What Do Those GRE Test Scores Mean?

Colleges and universities usually require a specific graduate admission test, and departments sometimes have their own requirements as well. Scores are used in evaluating the likelihood of your success in a particular program (based upon the success rate of past students with similar scores.) GRE scores are used because they have predictive validity (are systematically related to performance in graduate school programs) and they serve as an "equalizer" in evaluating the academic records of applicants who come from diverse institutions (characterized by diverse curricula and grading practices). Most programs will not accept scores more than three to five years old.

The General Test...

• ...is a measurement of VERBAL, QUANTITATIVE, and ANALYTICAL REASONING skills and knowledge that have been developed over a long period of time and are not necessarily related to any particular field study.
• ...provides scores on these three sub-tests.
• ...is administered through a computerized format. The typical length of time to complete the test is two to three hours. The test provides instant scoring on the same three sub-tests.

The Subject Tests...

Available in 16 different subject areas. Some tests have sub-scores, but most programs pay attention only to total score.

Nature of GRE Scores:

General test scores are reported for Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical. Each score is standardized with a mean of 500 and standard deviation of 100.

Most programs key on the combined total of Verbal + Quantitative. You will have some idea of how "good" your scores are by looking at how far from the mean you are (i.e., percentile equivalent).

Some scores on the GRE subject tests are reported on a scale of 200 to 990; if the subject tests have sub-scores these are usually reported on a scale of 22-99. The standardized mean for the subject test is about 560; however, actual means on each sub-test vary widely (from 430 on Sociology to 720 for Math).

What is a "good" score?

Generally speaking, you want your Verbal + Quantitative to be at least 1000. But, you must consider the program(s) to which you are applying. Graduate programs vary widely in what they "prefer" or "require" by way of GRE scores, and how much weight they place on these scores in their review of applicants. The A score (Analytical) is relatively new to the GRE and many graduate programs simply don't know yet what use or focus this particular score deserves.

Insights about those scores...

Masters degree programs have lower requirements than doctorate programs. For example, in psychology the average GRE V+E for a masters program is about 1030, for practice-oriented or applied Ph.D. programs the average V+E is about 1100, and for research focused Ph.D. programs the average V+E is about 1200. Know the desires of the programs to which you wish to apply.

A sample using 31 students who took the GRE achieved the mean scores as follows:

V= 460 (8 of 31 or 26% were above 500)

Q= 530 (21 of 31 or 68% were above 500)

A= 560 (25 of 31 or 81% were above 500)

For all examinees, the Verbal tests tend to produce the lowest scores and the Analytical the highest. In the national norm sample (~575, 000 students over three years):

~ 43% score above 500 on the Verbal

~ 67% score above 500 on the Quantitative

~ 72% score above 500 on the Analytical

For the subject tests, you ought to consult the graduate program information to find out what a "preferred" or "required" score on the particular sub-test is.

Preparing to take the GRE

It pays to prepare! At least become familiar with the testing format and types of questions asked. The amount and type of preparation you will want to undertake should be considered in light of the following:

- how well did on the ACT or SAT (not so good means prepare hard...maybe enroll in a prep. program.)

- how well you did in college on multiple choice test (not so good...become more test savvy.)

- how anxious you typically get when taking a test (some tension is natural, but too much is a handicap so learn some simple relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, and / or imagery.

- how self-disciplined you are (not very, enroll in a prep program).

What about "retaking" the GRE?

These tests have a very small "error of measurement" - retakes may not change your scores much (and they could go down) UNLESS there were obvious factors affecting you performance and/or you undergo intense intervention between testing sessions (subject tests are more susceptible to intervention effects than general test.)

For more information about the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) click here.