When preparing for graduate school, one of the biggest questions students ask is, “What is a good GRE score?” The answer depends on several key factors, including your intended field of study, the specific schools you’re applying to, and how competitive those programs are. However, one thing remains constant—understanding the GRE score range is essential to setting realistic goals and crafting an effective study plan.

What Is the GRE?

The Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, is a standardized test required for admission to most graduate programs around the world. It’s designed to evaluate a student’s readiness for advanced academic work, assessing critical thinking, analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning. The test is divided into three main sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.

Each section serves a distinct purpose:

• Verbal Reasoning measures your ability to analyze and draw conclusions from discourse, reason from incomplete data, and understand relationships between words and concepts.
• Quantitative Reasoning tests your mathematical problem-solving skills and your understanding of basic concepts in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
• Analytical Writing assesses your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively through written communication.

Understanding how each section is scored will help you plan how to approach the exam.

GRE Score Range Explained

The GRE scores range from a minimum of 260 to a maximum of 340 for the combined Verbal and Quantitative sections. Each of these two sections is scored separately on a scale of 130 to 170, in one-point increments. The Analytical Writing section is scored independently, on a scale from 0.0 to 6.0, in half-point increments.

So while the total GRE score is commonly referred to as the sum of the Verbal and Quantitative scores (260–340), graduate schools usually pay close attention to your individual section scores, especially depending on the program you are applying to.

For example, math-intensive programs like engineering or data science will focus more heavily on your Quantitative Reasoning score, while programs in literature, law, or history will emphasize Verbal Reasoning.

Score Bands and What They Mean

To simplify the GRE scoring scale:

• The Verbal Reasoning section has a score range of 130 to 170.
• The Quantitative Reasoning section also ranges from 130 to 170.
• The Analytical Writing score ranges from 0.0 to 6.0.

This means your maximum possible score on the GRE (excluding Analytical Writing) is 340, and the minimum is 260.

Let’s break it down further by looking at what different score levels indicate:

• Perfect Scores: 170 in Verbal or Quant; extremely rare and represents a performance better than 99% of all test-takers.
• Competitive Scores: Typically start around 158 in Verbal and 165 in Quant, which place you above the 75th percentile.
• Average Scores: Hover around 151 in Verbal and 158 in Quant.
• Below Average: Anything under 150 in either section could make your application less competitive unless offset by strong credentials elsewhere.

Understanding GRE Percentiles

Your raw GRE score doesn’t tell the full story unless you understand its percentile ranking. The percentile shows how your score compares to other test-takers. If you score in the 80th percentile for Quantitative Reasoning, that means you performed better than 80% of people who took the test.

Here’s a general breakdown of percentiles based on recent test data:

• Verbal Reasoning
  
  • 90th percentile and above: 163–170
  • 75th–89th percentile: 158–162
  • 50th–74th percentile: 151–157
  • Below 50th percentile: 150 or lower
• Quantitative Reasoning
  
  • 90th percentile: 170
  • 80th–89th percentile: 165–169
  • 60th–79th percentile: 160–164
  • Below 60th percentile: 159 or lower

By comparing your raw scores to these percentiles, you can better assess where you stand among the applicant pool.

The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

Although the AWA is scored separately and often overlooked, it’s still an important part of your application. Some programs, particularly those with writing-intensive coursework, may require a minimum score.

AWA scores fall between 0.0 and 6.0, with average scores typically around 3.5 to 4.0. Scoring a 4.5 or higher puts you in a strong position and shows that you can communicate ideas effectively.

Here’s what the AWA scoring scale generally means:

• 6.0: Outstanding critical thinking and writing
• 5.0–5.5: Strong performance
• 4.0–4.5: Competent writing, on par with most test-takers
• 3.0–3.5: Below average, may be concerning for some programs
• Below 3.0: Weak performance, needs improvement

What GRE Score Should You Aim For?

A good GRE score is not universal. It depends on your academic goals and the specific expectations of the programs you’re applying to. That said, a good rule of thumb is to aim for scores in the 75th percentile or higher in the section that’s most important for your field.

Let’s look at a few broad academic fields and the average GRE scores reported by applicants in each:

• Engineering and Physical Sciences: Typically favor higher Quant scores—average Quant is around 161, with Verbal lower at 150–152.
• Humanities and Social Sciences: More emphasis on Verbal—average Verbal is around 154–156, while Quant scores may be in the low 150s.
• Business and Economics: Require balance—Quant scores typically range from 160–168, Verbal between 153–158.
• Education and Life Sciences: Verbal and Quant scores are more balanced, often averaging between 150–155.

