300, 320, 330 GRE Scores: What They Mean & How to Reach Them
10 min read
Jan 07, 2026
So you're staring at your GRE score report—or maybe you're just planning ahead—and wondering: what does a 300, 320, or 330 actually mean? Are these scores good? Average? Game-changing?
If you've found yourself Googling variations of "is my GRE score good enough," you're not alone. Understanding GRE score bands isn't just about knowing if you've crossed some magical threshold. It's about knowing what doors each score opens, which programs become realistic targets, and most importantly, how to get there.
Let's break it down—no fluff, just the facts you need.
Understanding the GRE Scoring System
Before we dive into specific score bands, here's what you need to know about how the GRE works:
The GRE has three sections, but your "total score" comes from just two:
- Verbal Reasoning: Scored 130-170
- Quantitative Reasoning: Scored 130-170
- Analytical Writing: Scored 0-6 (reported separately)
Your total GRE score is simply Verbal + Quant, ranging from 260 to 340.
The middle of this range is 150 on each section (total 300), but here's the catch: 150 isn't quite "average" in the way you might think. Due to how scores cluster, a 150 in Quant actually falls below the 50th percentile.
Understanding percentiles is crucial. They tell you what percentage of test-takers scored lower than you. A higher percentile means a more competitive score.
The 300 GRE Score: Solid Foundation or Starting Point?
What a 300 Score Actually Means
A total score of 300 could break down several ways:
- 150 Verbal + 150 Quant
- 155 Verbal + 145 Quant
- 145 Verbal + 155 Quant
Let's look at the percentiles for scores around 300:
Verbal Percentiles (145-155):
- 155: 69th percentile
- 150: 48th percentile
- 145: 27th percentile
Quant Percentiles (145-155):
- 155: 59th percentile
- 150: 38th percentile
- 145: 20th percentile
Notice something? Quant percentiles are consistently lower than Verbal percentiles for the same score. That's because more test-takers score high on Quant, making it more competitive.
Is 300 a "Good" Score?
Honestly? It depends entirely on where you're applying.
Many graduate programs use 300 as a baseline or minimum requirement. It's often the floor, not the ceiling. But that doesn't mean it's a bad score—it just means you need to understand your specific context.
Programs Where 300 Works:
Several respectable programs accept students with scores around 300:
- University of Alabama – Art History MA (minimum: 300)
- UMass Boston – Finance (minimum: 300)
- Trinity – School Psychology MA (minimum: 300)
- UC Riverside – Chemical and Environmental Engineering (minimum: 300)
- Georgetown – Microbiology and Immunology (minimum: 300)
- Baylor – Psychology PhD (minimum: 300)
When You Need to Aim Higher:
If you're targeting more competitive programs, consider these as "reach" schools that typically want 305-310+:
- Louisiana State University – Architecture (minimum: 310)
- Michigan State – Finance MS (minimum: 310)
- Texas A&M – Curriculum and Instruction (minimum: 305)
- Temple – Psychology PhD (minimum: 305)
The Reality Check
With a 300, you're often looking at mid-tier programs or using other parts of your application to compensate. If your program's average admitted score is 310+, getting exactly 300 makes admission challenging (though not impossible with stellar recommendations, research experience, or a compelling statement of purpose).
The 320 GRE Score: Competitive Territory
What Changes at 320
Now we're talking. A 320 puts you in a completely different ballpark. Here's what the percentiles look like:
Typical breakdowns around 320:
- 160 Verbal + 160 Quant
- 165 Verbal + 155 Quant
- 155 Verbal + 165 Quant
Percentile ranges (155-165):
Verbal: 69th to 96th percentile Quant: 59th to 89th percentile
Suddenly, you're competing at the 75th percentile or higher. This is where "good" becomes "competitive."
