The highest possible scores on the GRE General Test are 170 on the Verbal Reasoning section, 170 on the Quantitative Reasoning section, and 6.0 on the Analytical Writing section. Most applicants and admissions committees refer to the highest combined Verbal plus Quantitative score as 340 when they talk about a “perfect” GRE score.
Quick explanation of GRE scoring
Understanding what “highest score” means requires knowing how the GRE is scored and reported.
General Test sections and score ranges
- Verbal Reasoning: Scored from 130 to 170 in 1-point increments.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Scored from 130 to 170 in 1-point increments.
- Analytical Writing: Scored from 0.0 to 6.0 in half-point increments.
When people say “the highest GRE score” they usually mean the combined Verbal plus Quantitative maximum, which is 340. Analytical Writing is reported separately and does not combine with the 340 total.
How scores are presented
ETS, the test maker, reports each score separately. Your official score report will show three main numbers: your Verbal score, your Quantitative score, and your Analytical Writing score. ETS also provides percentile ranks for each section and for combined scores. Percentile ranks change over time as test-taker populations change, so consult ETS for the most recent percentile tables when you need exact comparisons.
What a “perfect” GRE score looks like and what it means
A perfect score on the GRE General Test is a 170 Verbal, a 170 Quantitative, and a 6.0 on Analytical Writing. In practice:
- 170 Verbal + 170 Quantitative = 340. This is often called a perfect or ideal numerical score.
- 6.0 Writing is the highest AWA score and indicates a top-level performance on the analytical writing tasks.
Admissions committees rarely require a “perfect” GRE. A 340 plus a 6.0 is exceptional and will not hurt an application, but whether it is necessary depends on the program and applicant pool. Many competitive programs place different emphasis on the sections depending on the discipline. For example, STEM programs tend to weigh Quantitative scores more heavily, while humanities and some social science programs may emphasize Verbal and Writing.
Important details and policies that affect scoring and reporting
ScoreSelect and sending scores
ETS gives you control over which GRE General Test scores to send to institutions through a feature called ScoreSelect. The options allow you to send:
- All recent scores for a specific time period.
- Most recent scores from your last test administration.
- Any scores from any specific test date you choose to send.
Because of ScoreSelect, applicants often send only their best test date to programs. Some graduate programs perform their own type of superscoring, where they look at the highest Verbal and highest Quantitative scores across multiple test dates. Others only consider the scores you submit. Always check the application instructions for each program to understand how they treat multiple GRE scores.
How long GRE scores remain valid
GRE General Test scores are valid for five years from the test date. If you plan to apply to graduate programs several years after testing, confirm that programs accept scores up to five years old.
Retake limits and scheduling rules
ETS permits retaking the GRE, but there are limits you should know about:
- You can take the GRE General Test once every 21 days.
- You may take the test up to five times within any continuous 12-month period.
These rules prevent unlimited retesting within a short timeframe.
GRE Subject Tests and their top scores
GRE Subject Tests are separate from the General Test and cover specific fields such as Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Psychology. Subject Tests use different scoring scales than the General Test. Historically, subject test scores have been reported on scales that often range approximately from 200 to 990, though reporting conventions vary by test. Check the ETS website for the current availability and scoring details for each subject test before registering, because policies and test offerings can change.
How admissions committees interpret the highest scores
A top GRE score is only one part of an application. Admissions committees consider the whole file: undergraduate record, letters of recommendation, research experience, fit with the program, and test scores. How much weight a committee gives to GRE scores depends on the program and discipline.
- Context matters: A high Quant score is more important for math, engineering, and economics applicants than for many humanities programs. A high Verbal score is more meaningful for literature and some social science fields.
- Section balance: An applicant with a perfect Quant score but a low Verbal score may be less competitive in programs that value strong communication skills. Conversely, an applicant with a strong Verbal performance but weak Quant may struggle for quantitatively intensive programs.
- Analytical Writing: Although AWA is reported separately, exceptionally low AWA scores can raise concerns about an applicant’s writing ability. Some programs expect a minimum writing score; check program requirements.
Practical guidance: aiming for the highest GRE score that’s right for you
Preparing to reach the highest scores possible is worthwhile, but “highest” should be interpreted relative to your target programs. Use these steps to set realistic goals and study effectively.
1. Research program expectations
- Look at admitted student profiles and any published score expectations for your target programs. Some departments list typical or minimum GRE scores in their admissions pages.
- Ask current students or the department admissions contact if GRE expectations are unclear.
2. Set target scores
Decide on target scores that reflect where you want to be relative to your programs. Targeting the highest possible score is fine, but focus extra preparation on the sections that matter most for your field.
3. Use an evidence-based study plan
- Take a full-length diagnostic test under timed conditions to identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Create a study schedule that emphasizes weak areas, builds test stamina, and includes regular full-length practice tests.
- Review official ETS practice materials along with high-quality third-party resources.
4. Consider retesting strategically
If your first scores are below your targets, use the retake rules to plan improvements. Because ETS allows sending only selected test dates, you can retake the GRE and send only the improved scores if they better represent your abilities.
Common misunderstandings about “highest” GRE scores
- “A 340 is required.” Very few programs require a perfect 340. Programs typically seek applicants whose scores match the demands of the discipline.
- “Higher AWA always guarantees admission.” A high writing score strengthens an application, but admissions decisions are holistic.
- “ETS superscores for you.” ETS does not automatically create a superscore combining your highest section scores across dates for reporting. Some programs will combine section bests themselves, and ScoreSelect gives you control over which test dates to send. Always clarify the program’s policy.
- “Subject Test top scores are the same as General Test top scores.” Subject Tests use different scoring scales and must be interpreted on their own terms.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 340 GRE necessary to get into top programs?
No. While a 340 is an outstanding result, admissions decisions depend on the full application package and the specific program. Many successful applicants have scores below 340. Use profiles of admitted students and department guidance to determine a competitive target for your program.
Can I combine the highest Verbal from one test date and the highest Quant from another?
ETS does not automatically produce a combined “superscore” on your score report. However, many admissions committees will consider your highest section scores across multiple dates. ScoreSelect allows you to decide which test dates to send. Confirm each program’s policy on evaluating multiple test scores.
How do I find out the percentile for a specific score?
ETS publishes percentile ranks for GRE scores and updates them periodically. For exact percentile information for a particular score, consult the official ETS GRE percentiles webpage. Percentile ranks help you understand how your score compares to other test takers.
How long should I study to reach the highest GRE scores?
Study time varies by individual. Many test takers need several months of focused preparation to make large score gains. Use diagnostic testing to estimate how much time you need, and prioritize consistent practice with real GRE-style questions.
Summary and next steps
The highest possible GRE General Test scores are 170 Verbal, 170 Quantitative, and 6.0 Analytical Writing, with the commonly cited “perfect” combined score equal to 340 for Verbal plus Quantitative. Those numbers represent maximum performance, but admissions committees consider the entire application. Set score targets that reflect the expectations of your intended programs, use ETS official resources to check percentiles and policies, and plan a focused study and retesting strategy if needed.
For the most current score tables, policy details, and test availability, consult the official ETS GRE website and the admissions pages of the programs you plan to apply to.
