What's a Good GRE Score for Top Universities? Percentiles 2026
GRE score guide — what's competitive for top-50 and top-10 universities, percentiles explained, and score ranges by field (STEM vs humanities, PhD vs master's).
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The GRE Quantitative and Verbal sections are each scored 130–170 in 1-point increments, for a combined 260–340. Analytical Writing is scored 0–6 in half-point steps. Your percentile rank shows how you compare to recent test-takers — for example, a Quant score of 160 is roughly the mid-80s percentile. Percentiles shift slightly year to year as cohorts change; check current ETS tables.
Competitive Scores for Top-50 Universities
Top-50 universities typically look for around 155–162 in each section (combined 310–320+) for competitive applicants, roughly the 65th–80th percentile. STEM fields emphasise Quant; humanities emphasise Verbal; business and social sciences want balance. These are general guidelines — confirm the specific expectations with your target programme's website.
Elite (Top-10) University Requirements
At top-10 universities, admitted students often have 162–170 Quant and 160–170 Verbal (combined ~320–340). However, admission is holistic; the GRE is one factor among research experience, recommendations, and statement of purpose. A 330+ signals strong ability but never guarantees admission. Check each programme's published middle-50% accepted score range.
Score Differences by Field (STEM vs Humanities)
STEM fields (engineering, physics, computer science) average roughly 160+ Quant and 155+ Verbal — Quant strength is essential. Humanities fields (literature, history, philosophy) average about 155 Quant and 160+ Verbal — Verbal skill is prioritised. Business and social sciences sit in the middle. Confirm your field's norms on programme pages and graduate forums.
GRE Scores for PhD vs Master's Programs
PhD programmes are usually more competitive and weigh research potential heavily alongside scores (often 315+ combined for strong applicants). Master's programmes vary widely — selective STEM or top-university programmes may want 310+, while others accept lower. Funded PhD positions often correlate with stronger scores. Always check your specific programme's historical data.
Strategy to Reach Your Target Score
Set a target based on your field and target universities (often 310–320 for competitive programmes). Take a baseline practice test to find weak areas — STEM students often start weaker on Verbal, humanities on Quant — and give your weaker section more prep time. Take full practice tests regularly to track percentile gains. Practise free GRE questions on LandingPrep to build familiarity with question types and pacing.