What is a good combined score for the GRE?

Question

I was told I need better then 50 percentile to get into the program that I want. I am currently averaging 490 on both sections (980 combined). The test is Saturday. How much should I worry?

Answer 1

Aiming for a high GRE wouldn't hurt but I wouldn't sweat it. Different grad programs put different weight on the GRE... some would emphasize getting a high score while some don't even require it. However, I think it is a consensus everywhere that the GRE's or should I say standardized tests on a whole are very bad measures of a student's potential. Most just want you to do reasonably ok on the test. In other words, it is highly unlikely that grad programs are going to say, "Well, this student has a 1300 and the other 1100. We need to go with the first one." It only becomes a big deal if you fail the test abysmally.

Shoot for high score on Saturday and if you don't so well, don't beat yourself over it. If you manage to pull a 1000, you should be fine.

Answer 2

Don't sweat the GRE too much! A good portion of your score is out of your control.

Although it depends on the program, a combined score of 1000 (500 quantitative and 500 verbal) is usually sufficient - this should be the 50% percentile they're referring to.

Don't sweat it too much - I know several people who have scored slightly lower than 1000 on the GRE but have been admitted to a graduate program - usually an "index" that multiplies your GRE score X GPA yields a number that a graduate committee uses to make admissions decisions....

So I would recommend doing the following:

(1) Obviously, do your best on Saturday. Try to get a 1000 combined score.

(2) If you don't get a 1000 combined score, consider taking the GRE a second time if the program director recommends it. Talk to the director and see what she/he says.

(3) Make sure your application packet is solid and on-time.

Good luck! You'll do just fine! :)