Programs Within Reach at 320
Target Schools (Average ~320):
- Duke – Music PhD (average: 320)
- USC – Business Analytics MS (average: 320)
- UPenn – Education PhD (average: 320)
- University of Michigan – Civil and Environmental Engineering PhD (average: 320)
- Emory – Political Science PhD (average: 320)
- UT Austin – Clinical Psychology (average: 320)
Reach Schools (Average 324-325+):
- University of Michigan – Business PhD (average: 325)
- MIT – Chemical Engineering (average: 325)
- Duke – Genetics and Genomics PhD (average: 324)
- Notre Dame – Clinical Psychology (average: 324)
Safety Schools (Average 313-316):
- Harvard Graduate School of Design (average: 316)
- Boston University – MBA (average: 315)
- Florida State – Statistics (average: 313)
- Georgetown – Arab Studies MA (average: 315)
Why 320 Matters
At 320, you're demonstrating strong academic capability across both sections. You're no longer just meeting minimums—you're proving you can handle rigorous graduate work.
Master's programs especially tend to weigh GRE scores more heavily than PhD programs (which often emphasise research experience more). A 320 can be the difference between "under consideration" and "strong candidate."
The 330 GRE Score: Elite Performance
Breaking Into the 330+ Club
A 330 is genuinely impressive. Let's look at what it takes:
Possible combinations:
- 165 Verbal + 165 Quant
- 170 Verbal + 160 Quant
- 160 Verbal + 170 Quant
Percentile ranges (160-170):
Verbal: 86th to 99th percentile Quant: 76th to 97th percentile
You're now in the top 15% or better on both sections. This is where "excellent" starts.
What Opens Up at 330
Target Schools (Average ~329-330):
- UCLA – Management PhD (average: 329)
- MIT – Aeronautics and Astronautics (average: 329)
- UT Austin – Economics (average: 328)
- Harvard – Chemistry (average: 329)
- Carnegie Mellon – Public Policy and Management PhD (average: 330)
- Stanford – Sociology PhD (average: 329)
Reach Schools (Average 331+):
- UT Austin – Finance (average: 332)
- Stanford – Statistics MS (average: 331)
- Harvard – Economics PhD (average: ~336)
Safety Schools (Average 320-326):
With a 330, programs averaging 320-325 become solid safety options, dramatically improving your admission odds at top-tier schools.
The 330 Advantage
At this level, your GRE score isn't holding you back anywhere. It's now about the rest of your application—your research, your recommendations, your fit with the program.
That said, even a 330 doesn't guarantee admission to ultra-competitive programs. But it does mean your scores won't be the reason you don't get in.
Which Section Matters More? The Field-Specific Reality
Here's something many aspirants miss: not all sections carry equal weight for every programme.
For STEM Programs
Quant matters more. A physics PhD program would rather see:
- 170 Quant + 155 Verbal (325 total)
Over:
- 162 Quant + 168 Verbal (330 total)
Even though the second combination has a higher total, the first demonstrates stronger mathematical reasoning—crucial for STEM fields.
For Humanities and Social Sciences
Verbal takes precedence. An English literature program prefers:
- 168 Verbal + 155 Quant (323 total)
Over:
- 160 Verbal + 165 Quant (325 total)
The higher Verbal score signals better critical reading and analytical writing skills.
The Strategic Takeaway
Don't just chase a total score. Understand which section your field values more, and allocate your study time accordingly. Sometimes a lower total with the right section emphasis beats a higher balanced score.
How to Actually Reach Your Target Score
Alright, enough theory. How do you actually get there?
Step 1: Know Your Starting Point
Take an official ETS practice test before you begin studying. This is your baseline. Don't skip this—guessing your starting point leads to unrealistic timelines and frustration.
Step 2: Calculate Your Study Time
Use this general framework:
| Point Improvement | Approximate Study Hours | |----------------------|---------------------------| | 5 points | 40 hours | | 10 points | 80 hours | | 20 points | 160 hours | | 30 points | 240 hours |
These are guidelines, not guarantees. Your actual timeline depends on:
- Your learning pace
- How consistently you study
- How effectively you address weaknesses
- Your baseline familiarity with the content
Step 3: Build Your Study Plan
Break down those total hours into weekly commitments. Going from 310 to 320 (10-point improvement)?
