How Do GRE Scores Like 90%, 300, 320, and 147 Impact Your Admissions?
For Indian students aspiring to study abroad at top universities in 2025, understanding the updated GRE pattern is crucial. The GRE is widely accepted for graduate programmes across the USA, Canada, Europe, and other leading study destinations. The 2025 GRE format introduces significant changes—making early awareness essential for strategic preparation and successful admissions.
GRE 2025: Exam Pattern and Structure at a Glance
Exam Highlights – 2025
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Educational Testing Service (ETS) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-based & Home-proctored |
| Score Range | 260–340 (Verbal + Quant), 0–6 (AW) |
| Exam Duration (2025) | 1 hr 58 min |
| Key Sections | Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing |
| Accepted In | USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Germany, more |
| Exam Frequency | Throughout the year |
| Score Validity | 5 Years |
The GRE 2025 continues the shorter format (from Sept 2023) designed to reduce test fatigue and streamline admissions. It evaluates analytical writing, verbal, and quantitative skills—core components most international universities prioritise for MS, MBA, and PhD admissions.
Section-wise GRE Exam Pattern 2025
- Analytical Writing: 1 essay task (“Analyze an Issue”), 30 minutes.
- Verbal Reasoning: 2 sections (12 & 15 questions), 18 min + 23 min.
- Quantitative Reasoning: 2 sections (12 & 15 questions), 21 min + 26 min.
- No unscored or research sections in 2025.
- Total Duration: 1 hour 58 minutes.
- Computer-based adaptive test; allows flexibility to skip and revisit questions.
The GRE syllabus covers a broad range of topics, with verbal and quant sections adapting difficulty based on candidate performance.
GRE 2025: Pattern Changes & Key Updates
- Adapted shorter format initially rolled out in 2023, being continued in 2025.
- Total test time reduced from nearly 4 hours to just under 2 hours.
- Only 1 Analytical Writing Task (down from 2 previously).
- Number of questions reduced for both Verbal and Quantitative sections.
- GRE Subject test format, duration, and marking remain unchanged for 2025.
GRE 2025: Marking Scheme and Scores
- Verbal Reasoning: 130–170 score range (1-point increments)
- Quantitative Reasoning: 130–170 score range
- Analytical Writing: 0–6 (half-point increments)
- Total GRE score: 260–340 (Verbal + Quant)
- No negative marking—attempt all questions for best results.
A score above 310 is typically competitive for many top-ranked international universities. However, you should check individual university score requirements as they vary by country and course.
Top Universities Accepting GRE Scores in 2025
| Country | Top Universities | Typical GRE Score Range |
|---|---|---|
| USA | MIT, Stanford, Yale, Columbia, NYU | 315–330 |
| UK | Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, UCL, Imperial | 310–325 |
| Canada | University of Toronto, UBC, McGill | 305–325 |
| Australia | University of Sydney, ANU, Melbourne | 300–320 |
| Germany | TU Munich, RWTH Aachen | 300–320 |
Research your target programme for precise cut-offs. Use our guide to top universities in the world for more details.
Eligibility, Application, and Required Documents
- No official minimum academic requirements or age limits for the GRE.
- Recommended: Bachelor’s degree (for MS) or equivalent.
- International students need a valid passport (especially in India).
- Application steps: ETS account creation, choosing test mode (home/center), selecting test date/location, uploading documents, and payment of exam fees.
- Check each university’s English proficiency requirements; many accept IELTS or TOEFL scores along with GRE.
GRE 2025 Exam Fees for Indian Students
- GRE General Test: INR 22,000
- GRE Subject Test: INR 14,500
- Additional services (rescheduling, score sending) have extra charges.
The GRE cost may vary by country. Always check the ETS website for the latest updates and consider potential scholarships or fee waivers for high-achieving applicants.
GRE 2025: Scholarships and Funding Tied to Scores
- Many US, German, Canadian, and Australian universities offer merit-based scholarships for GRE scores above average cut-off.
- Scholarship eligibility often considers overall profile—GRE, academics, SOP, and LORs.
- Higher GRE scores open doors for research grants, TA/RA positions, and tuition discounts.
Review specific university or government funding opportunities and how your GRE results can boost your chances.
Visa and Post-Study Opportunities with GRE
- GRE is accepted for F-1 (USA), Tier-4 (UK), and relevant visas worldwide for graduate education.
