GRE® Scores
The GRE® revised General Test was introduced in August 2011, making the most trusted assessment of graduate-level skills even better. When developing the GRE revised General Test, significant changes were made to the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning measures. As such, professional standards required us to change the score scales for those measures.
GRE revised General Test Scores
(for tests taken on or after August 1, 2011)
The score scales for the GRE revised General Test, which are designed to provide more simplicity in distinguishing performance differences among applicants, are as follows:
| Section | Score Scale |
|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 130–170, in 1-point increments |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130–170, in 1-point increments |
| Analytical Writing | 0–6, in half-point increments |
Any section in which the test taker answers no questions at all is reported as a No Score (NS).
GRE® General Test Scores
(for tests taken prior to August 1, 2011)
| Section | Score Scale |
|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 200–800, in 10-point increments |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 200–800, in 10-point increments |
| Analytical Writing | 0–6, in half-point increments |
For test taken prior to August 1, 2011, score reports include a test-taker's Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores on the prior 200–800 scales as well as estimated Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores on the current 130–170 score scales. Analytical Writing scores are reported on a 0–6 scale.
GRE® Subject Test Scores
The GRE® Subject Tests report one total score on a 200–990 score scale, in 10-point increments, although the score range for any particular Subject Test is usually smaller.
Subscores are reported for the Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology; Biology; and Psychology tests on a 20–99 score scale, in one-point increments, although the range for any particular Subject Test subscore is usually smaller.
Test Fairness and Score Use
At ETS we rely on a rigorous internal system of checks and balances to ensure fairness and validity of GRE tests and scores. Our Research and Development team conducts surveys, committee work, extensive data analysis and a variety of studies that focus on measurements, evaluations and comparisons. For more information, see the following documents:
- GRE Guide to the Use of Scores — Contains interpretation information to assist score users, summarizes the considerations for appropriate use of GRE test scores and encourages institutions to use GRE scores appropriately.
- Factors That Can Influence Performance on the GRE General Test — A companion to the GRE Guide to the Use of Scores that details the performance of subgroups on the GRE test.
- A Comprehensive Review of Published GRE Validity Data — Summarizes validity studies of the GRE General Test measures.
See also:
- GRE Guide to the Use of Scores
- A Snapshot of the Individuals Who Took the GRE revised General Test
- "Understanding and Using the New GRE Score Scales" On-demand Webinar (Flash)
- Become a Score User

Business Schools: Maximize your recruiting reach!
Tell your prospective applicants that you welcome GRE scores.
Create a More Powerful Recruitment Strategy!
Reach prospects who have demonstrated graduate-level readiness through their GRE test performance — only with the GRE Search Service.
Sign up for GRE eUpdates!
Get the latest news about GRE tests and services delivered right to your Inbox.


