👋 Hello, my friends at GRE Prep Club!

You may need to perform better in one section than in another, depending on the program you are applying to. A math-heavy master’s in engineering or finance, for instance, will naturally place more weight on your Quant score. But admissions committees still look at your overall performance. A strong, well-balanced GRE score reflects not just aptitude in a specific skill area but also the kind of intellectual range and discipline graduate programs value.

If your percentiles are uneven, it may raise questions about your readiness for graduate-level work in general. A very high Quant score combined with a weak Verbal or Writing score can suggest limited communication skills or a lack of attention to detail. Conversely, a strong Verbal score with a weak Quant result could signal difficulty with quantitative reasoning, even in programs where math is not the main focus.

For math-heavy programs, your Quant score will almost certainly need to be well above average. But that does not mean the other sections can be ignored. Balanced scores, with Verbal and Writing results that are at least average or higher, help show that you are serious about the exam as a whole. They tell the admissions committee that you approached the GRE with care and professionalism, the same way you are likely to approach your graduate studies.

Many test takers underestimate the value of the Analytical Writing section, assuming it carries little weight in technical fields. While a low Writing score may not immediately disqualify you, it can send the wrong signal. It might imply that you were not fully invested in the test or that you have not developed the written communication skills essential for research, collaboration, and publication in graduate school.

When it comes to something as important as your graduate application, it makes sense to aim for balance. A thoughtful performance across all sections does more than improve your composite score. It shows that you take the process seriously, and that you bring both the analytical and communication skills needed to succeed at the next level.

Reach out to me with any questions about your G​RE prep. Happy studying!

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep