Is 149 a bad GRE score?

A 149 GRE score isn't inherently "bad," but it's below average for competitive programs and generally considered low, especially in Quantitative Reasoning (Quant) for STEM fields, though it might be acceptable for less selective programs or humanities/education fields where it's closer to average. Whether it's "bad" depends entirely on the program's requirements, your overall application (GPA, SOP, recommendations), and whether it's your Verbal or Quant score.

Is 149 a good GRE score?

A good GRE score for each section is generally considered 158+ for Verbal, 159+ for Quantitative, and 4.5+ for Writing, and an overall score of 318+ which places you into the 75th percentile or higher.

What is a bad GRE score?

A bad GRE score is one that excludes you from the program that you want to attend. That's all! But, for more context, the bottom 10% of test-takers score below 140 in Verbal and 144 in Quant. Again, very generally, a good goal to have is to score better than average on the GRE.

What is the top 1% score on the GRE?

A top 1% GRE score requires near-perfect performance, typically a 170 in Verbal Reasoning, a score that hits the 99th percentile, while a perfect 170 in Quantitative Reasoning is often around the 97th-99th percentile, showing it's harder to get in the top 1% on Quant. For Analytical Writing, a score of 5.0 or higher places you in the top 10%, with 6.0 being the 99th percentile.
 

How hard is a 150 on the GRE?

Scores in the 150–158 range place you near the middle of all GRE test takers. Scores above 160 move you into more competitive territory. Scores at 165+ position you in the top 10–15%, depending on the section.

Should you explain a low GMAT or GRE score in the optional MBA application essay?

What GRE score do I need for Yale?

While there are no official minimum GRE scores, it's crucial to aim high to maximise your chances of acceptance. According to various sources, the average GRE scores for accepted Yale students typically GRE score range from 155 to 165 for Verbal and 160–167 for Quant.

What GRE score do I need for Harvard?

Although the minimum GRE requirements are not cited on the official course pages, a score of 330 is generally acceptable (165+ for verbal, 160-170 for quant, and 4.0-5.0 for analytical writing).

What is an average GRE score?

Remember that the Verbal and Quantitative portions of the GRE are scored between 130–170, and the average score falls somewhere around 150-152. The Analytical Writing section of the GRE is scored between 0 and 6 in half-point increments, and the average hits somewhere around 3.5.

What GRE score is needed for scholarships?

Required GRE scores for scholarships are typically above 160 in both the GRE verbal and GRE quantitative sections, especially for top schools and universities. With a score matching this range, you can surely get hold of some of the best scholarships available for international students.

Do GRE scores really matter?

The reality is that good GRE scores are just one of the factors that can affect your admission chances. Grad and business schools are looking for the whole package, including: Standardized test scores.

What's the lowest GRE score?

The overall GRE score ranges from 260 to 340, with 260 being the lowest and 340 the highest possible score. The GRE Subject Test scores range from 200 to 990 in 10-point increments, with 200 as the lowest and 990 as the highest.

What is a decent score in GRE?

A "good" GRE score varies, but generally, 155-160+ in Verbal, 160-165+ in Quant, and 4.0+ in Analytical Writing (AWA) are considered strong, while top programs often look for scores above 160 Verbal, 165 Quant, and 4.5+ AWA, with perfect sections being 170 (Verbal/Quant) and 6.0 (AWA). Your target score depends heavily on your target university's average and program competitiveness, so check their specific requirements. 

What is a good GRE score for MS?

A GRE scores in the 75th percentile is considered the minimum, and a score in the 90th percentile is considered excellent. Aiming for a GRE score above 318 is considered a good GRE͏͏ exam score for MS in the USA. The minimum GRE score for MS in the USA ranges from 155 to 167 in the Verbal and Quantitative sections.

What is the GRE score for 2025?

Quick Look: GRE Scoring and Percentiles (2025)

Each of the two main sections, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, is scored on a scaled score between 130 and 170. Thus, the maximum GRE score (or GRE max score) for those two sections is 340 (170 + 170).

What is a 90% on the GRE?

Total GRE Score: A combined score of 330 or higher (Verbal + Quantitative) will generally place you around the 90th percentile.

Is GRE waived off for 2025?

For a 2025 GRE fee waiver/reduction, eligible individuals apply directly to ETS (Educational Testing Service), demonstrating financial need (via FAFSA SAR) or unemployment, by submitting the GRE Fee Reduction Request Form (PDF) and required documents (SAR, proof of unemployment) via email or mail to [email protected] for a 50% fee reduction voucher, which provides free prep materials too.
 

What is an acceptable GRE score for graduate school?

Average GRE scores differ by field of study or specific program. Highly selective law programs typically have GRE scores of 159-170. Students admitted to top MBA programs typically have GRE scores of 161-167. Increasingly, graduate programs do not require the GRE at all.

Can high GRE compensate low GPA?

If your undergraduate GPA isn't as high as you'd like, you might be wondering whether a great test score could balance it out in the eyes of admissions committees. The short answer? 👉 Yes — a strong GMAT or GRE score can help compensate for a low GPA.

What is an Ivy League GRE score?

Different B schools accept different GRE scores. However, to get admission into top B schools in the US, you need to score a minimum of 320. However, for anyone aspiring to take admission to Ivy League colleges, a score of minimum 330 should be good enough.

What score do I need for top universities?

A good SAT score is typically one that places you in the 75th percentile or higher for your target university, which for top schools often means around 1550. While anything above the national average of 1050 is technically “good,” competitive applicants generally need scores closer to 1470–1580.

Can I retake the GRE?

Yes, you can retake the GRE if you feel your initial score isn't competitive enough for your target schools. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) allows for retakes within a specific window. You can take the GRE up to five times in a rolling 12-month period, with a minimum of 21 days in between each attempt.

What was Obama's LSAT score?

Barack Obama's specific LSAT score has never been officially released, but it's widely believed he scored very highly (likely above 170, potentially near perfect) to gain admission to Harvard Law School despite a lower undergraduate GPA, suggesting he was in the top few percentile of test-takers for his application year. While no official number exists, analyses point to a score in the top tier (e.g., 94th-98th percentile) to overcome his GPA for admission to a top-ranked program like Harvard.
 

How much does GRE matter for PhD?

A strong GRE score can boost the candidate and make them essential in the eyes of the evaluator. It is advised to check the specific program requirements of each university before applying to them to ensure you don't lose an opportunity to get into it. A good GRE score depends from university to university.

What Ivy Leagues don't require GRE?

Columbia University, Dartmouth College, and the University of Pennsylvania are some Ivy League schools with graduate programs that no longer require the GRE. Cornell University gives you the option to submit the GRE.