What Is a Good GRE Score for Graduate School? (Complete Guide by Program Type)

So you've taken the GRE (or you're about to), and now you're wondering: what is a good GRE score for my target program? It's one of the most common questions graduate school applicants ask - and honestly, the answer isn't as straightforward as you might hope.

Here's the thing: a "good" GRE score depends entirely on where you're applying. A score that's perfectly competitive for one program might be below average for another. A 310 could get you into some excellent grad schools while falling short at others. That's why understanding good GRE scores requires looking at the specific context of your target programs.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down what is a good GRE score for grad school across different program types - from MBA and PA school to engineering and law school. You'll learn exactly where your score stands, what competitive scores look like for your field, and how to improve if you're not quite where you need to be.

Understanding the GRE Scoring System

Before we dive into what makes a good GRE score, let's quickly cover how the GRE is actually scored. The test has three sections, each with its own scoring scale:

• Verbal Reasoning: 130-170 points (1-point increments)
• Quantitative Reasoning: 130-170 points (1-point increments)
• Analytical Writing: 0-6 points (half-point increments)

When people ask "what is a good GRE score out of 340," they're referring to the combined Verbal and Quant scores. The Writing section is scored separately and typically ranges from 3.0 to 5.0 for most test-takers.

According to ETS (the company that makes the GRE), the average scores for all test-takers are approximately:

• Verbal: 151
• Quantitative: 154
• Analytical Writing: 3.5

So if we're talking combined scores, the average lands around 305 out of 340. But average doesn't mean competitive - and that's where things get interesting.

What Is a Good GRE Score Overall?

Let's address the big question directly: what is considered a good GRE score? Here's a general framework that applies across most graduate programs:

• Below Average: Combined score below 300
• Average: Combined score of 300-310
• Good: Combined score of 310-320
• Excellent: Combined score of 320-330
• Exceptional: Combined score above 330

For most graduate programs, a combined score of 310 or above puts you in competitive territory. However - and this is important - these are generalizations. A 305 might be perfectly fine for some programs while a 320 might be below average at top-tier institutions in competitive fields.

The percentiles tell an important story too. Here's roughly where different combined scores fall:

• 300 = approximately 35th percentile
• 310 = approximately 55th percentile
• 320 = approximately 75th percentile
• 330 = approximately 92nd percentile

So when you're asking "what are good GRE scores," you're really asking: what score puts me ahead of most other applicants? For competitive programs, you generally want to be at or above the 70th percentile - which means aiming for a combined score around 315 or higher.

Good GRE Scores by Program Type

Now let's get specific. Different graduate programs have vastly different expectations for GRE scores. Here's what you need to know for the most popular program types:

Good GRE Score for PA School

If you're wondering "what is a good GRE score for PA school," here's the reality: PA programs generally accept a wider range of scores than you might expect. A good GRE score for PA school typically falls in these ranges:

• Competitive: 300-310 combined
• Highly Competitive: 310-320 combined
• Top Programs: 315+ combined

Most PA programs weight healthcare experience and GPA more heavily than GRE scores. That said, a score below 295 might raise flags at some programs. If you're targeting competitive PA schools, aim for at least 305-310.

Good GRE Score for PT School

Physical therapy programs have similar expectations. A good GRE score for PT school generally looks like:

• Minimum Competitive: 295-300 combined
• Solid Application: 300-310 combined
• Strong Application: 310+ combined

Many DPT programs have moved to GRE-optional policies in recent years, but if you're submitting scores, aim for at least the 50th percentile in both Verbal and Quant sections. Like PA schools, PT programs tend to prioritize hands-on experience and prerequisite GPA alongside GRE scores.

Good GRE Score for MBA Programs

Business school is where GRE expectations start climbing. A good GRE score for MBA programs varies significantly by school tier:

• Average MBA Programs: 305-315 combined
• Competitive MBA Programs: 315-325 combined
• Top 20 MBA Programs: 320-330 combined
• Top 10 MBA Programs (Harvard, Stanford, Wharton): 325+ combined

For MBA programs, the Quant score often carries more weight than Verbal. Top business schools typically see average Quant scores in the 162-168 range. If your math skills need work, that's where focused GRE tutoring can make the biggest difference.

