On the Graduate Record Examination® (GRE®), average verbal and quantitative scores are usually around 500, with a writing section score of around 4 — the writing section is scored differently than the other sections of the exam. On the GRE®, the average score is around 1040. When considering average GRE® scores, it’s also a good idea to think about the average scores for the school to which you’re applying. In many cases, the average GRE® scores at leading institutions are significantly higher than the national average. However, if your scores are above average, you may have the best chance of acceptance regardless of where you plan to apply.
When you take the GRE®, you will be given three different test categories to choose from. Verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing are examples of these categories or sections. Average GRE® scores can be calculated using the averages of each test section as well as the total score for all three sections. Average scores, on the other hand, fluctuate because they are calculated using test results from the previous year.
The verbal section of the GRE® has a range of scores ranging from 200 to 800. The average test score for this section is usually around 500, but in previous years, average test scores were around 457 or 460. This test is graded in increments of ten points.
The scale again ranges from 200 to 800 in terms of average GRE® scores on the quantitative reasoning section. The average score ranges between 500 and 600 points. For example, averages on this test have ranged from 586 to 590 in some years. This section of the test, like the verbal section, is graded in ten-point increments.
The writing section of the GRE® differs from the rest of the exam in that it does not use 10-point increments for scoring. Instead, this test is graded in half-point increments. Instead of 200 to 800, this test uses a 0 to 6 scale. On this section of the test, average GRE® scores are usually around 4.
While average scores may be acceptable at some schools, getting above-average scores may increase your chances of getting into your preferred school. In fact, some of the most selective schools may expect you to score significantly higher than the national averages. As a result, it’s a good idea to research the expected GRE® scores for the schools you’re considering.