If you’re preparing for the GRE, one question that often comes up is: What do GRE percentile rankings actually mean? As a student aiming for graduate school, interpreting your percentile ranking can be crucial to understanding how you compare to other test-takers. But deciphering how these rankings work can feel overwhelming.
In this article, we will break down what GRE percentile rankings are, how they work, and why they matter in the context of your GRE (Graduate Record Examination) performance. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to interpret your GRE scores with confidence.
A Detailed Explanation of GRE Percentile Rankings
GRE percentile rankings are a way to show how your performance compares to other test-takers. These rankings reflect the percentage of test-takers who scored lower than you on the exam. For example, if you scored in the 80th percentile, that means you performed better than 80% of those who took the GRE during the same testing period.
Unlike your scaled GRE score, which is simply a raw numerical representation of your test performance, the percentile ranking puts that score into perspective by indicating your relative standing among peers.
GRE Scaled Scores vs. Percentile Rankings
GRE scores are divided into three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Each section has a corresponding scaled score (a raw score converted to a consistent grading system) and a percentile ranking. Here’s how they work together:
- Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores range between 130 and 170.
- Analytical Writing is scored from 0 to 6, in half-point increments.
Your percentile rank shows how many test-takers scored lower than you in each section. For example, if your Verbal score is 160, you might find yourself in the 85th percentile for Verbal Reasoning, meaning 85% of test-takers scored lower than you.
How GRE Percentiles are Calculated
ETS (the organization that administers the GRE) calculates percentile ranks by comparing your score to data collected from past GRE test-takers. Scores from the previous three years are used to determine the current percentile rankings.
Here’s how it works:
- Every test-taker’s performance is ranked against those from the same three-year period.
- A certain percentage of test-takers are ranked lower than your score.
For instance, if your Quantitative score is 165, and that places you in the 90th percentile, that means you scored higher than 90% of the test-takers who took the GRE in the past three years.
Why GRE Percentiles Matter for Graduate Admissions
Graduate schools often care more about GRE percentiles than the raw scaled scores. This is because percentiles provide context—schools can see how you performed relative to your peers.
For example, while a score of 155 on Verbal Reasoning might not sound impressive at first, if it places you in the 75th percentile, that could mean your score is competitive for certain programs.
Moreover, some highly competitive programs, especially in fields like engineering, business, and psychology, may expect applicants to have percentiles above the 90th percentile, particularly in the Quantitative or Verbal sections. Percentiles help admissions committees compare applicants from different educational backgrounds fairly.
GRE Percentile Rankings for Verbal and Quantitative Sections
The percentile rankings for the Verbal and Quantitative sections differ significantly due to the strengths of the test-takers in these areas. Quantitative scores tend to have a more competitive distribution, meaning that you need a higher score to reach the same percentile as you would on the Verbal section.
For example:
- A Verbal score of 160 might place you in the 85th percentile.
- A Quantitative score of 160, however, could place you in a lower percentile, like the 75th percentile, due to more test-takers excelling in this section.
Here’s everything else you need to know about the different score breakdowns for each section of the GRE.
How to Interpret Your GRE Percentile Rankings
Understanding how GRE percentiles are broken down can give you valuable insight into your overall performance. Below is a guide to interpreting your percentile rankings for each section of the GRE:
GRE Verbal Reasoning Percentiles
- 170: 99th percentile
- 165: 96th percentile
- 160: 85th percentile
- 155: 67th percentile
- 150: 49th percentile
A score in the 160-170 range on Verbal typically represents a strong performance, with percentiles falling between 85% and 99%. Scoring below 150, however, places you closer to the median, with half of the test-takers outperforming you.
GRE Quantitative Reasoning Percentiles
- 170: 96th percentile
- 165: 89th percentile
- 160: 76th percentile
- 155: 59th percentile
- 150: 40th percentile
Due to the larger number of high-scorers in Quantitative Reasoning, the percentiles are compressed. Scoring 160 in Quantitative puts you only in the 76th percentile, whereas in Verbal it places you in the 85th percentile.
