What Is the Average Quantitative GRE Score: Average GRE Score Range and Percentile for Graduate School for Indian Students

The average Quantitative GRE score is about 153. But, for the most competitive programs, the expectations often extend beyond 160, particularly for programs in areas like engineering and data science. This contrast can be intimidating for many test-takers, in particular those aspiring for competitive graduate programs.

Most students fill their mind during prep with relative comparisons, fighting the clock, more concepts to master. The threat of failure, combined with the need to excel, can easily cause us to become frustrated. The solution to this is to come back to structured practice, understand fundamentals well, and take practice tests that match the level of the real exam. 

What is an Average Quantitative GRE Score Range?

Understanding the average GRE test scores when you’re readying to face the GRE test, you can set yourself realistic goals and increase your probability of success.

Structure The GRE General Test measures quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing. The middle 50% of the average scores range of test takers is usually 150-152 for Quant and Verbal. This range of scores is frequently considered a minimum standard, but the score you need may vary dramatically depending on the graduate program you are applying to.

Those who are aiming for competitive programs may need higher scores, particularly in the quant section. The key takeaway here is that the typical score percentiles should match the GRE score percentiles that your school of choice will accept. Make sure you know how to calculate GRE score range.

Importance of the Quantitative and Verbal Scores

The scoring in the GRE test Quantitative is of immense significance for those who are opting for STEM programs. Quantitative is the infra-average score, anything higher scores on quant are really low for which is really competitive program. GRE score validity is also a topic of importance here.

The verbal reasoning score, on the other hand, usually centers at 150 and is more important for students applying to humanities or social science programs. Your GRE score depends on how well you do in these two sections, and each score will show how you compare to others who have taken the test.

The Role of Test Prep and Practice Tests

Getting an above-average GRE score takes study time and several practice tests. Practice GRE-tests so that you can know which parts of the test you are strong at, and which need improvement for the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE.

Make sure you have a clear idea of what is a good GRE score. These practice tests helps you to get more familiar with the GRE score scale, and you will able to predict your score through this test. You can excel on both verbal and quant if you study (and learn from) each one of your practice tests.

How GRE Percentiles Affect Your Application

Your GRE results, especially the percentile, are very important in the admission process. A lot of the top graduate programs accept the GRE and consider your score percentiles as a measure of how competitive you’re perceived to be. For instance, a strong quant reasoning 90th percentile score can greatly enhance your application to a technical program in any of the graduate schools.

On the other hand, a high percentile score on the verbal section will be useful for communication or literature students. It’s important to know where you fall in percentiles so that you can target your GRE score for admission. You have to send your GRE score card to the colleges during the application process.

Balancing Verbal, Quantitative, and Writing Scores

Though many test-takers concentrate primarily on the verbal and quantitative sections, the analytical writing score is used to judge your communication and writing abilities in an effort to gauge your ability to communicate ideas effectively and with ease. The score, although easily forgotten, can be a differentiator in programs that prize strong written communication.

When planning to take the GRE, be sure that you spread your test preparation for all the sections on the GRE, which consists of verbal reasoning, quant, and the writing section. This comprehensive methodology will guide you to that competitive score that puts you over the top in graduate applications. With the right score, you can get excellent GRE scholarships as well.

What is an Average GRE Score for Graduate School (Math Score)?

The average GRE math score, or GRE quant score, hovers around 153 (with the range for the entire section sitting at 130 to 170). A high score in the quant reasoning section is necessary for most competitive graduate-programs and many competitive programs, particularly in STEM disciplines.

Programs that are very GRE focused will be hoping for something in the 160s. Whether you’re working for a top GRE quant score or simply trying to hit a target score high enough to get into your desired program, a focused approach to studying is a must.

With the right preparation and strategy — consider using prep materials like Kaplan Test Prep — you can increase your GRE score. Have an idea of when the GRE result time is as well.

A high quantitative reasoning score can be a game changer for your overall result who’s experiencing a low verbal score. Institutions now accept the GRE for an array of programs, but on what you need to get on the GRE depends on what you plan to study.

