Almost all students tend to over analyze their GRE test scores. Common questions include: “What is a good GRE test score?” and “What GRE test scores do universities require?” To answer these questions, it is vital to understand the various components within the GRE Examination and how GRE exam scores are calculated.
The GRE Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections are scored with a scale of 200 to 800, with 10 point increments. The GRE Analytical Writing segment is scored over a 0 to 6 scale with half-point increments. Your scores for the Verbal and Quantitative sections are determined by your performance on the questions you were given and on the total number of questions answered during the time allotted.
The verbal and quantitative parts of the GRE Examination are applied in a “computer-adaptive testing” (CAT) format. The CAT layout adapts the difficulty of the questions based on how a student answers the questions. An average difficulty question is administered to start with, and then harder questions are given if the first question is answered accurately, or easier questions are given if the first question is missed. The purpose of the CAT plan is usually to adjust the questions based on the user’s ability. With the CAT approach, you aren’t allowed to go back and change answers to prior questions, and one should answer each question to proceed.
Where Do You Rank On Your GRE Scores
The best way to comprehend your GRE exam scores is by comparing them to other students and seeing what your chosen universities demand. The table below shows your percentile in comparison to other students. For instance, if you scored a 700 on your GRE Quantitative Reasoning score, this implies that your percentile test score is 72 (i.e., you scored greater than 72% of the other students who took the GRE Test). For students who took the GRE test between July 1, 2004 and June 30, 2007, the average (mean) GRE Scores were 462 for Verbal Reasoning, 584 for Quantitative Reasoning and 4.0 for Analytical Writing.
Summary of GRE Percentiles
Scaled GRE Score | Verbal Reasoning Percentile | Quantitative Reasoning Percentile
800 —|— 99 —|— 94
700 —|— 97 —|— 72
600 —|— 85 —|— 48
500 —|— 61 —|— 28
400 —|— 33 —|— 13
300 —|— 07 —|— 04
One idea is clear concerning GRE Test Scores – in order to do well on the GRE Examination, you should be ready.
Scott Mansfield is the Test Editor for Test-Guide.com, a provider of free GRE test prep. Test-Guide.com provides free test preparation for GRE, SAT, ACT, GMAT, TOEFL exams and more. Helps test takers improve their scores. Find out test dates and how to interpret your test scores. Includes free practice exams, test taking tips, and study guides.