Good GRE Score for Law School

More law schools now accept GRE scores alongside (or instead of) the LSAT. A good GRE score for law school tends to be higher than average:

• Most Law Schools: 315-325 combined
• Top 50 Law Schools: 320-330 combined
• Top 14 Law Schools: 325+ combined (with strong Verbal scores)

Law schools prioritize Verbal Reasoning scores since legal work is heavily language-based. Aim for at least 160 on Verbal if you're targeting competitive law programs.

Good GRE Score for Engineering

Engineering programs flip the script - here, Quantitative scores matter most. A good GRE score for engineering grad programs typically looks like:

• Most Engineering Programs: 310-320 combined
• Top Engineering Programs: 320-330 combined
• Quant Expectations: 160-170 (most competitive programs expect 165+)

For engineering, a Quant score below 155 can hurt your application significantly, even if your Verbal score is strong. Focus your preparation on maximizing your math performance.

Is Your GRE Score Good Enough? (Specific Scores Analyzed)

Let's address some specific score questions that applicants commonly ask:

Is 300 a Good GRE Score?

Is 300 a good GRE score? It depends on your target programs. At 300, you're slightly below the overall average (which hovers around 305). This score is:

• Acceptable for many PA, PT, and education programs
• Below average for most business, engineering, and science programs
• May need improvement for competitive graduate programs

If you scored 300 and need higher for your target schools, the good news is that a 10-15 point improvement is very achievable with focused preparation.

Is 310 a Good GRE Score?

Is 310 a good GRE score? For most programs, yes - 310 puts you solidly in competitive territory. At this score:

• You're at approximately the 55th percentile overall
• You're competitive for most master's programs outside of top-tier schools
• You may need higher scores for PhD programs or elite schools

A 310 is a solid foundation. Whether you need to improve depends entirely on your specific program targets.

Is 314 a Good GRE Score?

Is 314 a good GRE score? This puts you above average and competitive for many programs. You're around the 60th percentile, which means you're outperforming most test-takers. For most graduate programs outside of the most competitive fields, 314 is a respectable score that won't hold your application back.

Is 315 a Good GRE Score?

Is 315 a good GRE score? Absolutely. At 315, you're hitting that "good" threshold we mentioned earlier. This score makes you competitive for most graduate programs, including many ranked programs in business, engineering, and sciences.

Is 320 a Good GRE Score?

Is 320 a good GRE score? Yes - this is an excellent score. At 320:

• You're at approximately the 75th percentile
• You're competitive for top-50 programs in most fields
• Your GRE won't be a weakness in your application

A 320 opens doors to highly competitive programs and demonstrates strong academic aptitude.

Is 330 a Good GRE Score?

Is 330 a good GRE score? It's exceptional. At 330, you're in the 92nd percentile - meaning you've outperformed 92% of all test-takers. This score makes you competitive even for the most elite programs (think Ivy League, Stanford, MIT) and can help offset weaknesses in other parts of your application.

Good Scores by Section (Verbal, Quant, Writing)

Sometimes the combined score tells only part of the story. Let's break down what constitutes a good GRE verbal score, good GRE math score, and good GRE writing score.

Good GRE Verbal Score

The average GRE verbal score is around 151. Here's how to interpret your Verbal results:

• Below Average: Below 150
• Average: 150-155
• Good: 155-160
• Excellent: 160-165
• Exceptional: 165+

For humanities, social sciences, and law programs, aim for at least 158-160. For STEM programs, Verbal scores matter less - 155 is usually sufficient.

Good GRE Quant Score

The average GRE math score is approximately 154. Here's the breakdown:

• Below Average: Below 152
• Average: 152-157
• Good: 157-162
• Excellent: 162-167
• Exceptional: 167+

For business, engineering, and quantitative programs, Quant is king. Most competitive programs in these fields expect scores of 160+, with top programs seeing averages of 165-168.

