25 September 2024

4 minutes read

What Is The GRE Superscore: Difference Between The GRE General Test Score And The GRE Superscore?

Dirghayu Kaushik

Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik

Founder & CEO

25 September 2024

4 minutes read

GRE

Key Takeaways

The GRE Superscore lets you combine your best section scores from multiple test attempts.
It reduces test-day pressure, giving you more flexibility in your GRE prep.
Many graduate programs accept Superscores, helping you present your strongest application.

Around 30% of GRE test-takers are completely unaware of what a GRE Superscore can do for them. Think of it like discovering a secret cheat code after you’ve been playing the game for hours—it changes everything. Yet, most people are so caught up in the pressure of hitting the perfect test score on a single attempt, that they miss out on this valuable strategy.

Let’s assume, you’ve got the quantitative, verbal, and analytical GRE sections, all demanding your attention, and one slip-up can feel like a disaster. Enter the GRE Superscore—your chance to combine the best scores from different test dates, crafting your perfect performance. So, maybe you bombed the GRE math conventions once but crushed the verbal? No biggie, ETS lets you mix and match for a winning score report.

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What Is The GRE Superscore?

The GRE Superscore is essentially a way for you to combine your highest section scores from multiple GRE test attempts. Instead of being stuck with the results from a single test date, you can take the GRE more than once and choose your best performance in the verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections to create an improved score report. This can be a game-changer for students who may have had an off day during their initial exam.

Whether you’re following a GRE study plan for 1 month or using comprehensive GRE study materials, the Superscore allows you to focus on building your best overall score. Unlike the GRE Subject Test, which focuses on specific fields, the GRE General Test with the Superscore option is more flexible and forgiving, giving you multiple chances to improve.

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What Is The Difference Between GRE General Test Score And Superscore?

The key difference between the GRE General Test score and the GRE Superscore lies in how your results are calculated and reported. The General Test score reflects your performance on one test day, while the Superscore allows you to combine the highest section scores from multiple test dates. This gives you the flexibility to submit your best scores for graduate programs, law schools, and MBA programs, allowing you to highlight your strengths across different test attempts.

Below is a quick comparison of the two:

Feature	GRE General Test Score	GRE Superscore
Test Day Performance	Reflects scores from one test day	Combines the highest section scores across multiple test dates
Verbal and Quantitative Sections	Verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning scores reflect your performance on a single test date	You can submit the best GRE verbal score and quantitative score from different test attempts
Reporting to Admission Committees	You submit all your scores from a single test	You can decide which test scores to send, showing your personal best
Graduate Admissions Use	Schools see your entire test score from one date	Schools see only your highest scores, as chosen through the Superscore feature
Additional Score Reports	Requires payment for sending scores to multiple schools	Allows you to selectively send the best scores without needing to retake the whole test
Test Prep Implications	One test determines your outcome	Gives test-takers flexibility to focus on improving weaker sections across multiple test attempts
Stress on Test Day	High pressure to perform well in all sections	Less pressure, as you can improve one section on a later date and mix scores
Use for Graduate Programs	Most graduate programs accept one set of scores	Many programs accept the Superscore for a more comprehensive view of your skills
Popular Programs	Commonly used for graduate and MBA programs	Accepted by business, law, and other graduate programs requiring a standardized test

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What Are The Benefits Of GRE Superscore?

The GRE Superscore is a powerful tool for maximizing your chances of getting into competitive graduate programs. By allowing you to combine your best section scores from multiple test dates, it provides flexibility and control over how you present yourself to admission committees.

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Here are four key benefits of using the GRE Super score:

Less Pressure on Test Day – You don’t need to ace the GRE every section in one sitting. Focus on improving one section at a time without the stress of a single performance determining your entire score.
Showcase Your Best Scores – Superscoring allows you to submit the highest scores you’ve achieved in verbal and quantitative reasoning, giving admission committees a better picture of your abilities.
More Chances to Improve – Taking the GRE multiple times means you can target and improve weaker areas over time, and only submit the scores you feel show your personal best.
Better Fit for Graduate Programs – Some programs prefer seeing multiple strong performances, and the Superscore can help you meet the minimum GRE requirements more easily across multiple attempts.

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Conclusion

Ultimately, the Superscore gives you more control over your GRE experience. Whether you’re juggling multiple test sections or facing the pressure of tight deadlines, it offers a solution that feels fair. So, if you’re planning to apply for the GRE, why not consider this approach? You’ve already put in the work; the Superscore just helps you make the most of it.

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FAQs

What is the GRE score range?

The GRE score ranges from 130 to 170 for each of the Verbal and Quantitative sections, with a combined maximum score of 340. The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale from 0 to 6 in half-point increments

What is considered a good GRE score?

A good GRE score typically falls at or above the 75th percentile for most graduate programs, which translates to approximately 157+ in Verbal and 165+ in Quantitative sections

Can I superscore my GRE?

Yes, many graduate programs allow superscoring, meaning they will consider your highest scores from different test dates across the Verbal and Quantitative sections. However, policies vary by program, so it’s essential to check with the specific institutions

How often can I take the GRE?

You can take the GRE up to five times within a 12-month period, with a minimum waiting period of 21 days between attempts

What if I am unhappy with my GRE scores?

If you are dissatisfied with your scores, you can retake the exam after the required waiting period. It is advisable to identify areas for improvement before retaking the test

Does retaking the GRE affect my application?

Retaking the GRE does not negatively impact your application. You have the option to choose which scores to report to schools, allowing you to present your best performance