How To Calculate Your GRE Score In 2023
Most test-takers guess their scores with their gut feelings. However, there are ways to turn your GRE raw score into a predicted score with the help of ETS’s scoring system and our online GRE score calculator. The GRE Score Calculator uses scores from mock exams as input to predict an examinee’s GRE score on test day. The calculation involves adaptive testing and equating. Adaptive testing refers to the adjustments to the difficulty of the questions in the second section based on the performance of the examinee in the first section. On the other hand, equating is the process of converting raw scores into scaled scores. Performance and time management are critical in determining the final score for verbal and quantitative reasoning tests. Thus, examinees may have varied results regardless of the similarity of the number of questions they answered correctly. The calculation for the analytical writing measure is slightly different because test takers have to write two essays that a trained reader and an e-rater will examine. The average of the scores will be converted into a scale score.
What are the scoring patterns of GRE?
Examinees may observe these scoring patterns of GRE:
- Two types of test: General Test and Subject Test of GRE
- Three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing
- Specified Test for a Subject: Examinees take the subject to test their ability for a specific subject they will pursue in a higher education.
- Computer-Adaptive: The GRE test has a well-designed algorithm that precisely measures the intellectual capacity of an examinee through their performance level in the first section.
- Two sections: The test is divided into two sections. In the first section, examinees are provided with questions with medium difficulty as they are assumed to have average knowledge of the topics. After answering the first set of questions, the algorithms adjust the level of difficulty of the succeeding section to the performance level of the examinee.
- One mark per answer: Each correct answer is worth one point.
To better understand the sections, parts, and markings of GRE, one should be familiar with the scoring patterns.
What are the scoring scales for the GRE sections?
The table below presents the score scales for the three sections of the Graduate Record Examination:
|
GRE Sections Scoring Scale | |
|---|---|
|
Section |
Score Scale |
|
Verbal Reasoning |
130–170, in 1-point increments |
|
Quantitative Reasoning |
130–170, in 1-point increments |
|
Analytical Writing |
0–6, in half-point increments |
Verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning have a score scale of 130–170 in 1-point increments, while analytical writing has a score scale of 0–6 in 0.5 point increments. The results of the sections do not affect each other. One may have higher scores in a particular section and lower scores in another section.
What is the scoring method for the computer-delivered test?
The performance level of the examinees in a computer-delivered test is measured by the precision of their answers and the efficiency of their time management. The questions in verbal and quantitative reasoning are all worth the same point.
How is the GRE verbal score calculated?
Verbal reasoning is a test of a candidate’s reading comprehension. The number, speed, and difficulty of the questions they answer are all used to quantify their overall performance. Using equating, the raw score is transformed into a scale score.
How is the GRE quant score calculated?
Quantitative reasoning tests the critical thinking and analytical skills of the examinees by letting them solve mathematical and statistical problems. Like in Verbal Reasoning, the scores are based on the number of questions they correctly answer. Speed and level of difficulty remained crucial factors in the weight of the final score, which was converted from the total raw score through equating.
How is the GRE Analytical Writing score calculated?
Analytical writing is evaluated differently from the other measures. Since it tests the ability of the examinee to critically think, to eloquently explain complex concepts, and to strengthen ideas with well-researched references, the essay’s score is marked by both a human examiner and an e-rater. Examinees may garner a score ranging from 0 to 6, with 6 as the highest mark. If the rates given by the trained reader and the e-rater are similar, then the average of their given scores will be the final score. Otherwise, a second human examiner will be called in to provide another mark to add to the mark of the first human examiner. The average of their scores will now be the final score of the examinee.
How is the GRE score calculated?
The GRE score is calculated through adaptive testing and equating. Adaptive testing refers to the capability of an algorithm to set the level of difficulty of the questions in the second section based on their performance level in the first section. In equating, the examinee receives a 1 point increment in verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning measures. Then, these points would be added to the raw score, which ranges from 0 to 40. Finally, the raw scores are converted into scale scores, which range from 130 to 170. For example, if the examinee answers 32 questions correctly, it will be converted into a scale score by adding 130 to it. As a result, the examinee will have a final score of 162. However, if someone answers a more difficult set of questions in the second section because they performed well in the first, they may garner a higher score, even though their total raw scores are the same.
The calculation of the score in the analytical measure requires the mark provided by a trained reader and an e-rater. The essays are marked with scores ranging from 0 to 6 in 0.5 increments, depending on the proficiency of their writing skills. The average of the given marks will be the final score of the examinee.
What is the difference between GRE paper-based scoring and computer-adaptive tests?
The difference between GRE paper-based scoring and computer-adaptive tests is based on the convenience and time-efficiency of the process. Computer-adaptive tests are globally available throughout the year. They have an algorithm that precisely measures the performance level of the examinees based on their total raw score on the first section. Their section-by-section adaptability feature enables them to adjust the level of difficulty of the second set of questions based on the proficiency of the test takers. Examinees may also know their results at the test center itself. On the other hand, paper-based tests are only available three times a year. The results are released after six weeks of taking the test.
What is the GRE Score Calculator Percentile?