Good GRE Writing Score

What is a good GRE writing score? The average GRE writing score is 3.5. Here's how to interpret your Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA):

• Needs Improvement: Below 3.0
• Average: 3.0-3.5
• Good: 4.0-4.5
• Excellent: 5.0+

Most programs don't weight the Writing score as heavily as Verbal and Quant. A 4.0 is generally sufficient for even competitive programs. That said, if your target field involves significant writing (humanities, social sciences, communications), aim for 4.5 or higher.

How to Improve Your GRE Score Fast

If your current score isn't where it needs to be for your target programs, don't panic. GRE scores are very improvable with the right approach. Here's how to boost your score efficiently:

Identify Your Specific Weak Areas

Generic studying wastes time. You need to pinpoint exactly where you're losing points - is it vocabulary? Algebra? Reading comprehension? Time management? Without this diagnostic insight, you'll spend hours reviewing material you already know while your actual score limiters go unaddressed.

Focus on High-Impact Improvements

The Pareto Principle applies to GRE prep: roughly 20% of the concepts drive 80% of your score improvement potential. For Quant, this often means mastering number properties and data interpretation. For Verbal, vocabulary and reading strategy typically yield the fastest gains.

Get Expert Guidance

Self-study works for some people, but working with an expert can dramatically accelerate your progress. The fast GRE high score tutoring approach uses AI diagnostics to identify your specific score limiters, then addresses them through focused one-on-one coaching. Most students see significant improvement after just one targeted session.

Practice Under Real Conditions

Taking practice tests under timed conditions is non-negotiable. Your brain needs to build familiarity with the pacing, format, and pressure of the actual exam. ETS offers official practice tests through their GRE preparation portal - use them.

Manage Test-Day Anxiety

Many students score 5-10 points lower on test day than on practice tests due to anxiety. Develop stress management strategies, get adequate sleep, and simulate test conditions during practice to minimize this gap.

Frequently Asked Questions About GRE Scores

What is a good GRE score for grad school in general?

A good GRE score for grad school is generally 310+ combined (Verbal + Quant). However, "good" varies significantly by program type and school competitiveness. For top-tier programs, aim for 320+. For healthcare programs like PA and PT school, 300-310 is often competitive. Always research the average scores for your specific target programs.

What is a good GRE score out of 340?

What is a good GRE score out of 340? The combined Verbal and Quant sections total 340 points maximum. A score of 310-320 is considered good for most programs, putting you in the 55th-75th percentile range. For highly competitive programs, aim for 320+. The average combined score is approximately 305.

Do grad schools care more about Verbal or Quant?

It depends on your field. STEM programs (engineering, computer science, physics) weight Quantitative scores more heavily, often expecting 160+. Humanities and social science programs prioritize Verbal scores. Business schools tend to favor Quant. Research your specific program's expectations - some explicitly state which section they emphasize.

Can a good GRE score make up for a low GPA?

Yes, to some extent. A strong GRE score demonstrates current academic capability and can help offset a lower undergraduate GPA. However, most programs evaluate applications holistically. If your GPA is below their typical range, you'll want GRE scores well above their averages - aim for at least the 75th percentile in your target program's preferred section.

How many times can I take the GRE?

You can take the GRE up to five times in a 12-month period, with at least 21 days between attempts. Most schools only see the scores you choose to send (Score Select), so you can retake without worry about lower scores hurting your application. However, focused preparation before your first attempt is more efficient than multiple retakes.

Are GRE scores becoming less important for admissions?

Many programs have gone GRE-optional since 2020, and some have dropped the requirement entirely. However, submitting a strong GRE score can still strengthen your application, especially if other parts of your profile are weaker. Check each program's current policy - the landscape is still evolving.

What's the difference between a good GRE score and a great one?

A good GRE score (310-319) makes you competitive at most programs. A great score (320-329) makes you competitive at highly selective programs and can earn you scholarship consideration. An exceptional score (330+) puts you in elite territory and can open doors to the most competitive programs in any field.

How long does it take to improve my GRE score?

Most students can improve 10-15 points with 4-8 weeks of focused preparation. Larger improvements (20+ points) typically require 2-3 months of consistent study. However, with targeted, diagnostic-driven tutoring, significant improvements are possible in much shorter timeframes - sometimes after just a few focused sessions.

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