GRE Percentiles 2025: Score Tables & What They Really Mean
6 min read
Dec 25, 2025
If you've taken the GRE or are planning to, you've probably heard the word "percentile" thrown around a lot. But what does it actually mean? And more importantly, how does it affect your grad school applications?
Let's break it down in a way that's simple, practical, and actually useful.
What Is a GRE Percentile?
Your GRE percentile tells you how your score compares to other test-takers over a specific period. For example, if you score in the 80th percentile, it means you performed better than 80% of test-takers.
It's not about how many questions you got right or wrong. It's about where you stand in the crowd.
The percentile is based on the performance of all GRE test-takers from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2024. ETS updates these tables periodically, so the 2025 percentiles reflect the most recent data.
Why Percentiles Matter More Than Raw Scores
Here's the thing—admissions committees don't just look at your score out of 340. They want context.
A 160 in Quant might sound impressive, but if it places you in the 70th percentile, it tells a different story than a 160 in Verbal, which could land you in the 85th percentile.
Percentiles help universities understand how competitive your score is relative to the applicant pool. And different programmes weigh sections differently.
For instance, engineering programmes often prioritise Quant percentiles, while humanities programmes care more about Verbal.
GRE Verbal Reasoning Percentile Table (2025)
Here's how Verbal scores translate into percentiles:
| Score | Percentile | |-----------|----------------| | 170 | 99 | | 165 | 96 | | 160 | 89 | | 155 | 69 | | 150 | 47 | | 145 | 27 | | 140 | 12 | | 135 | 5 | | 130 | 1 |
What this means:
A score of 160 or above in Verbal puts you in the top 11% of test-takers—a strong position for most graduate programmes.
Scoring 155 places you around the 70th percentile, which is decent but may not stand out at highly competitive schools.
Anything below 150 might signal the need for improvement, especially if you're applying to programmes that value strong reading and reasoning skills.
GRE Quantitative Reasoning Percentile Table (2025)
Quant scores tend to cluster higher, especially among international applicants. Here's the breakdown:
| Score | Percentile | |-----------|----------------| | 170 | 96 | | 165 | 86 | | 160 | 73 | | 155 | 53 | | 150 | 34 | | 145 | 18 | | 140 | 8 | | 135 | 3 | | 130 | 1 |
What this means:
A perfect 170 in Quant only gets you to the 96th percentile—because many test-takers ace this section.
A 165 is solid and places you in the top 14%, which works well for most STEM programmes.
Scoring below 160 might raise concerns for data-heavy fields like engineering, computer science, or economics.
GRE Analytical Writing Percentile Table (2025)
AWA is often overlooked, but some programmes do pay attention—especially those that involve research writing or communication.
| Score | Percentile | |-----------|----------------| | 6.0 | 99 | | 5.5 | 98 | | 5.0 | 92 | | 4.5 | 80 | | 4.0 | 54 | | 3.5 | 38 | | 3.0 | 14 | | 2.5 | 7 | | 2.0 | 2 |
What this means:
A 4.5 or higher is generally considered strong and shows clear, structured writing ability.
Anything below 4.0 might be flagged, particularly for programmes in the humanities or social sciences.
Most technical programmes won't weigh AWA heavily, but a very low score could still hurt your overall profile.
How to Interpret Your Percentile
So, you've got your score. Now what?
Step 1: Check Your Target Programme's Average Scores
Look up the average GRE scores for admitted students at your target schools. Most universities publish this data on their admissions pages.
If your percentile matches or exceeds the average, you're in good shape. If it's below, you'll need to strengthen other parts of your application—like your SOP, LORs, or work experience.
Step 2: Understand Section-Specific Expectations
Not all sections matter equally. A top MBA programme might care more about your Quant score, while a literature PhD programme will prioritise Verbal.
Know where your strengths need to shine.
Step 3: Don't Panic Over Small Gaps
A 2–3 percentile difference rarely makes or breaks an application. Admissions are holistic. Your GRE is just one piece of the puzzle.
Common Percentile Myths You Should Ignore
Myth 1: "A 320+ guarantees admission"
Not true. A high score helps, but weak essays, low grades, or missing research experience can still get you rejected.
Myth 2: "You need 90th percentile in both sections"
Most programmes don't expect perfection. A balanced profile with strong overall scores is usually enough.
Myth 3: "Percentiles don't matter if your raw score is high"
They do. A 165 in Quant is common, so the percentile helps differentiate you from others with the same score.
What If Your Percentile Isn't Where You Want It?
First, don't spiral. You have options.
If you're scoring below your target percentile, consider retaking the test. The GRE allows you to take it once every 21 days, up to five times in a year.
Focus your prep on weaker sections. If Quant is dragging you down, drill foundational concepts and practice timed sets. If Verbal is the issue, work on vocabulary and reading comprehension strategies.
Some aspirants find it easier to stay consistent using structured practice tools like PrepAiro, which helps track progress and identify weak spots without overwhelming you.
But remember—retaking makes sense only if you're confident you can improve by at least 5–7 points. Otherwise, it might be better to focus on strengthening other application components.
Percentiles vs. Programme Requirements: What Really Matters?
Here's a reality check: not all programmes publish strict cutoffs, but many have unofficial expectations.
For top 20 US universities, you'll often see average percentiles around:
- Verbal: 85th percentile or higher
- Quant: 80th percentile or higher (90th+ for STEM)
For European programmes or mid-tier schools, percentiles in the 70–80 range are often competitive.
If you're applying to interdisciplinary programmes, balance matters. You don't need to max out both sections—but you do need to show competence in areas relevant to your field.
FAQs
1. What is a good GRE percentile for top universities?
For competitive programmes at top-tier universities, aim for at least the 85th percentile in Verbal and 80th percentile or higher in Quant. STEM programmes often expect 90th percentile or above in Quant.
2. How are GRE percentiles calculated?
GRE percentiles are based on the performance of all test-takers over a rolling three-year period. ETS compares your score to this reference group and assigns a percentile rank accordingly.
3. Is a 160 in GRE Quant considered good?
A 160 in Quant places you around the 73rd percentile, which is decent but not highly competitive for STEM programmes. For humanities or social sciences, it's generally acceptable.
4. Do universities care more about percentiles or raw scores?
Universities look at both, but percentiles provide context. A raw score of 165 might seem strong, but the percentile helps admissions committees understand how competitive it is relative to other applicants.
5. Can I improve my GRE percentile by retaking the test?
Yes, if you identify weak areas and prepare strategically. Most test-takers improve by 5–10 points on a retake, which can significantly boost your percentile ranking.
6. Does the AWA percentile matter for admissions?
It depends on the programme. Humanities and social science programmes often weigh AWA more heavily, while technical fields may not focus on it as much. However, a very low AWA score can still raise concerns.
Final Thoughts
Understanding GRE percentiles isn't just about knowing where you stand—it's about making informed decisions for your applications.
Your percentile gives you clarity. It helps you set realistic goals, choose programmes wisely, and decide whether a retake is worth your time.
But here's the truth: the GRE is just one chapter in your grad school story. Strong essays, meaningful recommendations, and relevant experience matter just as much—if not more.
So yes, aim for a strong percentile. But don't let it define your entire journey.
You've got this.