Dec 28, 2022
GRE is one of the most important and mandatory tests for graduate students interested in pursuing higher studies, primarily in the USA and Canada. GRE scores are acceptable in colleges and universities in around 90 countries. The GRE has three main sections: Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning. But here, we would be dealing with Quantitative and Verbal sections only. The maximum score that you can get in these two sections is 340. Therefore, for test preparation for GRE, you need to have a strategy.
The quantitative and verbal sections include 170 marks each, and it is possible to score 100%, i.e. 340, but only a handful can do it. However, scoring between 300 and 320 is a common occurrence, and universities and colleges will accept students in this scoring range.
Moreover, there is another reason why you should aim for a score base of 300. It will enable you to choose from the best programs in the leading universities and colleges. On the other hand, a score below 300 will limit your choices.
But still it is important to keep in mind that not every program requires a high GRE score. Make sure you go through the program requirements of your choice before you start applying for admissions. Then you can strategise your GRE preparations accordingly.
For most of the programs in the US and Canada, the ideal score for getting a comfortable admission is around the 75th percentile or above. That means you need to score 157-plus in the verbal reasoning section, and in the quantitative reasoning section, you need to score 162-plus which is a cumulative score of 319+ in GRE.
If you want an admission to the top universities, you need to score around the 90th percentile or higher than that. In the verbal section, you need to score around 162-plus and over 168 in the quantitative section which is a cumulative score of 330+ in GRE.
Take a look at the table given below to have a better understanding:
| Score Range | Perfect Scores | Competitive Scores | Average Scores | Below Average Scores |
Verbal |
130-170 |
170 |
157+ |
151 |
145 |
Quantitative |
130-170 |
170 |
162+ |
154 |
147 |
Combined Multiple Choice Scores |
260-340 |
340 |
319+ |
305 |
292 |
If you want to find the precise score to gain entry into a particular program, in that case, computation of this score is a bit difficult, as other factors need to be considered for calculating the threshold score for entry into a PG or PhD program. Generally, you’ll want to get a higher score on the GRE section more closely related to your field. For instance, if you want to enter any PhD course, you need to score higher in the verbal section.
As a student, it is important that you have a proper strategy for achieving this score on the GRE. It is quite a substantial feat if you want to get a 300 score on the exam. To achieve 300, you need to have a grasp on the following:
People who score high on GRE are also proficient in making educated guesses. They know how to eliminate wrong answers and arrive at the right ones while attempting the multiple choice questions. So, there is a low probability of making an error while answering.
Another point you need to keep in mind is that you need proper coaching for GRE. You can self-study, but guidance from experienced teachers can further enhance your chances of securing desirable marks in the GRE.
So, if you have opted for coaching, make sure you have opted for GRE online coaching. This way, you can learn from the best faculty worldwide and ace the exam with flying colours.
There is nothing wrong with a score that is below 300, and no catastrophe will befall you. However, as discussed above, this makes the game a bit trickier. If the score is above 300, you can easily make it to universities and colleges like the University of Massachusetts, Boston or Michigan State University, Texas A & M University, University of Miami or any of the prestigious institutions. Below 300, you need to start assessing your choices and programs.
But how much lower than 300 are you? If you are 290-300, you still have a good chance of getting into a prestigious university. There are universities like the University of South Carolina, State University of New York, Albany, and both the campuses of California University, Howard University, Cleveland State University, Kent State University, etc.
Do you want to score high on your GRE? You can get in touch with the fastest-growing EdTech companies in India, like KC Overseas, which provides students with all the guidance they need to crack GRE with a high score. You will receive comprehensive solutions considering all the scenarios in mind, helping you achieve academic excellence in the best manner possible.