Can you pass or fail the GRE?

Asked by: Prof. Irwin Williamson  |  Last update: August 14, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (5 votes)

Misconception #2: It's possible to “fail” or “pass” the GRE. It's possible to get GRE scores that are below the minimum for the university you apply to. But you can't “pass” or “fail” the GRE in the same way that you could pass or fail a university exam or professional certification test.

Is there a passing score for GRE?

What is a good GRE score? For most programs, it's 75th percentile or above: 157+ in Verbal Reasoning and 165+ in Quantitative Reasoning. For top programs, it's a 90th percentile score or higher: 162+ in Verbal and 169+ in Quant.

Is it hard to pass the GRE?

On the other hand, if there is a significant difference between the scores you need and your practice test scores, then you will need to work hard to achieve the scores you want. In this sense, the GRE is a “hard” test—but only because you're not yet ready to take it. If you practice, the test will become easier.

Is a 307 a bad GRE score?

So, if you've earned a 300-310 GRE score, do not lose hope as there are many good universities in the USA that accept these scores for masters admissions. Since the universities in the USA provide great faculty, infrastructure and a variety of programs; you can always opt for one.

Can you get a 0 on the GRE?

The range of scores for the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning measures of the GRE® General Test is 130 to 170, in one-point increments. The range of scores for the Analytical Writing measure is 0 to 6, in half-point increments.

How I scored 330+ in GRE in ONE MONTH -- Strategy, Resources, Books, Tips 🌟

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Is 315 a low GRE score?

For most top-50 schools, a good GRE score is in the high 150s to low 160s on both sections. Based on this data, an overall GRE score of 315 to 320 is a good GRE score for MBA applicants, while a score of 325 is excellent.

What is the minimum GRE score for grad school?

Top GRE Accepting Universities in USA

The GRE consists of three sections: verbal reasoning, analytical writing, and quantitative reasoning. The minimum GRE score required at US universities ranges from 155 to 167 for both verbal and quantitative sections.

Is getting a 320 on GRE hard?

Scoring a 320 can be a tough task as the GRE percentile is around 80 or above. But, GRE is a section-adaptive. If you want to get admission for a specific course, you need to up your game and should score good in each section as most of the universities look at the section score rather than the actual score.

Is GRE harder than MCAT?

Because MCAT tests much more specific concepts and skills, the MCAT will require a more focused study. It is ultimately more challenging in terms of subject matter. However, both GRE and MCAT are challenging in their own ways and require a significant amount of time for preparation.

What level of math is on the GRE?

The test consists of approximately 66 multiple-choice questions, drawn from courses commonly offered at the undergraduate level. Approximately 50 percent of the questions involve calculus and its applications—subject matter that can be assumed to be common to the backgrounds of almost all mathematics majors.

Is GRE harder than LSAT?

A common misconception is that the GRE is easier than the LSAT. While the GRE may have a broader range of content, the LSAT's logical reasoning and analytical writing sections can be quite challenging. Remember, both exams require dedication and preparation to achieve a competitive score.

How long should I study for the GRE?

You can't cram for the GRE test. By and large, the exam is a test of patterns, not facts, so if you want to raise your GRE score, you will need sufficient time to practice. We suggest you devote between 4 and 12 weeks to GRE preparation.

What is the GRE score for Harvard?

Although the minimum GRE requirements are not cited on the official course pages, a score of 330 is generally acceptable (165+ for verbal, 160-170 for quant, and 4.0-5.0 for analytical writing).

What is the minimum score in GRE?

Lowest Possible GRE Score

The two multiple-choice GRE sections, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, are each scored on a scale from 130-170 in one-point increments. The lowest possible score on each of those sections is 130.

Is 300 a good GRE score?

Is 300 a Good GRE Score? Yes, 300 is a good score and above average on the GRE. Scores like 300 and above increase your chances of getting into highly reputable institutions and programs.

Is 295 a bad GRE score?

A GRE score average of 290 to 300 can take you to a quality university in the USA, which would surely help you take off your career ladder.

Is the GRE hard?

Overview of GRE Exam and Difficulty Level

The answer is quite not easy as the GRE is not exactly difficult but a bit challenging. You might need a lot of dedicated hours to score good marks to make it to the top MS colleges abroad.

What happens if I fail the GRE?

What happens if you fail the GRE? There is no pass or fail in GRE. The GRE scores are interpreted as Below Average, Average, Good, Excellent, etc. If you scored average or below that, you can always go for a retake and increase your score in the subsequent test.

What is a low GRE score?

There is no low or high score when it comes to GRE. It totally depends on the course and university you are applying for. But An average profile should target a score of 310+ for good universities and above 160+ in quants for engineering grad.

Is GRE needed for masters?

Key Takeaways. A growing number of master's programs no longer require GRE scores for admission. Popular no-GRE master's programs include accounting, computer science, IT, nursing, and psychology. You may have to complete other application requirements like an interview or have a high GPA.

How hard is it to get 320 on GRE?

Achieving a 320+ GRE (Graduate Record Examination) score is an incredible accomplishment that provides access to a variety of graduate programmes worldwide. It requires careful preparation, strategic planning, and a thorough grasp of the format and subject matter of the test.