GRE percentiles for top grad programs

Getting ready to apply for graduate school can feel like taking on a research project of its own. The Internet is indeed full of reference materials about what GRE score range or GRE score percentiles you need to get into your top master’s or PhD program. To help you get one step ahead, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about the GRE percentiles that highly ranked universities require, all in one spot.

GRE scores

GRE scores are the actual scores you got on the GRE exam. To calculate your final GRE score, the baseline is your “raw score”, which is the number of questions you got correct on each section of the exam and the adaptive difficulty of those exam sections. This score is then converted by ETS’s algorithm to the final GRE score you actually see, also known as the scaled score. While ETS’s algorithm is not public, we know that it takes into account your raw score, the difficulty of each section, and the distribution of other outcomes for your particular test cohort.

GRE scores are between 130 and 170 in 1-point increments for the Verbal and the Quantitative sections, leading to a total score of 260 to 340. These are the results most commonly referenced when people refer to their GRE scores. The Analytical Writing section, which requires test-takers to write timed essays, is scored between 0 and 6 in half-point increments. The average GRE score was 151.2 for Verbal Reasoning, 157.6 for Quantitative Reasoning, and 3.65 for Analytical Writing for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Below are estimates for how raw scores are converted to individual scaled scores for the GRE Verbal and Quantitative sections:

Source: TheCareerLabs

Having a higher GRE score will increase your chances of admission to an elite graduate program, but whether a score is “good enough” depends on the kind of programs you’re applying to. That’s why GRE percentiles are often a better way to determine whether you’re on track to reach a score that gets you into the program you’re aiming for.

GRE percentiles

GRE percentiles are a crucial metric that shows how your performance on the GRE compares to that of all other test takers applying to your chosen school or program. Unlike raw scores, GRE score percentiles indicate the percentage of candidates you have outperformed, making these metrics a more actionable way to evaluate your standing among applicants. GRE score percentiles range from the 0th to the 99th percentile, with higher GRE percentiles reflecting stronger performance relative to your peers.

For example, achieving a 90th GRE percentile means your score is higher than 90% of all test takers in the comparison group, placing you in the top 10%. Interpreting your GRE score percentiles this way helps you understand your competitiveness for selective programs. It’s important to note that as you move toward higher GRE percentiles, each incremental gain requires more effort. Advancing from the 80th to the 85th percentile is generally less challenging than moving from the 90th to the 95th percentile due to the increasing level of competition at the top end. To illustrate, becoming the best swimmer in your high school is much more attainable than competing for the top spot among Olympic athletes; similarly, improving your GRE percentiles at the highest levels demands significantly greater effort.

Understanding GRE percentiles

The GRE General Test evaluates your skills across three core sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Your results are then assessed in terms of GRE percentiles, which compare your scores against those of other test takers in a specific reference group. These GRE percentiles offer key insights into how your performance stacks up on a national and even global scale, including at elite universities that set rigorous standards.

Understanding GRE percentiles is crucial when interpreting your test performance. Percentile rankings are calculated using data from examinees whose scores fall within the official GRE score range during a rolling three-year period, ensuring accurate benchmarking that includes competitive environments

Below is a comprehensive table illustrating how GRE scaled scores roughly correspond to the latest GRE percentiles nationwide. These percentile rankings are based on the performance of all test-takers between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2024:

Source: ETS.org - Official GRE Percentile Table


To be in the top 10% in Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, students must score above 162 and 170, respectively. Looking at how average GRE scores for popular master’s programs in the US relate to national percentiles provides valuable admissions insight, particularly for students aiming for top-tier institutions where programs may require scores in the 90th percentile or above:

These averages confirm expected trends: disciplines that emphasize mathematics typically display higher competitive standards in the quantitative section. Meanwhile, verbal proficiency tends to take priority in fields like the arts and humanities.

To further assist your graduate school planning, we’ve compiled the data on the GRE scores and GRE percentiles generally required by programs at the eleven most competitive U.S. graduate institutions, representing benchmark expectations (including those matching top schools like Harvard, Columbia, and MIT). This detailed comparison helps you gauge which scores align with your target grad school admissions, supporting informed application decisions and strategic test preparation focused on your academic goals.

