Yes, several individuals have achieved a perfect 340 in the GRE, the maximum score on the Verbal Reasoning (170) + Quantitative Reasoning (170) sections. This ultra-elite mark places test-takers in the top 0.1-1% globally, as less than 1% score 170 Verbal and about 3% hit 170 Quant. With over 500,000 annual test-takers, only a handful—estimated at dozens worldwide—reach this pinnacle each year. Stories of success, from Indian engineering students to U.S. professionals, highlight disciplined prep and strategic mindset, making "has anyone got 340 in GRE" a beacon for aspirants eyeing Ivy League PhDs or fully funded Master's.
Real Success Stories: Who Has Scored 340 in GRE?
Indian toppers dominate recent accounts, reflecting strong STEM pipelines. In 2013, Ashwini Nene, a Mumbai engineering undergrad, stunned with 340/340 on the revised format—her first official perfect after consistent 335+ mocks. She credited Princeton Review, Kaplan, and 15 full-length tests, overcoming Verbal hurdles via focused reading comp practice. Similarly, Arjun Shah, a 2018 chemical engineering student, nailed 340 on his first try with Jamboree coaching and stamina-building 4-hour simulations, despite not expecting perfection. More recently, a 2023 Reddit user shared scoring 340 with 2 months' study using Manhattan Prep and ETS PowerPrep, while Aditya Hebbar in 2021 followed a simple word-list routine to hit the mark. Even a Bates College student posted on X in 2025 about their 340 amid full-scholarship pursuits. These tales prove it's attainable, often unexpectedly.
How Rare Is a Perfect 340 GRE Score?
ETS data underscores the scarcity: A 170 Verbal is 99th percentile (top 1%), while 170 Quant is 94-97th (top 3-6%). Combining them for 340? Under 0.5% overall, per forum estimates, as the adaptive test demands near-flawless answers—possibly 1-2 errors allowed per section. Reddit threads like r/GRE buzz with awe, noting even pros retake for that edge. Globally, Indians lead due to coaching culture, but U.S. natives shine in Verbal. AWA (0-6) often pairs at 5.5+, rounding holistic profiles.
Benefits of a 340 GRE Score for Admissions
A perfect 340 catapults applications: It signals exceptional aptitude for competitive programs like Stanford CS PhD (averages 328+) or Harvard Economics (320+). Recipients snag full scholarships, RA/TA positions, and direct admits—Ashwini aimed for top U.S. schools, Arjun boosted his ICT profile. In a test-optional era, it differentiates, especially for internationals. Yet, admissions weigh GPA (3.5+), research, and SOPs equally—no score guarantees entry.
Tips from Top Scorers
Emulate winners:
- Daily Discipline: 3-5 hours, 2-3 months; Arjun stressed 8 mocks with analysis.
- Quant Mastery: Flawless algebra/data via ETS guides; 170 needs <1 error.
- Verbal Boost: 2,000+ words (Magoosh/Barron's), daily novels for RC—Ashwini's edge.
- Stamina & Mindset: Full 4-hour tests; rest pre-exam. Reddit's 340-scorer logged errors religiously.
Start with diagnostics; 200+ hours yield jumps. Remember, 335+ often feels "perfect" too.
In essence, yes—many have got 340 in GRE through grit. It's rare, but your blueprint to join them.