The GRE score is one of the important factors that universities and colleges use to assess the abilities of students when reviewing applications for graduate programs. Therefore, having a good GRE score will help you have the opportunity to be admitted to top schools and achieve success in your studies and career.
However, what is a good GRE score and how can you achieve it? In this article, we will explain the GRE test score scale, GRE score evaluation standards, the average GRE score of Vietnamese students, and the factors that affect GRE scores. We will also provide you with ways to improve your GRE score and introduce reputable GRE courses and free study materials.
WHAT IS A GOOD GRE SCORE?
The GRE score is calculated from two main sections: Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. The GRE score scale ranges from 130 to 170, with each increment of 10 points. The maximum GRE score is 340 (total GRE scores range from 260-340). The Analytical Writing (AWA) section ranges from 0.0-6.0 in half-point increments.
GRE scores are also divided into two types: overall GRE score and GRE score by section. The overall GRE score is the sum of Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, while the GRE score by section is the score of each individual section. For example, if you score 160 for Verbal Reasoning and 155 for Quantitative Reasoning, your overall GRE score will be 315 and your section GRE scores will be 160 for Verbal and 155 for Quantitative.
As mentioned above, a good GRE score is a score at the 75th percentile or above for most programs and a score at the 90th percentile or above for top programs. However, a good GRE score also depends on the requirements of each school and program. Therefore, to find out what a good GRE score is for the program you are interested in, you should consult the school's website or contact the admissions office for the most accurate information.
GRE TEST SCORE SCALE
The GRE test score scale is divided into 3 sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The table below will help you better understand this score scale:
| Test Section | Score Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 130-170 | Assesses the ability to understand reading and use English language |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130-170 | Assesses the ability to solve problems and perform mathematical calculations |
| Analytical Writing | 0.0-6.0 | Assesses the ability to analyze and write essays |
The overall GRE score is calculated by adding the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores. The overall GRE score is the most important score in the admission process for graduate programs.
GRE SCORES AND EVALUATION STANDARDS
Your GRE score will be compared with the scores of others who have taken the GRE test. Your GRE score will be converted to a percentage and compared with the percentages of other test takers. For example, if your GRE score is 160 for Verbal Reasoning, this score is equivalent to approximately the 86th percentile. This means that 86% of other people who took the GRE test scored lower than you.
However, GRE score evaluation standards also depend on each school and program. Therefore, to find out what a good GRE score is for the program you are interested in, you should consult the school's website or contact the admissions office for the most accurate information.
AVERAGE GRE SCORE OF VIETNAMESE STUDENTS
According to a report by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the organization that administers and manages the GRE test, the average GRE score of Vietnamese students is 152 for Verbal Reasoning and 157 for Quantitative Reasoning. This score is much lower than the average score of students from other countries such as China (153 for Verbal and 160 for Quantitative) and India (150 for Verbal and 159 for Quantitative).
However, the average GRE score of Vietnamese students has increased in recent years. Therefore, achieving a higher GRE score will help you stand out among other applicants and have the opportunity to be admitted to top schools.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN REVIEWING GRE SCORES
When reviewing GRE scores, you should pay attention to the following factors:
1. Requirements of the school and program
As mentioned above, GRE score evaluation standards depend on each school and program. Therefore, you should consult the school's website or contact the admissions office for the most accurate information about the GRE score requirements for the program you are interested in.
2. GRE scores of other test takers
Your GRE score will be compared with the scores of others who have taken the GRE test. Therefore, you should consult the average GRE score of students from other countries to get a general overview of GRE scores.
3. GRE score by section
GRE scores by section are also very important in the admission process for graduate programs. Therefore, you should strive to achieve high scores in both Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning.
4. Test time management
Test time management is also an important factor in achieving a high GRE score. You need to practice and familiarize yourself with the test timing so you can complete the test within the allotted time.
THE IMPORTANCE OF GRE SCORES IN GRADUATE ADMISSIONS
GRE scores not only affect admission to graduate programs but also affect scholarship opportunities and research opportunities at top schools. Therefore, having a high GRE score will help you stand out among other applicants and have the opportunity to be admitted to top schools.
FACTORS AFFECTING GRE SCORES
To achieve a good GRE score, you need to practice and prepare thoroughly. However, there are some other factors that may affect your GRE score:
1. English language knowledge and skills
English language knowledge and skills are important factors in achieving a high GRE score. Therefore, you should improve your language skills by reading books, watching movies, and practicing essay writing.
2. Problem-solving and calculation skills
Problem-solving and calculation skills are important factors in the Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE. Therefore, you should practice and familiarize yourself with the types of problems and questions in this section.
3. Test time management
Test time management is also an important factor in achieving a high GRE score. Therefore, you should practice and familiarize yourself with the test timing so you can complete the test within the allotted time.
4. Thorough preparation
To achieve a high GRE score, you need to prepare thoroughly. You should practice and familiarize yourself with the types of problems and questions in the GRE test. In addition, you can also enroll in reputable GRE courses to receive guidance and practice effectively.
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR GRE SCORE
To improve your GRE score, you can follow these methods:
1. Practice and familiarize yourself with the types of problems and questions in the GRE test
Practicing and familiarizing yourself with the types of problems and questions in the GRE test will help you become familiar with the structure and content of the test. You can find GRE study materials online or enroll in reputable GRE courses to receive guidance and practice effectively.
2. Improve your English language skills
Improving your English language skills will help you achieve a high score in the Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE. You can read books, watch movies, and practice essay writing to improve your language skills.
3. Practice problem-solving and calculation skills
Practicing problem-solving and calculation skills will help you achieve a high score in the Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE. You can find GRE study materials online or enroll in reputable GRE courses to receive guidance and practice effectively.
REPUTABLE GRE COURSES
Currently, there are many organizations and training centers that offer reputable GRE courses to help test takers prepare and achieve high scores on the GRE test. Some reputable centers and organizations include Clever Academy (with live classes at the center/online with fixed schedules), and recently Vietdemy (with self-paced online courses that are pre-built and include tests and study tips to help you learn anytime, anywhere, very conveniently).
FREE GRE STUDY MATERIALS
In addition to reputable GRE courses, you can also find many free GRE study materials online. Some websites that offer free GRE study materials include ETS, Magoosh, and Khan Academy.
CONCLUSION
In this article, we have learned about GRE scores and GRE score evaluation standards. We have also reviewed the average GRE scores of Vietnamese students and the factors that affect GRE scores. Finally, we have learned about the importance of GRE scores in graduate admissions and ways to improve your GRE score. Hopefully this article will help you get a general overview of GRE scores and how to achieve a high score on this test.
See also: Analysis of GRE General Test Taker Data 2021 by ETS