A 70% on the GRE refers to scoring in the 70th percentile, meaning you performed better than 70% of test-takers. The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) does not use percentage grades like exams in school; instead, it reports scaled scores and percentile ranks for three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
- Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning are scored from 130–170 in 1-point increments.
- Analytical Writing is scored from 0–6 in half-point increments.
- Percentiles show your rank compared to all test-takers over the past three years (ETS updates these annually).
As of the latest ETS data (2023–2025 testing year), a 70th percentile corresponds to:
| Section | Score (approx.) | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 155 | 70th |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 161 | 70th |
| Analytical Writing | 4.5 | ~74th* |
*Note: Writing percentiles are less granular; 4.5 is slightly above 70th.
Is 70th percentile competitive?
- Yes for many programs, especially in humanities, education, or social sciences where Verbal scores matter more.
- Moderate for STEM programs, where top Quant scores (165+, 85th+ percentile) are often expected.
- Top-tier schools (e.g., Ivy League, Stanford) typically want 80th–90th+ percentiles overall.
Example:
A total of 155V + 161Q + 4.5AWA = ~70th percentile across sections. This is solid for mid-tier master’s programs but may need strengthening with GPA, research, or work experience for elite schools.
Bottom line: 70th percentile = strong performance, but check your target programs’ average admitted scores via their websites or ETS’s GRE Guide to the Use of Scores.