80 hours ÷ 12 weeks = ~7 hours per week 80 hours ÷ 8 weeks = 10 hours per week
Choose a timeline that fits your life. Cramming rarely works for the GRE.
Strategies That Actually Work
For All Score Levels
Master the Format First
Understanding question types, timing, and test structure prevents surprises. You don't want to be learning how the test works while taking it.
Use High-Quality Resources
Stick to official ETS materials and well-reviewed prep resources. Bad practice questions teach bad habits.
Identify Your Weak Spots
After every practice session, analyse what went wrong. Are you missing certain question types? Running out of time? Making careless errors? Pattern recognition is everything.
Practice Active Review
Don't just check if you got questions right or wrong. Understand why the correct answer is correct and why you chose the wrong one. This is where real improvement happens.
Specific Tactics for 300 → 320
For Verbal:
- Build vocabulary systematically (not randomly)
- Practice reading complex academic texts daily
- Learn to identify trap answers in Text Completion
- Master the structure of different Reading Comprehension questions
For Quant:
- Review fundamental concepts thoroughly (no shortcuts here)
- Time yourself on every practice set
- Learn to estimate and eliminate obviously wrong answers
- Practice translating word problems into mathematical equations
Advanced Strategies for 320 → 330
You're beyond basics now. Here's what separates good scores from elite ones:
For Verbal:
- Work on nuance and context in vocabulary questions
- Develop speed-reading techniques for dense passages
- Practice identifying author's tone and purpose instantly
- Master inference questions (often the trickiest)
For Quant:
- Eliminate careless mistakes through systematic checking
- Master mental math to save precious seconds
- Learn multiple approaches to complex problems
- Practice under slight time pressure (not just relaxed practice)
The Pattern Analysis Technique:
After every practice test, create a spreadsheet:
- Question type
- Topic
- Why you missed it (didn't know concept / careless error / time pressure)
- How to prevent it next time
The patterns that emerge are your roadmap. If you're consistently missing probability questions under time pressure, that's your priority.
Common Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)
Pitfall 1: Studying Without a Plan
Many aspirants study "whenever they get time." This rarely works. Block dedicated study hours. Treat them like unmissable meetings.
Pitfall 2: Only Doing Practice Tests
Practice tests diagnose problems; they don't fix them. You need focused study on weak areas, not just endless testing.
Pitfall 3: Ignoring the Writing Section
Some think AWA doesn't matter. Wrong. While it's scored separately, a very low writing score (below 3.5) can raise red flags, especially for humanities programs.
Pitfall 4: Studying Too Close to the Test
Cramming doesn't work for the GRE. Your brain needs time to absorb concepts and build automatic responses to question types. Start early.
Pitfall 5: Comparing Your Journey to Others
Someone improved 20 points in 6 weeks? Great for them. Your timeline is your timeline. Focus on consistent progress, not comparing yourself to highlight reels.
When Circumstances Change Your Strategy
If You're Starting Below 300
Be realistic. Jumping from 285 to 330 is theoretically possible but extremely rare. Instead:
- Target a 10-15 point improvement first
- Retake if you need more
- Focus on fundamentals before advanced strategies
- Consider whether additional prep time is realistic given application deadlines
If You're Plateauing
Hit a score ceiling? Common reasons:
- Content gaps: You haven't actually mastered certain topics
- Strategy issues: You know concepts but apply them inefficiently
- Test anxiety: You score better in practice than on test day
- Careless errors: You understand questions but make silly mistakes
Each needs a different solution. Diagnose honestly.
If You're Short on Time
Two months or less? Prioritise:
- Your weaker section
- The most commonly tested topics
- Time management practice
- Error analysis
You won't master everything. Focus on maximum score improvement per hour studied.
