GRE scores should be compared to those of others who took the test during the same period. The test consists of analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning sections, with scores ranging from 0 to 6 and 200 to 800. Percentile rankings indicate how scores compare to others in the same period and field of study.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores can be interpreted in a number of ways. Most people agree that the best way to interpret GRE scores is to compare them to scores received by others who took the test during the same period. This can be achieved by analyzing the percentage rating received, which will be indicated next to each score in the score report. It is also useful to compare the percent rank received with the percent rank received by examinees from a similar field of study who took the test during the same period. This is because individuals from different specialties tend to score the same on different sections of the test.
The GRE is a standardized test designed to assess an individual’s readiness for graduate-level university courses. The GRE General Test is made up of an analytical writing section, a verbal reasoning section, and a quantitative reasoning section. The analytical writing section of the test is scored on a scale ranging from 0 to 6 using half-point increments. The verbal and quantitative reasoning sections are scored on a scale ranging from 200 to 800 using 10-point increments. Approximately two weeks after taking the test, the examinee receives a report that indicates the score received on each section of the test, as well as the percentage ranks for each score received.
Percentage rankings are often considered the easiest way to interpret GRE scores because they tell the examiner how your scores compare to those of others who took the test during the same time period. Your percentile rankings indicate the percentage of participants who received GRE scores below yours. For example, a percentile rating of 52 on the Quantitative Reasoning section indicates that 52% of people who took the test during the same period received a lower score than you on the Quantitative Reasoning section.
It is also helpful to compare your percentage score on each section of the test to the average percentage score for individuals from similar fields of study who took the GRE during the same period. Individuals in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering fields tend to score higher on the quantitative reasoning section of the test. Individuals from the humanities and social sciences fields tend to score higher in the verbal reasoning section. Comparing your GRE scores to others in your field will help you better understand how you stack up against your peers.
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