Top programs usually are not happy with just a score at the average quant. It’s possible that you will not score as high on the GRE exam as you are hoping and then you will be in the position of either retaking the GRE or that part of the GRE that falls short, with a clock ticking on the start of your Ph.D. or Master’s-level program.

Just remember that the fields that usually demand the highest average scores are the technical ones, when quantitative abilities are indispensable. Make a list of the frequently asked questions in the GRE.

Understanding what’s a good GRE score for your desired program is key to your success. While a score is one part of your application, it’s essential to balance your preparation across all sections of the test. Programs that require the GRE often evaluate your overall score, but the portion of the GRE that focuses on math is particularly crucial for certain fields.

Even if you have high verbal scores, a lower quant score can impact your chances. Knowing the average verbal reasoning score and the GRE score for the verbal section helps, but don’t overlook the importance of achieving a solid quantitative reasoning score.

If you’re unsatisfied with your result, resources like Kaplan Test Prep can guide you to improve your score before your next test attempt. Try doing more GRE question papers as well.

How to Improve Your GRE Score Percentiles and Quantitative Score? 

At the moment you take the GRE, the loudest thought in your mind is panic. The kind that makes you forget the math you learned in high school and the reading comprehension skills you thought you mastered.

But here’s the truth: Your GRE score isn’t a measure of your intelligence—it’s a measure of how well you prepared for a standardized test. The difference between rejection and an acceptance letter to graduate school? A methodical, strategic approach to GRE prep.

And if you want GRE scores for top programs, you need to play this game better than anyone else.

1. Understand the GRE’s Game Plan Before You Play

This isn’t a test of knowledge—it’s a test of how well you handle pressure, logic, and time. Before you take the test, break it down. Learn the patterns. Identify the tricks. Know what the test-makers want you to do, then do it better. Your GRE prep should be as calculated as a chess move.

2. Make Mock Tests Your Best Friend

The GRE is about more than what you know, it’s about how you can use it and apply the knowledge while under pressure of the clock. Get as familiar with the test as possible by taking it in a timed fashion over and over and over again.

You will want to try to simulate fatigue and stress, and deal with those unexpected questions that come up in the test when you least expect them. Then, when it is time to take the real test, you won’t hesitate. Focus on GRE quantitative formulas

3. Master the Art of Strategic Guessing

You don’t need to know everything—you just need to know what to eliminate. GRE scores for top universities don’t come from perfection; they come from precision. Ditch impossible answers. Take educated risks. Play the odds. Your goal isn’t just to answer questions—it’s to answer them efficiently.

4. Obsess Over Data, Not Just Concepts

Track your mistakes. Study the trends. If you keep missing sentence equivalence questions, fix that. If your quantitative reasoning score lags, overhaul your approach. GRE prep isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing better.

5. Train Like an Athlete, Not a Student

Graduate school demands endurance, and so does this test. Your brain needs stamina. Build it. Long study sessions won’t cut it.

Instead, train in bursts. Mimic test-day conditions. Teach your mind to go the distance—so when you take the test, your focus won’t waver.

6. Think Like an Admissions Officer

A good GRE score is not your golden ticket—context matters. Research what GRE scores for top programs actually are. If a 160 gets you into one program but another needs a 170, adjust your targets. Know your battlefield before stepping onto it.

Conclusion

With your percentiles improving, achieving a higher GRE score takes a well thought out game plan, consistent practice, and a clear understanding of the test structure. and an effective grasp of the test’s framework.

If you want to improve your verbal or quantitative scores, awareness of your average GRE scores and a clear target for an improvement score can help you get what you want. The correct resources and your desire to succeed can significantly increase your chances of gaining acceptance into the most competitive programs in your field.

Score Higher on the GRE: Ambitio’s Bootcamp is Your Secret Weapon! Gain insider knowledge and strategies from GRE experts, turning your prep into a strategic advantage on test day.

FAQs