The percentile of the GRE score is based on the number of examinees who achieved a certain final score in a population. It groups them to provide administrators with a convenient comparison of their performance.
|
Percentile table for Verbal Reasoning and Quant Reasoning | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Scaled Score |
Verbal Reasoning Percentile |
Quant Reasoning Percentile |
|
170 |
99 |
97 |
|
169 |
99 |
96 |
|
168 |
98 |
94 |
|
167 |
98 |
92 |
|
166 |
97 |
91 |
|
165 |
96 |
89 |
|
164 |
94 |
87 |
|
163 |
93 |
84 |
|
162 |
91 |
81 |
|
161 |
88 |
78 |
|
160 |
86 |
76 |
|
159 |
83 |
73 |
|
158 |
80 |
69 |
|
157 |
76 |
66 |
|
156 |
73 |
62 |
|
155 |
69 |
59 |
|
154 |
65 |
55 |
|
153 |
61 |
51 |
|
152 |
56 |
47 |
|
151 |
52 |
43 |
|
150 |
48 |
38 |
|
149 |
43 |
35 |
|
148 |
39 |
30 |
|
147 |
35 |
27 |
|
146 |
31 |
24 |
|
145 |
27 |
20 |
|
144 |
24 |
17 |
|
143 |
20 |
14 |
|
142 |
17 |
12 |
|
141 |
15 |
10 |
|
140 |
12 |
8 |
|
139 |
9 |
6 |
|
138 |
8 |
4 |
|
137 |
6 |
3 |
|
136 |
4 |
2 |
|
135 |
3 |
2 |
|
134 |
2 |
1 |
|
133 |
2 |
1 |
|
132 |
1 |
– |
|
131 |
1 |
– |
|
130 |
– |
– |
|
Percentile Table for Analytical Writing | |
|---|---|
|
Score |
Percentile |
|
6.0 |
99 |
|
5.5 |
98 |
|
5.0 |
93 |
|
4.5 |
82 |
|
4.0 |
60 |
|
3.5 |
42 |
|
3.0 |
18 |
|
2.5 |
8 |
|
2.5 |
2 |
|
1.5 |
1 |
The computation of the percentile is based on the total population of the examinees. After a test score is tallied, it is divided from the total population to determine the percentile rank of the test taker. For example, if a score of 170 lands in the 97th percentile, this means only three examinees gained a perfect score.
How are the GRE Subject test scores calculated?
The subject test is completed in a paper-and-pencil format. An examinee may gain a point for every correct answer and lose a quarter point for every incorrect answer. At the end of the section, the total raw score is calculated by adding all the right answers and subtracting a quarter of points for every question answered incorrectly. Through equating, the raw score will be converted into a scale score that ranges from 200–900 in 10-point increments. The difficulty level of the test additions is critical to the final score; thus, examinees may receive different scaled scores regardless of the similarity of their total raw scores.
What is the difference between GRE percentage and percentile?
The GRE is one of the admission tools that provides a quantified and objective comparison of the skills and knowledge of the examinees to the involved measures. This comparison is presented through a table of percentiles, which groups the scores of the examinees according to their performance level in the exam. On the other hand, percent presents the same data in a decimal-converted measurement. For example, if test takers land in the 77th percentile, that means their scores surpassed 77% of the population.
How to use ETS’s scoring systems to predict your GRE score?
The best way to predict your score is to take multiple GRE practice exams so you can estimate your performance level on the day of the exam and improve it along the way. The scoring systems of the ETS have been explained previously, and they get simpler the more you read about them. To predict your score in verbal and quant measures, just add 130 to your total raw score to convert it into a scaled score. To predict your score in analytical writing measures, you may consult ETS’s Issue Task and Argument Task scoring guides and ask any trained reader you know to help you assess your paper. If the marks they’ll provide are the same, the average of their given marks will be the final score. Otherwise, you may ask another acquaintance to assess it and give a mark, which will be added to the mark given by the first human examiner. The average of the marks will be the final score.
How to improve GRE scores?
To enhance GRE scores, focus on systematic preparation. Begin by understanding the test format and content. Utilize official GRE materials and practice tests. Develop strong time management skills to complete sections on time. Strengthen vocabulary through flashcards and consistent reading. Hone analytical writing by practicing essay structures. Tackle quantitative problems methodically, identifying key concepts. Review mistakes to learn and adapt. Consider enrolling in prep courses if needed. Prioritize consistent practice and maintain a positive mindset for optimal results.
Will a GRE prep course improve scores?
Enrolling in courses in GRE can lead to score improvement. These courses offer tailored strategies, practice materials, and expert guidance, enhancing familiarity with the test format and content. However, individual outcomes vary based on effort, baseline skills, and learning style. A prep course might boost confidence and provide valuable insights, but success also hinges on consistent practice and comprehension.
References
- https://collegedunia.com/exams/gre/gre-score-calculation
- https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/exams/gre/score-calculator
- https://www.embibe.com/exams/how-calculate-and-understand-gre-score/
- https://www.gyandhan.com/blogs/how-is-gre-score-calculated
- https://magoosh.com/gre/how-to-predict-your-gre-score/
- https://www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2021/03/08/how-gre-scores-percentiles-calculated/
- https://studyabroad.careers360.com/articles/how-calculate-and-understand-gre-scores
- https://www.qsleap.com/gre/resources/what-is-the-difference-between-computer-and-paper-based-gre
