Curious about "What score is a 70% on the GRE?" You're likely referring to the 70th percentile—a strong benchmark for competitive US graduate admissions in 2025. The GRE doesn't use percentage grades like school exams; instead, it reports scaled scores (130–170 per section) and corresponding percentiles based on all test-takers over the past three years. A 70th percentile rank means you outperformed 70% of candidates. For Verbal Reasoning, this translates to roughly 160–162; for Quantitative Reasoning, 165–167. These vary slightly year-to-year due to ETS norming, but hitting 70% GRE percentile signals solid readiness for Master's or PhD programs at schools like NYU, Purdue, or UC Berkeley. This guide breaks down exact scores, percentile shifts, and strategies to achieve 70th percentile GRE performance.
Understanding GRE Scoring: Percentiles vs. Raw Scores
The GRE has three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing (0–6). Only Verbal and Quant contribute to your total 260–340 score. Each starts at 130; you earn +1 per correct answer (no penalty for wrong guesses). ETS converts raw scores to scaled ones, then maps them to percentiles. As of 2025 data, a combined 325+ often lands in the 70th+ percentile overall. But "70%" typically means per-section percentile—crucial since programs weigh Quant heavier for STEM and Verbal for humanities. Check ETS’s official percentile tables (updated annually) to confirm: a 70% GRE score isn’t fixed but hovers in the low 160s.
Current GRE Scores for 70th Percentile in Verbal Reasoning
For Verbal, the 70th percentile sits at approximately 160–162. This means answering 25–28 out of 40 questions correctly across two sections. Top vocabulary (e.g., "ephemeral," "ameliorate") and complex reading comprehension on science or literature push scores here. Non-native speakers often need 1,000+ word flashcards and daily practice with The New Yorker to hit 70% GRE Verbal. In 2024–2025, ETS reports 161 = ~70th percentile, up slightly from pre-shorter GRE norms due to a more prepared test pool.
Current GRE Scores for 70th Percentile in Quantitative Reasoning
Quant’s 70th percentile is tougher—around 165–167, requiring 30–33 correct out of 40. This covers algebra, geometry, and data analysis under tight timing. Indian and Chinese applicants frequently exceed 168 (90th+), pulling the curve up. For most, 165 solidly hits 70% GRE Quant—achievable with 100+ practice problems weekly via Khan Academy or Manhattan Prep. ETS 2025 data pegs 166 = 70th percentile exactly, making it a sweet spot for engineering or data science admissions.
Why 70th Percentile GRE Score Matters for US Admissions
Top programs publish 25th–75th percentile ranges. A 70% GRE score (160V/166Q) exceeds many mid-tier schools’ medians (e.g., University of Wisconsin: 155V/160Q) and meets lower bounds at elites (Stanford CS: 165Q median). It boosts scholarship odds and compensates for lower GPAs. Holistic reviews still value SOPs and experience, but 70th percentile GRE signals academic readiness.
How to Achieve a 70% GRE Score in 2–3 Months
Start with ETS PowerPrep diagnostic. Target weaknesses: Verbal? Read dense articles. Quant? Drill word problems. Use Magoosh (90% users improve 5+ points) or Princeton Review. Take 5+ full mocks; aim to finish sections 5 minutes early. Review every error. With 10–15 hours weekly, average students jump from 50th to 70th percentile. Retake if needed—scores are valid 5 years.
In short, a 70% on the GRE equals ~161 Verbal and ~166 Quant in 2025—strong, attainable, and admission-boosting. Lock in your study plan now and turn percentile goals into acceptances.
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