What do GRE score percentiles actually mean?

A GRE score percentile shows how your score compares to other test-takers. If you are in the 75th percentile for Verbal Reasoning, it means you scored higher than 75% of the other candidates in that section. It provides context to your scaled score, which is crucial for admissions committees.

Is a 160 on the GRE a good score?

A score of 160 is generally considered very good and competitive for many graduate programs. A 160 on the Verbal section typically falls in the 85-90th percentile range, while a 160 on the Quant section is usually around the 70-75th percentile. Always check the specific requirements of your target programs.

How are the GRE Verbal and Quant sections scored?

The GRE uses a two-stage scoring process. First, your raw score is calculated based on the number of questions you answer correctly. This raw score is then converted into a scaled score on a 130-170 point scale. The exam is section-level adaptive, meaning your performance on the first section determines the difficulty of the second.

How long are my GRE scores valid for in 2026?

Your GRE General Test scores are valid for five years from the date you took the test. For example, if you take the exam on October 15, 2026, your scores will be reportable to schools until October 14, 2031. This five-year window provides significant flexibility for your application timeline.

Where can I find a FREE GRE practice test with score reports?

PracticeTestGeeks.com offers a FREE online GRE practice test that mirrors the official exam format. Upon completion, you receive an instant score report with detailed percentile analysis and explanations for all questions and answers. This is an excellent tool to gauge your readiness and focus your study efforts effectively.

GRE Scores

GRE practice test 2026 - FREE online with 892+ questions & answers. Instant results, expert explanations & PDF download. #1 rated [Updated March 2026]

GRE - Graduate Record Examinations By Dr. Lisa PatelApr 7, 202611 min read

How do GRE scores work?

GRE Score Scale	Verbal Reasoning Percentile	Quantitative Reasoning Percentile
170	99	96
169	99	95
168	98	93
167	98	90
166	97	89
165	96	86
164	94	84
163	93	82
162	90	79
161	88	76
160	86	73
159	83	70
158	80	67
157	76	64
156	73	60
155	68	56
154	64	53
153	60	49
152	54	45
151	51	41
150	46	37
149	41	34
148	37	30
147	33	26
146	29	23
145	26	19
144	22	16
143	19	13
142	16	11
141	14	9
140	11	7
139	9	6
138	8	4
137	6	3
136	4	2
135	3	2
134	2	1
133	2	1
132	1	1
131	1	1
130	1	1

Score Levels	Analytical Writing Percentile
6	99
5.5	98
5	92
4.5	81
4	57
3.5	39
3	15
2.5	7
2	2
1.5	1
1	1
0.5	1
0	1

Subject Test	Number of Test Takers	Mean	Standard Deviation
Biology	3,560	670	120
Chemistry	9,158	690	118
Literature in English	3, 763	543	102
Mathematics	15,305	661	147
Physics	20,700	712	160
Psychology	12,668	618	106

How long does it take to get GRE scores?

How long are GRE scores valid?

GRE Practice Test Questions

Prepare for the GRE - Graduate Record Examinations exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.

GRE Quantitative Reasoning

GRE Exam Questions covering Quantitative Reasoning. Master GRE Test concepts for certification prep.

Start FREE Test

GRE - Graduate Record Examinations Algebra...

Free GRE Practice Test featuring - Graduate Record Examinations Algebraic Equations and Functions. Improve your GRE Exam score with mock test prep.

Start FREE Test

GRE - Graduate Record Examinations Analyze...

GRE Mock Exam on - Graduate Record Examinations Analyze an Issue Essay. GRE Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.

Start FREE Test

GRE - Graduate Record Examinations Arithme...

GRE Test Prep for - Graduate Record Examinations Arithmetic and Number Properties. Practice GRE Quiz questions and boost your score.

Start FREE Test

GRE - Graduate Record Examinations Data In...

GRE Questions and Answers on - Graduate Record Examinations Data Interpretation Questions. Free GRE practice for exam readiness.

Start FREE Test

GRE - Graduate Record Examinations Plane a...

GRE Mock Test covering - Graduate Record Examinations Plane and Coordinate Geometry. Online GRE Test practice with instant feedback.

Start FREE Test

GRE - Graduate Record Examinations Probabi...

Free GRE Quiz on - Graduate Record Examinations Probability and Statistics Concepts. GRE Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.

Start FREE Test

GRE - Graduate Record Examinations Quantit...

GRE Practice Questions for - Graduate Record Examinations Quantitative Comparison Strategies. Build confidence for your GRE certification exam.

Start FREE Test

GRE - Graduate Record Examinations Reading...

GRE Test Online for - Graduate Record Examinations Reading Comprehension Passages. Free practice with instant results and feedback.

Start FREE Test

GRE - Graduate Record Examinations Text Co...

GRE Study Material on - Graduate Record Examinations Text Completion and Equivalence. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.

Start FREE Test

GRE Practice Test (Verbal Reasoning)

Free GRE Test covering Practice Test (Verbal Reasoning). Practice and track your GRE exam readiness.

Start FREE Test

GRE Test (Analytical Writing)

GRE Exam Questions covering Test (Analytical Writing). Master GRE Test concepts for certification prep.

Start FREE Test

GRE Questions and Answers

About the Author

Dr. Lisa PatelEdD, MA Education, Certified Test Prep Specialist

Educational Psychologist & Academic Test Preparation Expert

Columbia University Teachers College

Dr. Lisa Patel holds a Doctorate in Education from Columbia University Teachers College and has spent 17 years researching standardized test design and academic assessment. She has developed preparation programs for SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT, UCAT, and numerous professional licensing exams, helping students of all backgrounds achieve their target scores.