The schools featured above are home to some of the top graduate programs in the U.S. Many programs boast average GRE scores for admitted students that fall in the top 10%, though individual section scores vary based on the program. However, please note that the schools below may not universally accept GRE scores, though they may be required for specific degrees. For individual program test requirements and policies, make sure you visit the school’s official website.

GRE percentiles for top universities, broken down by program

What GRE score do I need to get into Harvard?

Harvard’s graduate programs are well-known for their exceptional educational, training, and research opportunities. Verbal Reasoning scores are especially strong among accepted students, often well-above the 90th percentile threshold.

What GRE score do I need to get into the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)?

MIT offers several premier graduate programs and is known for its exceptional instruction in the sciences. If asked by admissions committees, students must provide strong quantitative and verbal GRE scores to be considered for admission.

What GRE score do I need to get into Stanford?

Known for its innovative and rigorous medical and technology programs, Stanford stands out as one of the top institutions for graduate studies. Average GRE scores vary by program, but scores well above the national mean are strongly preferred for admission.

What GRE score do I need to get into Princeton?

Princeton is well-recognized for its competitiveness, interdisciplinary curriculum, and impressive alumni network. GRE scores across its graduate schools reflect the high caliber of the student body, with many programs boasting stellar mean scores for accepted students.

What GRE score do I need to get into Yale?

Yale, another Ivy League institution, is a top choice for students pursuing degrees in finance and management, medical disciplines, and the arts. GRE scores for accepted students from previous years are generally less competitive than at other top schools, though still high when compared to national numbers.

What GRE score do I need to get into the University of California, Berkley (UC Berkley)?

The University of California (UC) system stands out for its exceptional network of public institutions, including UC Berkeley. Students admitted to their Master of Business Administration (MBA), chemistry, physics, and other programs have traditionally submitted GRE scores on par with top private schools.

What GRE score do I need to get into the University of Pennsylvania?

Many people associate the University of Pennsylvania with the Wharton School of Business, renowned for producing influential leaders across a wide range of industries. Beyond Wharton, UPenn offers prestigious and innovative graduate programs that consistently rank among the top in several disciplines. While the range of GRE scores for admitted students tends to be broader than at other universities, competitive results are still expected from applicants.

What GRE score do I need to get into the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)?

UCLA, another highly ranked school within the UC system, and is hailed for ground-breaking research, supreme academics, and vibrant student life. Its various graduate programs accept students with GRE scores typically above the national average. However, admissions data show that gaining entry into a top program is possible with scores below the top 10%.

What GRE score do I need to get into Columbia University?

Columbia’s distinguished programs in business, engineering, education, and the social sciences provide a world-class education supported by exceptional advising and extensive professional opportunities. Admitted students typically present GRE scores that surpass national averages, though scores overall tend to be lower than those of other elite schools.

What GRE score do I need to get into the University of Southern California (USC)?

USC, a private research institution located in the heart of Los Angeles, provides students with exceptional academic opportunities and access to a vast professional network across disciplines. Graduate students at USC tend to score particularly high on the Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE, while Quantitative scores are closer to the national average.

What GRE score do I need to get into Cornell University?

As a selective Ivy League institution, Cornell is home to renowned programs in medicine, engineering, and the sciences, all grounded in a strong tradition of public service. In recent years, accepted students scored particularly well on the GRE Verbal section, especially those pursuing degrees in physics and chemistry. Across disciplines, quantitative scores have also been consistently above the norm.

Any of these schools would be an ideal place to continue your studies in business, engineering, mathematics, or the social sciences, and place you at the top of the applicant pool for competitive jobs and further education. Try taking a GRE practice exam to see how your current score compares to average scores at these elite institutions. With dedication, you can increase your GRE score and improve your chances of acceptance at any of the schools listed.

Final thoughts

The percentile ranks are a good way to know how competitive programs are and where you stand in relation to other successful applicants for those programs. Once you’ve pinpointed your target GRE score and percentile for your schools of choice, you can start your test preparation with focus and clarity. Whether you’re planning to advance your credentials with a computer science degree from Stanford or enter the business world with a Wharton MBA, your grad school journey could depend greatly on your GRE score.

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