Understanding GRE Percentiles 2024: What Does Your GRE Score Mean

If you're gearing up for the GRE as part of your graduate school journey, understanding GRE percentiles is crucial. 

Read this article to unravel the mysteries of GRE score percentiles, including the calculation and application of GRE percentiles, percentile tables, and other comprehensive insights.

What are GRE Percentiles

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized examination that has been in operation since 1936. It is managed by Educational Testing Services (ETS). 

Many institutions in the United States and around the world use the GRE to assess a candidate's suitability for various programs. Most colleges prioritize a high GRE score when admitting students to their programs. 

It is important to note that the GRE does not offer a cumulative score. Instead, you receive a separate score for each of the three sections of the test: Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing, and Quantitative Reasoning.

GRE Score Range 2024

Whether the GRE score percentiles range is deemed favorable depends on the institution you aim to join. On average, a verbal score of 150 and a quantitative score of 152 are typical.

Nonetheless, individual institutions may have distinct score requirements, making it crucial to research and align your target score accordingly.

GRE Score Range for General Test 2024

How are GRE Percentile Scores Calculated

When determining GRE percentile scores, it's crucial to understand the calculation methods for both the general test and subject tests.

General Test Score Calculation:

Scores from different general test measures cannot be directly compared, as each measure is scored separately. Percentile ranks provided on your score report allow for relative performance comparison across measures. 

It is important to note that while a score reflects a similar level of ability regardless of when it was achieved, its percentile rank may vary based on the comparison group. Verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning scores consider both the number of correct answers and the difficulty level of each section. 

Analytical writing essay responses are assessed using a 6-point holistic scale, evaluating the overall quality of the essay in response to the task.

Subject Test Score Calculation:

GRE subject tests are scored on a range from 200 to 990 in 10-point increments, though the actual range may be narrower for specific subject tests. 

The scores are based on the number of correct answers provided. Since scores are calculated independently for each test, it is important to compare subject test scores only within the same subject test. 

For example, a score of 780 on the mathematics test cannot be equated with a 720 score on the psychology test obtained in 2024.

ETS calculates GRE test percentiles using all GRE test takers' scores from the most recent three testing years. Each testing year goes from July 1 of one year to June 30 of the next year. 

So basically, your percentile tells you what percentage of test-takers scored lower than you on the same test form in the past three years.