The Role of Retaking the GRE
Here's what many don't tell you: most successful applicants take the GRE more than once.
When to Retake:
- Your score is below your target programs' averages
- You know you can do better (you had a bad test day)
- You've identified specific weaknesses and addressed them
- You have time before applications are due
When NOT to Retake:
- Your score is already at or above program averages
- You're within 5 points of your target (focus on other parts of your application instead)
- You haven't changed your study approach (you'll likely get similar results)
- Application deadlines are too close
Beyond the Numbers: What Else Matters
Let's be real: your GRE score is important, but it's not everything.
Strong Applications Include:
- Relevant research or work experience
- Compelling statement of purpose
- Strong recommendation letters
- Clear fit with the program's focus
- (For PhDs) Well-defined research interests
A 315 with stellar research experience can beat a 325 with a generic application—especially for PhD programs.
But Don't Use This as an Excuse
Some aspirants tell themselves, "Scores don't matter that much, I'll focus on my statement." This is self-sabotage. Get the best score you can manage, then make the rest of your application equally strong.
Think of your application as a table. The GRE is one leg. A wobbly leg might not cause the table to collapse, but why risk it?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the minimum GRE score for top programs?
Most top programs don't publish hard minimums, but competitive applicants typically score:
- 315+ for many master's programs
- 320+ for competitive PhD programs
- 325+ for top-tier programs (Harvard, MIT, Stanford)
How long does it take to improve 20 points?
For most students, expect 3-6 months of consistent study (around 160 total hours). Faster improvements are possible but require intensive, focused study.
Should I take the GRE at home or at a test centre?
Both versions are identical in content and scoring. Choose based on your comfort level:
- At-home: More convenient, but requires stable internet and a quiet, distraction-free space
- Test centre: More controlled environment, no technical glitches to worry about
Can I use a calculator on the GRE?
Yes, but only the on-screen calculator provided. It's basic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square root). Many questions are designed to be solved more efficiently without it.
Do schools see all my GRE scores?
You control which scores to send through the ScoreSelect option. You can send all, your most recent, or only your best scores from specific test dates.
Is 300 enough for an MBA?
For top MBA programs, probably not. Competitive MBA programs typically see average GRE scores of 315-325+. However, some regional or specialised MBA programs accept scores around 300.
Your Next Steps
If you're targeting 300:
- Take a diagnostic test this week
- Identify 2-3 major weak areas
- Create a 2-3 month study plan
- Focus on fundamentals and consistent practice
- Consider whether programmes with 305+ averages should be reach schools
If you're targeting 320:
- Assess your current score and identify the gap
- Plan for 3-4 months of study minimum
- Balance both sections, but emphasise your field's priority section
- Incorporate advanced strategies, not just content review
- Take full-length practice tests monthly to track progress
If you're targeting 330:
- Expect 4-6 months of dedicated preparation
- Master fundamentals first, then move to advanced techniques
- Focus heavily on eliminating careless errors
- Work on speed alongside accuracy
- Study with the mindset of "no weak areas allowed"
Remember, consistent daily effort beats sporadic intense sessions. Even 45 minutes of focused, quality study beats two hours of distracted cramming.
Some aspirants find it easier to stay consistent using structured practice tools like PrepAiro, which helps break down preparation into manageable daily modules and tracks your progress across different question types.
Final Thoughts
Your GRE score is a moment in time, not a measure of your worth or potential.
That 300, 320, or 330? It's a door—sometimes a narrow one, sometimes a wide one—but it's just a door. What you do once you're inside the programme matters infinitely more.
But here's the thing: getting through that door matters. So give yourself the best shot possible. Understand what your target scores mean, build a realistic plan, execute consistently, and adjust when needed.
You've got this. One question, one practice set, one point at a time.
Now stop reading and start practising. Your future self will thank you.