Knowing the average GRE score for your intended major helps you set a benchmark that matches your target.

Program-Specific Differences

Graduate schools do not all evaluate GRE scores the same way. A top-tier economics PhD program may require near-perfect Quant scores but may be more lenient with Verbal. Conversely, a literature or communications graduate program may expect your Verbal score to be in the upper 160s.

This makes research critical. Review admissions data for your intended schools if available. If exact numbers aren’t posted, you can often infer expectations based on published class profiles or reach out to program coordinators.

Score Trends Over Time

Understanding how average GRE scores have shifted over time can give you an idea of the competition. In recent years, scores have remained fairly stable, but changes in applicant demographics, test-taking strategies, and graduate program expectations can cause slight fluctuations.

For example, the average Quantitative Reasoning score has remained slightly higher than Verbal in most recent years. This could reflect a growing number of applicants from technical backgrounds or increased focus on math-based fields like analytics and computer science.

Balanced vs. Skewed Scores

Sometimes students ask: “If I do really well in one section but poorly in another, will that hurt my chances?”

The answer is: it depends on the program.

• STEM programs often care more about Quant. A Quant score of 168 and Verbal score of 151 may still make you a strong candidate.
• Humanities programs prioritize Verbal. In that case, a 160+ Verbal score may offset a lower Quant score.
• Balanced programs—such as business, psychology, or social sciences—will look for more even performance across both sections.

In general, aiming for a minimum of 155 in each section is a safe target unless your field clearly favors one over the other.

What Is a Bad GRE Score?

Let’s face it—not everyone walks away from the GRE with a score they’re proud of. But what exactly counts as a “bad” GRE score?

In objective terms, a score in the bottom 25th percentile (roughly below 150 in Verbal or Quant) is considered weak and might raise concerns for admissions committees. Still, context matters.

Even if you score below average, that doesn’t mean your grad school dream is over. Many programs take a holistic approach to admissions. That means they consider your GPA, letters of recommendation, research experience, and personal statement along with your GRE.

If your GRE score is lower than desired, think about how you can strengthen other parts of your application or retake the test after targeted preparation.

GRE Score Expectations by Program – Finding the Right Target for Your Field

Every graduate program has different expectations for GRE scores. What qualifies as “competitive” for a Master of Public Health program may fall short for a top-tier PhD in economics. To set meaningful GRE goals, you need to understand what your desired schools are looking for and how your chosen field influences those expectations.

Why GRE Expectations Vary by Discipline

Graduate programs are highly specialized, and their GRE expectations reflect the skills needed to succeed in the field. For example, graduate study in computer engineering requires strong quantitative reasoning ability, while comparative literature demands exceptional verbal analysis.

That’s why admissions committees don’t look at the GRE total score in isolation. They evaluate section scores separately, weighing each according to its relevance to the program.

In quantitative-heavy disciplines, your math score often serves as a gatekeeper. A weak Quantitative Reasoning score in fields like data science, statistics, or electrical engineering may signal insufficient readiness, even if the rest of your application is strong.

Meanwhile, in fields that are writing- or theory-intensive, a high Verbal Reasoning score can carry enormous weight. For example, history, sociology, political science, and philosophy departments want students who can analyze dense texts, craft persuasive arguments, and communicate clearly in writing. In these cases, a low Verbal score might raise red flags, even if you excel in Quant.

Understanding the role your GRE score plays in your field gives you a roadmap. Once you grasp what matters most to your program, you can focus your preparation accordingly.

GRE Score Ranges by Field of Study

The GRE scoring patterns by field show that average scores vary significantly across disciplines. Below is a general summary of score expectations based on field, along with insights to guide your goal-setting.

Business Programs

Business schools are increasingly accepting GRE scores in addition to the GMAT. Competitive applicants to MBA and business-related master’s programs generally need strong scores in both Verbal and Quant, with slightly higher expectations in Quant.

Typical competitive range:

• Verbal: 155–162
• Quant: 160–168
• AWA: 4.0+

Top-tier programs in finance or analytics may expect Quant scores of 165 or higher, while leadership-focused MBA programs place slightly more emphasis on Verbal.