- Many countries (especially USA, Canada, UK) allow 20 hrs/week part-time work during studies and offer work permits after degree completion (OPT, PSW).
- GRE-based admission is a typical criterion for STEM OPT extensions in the USA.
Explore country-wise visa requirements and post-study pathways in our guide to post-study work visas.
Preparation Tips for the GRE 2025 Pattern
- Start by thoroughly reviewing the revised 2025 GRE exam structure.
- Practice full-length mock tests to adapt to the new timing and question pattern.
- Strengthen core verbal and quantitative concepts using official GRE materials.
- Time your analytical writing task to finish within 30 minutes.
- Track admission deadlines for Fall and Spring intakes at your target institutions.
A strong GRE performance can be a game changer—not just for admissions, but also for scholarships and future career prospects abroad. Staying updated on the latest pattern ensures you position yourself competitively for 2025 and beyond.
FAQs on GRE Scores Explained: Understanding the 2025 Percentiles and Benchmarks
1. What is a 90% GRE score?
A 90% GRE score typically refers to scoring higher than 90% of test-takers. For the GRE General Test, this means achieving around 330 or above (Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning combined). Keep in mind that percentiles vary by section and year, so always check the latest ETS GRE percentile charts for updated benchmarks.
2. Is getting a 300 on GRE hard?
Achieving a 300 on the GRE is generally considered an attainable target for most students. This score is slightly above the average total score worldwide. With dedicated practice of GRE Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning concepts, most test-takers can reach this mark with consistent effort and a clear study plan.
3. Is a 320 GRE score good or bad?
A 320 GRE score is considered above average and is competitive for many top graduate programs. However, the definition of a "good score" can depend on the university's requirements, the field of study, and the expectations for your particular application. Always compare your score with target program cutoffs for best results.
4. Is a 147 a bad GRE score?
A score of 147 on either GRE Verbal Reasoning or Quantitative Reasoning is considered below average for most test-takers. Many competitive programs prefer scores above 150-155 in each section.
5. What is the GRE pattern for 2025?
The GRE pattern for 2025 follows the recent update introduced in 2023. The new GRE pattern features a shorter test length (approx. 1 hour 58 minutes), includes only Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing sections, and has no unscored or research section. The exam is computer-delivered and accepts at-home testing as well.
6. Has the GRE pattern changed recently?
Yes, the GRE exam pattern was updated in September 2023. Major changes include a shorter duration (under 2 hours), fewer questions per section, and no unscored or experimental sections. Both Verbal and Quantitative sections are now more concise, making test-taking faster and more focused.
7. What is the syllabus for the GRE exam?
The GRE General Test syllabus includes three main parts:
1. Verbal Reasoning: Reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence
2. Quantitative Reasoning: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis
3. Analytical Writing: Analyze an Issue task
The syllabus remains consistent, with all sections designed to test graduate-level readiness in English and Mathematics.
8. What is the total marks of the GRE exam?
The GRE total score is calculated by combining your Verbal Reasoning (130–170) and Quantitative Reasoning (130–170) section scores for a maximum of 340 marks. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately on a scale of 0–6.
9. Where can I download a GRE exam pattern PDF?
You can download the official GRE exam pattern PDF and sample questions from the ETS official GRE website. Most test prep sites also provide updated PDF guides with the latest pattern and practice questions.
10. What is the GRE scoring pattern for 2024-2025?
The GRE scoring pattern remains
- Verbal Reasoning: 130 to 170 (1-point increments)
- Quantitative Reasoning: 130 to 170 (1-point increments)
- Analytical Writing: 0–6 (half-point increments)
- The total possible combined score in Verbal and Quant is 340.
11. Where can I find a GRE format practice test?
You can find official GRE practice tests in the new shorter format on the ETS GRE website. Many test prep providers also offer free GRE sample paper PDFs reflecting the latest syllabus and question types.
12. What types of questions are asked in the GRE General Test?
The GRE General Test includes these question types:
- Verbal Reasoning: Reading comprehension, sentence equivalence, text completion
- Quantitative Reasoning: Multiple choice (single & multiple answers), numeric entry, quantitative comparison
- Analytical Writing: Analyze an Issue essay
All questions are designed to test reasoning and critical thinking skills required for graduate study.
