GRE Percentiles 2024-2025 and What’s a “Good” GRE Score?

What is a "percentile" ?



What percentile ranks?

The GRE score report also gives you the percentile rank for each test score. The scaled score raises the question if the scores you’ve got would be considered a good score or not. How do you compare your test performance with those of others who have taken the test?The percentile ranks are a good way to know where you stand.

However, before delving into the data released by ETS every year and that refer to the previous three years: the correct percentieles is based on all individuals who tested between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2023, it is important to know how

• the GRE score is calculated
• how the shorter GRE is composed

GRE Score Percentiles for 2024 – 2025






GRE Score Percentiles for 2024 – 2025 - Analytical Writing




Based on the GRE interpretive data 2024-25
Interpreting your GRE scores 2024-25




What is a Good GRE Score?

Short Answer: Good GRE Score = Average of your Master's Program Score.
Check your program's score - usually it is published in the class profile what the average GRE score was as well as what the 10th to 90th percentiles are (these are also important for things such as scholarship hunting and in case you do have an awesome profile, this information will allow you to better tailor your applications). As an example, here is the latest data for the Top 40 MBA programs:

Average GRE Scores at Top MBA Programs
Program	Average GRE	Quant	Verbal	10% - 90% Range
US Top 10 MBA	325	163	162	315 - 330
US Top 20 MBA	319	159	160	306 - 330
US Top 40 MBA	313	157	156	298 - 326

Need more info? Exact average GRE scores for each Top 40 MBA program


What is a GREAT GRE Score?

Please keep in mind the following information:

Top programs are not only looking for high GRE scores, as many other factors also play a crucial role in the admission process. Since most applicants to these programs have impressive scores, it's important to stand out in other ways. There's no specific GRE score that guarantees acceptance into a top 10 program, but rather a "safe score." However, for top 20 and top 40 programs, a high score can potentially lead to scholarships or special considerations, especially if your score significantly exceeds the program's average. Lower-ranked programs often seek high-scoring applicants to improve their rankings.

For applicants from competitive backgrounds such as Indian IT professionals and Asian science applicants, it's important to note that graduate programs aim for diverse classes and don't want an excessive number of applicants from similar backgrounds. This means that what constitutes a "good" or "great" GRE score may vary based on your background and the other applicants you're competing against. To gauge what scores are suitable for you, it's best to connect with current students from similar backgrounds and ask about the class average statistics. It might be impolite to ask for individual scores, so asking for the average is a better approach.

Additionally, average scores for specific fields of study, such as engineering, may be more competitive and mathematically inclined. Therefore, what's considered a "good" or "safe" score will differ based on the program and field of study.

INTENDED GRADUATE MAJOR FIELD	AVERAGE VERBAL SCORE	AVERAGE QUANT SCORE	AWA
Business	153	159	3.7
Education	151	148	3.8
Engineering	151	161	3.4
Humanities and Arts	156	152	4.1
Law	155	152	4.1
Life Sciences	150	150	3.8
Physical Sciences	152	162	3.4
Social and Behavioral Sciences	154	154	3.9
Other Fields	150	151

How to improve your GRE Percentile Score?

• Best Books for GRE Preparation in 2024
• How to achieve your target GRE score on a budget
• Shorter GRE-The BEST FREE Practice Tests and Questions Banks
• Free Materials for the GRE General Exam - Where to get it!!

Conclusions & Remarks

1. Take a look at the universities’ average GRE scores; do not rely too much on the percentile. It could be misleading. ALWAYS take a look at the average score released yearly on your MBA class profile or on the website of the School you are going to apply. Stick to the average GRE score they school is looking for. It is the best and safest way to know which score you are aiming for.
2. Create a "to do" list of the institutions you are interested in applying to;
3. Emphasize the side of the score you need for. For example, most universities put more stress on the score that reflects their nature. If you intend to apply for a business graduate program, bet on quant. If you want to go to an Education program: go for the verbal side, having more weight;
4. Aim to score at least two points above the highest score after you have shortlisted the universities’ average scores. This is also useful because it represents a sort of buffer zone in case parts or elements of your application are somehow weak, you could compensate this with some GRE points more.