School entrance exams are required for many students to gain admittance to private schools. Students spend time learning how to maximize their scores on the exams and learn concepts and test-taking skills.
Determining what constitutes a solid GRE® score involves understanding the score scale and the expectations of your target graduate programs. The GRE® scores range from 130 to 170 for both verbal and quantitative reasoning, with 0 to 6 for analytical writing. Similar to AP® scores, where a 3 or higher is considered passing, a baseline score for a “good” GRE® performance in our opinion would typically start around 150 in each section.
While a 150 may not be the highest score, it indicates a solid grasp of the material and meets the criteria for many graduate programs. However, the concept of what is considered “good” varies depending on the competitiveness of your chosen field.
Much like the correlation between an A and a C in a class, where both are passing grades but an A could be seen as representing a firmer mastery of the material, scoring above 160 in each GRE® section might be perceived as exceptionally competent. Different programs may weigh GRE® scores differently, emphasizing other aspects of the application.
As per the GRE® scoring, exceeding 160 in each section aligns with a higher proficiency level, comparable to receiving an A or A+ in a class. It’s essential to recognize that the exams are designed to be challenging, reflecting entry-level graduate work. Your commitment to taking on this challenge speaks volumes about your dedication to yourself and your readiness for graduate-level studies. So, while aiming for a perfect 170 might be ambitious, achieving a solid, well-balanced score is a commendable feat on the path to your academic goals.
It did! Our curriculum and syllabus has been updated to reflect these changes. Although the scoring scale remained the same, and therefore you shouldn’t worry about this calculator’s accuracy. Here are some major notes:
1: Timing
First, the exam’s length has been essentially halved. Before, the test was administered in 3 hours and 45 minutes; it is now 1 hour and 58 minutes. You’ll no longer have to sit for a four-hour exam, only two. That being said, it’s essential to note that there’s no longer a 10-minute break between sections; as a result of the test’s shortened length, you’ll have to do things in one go.
2: Question types
Because of the exam’s shortened length, fewer questions exist. Both the math sections have two sections each, with 27 total questions for each one, or 54 questions in the entire exam before the essay section (which we’ll address in a moment). All the types of questions, though, i.e., the material being tested, should remain the same, and the unscored section is removed entirely, resulting in easier questions overall.
3: The essay
As expected, the essay has also been changed. Previously, the GRE had two different types of essay questions that needed to be filled out: the “Analyze an Issue” task and the “Analyze an Argument” task, the former of which asks students to analyze some philosophical or social issue, and the latter asks students to examine rhetoric and the structure of an argumentative statement. This second type of essay is being dropped.
4: Things that will remain the same
Firstly, we understand that the significance of an GRE® score goes beyond a simple numeric value. With our calculator, you get more than just a number; you get insights into your performance based on each section of the GRE® exam, helping you grasp your strengths and areas for improvement. Our tool provides an adaptive analysis of your scores, offering detailed breakdowns. Whether you’re aiming for the perfect score or just starting off and trying to boost your score, our calculator is designed to help you understand the nuances of your performance and how to understand your score as well.
Our calculator is designed to provide valuable insights into your exam preparation. It’s not just about the final result; it’s about the journey. In addition to Zinkerz courses, this score calculator can help you understand, for instance, how much better you would need to do on a section to boost your score, or which areas you can afford to get one or two wrong on if you’re already doing well!
Why choose Zinkerz’ Score Calculator? Because we’re not just about the numbers; we’re about your growth, understanding, and readiness for the academic road ahead. When combined with our classes and curriculum, this Calculator is your gateway to mastering the art of GRE® exam success. Use it to make your GRE® journey and transition into graduate studies truly worthwhile!
Find out your:
• Estimated Score
• Strengths and Weaknesses
• Topic Mastery
• How to Improve