What Is Good Score in GRE Out of 340: 2024 Guide to Top Percentiles

A good GRE score out of 340 is generally considered to be 320 or higher, placing you in the 90th percentile or above. The GRE combines scores from two sections—Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning—each scored from 130 to 170, for a total range of 260 to 340. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately on a 0–6 scale and does not affect the 340 total.

Percentile rankings, updated annually by ETS, show how your score compares to other test takers. A score of 320 typically means you’ve performed better than 90% of recent examinees. However, what counts as “good” depends on your target programs. Some may consider 310 competitive, while others expect scores closer to 330.

Sectional Balance Matters

Admissions committees look at more than just the total. A balanced score—like 160 in Verbal and 160 in Quant—can be more appealing than an uneven one, even if the totals are the same. For example, a 170 in Quant and a 150 in Verbal (total 320) might raise concerns about communication skills, especially for international applicants. Conversely, a high Verbal score with a low Quant score could be a drawback for STEM programs.

Programs often prioritize one section over the other:

• Engineering, Computer Science, Economics: Strong emphasis on Quant. Many expect 165 or higher in this section.
• Humanities, Literature, History: Verbal is more important. A score of 160+ is often expected.
• MBA Programs: Look for balance. A total of 315–320 with solid scores in both sections is competitive.
• Public Policy, Law, Social Sciences: Value strong reading and writing skills. Verbal and Analytical Writing scores carry more weight.

Always check the average scores of admitted students at your target schools. Some programs publish this data; others provide it upon request.

What Score Ranges Mean

• 320–340: Excellent. Competitive for top-tier programs across most fields.
• 310–319: Strong. Suitable for many graduate programs, especially with strong supporting materials.
• 300–309: Average to above average. May be sufficient for less competitive programs.
• Below 300: Below average. Can limit options unless offset by strong research, GPA, or experience.

Small score differences can reflect large percentile jumps. For instance, a Quant score of 160 is around the 78th percentile, while 165 is near the 90th. This non-linear scale means every point counts, especially at higher levels.

How Schools Use GRE Scores

The GRE is one part of a holistic review. Some programs use it as a screening tool, automatically filtering applicants below a certain threshold. Others weigh it more flexibly, especially if your GPA, research, or recommendations are strong.

For example, a student with a 305 but significant research experience and strong letters may still gain admission to a competitive program. On the other hand, a 325 with a weak personal statement or no research background might not stand out.

Some graduate programs have adopted GRE-optional policies, but submitting a strong score can still strengthen your application—especially if your GPA is low or your undergraduate institution is less well-known. For international students, a high GRE score can help demonstrate readiness for English-language instruction and rigorous academic work.

Example: Computer Science PhD Application

A student applying to a top-20 computer science PhD program scores 168 in Quant (95th percentile) and 152 in Verbal (50th percentile), for a total of 320. The Quant score meets program expectations, but the Verbal score is average. However, strong research experience, publications, and recommendation letters may compensate.

In contrast, another applicant with 158 in both sections (316 total) might be viewed as more balanced. Even with a slightly lower total, the even split could signal broader academic competence.

This shows that score interpretation depends on context—program priorities, applicant background, and overall application strength.

Key Takeaways

• A good GRE score out of 340 is typically 320 or higher, placing you in the top 10% of test takers.
• Percentile rankings matter more than raw totals—check the latest ETS data to understand your standing.
• What counts as a good score varies by field: STEM programs prioritize Quantitative scores, while humanities programs value Verbal.
• Always research the average scores of admitted students at your target programs to set realistic goals.