Analytical Writing Percentiles
- 6.0: 99th percentile
- 5.5: 98th percentile
- 5.0: 93rd percentile
- 4.5: 82nd percentile
- 4.0: 60th percentile
Analytical Writing scores above 5.0 are considered exceptional, placing you in the top 10% of test-takers. However, it’s important to remember that many graduate programs focus more on your Verbal and Quantitative scores than your Analytical Writing score.
How to Use Percentiles to Target Your Graduate School Goals
Many students wonder, “What GRE percentile should I aim for?” The answer depends on the programs you’re applying to. Typically, competitive programs require percentile scores in the 80th to 90th range for Quantitative and Verbal sections.
- For business or law school applicants, a high Verbal percentile is crucial since verbal reasoning skills are a key focus.
- STEM programs, on the other hand, often prioritize Quantitative scores. A score in the 90th percentile or higher in Quantitative Reasoning can make your application stand out.
Check the GRE score requirements or averages for your target graduate programs to align your preparation with their expectations.
How to Improve Your GRE Percentile Rankings
If your percentile rankings are not where you want them to be, don’t worry! There are strategies to improve your performance on the GRE:
1. Identify Weak Areas
Analyze your score report and percentile rankings to pinpoint which section needs the most improvement—Verbal, Quantitative, or Analytical Writing.
2. Use Practice Tests
Taking GRE practice tests is essential. Not only will they familiarize you with the test format, but they’ll also help you see how your performance translates into percentile rankings.
3. Focus on Time Management
A common reason for low scores is poor time management. Work on pacing yourself during practice sessions to ensure you complete all questions within the allotted time.
4. Enroll in a GRE Prep Course
Consider enrolling in a GRE prep course that focuses on improving your weak areas. Professional guidance can boost both your score and percentile ranking.
5. Review High-Scoring Strategies
Use resources like GRE study guides and video tutorials to learn high-scoring strategies, particularly for Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning.
How Spring International Training College Can Help You Excel in the GRE
At Spring International Training College, we understand the importance of excelling in the GRE to secure admission into top graduate programs. That’s why our GRE (Graduate Record Examination) prep course is designed to help you maximize your GRE scores and achieve high percentile rankings.
We offer:
- Comprehensive GRE training, focusing on Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing sections.
- Personalized study plans that target your specific weak areas.
- Practice tests and reviews to simulate real GRE conditions and improve your percentile rankings.
Our expert instructors ensure you get the strategies, techniques, and confidence needed to ace the GRE and move closer to your graduate school dreams.
Conclusion
Understanding GRE percentile rankings is essential for interpreting your performance and positioning yourself for success in graduate school admissions. Whether you’re aiming for competitive STEM programs or business schools, knowing how your scores compare to others can help you set realistic goals and improve where necessary.
By utilizing practice tests, focusing on weak areas, and even enrolling in a specialized GRE prep course at Spring International Training College, you can boost both your GRE scores and percentile rankings, setting you on the path to academic success.
FAQs
- What is a good GRE percentile score? A good GRE percentile depends on your graduate program, but aiming for the 80th percentile or higher is ideal.
- How is the GRE percentile rank calculated? GRE percentile ranks are calculated based on scores from the previous three years of test-takers.
- What percentile is a GRE score of 160? A score of 160 in Verbal places you in approximately the 85th percentile, while in Quantitative, it places you around the 76th percentile.
- How can I improve my GRE percentile ranking? Focus on your weak areas, take practice tests, and consider enrolling in a GRE prep course.
- Does the Analytical Writing section impact my overall GRE percentile? Analytical Writing is scored separately and doesn’t affect your Verbal or Quantitative percentiles.
- What’s the difference between a scaled score and a percentile ranking? A scaled score is your raw numerical result, while a percentile ranking shows how your score compares to other test-takers.
- Can I retake the GRE to improve my percentile ranking? Yes, you can retake the GRE, and many students improve their percentiles with additional preparation.
- Do GRE percentiles affect scholarship opportunities? Yes, some programs use GRE percentiles as a factor in awarding scholarships, especially for merit-based aid.
- Is there a GRE percentile chart available? Yes, ETS provides updated percentile charts that show how scaled scores translate into percentiles.
- What percentile should I aim for to get into an Ivy League school? Ivy League schools generally expect GRE scores in the 90th percentile or higher, particularly in Quantitative and Verbal sections.
