Average GRE Scores – In the United States, the average GRE score is about 310. This number is derived from four years of data of students who took the exam. The average score for verbal comprehension is about 360 and for quantitative reasoning is about 320. The average undergraduate GPA with a 4.0 in a college in the US, according to U.S. News and World Report, was 3.8 in 2018.
The GRE is a standardised test that measures the verbal and quantitative skills of graduate students in almost any field of study. The GRE helps schools assess their students’ potential to be successful in the academic world, and helps students determine which programs offer them the best chance of success. It also provides a basis for graduate schools in different countries around the world to compare applicants from different backgrounds.
In order to make this article more accessible for all users, we have provided an average GRE score for both men and women in each section below.
Related: What is the GRE Score Range?
It’s always important to push your limits and do what you can. While the average score is high, some students are not able to reach their full potential. In order for people to be able to reach their goals, they must understand where they’re at and set realistic expectations. If your GRE scores are below the average, it’s time to take action and make changes. Here are some ways that you can improve your GRE scores if you’re struggling with them.
What is a good score for GRE?
Is a GRE score of 300 good?
Average GRE Scores
The average GRE score is a 150 for Verbal and a 153 for Math (Source: ETS ). These averages are based on all tests completed between July 1, 2013, and June 30, 2016
At The Princeton Review we are carefully following GRE score updates so we can give you accurate and timely information. The table below represents the most recent average score information released by ETS for 2017-2018.
| SECTION | AVERAGE SCORE |
|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 149.97 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 152.57 |
| Analytical Writing | 3.48 |
There is also some variation in terms of average GRE scores depending on your intended graduate field.
Average GRE Scores By Intended Graduate Major
| INTENDED GRADUATE MAJOR | VERBAL REASONING | QUANTITATIVE REASONING | ANALYTICAL WRITING |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arts & Humanities | 156 | 150 | 4.1 |
| Business | 150 | 153 | 3.5 |
| Education | 151 | 149 | 3.8 |
| Engineering | 149 | 159 | 3.3 |
| Life Sciences | 151 | 151 | 3.8 |
| Physical Sciences | 150 | 158 | 3.4 |
| Social Sciences | 153 | 151 | 3.9 |
How to Use GRE Averages to Set Your Target Score
What is your target GRE score? If you are preparing for a GRE test, you will want to know this in advance. You can go online and find out the average scores of past students who have taken the GRE test. You then set your target score to be higher or lower than the average. This article will outline how to do just that.
Want to know if your GRE scores are good enough to get you accepted to graduate school? Follow these three steps.
1. What’s your baseline score?
Your baseline score is the score you would receive if you took the GRE today. Take a full-length GRE practice test under the same testing environment as the real thing. Your results will help you determine where you stand before you start your prep.
2. Set your score goals.
Compare your practice test score against the average GRE scores of the most recent incoming class to each program you are considering. You can find this information on the school website or in our grad and business school profiles . Your target score is one that would put you at or above the average for the programs on your wishlist.
3. Make a plan to close the gap
Whether you choose a GRE prep course , online program , or a test prep book you need a smart prep plan that will help you bridge the gap between the score you have and the score you need. With a little research, you’ll find the right environment for you.