Engineering and Physical Sciences

STEM fields are laser-focused on your ability to perform mathematical analysis. For engineering and physical sciences programs, your Quant score is often the primary factor.

Typical competitive range:

• Verbal: 150–155
• Quant: 165–170
• AWA: 3.5+

A Verbal score on the lower end is usually acceptable, but low Quant scores (under 160) may hurt your application in highly selective programs.

Social Sciences and Psychology

Social and behavioral science programs value balance. While Quant skills are important, especially in research and data-driven fields like economics or psychology, a strong Verbal score is also expected.

Typical competitive range:

• Verbal: 155–162
• Quant: 155–165
• AWA: 4.0+

Psychology and education programs often seek high AWA scores as well, reflecting the importance of written expression.

Humanities and Arts

Applicants to programs like English, history, art history, and cultural studies need standout Verbal scores. In fact, some of the highest average Verbal scores across all GRE test-takers come from humanities students.

Typical competitive range:

• Verbal: 160–167
• Quant: 145–155
• AWA: 4.5+

Many humanities programs give minimal weight to Quant scores but expect you to demonstrate strong written communication and analytical thinking.

Life Sciences and Health Fields

In fields like public health, biology, and medicine-related graduate programs, balance matters. These programs value reasoning across disciplines, especially as medicine becomes increasingly data-driven.

Typical competitive range:

• Verbal: 152–158
• Quant: 155–162
• AWA: 3.5–4.0

If your desired program leans heavily into research or epidemiology, aim for higher Quant scores.

Law and Public Policy

Programs in public policy, international relations, and law seek applicants who can analyze arguments, understand complex legal or governmental systems, and write persuasively.

Typical competitive range:

• Verbal: 157–165
• Quant: 150–158
• AWA: 4.5+

High Verbal and AWA scores are particularly important, as communication skills are critical in these disciplines.

How to Find GRE Score Expectations for Specific Schools

While general field-based benchmarks are useful, they are not enough. Each school and program has its own standard, and some are more transparent than others. Here are several ways to find accurate GRE expectations for your target schools.

1. Check Program Admissions Pages

Many universities publish admitted student profiles or minimum GRE requirements on their websites. Look for sections on admissions statistics, class profiles, or FAQs about application requirements. Note whether the published scores are averages or minimums. If a school lists average scores, aim to exceed them.

2. Contact the Admissions Office

If the school does not publicly post GRE expectations, don’t hesitate to reach out. A polite email asking for average GRE scores or guidance on what makes a competitive score is welcome. Be sure to mention your specific program of interest, as expectations vary by department.

3. Connect with Current or Recent Students

If you know someone currently enrolled in the program, ask them about the score ranges of students in their cohort. Online forums or student groups may also offer valuable insight. This informal data can help you assess whether your current score is in line with program expectations.

4. Use Publicly Available Graduate Data Reports

Some graduate schools, especially large public universities, provide data dashboards or reports with information about graduate admissions. These reports often include average test scores by department.

5. Understand Holistic Review

Many programs use a holistic admissions process. That means your GRE score is one piece of a larger puzzle. Even if your score is slightly below average, you may still be admitted if your GPA, recommendation letters, work experience, and personal statement are strong. Likewise, a great GRE score won’t save a weak application overall.

Setting a Target Score That Makes Sense for You

Once you’ve gathered data from your field and target programs, it’s time to set a personal target score. This should be realistic based on your current performance and rigorous enough to make your application competitive.

Here are some tips to set your goal:

• Base your goal on data. Use school-specific information where possible. If not, use national averages for your field as a starting point.
• Consider your strengths and weaknesses. If your background is strong in math but weak in writing, set a higher Quant target and work steadily to improve Verbal.
• Don’t aim for perfection. Not every successful applicant scores a 170. Most admitted students fall somewhere in the 75th–90th percentile for their field.
• Set separate goals for each section. Programs care about individual scores, so it’s not enough to aim for a combined score alone.

For example, if you’re applying to a competitive psychology PhD program, your goals might be:

• Verbal: 160
• Quant: 157
• AWA: 4.5

If your practice test scores are 154 Verbal and 153 Quant, that gives you a clear sense of how much improvement is needed.

Tracking Your Progress Toward That Score

Once your target is set, the next step is tracking your progress. This is where regular practice tests and diagnostics become essential.

