reasoning 130-170 (in 1 point increments)

In order to determine the GRE total score percentile, the GRE percentile calculator evaluates the raw scores. Raw scores in the GRE percentile calculator is based on the number of answers attempted correctly in the GRE test. The evaluated raw scores in GRE score range percentile are then converted into scaled scores. Scaled scores are evaluated with a process called equating that is based on the level of difficulty of the attempted question. Besides, some questions may have more weightage than others, since the GRE test is a section-level computer-adaptive test (for Quant and Verbal).

The GRE AWA section has a different pattern for GRE percentile calculation. The GRE score calculator for Analytical Writing is based on candidates' responses. Candidate’s Analytical Writing scores depend upon the two sub tasks: Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument and are scored by one trained rater, and an e-rater. The GRE total score percentile is an average of the three sections as mentioned above.

GRE Score Percentile for General Test

The GRE total score percentile helps with understanding of competitive scoring with other GMAT candidates. To better understand this, suppose a percentile score of 99 indicates that 99 percent of candidates scored less when compared to a single candidate in a specific GRE section. Besides, candidates are to remember that GRE percentiles vary from section to section. A number of GRE percentile calculators are available throughout the internet that can help with an estimated percentile for candidates. Below mentioned tables provides a breakdown into the GRE score percentile 2023 for general tests:

GRE Verbal Percentile

Below mentioned table highlights the GRE verbal percentile for effective understanding:

Verbal Reasoning Percentile Rank Verbal Reasoning Score
96-99 165-170
86-96 160-165
68-86 155-160
46-68 150-155
26-46 145-150
11-26 140-145
3-11 135-140
1-3 131-135

GRE Quantitative Percentile

Below mentioned table highlights the GRE Quantitative Percentile for effective understanding:

Quantitative Reasoning Percentile Rank Quantitative Reasoning Score
86-96 165-170
73-86 160-165
56-73 155-160
37-56 150-155
19-37 145-150
7-19 140-145
2-7 135-140
1-2 130-135

GRE AWA Percentiles

Below mentioned table highlights the GRE AWA Percentiles for effective understanding:

Score Percentile Rank For Analytical Writing
6.0 99
5.5 98
5.0 93
4.5 82
4.0 59
3.5 42
3.0 17
2.5 7
2.0 2
1.5 1
1.0 No Rank Available
0.5 No Rank Available

It can be concluded from the above GRE AWA percentile table that there are no ranks available for score range of 0.5 to 1.0. Thus, it is evident that no candidates have scored below 1.5 as their GRE AWA percentile.

GRE Score Percentiles For Different Fields of Study

The GRE general test is taken by candidates for pursuing their graduate degrees, and abroad universities have innumerable fields of study where students apply. Here, we’ve curated a few of the top fields of study along with its GRE verbal and quant scaled scores.

GRE Verbal Percentiles by Discipline

Below mentioned table provides GRE score range percentile for Verbal in different disciplines:

GRE VERBAL SCORE 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170
Life Sciences <1 4 16 41 68 89 97 99+
Physical Sciences 4 14 29 46 65 83 94 99
Engineering 5 16 34 53 73 88 97 99+
Social Sciences <1 4 13 33 57 81 94 99+
Arts and Humanities <1 2 6 17 37 64 86 97
Education 1 5 20 45 70 89 97 99+
Business 2 8 25 50 74 91 98 99+

It can be concluded from above GRE scores and percentile table that:

  • In Arts and Humanities, a 150 score is just equal to a mere 17th percentile;
  • Whereas in business the same score is equal to 50th;
  • The former at a GRE score of 165 is equal to a percentile of 86th
  • Whereas, business jumps to a 98th percentile.

This observation states how the GRE scores and percentile are dependent on the course of study that the candidate is opting for.

GRE Quant Percentiles by Discipline

Below mentioned table provides a GRE percentile chart for Quantitative Reasoning in different disciplines:

QUANT SCORE 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170
Life Sciences <1 4 17 42 72 90 97 99
Physical Sciences <1 3 8 17 31 52 74 91
Engineering <1 2 6 13 26 48 74 93
Social Sciences 1 8 24 47 70 85 94 98
Arts and Humanities 2 9 25 50 74 89 97 99+
Education 1 9 30 57 80 92 98 99+
Business 1 5 17 36 56 72 84 95

Average GRE Score with Bar Graph

Below portrayed is a bar graph that provides a brief comparison of average GRE scores by intended major:

Graph

What is a Good GRE Score?

Candidates can refer to the above table and understand that the lowest GRE score for Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning is 130. However, 170 stands as the maximum score in both the sections in the GRE test. GRE score percentiles table given below based on data from 2016-2019 to provide you an idea about the GRE total score percentile:

Percentile Verbal Reasoning Quantitative Reasoning Analytical Writing
50th 151 153-154 3.5-4
75th 157 161 4-4.5
90th 162 167-168 4.5-5
  • The Economics program at the University of California Davis asks for a 60th GRE score percentile in the GRE verbal section and for non-English speakers, it is a 30th. The GRE quant score percentile has to be at least 70th.
  • Harvard’s Graduate School of Education demands a minimum of 50th GRE verbal score percentile whereas the GRE quant score can be a low one with 30th.
    Generally, grad schools require a 50th to 60th percentile or a 155 score in one section of the GRE syllabus.
  • GRE 50th percentile: In the GRE verbal, scoring 150 (46th percentile) or 151 (51st percentile) will result in the desired 50th percentile. In the case of GRE quant, either aim for a 153 (49th percentile) or a 154 (53rd percentile); A score more than 50th percentile is considered as 300 GRE score while is accepted by many colleges and universities.
  • GRE 60th percentile: Aim for a GRE verbal score of 153 (60th percentile), whereas a single decrease in the score will make the GRE percentiles 54th. For GRE quant, 156 is equal to the 60th percentile and 155 is 56th;
  • GRE score 155 to percentile: Quinte anticipated, a GRE verbal score of 155 is the 68th percentile, on the contrary, a GRE quant score of 155 is just 56th – which is a huge difference. In the case of the GRE AWA score percentile, the nearest to 155 is 4.0.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

GRE updated 2022 : 6 answered questions

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Ques. What is the percentile required to get into ISB Hyderabad?

● Top Answer By Akanksha Sharma on 30 Jan 23

In case you are enquiring about the CAT percentile let me clarify that ISB Hyderabad does not take into consideration CAT scores. It accepts GMAT/GRE scores only. Most importantly, the ISB Shortlisting process is profile-based. This means even with a lower percentile you can manage to get shortlisted provided you have an excellent profile. There is no fixed cutoff for GMAT. However, a 700+ GMAT score isn't a must-have for ISB if your application is strong in other areas. According to an ISB spokesperson, candidates were admitted to the 2021 cohort with scores as low as 580, and as high as 780. So the GMAT score range for ISB is 580-780....Read more

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Ques. Which exam to opt for admission in ISB hyderabad, GMAT or GRE?

● Top Answer By Arvind Verma on 30 Jun 22

ISB Hyderabad accepts both examination scores. So, you can opt for either of GMAT or GRE. Your chances of selection or rejection will remain the same. Go through the examination pattern and syllabus and choose the one in which you feel that you will be able to score better. Ultimately having a good score is what matters during admission. As per the recent trends, ISB Hyderabad cutoff for GMAT is 600, while for GRE it is 311. ...Read more

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Ques. I am an IIT Bhubaneswar 3rd year student looking for a classroom coaching centre for the GRE in Bhubaneswar. Which one is the best to join?

● Top Answer By Suranjana Ghosh on 14 Aug 20

There are a few institutes that offer classroom coaching for GRE preparation in Bhubaneswar. Given below are information about a few such institutes: Offshore Education Academy This institute is a one-stop point for good counseling and preparation of GRE exams in Bhubaneswar. Merit scholarships are given to students who perform well in the online admission test. The minimum time to be devoted will be 4 months although it can be extended to 5 months in case an individual wants more time to prepare. Prajna Prep Prajna Prep offers comprehensive class sessions on Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing. You can also take GRE Practice Tests to improve your preparation. Manya-The Princeton Review Manya-The Princeton Review is another excellent choice for GRE preparation. This institute offers different types of GRE courses and you can choose the one which suits you best. There is also an option for learning in groups or in one on one sessions. Besides classroom coaching, self-preparation is also a good option if your current academics are above average....Read more

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Ques. Which exam to opt for admission in ISB hyderabad, GMAT or GRE?

● Top Answer By Dhwani on 30 Jan 23

Of the two entrance exams, GMAT and GRE, the former is a better option. ISB Hyderabad has recently started accepting GRE scores. This doesn’t mean that taking the GRE is a bad idea. Many business schools apart from ISB are now accepting GRE scores. The best part is that ISB won’t be converting your GRE scores to GMAT for comparison during the MBA admissions. GRE is suitable for students who are considering other PG options apart from MBA like MS or MA.  For someone who is sure of their career in an MBA, the GMAT is a better choice because GRE is much more dynamic. GMAT shows your commitment to MBA and thereby increases your chances of admission in comparison to GRE which shows that you are open to various options. ISB Hyderabad prefers GMAT over GRE also because the former is a more quantitatively challenging exam than the latter.  Certain firms may ask for your GMAT score before shortlisting you for your interview. These include the biggest firms in the corporate world like McKinsey So from these points, we can safely conclude that GMAT is a better option for MBA students provided that you are sure of your course....Read more

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Ques. What sort of a GRE score would warrant a call-up from IIM Ahmedabad?

● Top Answer By Deepak Mehta on 12 Dec 22

Firstly, GRE scores are not accepted for the PGP MBA program . Only CAT/GMAT scores are accepted. To apply through the GMAT route you need sufficient work experience in a foreign country. For the FPM program , like any other doctoral program, the quality of the application matters the most and there is no cut-off for the GRE scores . Other factors that are actually considered are Profile Past research Publications There is no specific GRE score that would guarantee a call-up from IIM Ahmedabad....Read more

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