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What is Considered a Good Score on the GRE? 

So, you want to know what is considered a good score on the GRE? A lot of people give up before they even try; they conclude that GRE tests are challenging. Jokes on them, many test-takers make excellent scores every other year, and there are quite a number of them. With hard work and chance on your side, it is not as difficult as you may think it is.

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A good GRE score is a criterion if you want to get into a graduate program in a graduate study program. You’ll have to hit the bull’s eye at least 320 times on that excellent score, and a few missed shots here and there. If you want to make every point tally, you need to practice and learn time management. I can guarantee you have a 90% chance of being considered for the program if you do this.

You also need to understand that requirements for programs vary from school to school, what might be a good score for one school might be below par for another. So, an excellent ideal score would be a score that is good enough to attract the attention of the schools you want to attend.

So what exactly is considered a good score on the GRE? What scores does an applicant need to have to pass? First, you’ll need to understand how GRE tests are graded. Here’s a brief breakdown, there are three scores attainable from each of the sections on a GRE test. Verbal Reasoning has two sections, graded on 1-point increments on a score scale of 130 to 170. The same applies to the Quantitative Reasoning Section; it is graded on 1-point increments on a score scale of 130 to 170. The last section is the Analytical Writing section. It is graded on a 0 to 6 score scale on ½ score increments. These questions appear in no particular order.

The average scores of applicants on the Verbal and Quantitative sections range from 150 to 152, for the analytical section, it is somewhere around 3.5. The highest possible score attainable on a GRE test would be 170 points on the Verbal reasoning section, 170 points on the quantitative reasoning section, and 6 points on the Analytical Writing section. The highest score an applicant can score on a GRE test is 340. However, you do not need a perfect score to gain admission into any graduate program. It is not impossible to get a good GRE score.

If you’re not gunning for a perfect score and you want a score that is good enough to get into a program of your choice. I recommend you target at least a 75th percentile or a little above that. This requires you to score at least a 157 on the verbal reasoning section and 161 on the quantitative reasoning sections, respectively. I recommend that you aim for a 160+ on both sections, you should not miss more than 12 questions on the verbal section and not more than nine questions on the Quantitative section. Any score above 320 is generally considered a good GRE score. This will be enough for you to get into any program of your choosing.

There are no extra privileges or awards attached to having a perfect score; the ETS does not recognize it with an award. You might make the local newspaper or brag about it to your friends and family. One thing is for certain, and you are going to get the attention of the admissions committee.

Perfect scores are only necessary when you are looking for admission into Ivy League institutions, like Harvard, for example. This also applies to cases where the student is aiming for funding eligibility. Your score needs to stand out to prospective admission committees. This will serve as proof that you are an all-encompassing, well-rounded applicant. In the case of eligibility scores between 320 and 330 are considered good enough to qualify.

Here are a couple of tips to help you reach a score that will be as considered a good GRE score. You will have to make a lot of sacrifices and expend a lot of time and energy studying. I recommend you start reading three months before the test.

Here’s are the tips:

  • In the Quantitative and Verbal sections, you have to do your best, try to rake in as many points as possible, especially in the Quant. It is the most specific section to gather points in. The stakes are very high; a single wrong answer can ruin your chances of reaching a good score. Your essay in the analytical writing section should be high-quality.
  • You need to stay motivated. Getting a good score is not an easy task. It’s like swimming, and you have to kick your feet to keep your head above water. Learn to appreciate every amount of effort you put in. Feel the pressure but do not give in to it; let it drive you toward your goal. It is much better if you approach the goal with motivation than stress; it will feel less like a task. Work smart, not hard.
  • When you practice, use materials that are worth your time and money. Do not settle for mediocre content you find on the internet and make sure to check for authenticity.
  • Take tests. Taking tests will help you get familiar with your mistakes. This will, in turn, give you concise information on how to correct your errors. GRE has a platform called PowerPrep for testing your readiness, some others like Magoosh are reliable testers you can use.
  • Learn time management. Most applicants often take this for granted. You must figure out a way to manage time both before and during the test. You will need to finish and review your answers twice or at least once before your submission. The test lasts for about 4 hours, and you’ll be needing a lot of concentration and composure.

A good score is not very difficult to get; it’s like climbing Everest, not everyone can endure the climb but the ones that do enjoy one hell of a view.

I recommend that every applicant aim for a perfect score if you don’t meet the mark, you’ll have a score that is good enough to secure a graduate study program. Remember to aim to be among the 75th percentile is considered a good score on GRE. You know what they say, aim for the moon, if you miss you can still hit a star. I hope you found this article insightful. I wish you success in your test.

Indu Singh

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