• Start with a full-length diagnostic test under timed conditions to get your baseline score.
• Analyze your results to find patterns in your mistakes. Are you struggling more with reading comprehension or vocabulary in context? Are your Quant errors due to misreading the question or forgetting formulas?
• Use this information to create a targeted study plan that improves your weaknesses while reinforcing your strengths.
• Take another full-length practice test every two to three weeks. This helps measure improvement and increases your comfort with the test format.

Keep a GRE prep journal or spreadsheet to track scores across time. Seeing growth—even if it’s small—keeps you motivated.

Preparing Mentally for the GRE

GRE preparation isn’t just academic. There’s a mental and emotional component, too. Test anxiety, burnout, and perfectionism can affect your ability to perform on test day. It’s essential to build a plan that supports your mindset along with your study habits.

• Break your studying into manageable sessions. Consistency is more effective than cramming.
• Balance intense practice with rest days.
• Celebrate small improvements. If your Quant score moves from 152 to 155, that’s a win worth acknowledging.
• Avoid comparing yourself to others. Focus on meeting your own program-specific goals.

When Should You Consider Retaking the GRE?

If you’ve already taken the GRE but didn’t reach your target scores, don’t panic. Many students improve significantly on their second or third attempt, especially with a revised study strategy.

You should consider retaking the GRE if:

• Your scores are significantly below the average for your desired program.
• You know you underperformed due to nerves, illness, or poor time management.
• You’ve identified specific areas for improvement and have a plan to address them.

Many schools consider your highest section scores across attempts, so don’t be afraid to try again if needed.

How to Improve Your GRE Scores – A Section-by-Section Strategy

Improving your GRE score requires more than just memorizing vocabulary or brushing up on high school math. The GRE is a reasoning test, designed to measure how well you apply logic, analyze arguments, and solve problems under time constraints. Success on the GRE depends on knowing what to study, how to study, and how to approach each question with strategic insight.

Step One: Identify Your Starting Point

Before you can improve your score, you need to know exactly where you stand. The best way to do that is by taking a full-length, timed practice test. This gives you a realistic preview of what test day will feel like and provides a benchmark for your current ability.

After your practice test, review the results carefully. Note the number of correct and incorrect answers in each section, and look for patterns. Are you stronger in reading comprehension but weaker in sentence equivalence? Are you comfortable with arithmetic but struggling with geometry?

This diagnostic review forms the foundation of your personalized study plan. It tells you where to spend your energy and how far you are from your target scores.

Improving Your Verbal Reasoning Score

The Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE tests your ability to understand written material, analyze relationships among parts of sentences, and recognize vocabulary in context. Many students struggle here, especially non-native English speakers or those who have not read academic material in some time.

Here are proven ways to improve in each Verbal question type.

1. Reading Comprehension

This question type involves analyzing a passage and answering multiple-choice questions that test your understanding of the author’s intent, tone, and logic. Here’s how to prepare:

• Practice active reading. Take notes while reading. Summarize each paragraph in a few words to keep track of the main ideas.
• Avoid reading word-for-word during the test. Skim for structure, not detail. Focus on the topic sentence of each paragraph and transitions between ideas.
• Anticipate questions. As you read, think about what questions might be asked. This builds your critical thinking muscle.
• Practice with non-GRE sources. Academic journals, opinion columns, and editorials are great for sharpening reading skills.

2. Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence

These questions test your ability to infer meaning from context and choose words that logically complete a sentence or set of sentences.

• Build a vocabulary list. Focus on common GRE words and their usage. Learn not just the definition, but also how the word functions in a sentence.
• Study word roots and prefixes. Understanding Latin and Greek roots can help you decode unfamiliar words.
• Read high-level material daily. Exposure to advanced vocabulary in context is more effective than memorization alone.
• Eliminate wrong choices strategically. Look for synonyms, tone mismatches, and grammatical inconsistencies.

3. Time Management in Verbal

The Verbal section allows 30 minutes per section with around 20 questions. Allocate 90 seconds for reading comprehension questions and about a minute for vocabulary-based questions. Flag difficult questions and return to them if time permits.

Daily Verbal Study Plan Example:

• 20 minutes of vocabulary drills or flashcards
• 30 minutes of reading comprehension with practice questions
• 10 minutes reviewing mistakes and logging new vocabulary
• Weekly: read one long-form article or editorial and analyze its structure

Improving Your Quantitative Reasoning Score

The Quantitative Reasoning section tests your ability to reason mathematically, interpret data, and solve problems using high school-level math. Many students underestimate this section, thinking it only tests basic math skills. In reality, the test is about how efficiently and logically you solve problems.

1. Review Core Concepts

Master the foundational topics first. These include:

• Arithmetic: fractions, percentages, ratios
• Algebra: equations, inequalities, expressions
• Geometry: angles, triangles, circles, coordinate geometry
• Data analysis: statistics, probability, charts and graphs

Don’t move on to harder problems until your fundamentals are solid. Use a math review workbook or a structured course to relearn concepts you haven’t seen in years.

2. Learn Problem-Solving Strategies

• Estimate when possible. Many questions can be solved faster through smart approximations.
• Plug in numbers for variables. This is especially useful for word problems or algebraic expressions.
• Backsolve from answer choices. Start with the middle choice and work your way up or down.
• Use number properties. Knowing rules for even/odd, prime numbers, or divisibility can simplify complex problems.

3. Practice Quant Word Problems

Quant word problems test your ability to translate language into math. This is a key skill for the GRE. Practice turning real-world scenarios into algebraic expressions or equations. Look for keywords that signal specific operations (such as “sum,” “product,” or “percent increase”).

4. Time Management in Quant

Each Quant section lasts 35 minutes with around 20 questions. You’ll have about 90 seconds per question. Pace yourself by breaking the section into five-question sets and budgeting time accordingly.

Daily Quant Study Plan Example:

• 20 minutes reviewing a core math topic (exponents, geometry, etc.)
• 30 minutes of mixed problem sets with timed practice
• 10 minutes analyzing incorrect answers and building a strategy list

Improving Your Analytical Writing Score

The Analytical Writing section contains two essays: one where you analyze an issue and another where you analyze an argument. While this section is scored separately, many graduate programs value strong writing skills, especially in the humanities and social sciences.

1. Understand the Essay Tasks

• The “Analyze an Issue” task asks you to take a position on a statement and support your viewpoint with reasons and examples.
• The “Analyze an Argument” task asks you to critique someone else’s argument, pointing out assumptions and evaluating logic.

Each task requires a different kind of thinking. Practice outlining both kinds of essays so you’re comfortable switching between them.

2. Use the Standard Essay Structure

Stick to a five-paragraph structure:

• Introduction with thesis
• Two to three body paragraphs with examples
• Conclusion that reinforces your argument

Using a clear, logical structure helps your score more than trying to sound overly sophisticated.

3. Focus on Clarity and Logic

You do not need to use complex vocabulary to score well. Focus instead on making a clear, logical argument with well-developed examples. Avoid vague generalizations. Each paragraph should support your main point with evidence or reasoning.

4. Practice Timed Essays

Time pressure can impact your performance. Practice writing essays in 30 minutes to simulate test conditions. Review your essays critically or ask someone else to give feedback.

Daily AWA Study Plan Example:

• Alternate daily between writing issue and argument essays
• Spend 15 minutes reviewing sample high-scoring essays
• Focus weekly on improving grammar, transitions, or paragraph coherence

Tracking and Measuring Your Improvement

As you work through each section, it’s vital to keep track of your progress. This gives you motivation and shows you whether your methods are effective.

Create a GRE journal or digital tracker that includes:

• Practice test scores by section
• Number of questions attempted each week
• Common error types (e.g., misreading, formula error, weak vocabulary)
• Strategies that worked and ones that need revision

Set weekly goals, such as improving your accuracy in algebra or finishing essays within the time limit. Celebrate milestones—whether that’s getting through a tough geometry set or learning 50 new vocabulary words.

Balancing Preparation with Life

GRE prep requires consistent focus, but life doesn’t pause while you study. The key is to create a routine that fits into your schedule.

• If you’re a full-time student, designate early mornings or evenings for GRE prep.
• If you work full-time, commit to shorter but intense sessions—perhaps one hour on weekdays and two hours on weekends.
• Use commuting time to review flashcards, listen to educational podcasts, or read complex articles.

Remember that progress comes with discipline, not perfection. A well-planned two-month study schedule with daily practice can yield significant improvement.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Some students spend hours studying but don’t see progress. That’s usually because they fall into one of the following traps:

• Focusing only on strengths. If you avoid your weak areas, you’ll never improve where it counts.
• Doing random practice without strategy. Each session should have a clear focus—such as mastering a math topic or analyzing argument flaws.
• Not reviewing mistakes. You learn more from incorrect answers than correct ones. Dig into why you got something wrong and how to fix it next time.
• Cramming before the test. Long-term retention requires spaced repetition. Steady, consistent study beats marathon sessions every time.

When to Consider Professional Support

While many students succeed through self-study, others benefit from structured support. If you’ve hit a score plateau, struggle with test anxiety, or don’t know how to create a study plan, external guidance can be helpful.

A tutor, class, or study group can provide:

• Accountability and motivation
• Custom strategies for your unique learning style
• Clear feedback on essays and complex problem-solving

If you choose outside help, make sure it aligns with your goals and learning preferences. Avoid courses that are too general or don’t focus on your weak areas.

 GRE Test Day Preparation and Final Strategies for Success

Preparing for the GRE is not just about mastering vocabulary or solving equations. It’s also about preparing mentally, physically, and emotionally for test day. Many students spend months studying only to freeze up during the exam because they didn’t prepare for the actual test-day experience. Success comes from a combination of knowledge, planning, confidence, and execution.

Final Review: The Week Before the GRE

In the final week leading up to the test, your focus should shift from learning new content to reviewing what you’ve already studied. This is not the time to cram new material or overexert yourself with long study hours. The goal is to reinforce your strengths, patch small knowledge gaps, and build confidence.

Create a schedule that looks something like this:

• Day 1: Review all math formulas and take a light Quantitative practice set
• Day 2: Review all high-frequency vocabulary and read a complex passage for Verbal
• Day 3: Write one timed Analytical Writing essay and review another
• Day 4: Complete a short, mixed question set from all sections
• Day 5: Take a full-length practice test under timed conditions
• Day 6: Rest, lightly review your notes or flashcards
• Day 7 (Day before the test): Take the day off to rest your mind and body

Throughout this week, focus on reviewing strategies. Re-read your notes on pacing, educated guessing, and how to handle difficult passages or tricky math problems. Think of this week as the tapering phase of a long-distance race. You’ve already done the heavy lifting. Now, you’re conserving energy for peak performance.

The Day Before the GRE

Avoid studying the day before the test. This may seem counterintuitive, especially if you still feel nervous, but last-minute cramming can cause more harm than good. The best use of your time is mental and logistical preparation.

Here’s how to spend your day:

• Get organized: Gather everything you’ll need for test day. This includes your photo ID, test confirmation, snacks, water, and acceptable scratch paper if allowed. Double-check the test location and your transportation plan.
• Rest your brain: Do something enjoyable and relaxing, like watching a light movie, taking a walk, or spending time with family.
• Go to bed early: Aim for at least seven to eight hours of sleep. Even if nerves keep you up longer than expected, resting your body will help your mind stay sharper.

Do not second-guess your preparation. You’ve done your part, and tomorrow is the time to apply it.

What to Expect on Test Day

Knowing what will happen on test day helps reduce uncertainty and stress. The more familiar the environment and process feels, the more comfortable you’ll be when the test begins.

Here is a typical GRE test-day experience:

• Arrival: Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes early. You’ll check in with an administrator, show your identification, and go through a security process, which may include fingerprinting or a photo.
• Test station: You’ll be assigned a computer in a quiet testing room. Each station typically has headphones, a whiteboard or scratch paper, and a pencil or marker.
• Sections and breaks: The GRE consists of six sections, including Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing. You’ll have a 10-minute break after the third section and optional one-minute breaks between the others.
• Timing: Each Verbal and Quantitative section is 30–35 minutes. The AWA consists of two 30-minute tasks.
• Optional research or unscored section: One section may be unscored and used for research. You won’t know which one it is, so treat each section seriously.
• Finishing up: After completing the test, you’ll be shown your unofficial Verbal and Quant scores. You’ll have the option to report or cancel your scores. If you report them, you can send them to up to four schools for free.

Staying informed and ready reduces the cognitive load on test day. Instead of worrying about logistics, your energy can go toward the test itself.

What to Bring and What to Leave

Being prepared also means bringing only what you need and leaving distractions at home. Here’s a list to help you pack smartly.

Bring:

• Valid photo ID that matches the name used in your GRE registration
• Test confirmation email (printed or accessible on your phone)
• Snacks and water for the break (stored in a locker during testing)
• Sweater or light jacket (testing rooms can be cold)
• Comfort items like tissues or cough drops if necessary

Leave at home:

• Phones, smartwatches, and any electronic devices
• Study notes, books, or papers
• Personal calculators (the GRE provides an on-screen calculator for Quant)

The test center will typically provide a locker for your belongings. You’ll only be allowed to bring approved items into the testing room.

Test-Taking Strategies to Use During the GRE

When you sit down at the computer, it’s not just your knowledge that matters—your test strategy plays a huge role. Here are techniques to help you stay in control and get the most from your abilities.

1. Pacing Strategy

Time management is the key to maximizing your score. Aim to spend no more than 1.5 minutes per Verbal or Quant question. Use the review screen to flag tricky items and return to them later if time allows.

2. Guessing Wisely

There’s no penalty for incorrect answers, so you should always make a guess rather than leaving an answer blank. Eliminate obviously wrong choices and use logical reasoning to pick the best remaining option.

3. Stay Calm Under Pressure

When you hit a hard question, don’t panic. Skip it if needed and return later. A single difficult item shouldn’t shake your confidence. Remember, each question is worth the same.

4. Use Breaks Effectively

During the 10-minute break, eat a snack, hydrate, and stretch. Avoid reviewing test content. The goal is to refresh your body and mind. Deep breathing can also help calm nerves.

5. Stick to Your Routine

If you’ve been practicing using a specific method (like solving math questions in steps or outlining essays), stick with it. Test day is not the time to experiment.

Managing Test Anxiety

Even well-prepared students can struggle with test anxiety. Stress isn’t always harmful—it can sharpen focus—but if left unchecked, it can hinder performance.

Here are ways to manage anxiety before and during the test:

• Visualization: Imagine yourself walking into the test center, sitting down, and calmly answering questions with confidence. Positive mental rehearsal can help reduce panic.
• Deep breathing: Inhale for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for four. Repeat this cycle for a minute to lower your heart rate and relax your body.
• Mindful affirmations: Remind yourself that your preparation matters, that one question will not define your score, and that progress is more important than perfection.
• Reframe nervousness: Instead of seeing nervous energy as a problem, see it as a sign that you’re ready to perform.

Being kind to yourself and maintaining perspective can go a long way toward calming test-day jitters.

After the Test: Interpreting and Using Your Scores

Once you complete the GRE, you’ll immediately see your unofficial Verbal and Quantitative scores. The Analytical Writing score is graded separately and becomes available later.

These immediate scores allow you to make informed decisions about score reporting. If your performance was significantly below your expectations and you’re confident it was an outlier, you can cancel the scores.

Otherwise, you’ll choose to send them to up to four graduate programs for free.

Once your official scores are released (usually within 10–15 days), use them to plan your next steps:

• If your scores are within your target range, congratulations—you’re ready to focus on the rest of your application.
• If they fall short, consider whether you want to retake the test. Evaluate your preparation, test-day performance, and how close you were to your goal.

Should You Retake the GRE?

Deciding whether to retake the GRE depends on a few key questions:

• Were your scores significantly below the averages for your intended programs?
• Did you face any test-day issues such as illness, technical problems, or extreme anxiety?
• Do you believe you can improve with targeted preparation?

If the answer is yes to any of the above, a retake could be worth it. Many students see improvements on a second attempt, especially if they revise their prep strategy.

Keep in mind that you can take the GRE once every 21 days and up to five times within a 12-month period.

Beyond the Test: Strengthening the Rest of Your Application

The GRE is just one part of the graduate application process. Your statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and personal achievements all contribute to your candidacy.

If your GRE scores are average but you have outstanding research experience or professional accomplishments, you may still be a strong applicant.

Use your personal statement to explain your goals, your fit with the program, and your passion for the field. If there’s a gap or weakness in your application, be honest and show growth.

Admissions committees appreciate applicants who show resilience, self-awareness, and clarity of purpose.

Final Thoughts: 

Reaching your GRE goal isn’t just about intelligence. It’s about preparation, strategy, and mindset. The process teaches you more than how to take a test—it teaches you how to manage time, overcome fear, and focus on long-term growth.

A high GRE score can open doors, but your journey doesn’t end there. Think of it as one important step toward your academic and professional dreams.

Trust the effort you’ve put in. Walk into the test center with calm focus. Use every minute of the exam wisely. And when it’s over, take pride in what you’ve accomplished—no matter the score.