As more graduate programs make the GRE optional, many applicants find themselves facing a common dilemma: Should I submit my GRE score if it’s only average?
Think of your graduate application like a portfolio. Each element- GPA, statement of purpose, recommendation letters- builds a case for your readiness. A GRE score, even if average, can serve as a valuable piece of that portfolio, reinforcing your academic potential.
In this blog, we’ll explore what counts as an average score, how it’s interpreted by admissions committees, and when submitting it helps or hurts your application.
Understanding the GRE’s scoring system is like reading a map before starting a road trip. You need to know what the numbers mean before deciding if your destination- admission- is within reach.
The GRE General Test includes three sections:
Scoring ranges:
This means your total GRE score (Verbal + Quant) can range from 260 to 340.
Source: Understanding GRE Scores
Knowing the average score is like knowing the average time runners finish a marathon- it helps you gauge where you stand. It doesn’t define success but gives a sense of the field.
Source: ETS Score Interpretation Guide (PDF)
These are useful benchmarks for gauging your own performance and positioning in the applicant pool.
Percentiles are like your class rank- they show how well you did compared to others, not just how high your score was. It’s a lens through which admissions committees view your competitiveness.
Source: ETS Score Interpretation Guide (PDF)
Percentiles give admissions officers essential context, especially in test-optional environments.
Think of Verbal and Quant as two different sports- Quant rewards technical problem-solving, while Verbal tests language depth and interpretation. Naturally, the averages differ. Here's why:
Many GRE takers come from STEM fields where Quant skills are used daily. This boosts overall performance in the Quant section and raises its average score.
Verbal sections often challenge non-native English speakers with dense vocabulary and abstract reasoning, making high scores harder to achieve and lowering the average.
Quant concepts follow formulas and patterns, making them more predictable and easier to improve through practice. Verbal improvement takes longer and is less straightforward.
These differences make it important to interpret your Verbal and Quant scores in context- both in terms of your background and your target program.
Trends in GRE scores over the years are like tracking weather patterns- it gives insight into what's typical, what's changing, and how competitive the landscape is today.
Source: ETS Score Interpretation Guide (PDF)
Quantitative averages have climbed steadily, suggesting rising expectations in technical fields.
Think of each academic program as having its own “admissions dialect.” What sounds average in one may sound fluent in another. Tailoring your expectations to your field is crucial.
Source: More on program score comparisons from ETS
This table shows that "average" is relative- always align your expectations with your target discipline.
This decision is like choosing whether to include a decent reference on a resume- it won’t land the job by itself, but it might strengthen your case if other parts of the application are solid.
Your GRE score is a tool, not a label. Think of it like an optional feature on a car- if it enhances your value and fits the journey ahead, include it. If not, focus on what does.
The GRE may no longer be required by many schools, but it still holds weight when used wisely. When your score adds to your application’s consistency and narrative, it’s often worth submitting- even if it’s average.
The average GRE scores are:
Most GRE test-takers come from STEM backgrounds, making Quant scores generally higher. Verbal is often more challenging for non-native English speakers.
Top programs expect higher scores:
Yes—if your score strengthens your application or meets the program's average. If the program is test-optional and your score is low, you may choose not to submit it.
✅ 1000+ Practice Questions with Step -by-Step AI Walkthroughs.
✅ Vocabulary Trainer for the most essential GRE words.
✅ 24/7 Real-Time Doubt Solving with an AI Tutor.
✅ 5 Full-Length GRE Mock Tests with instant AWA scoring.