Managing to get a 268 GRE score can sometimes be unsettling, but is it really?
- Understanding the GRE scoring scale:: GR scores range from 260 to 340. You’ll learn about the importance of these scores based on target programs.
- Deciphering if a 268 GRE score is a ‘Good or Bad’ Score:: How does a score of 268 measure up to the average scores for Verbal and Quantitative sections? We examine the complexities involved.
- Evaluation of 268 GRE score in Percentile Rankings: Learn how this score ranks in comparison to those of other GRE test-takers.
A 268 GRE score doesn’t plummet your dreams; it sets a new course for it.
Understanding the GRE Scoring Scale: From 260 to 340
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test that serves as an admission requisite for many graduate and business schools globally. The test consists of three sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. Each section is scored separately, but for the purposes of this discussion, we focus on the Verbal and Quantitative sections since these can affect the total GRE score.
GRE Score Scale
According to Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization that develops the GRE, the scale for each section is set from a minimum of 130 to a maximum of 170, thus making the total score scale of the GRE from 260 to 340. Simply put, the least score one can make on the GRE is 260 (with 130 on both Verbal and Quantitative sections), while the highest one can achieve is 340 (with 170 on both sections).
Average Scores
Often, prospective students wonder about the average GRE score. The ETS reports average scores of around 150 and 153 for the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections respectively. This implies that, on an average basis, test takers score 303 collectively. Hence, a score exceeding this average is potentially seen as ‘good’, whereas any score beneath this can be regarded as ‘subpar’.
Is 268 a Good GRE Score?
Classifying a GRE score as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ is subjective and largely depends on the expectations set out by your target program and personal academic goals. It is crucial to compare your score with the average scores of the admitted students in your desired program to ascertain how ‘good’ or ‘competitive’ your score might be.
Comparing Your Score to Average Score
In the grand scheme of things, a GRE score of 268 falls below the average scores of 150 and 153 for the Verbal and Quantitative sections, respectively. This, in a quantitative sense, indicates that a 268 score might not be competitive enough for programs where the admitted students have high score averages.
Considering the Whole Application
On the other hand, a ‘good’ GRE score is not solely definitive of a successful admission. Many programs often consider other aspects of your application, including your GPA, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and relevant work or research experience. Thus, while a 268 GRE score may not stand out in numerical comparison, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee failure in the admission process.
Is 268 a Bad GRE Score?
A score of 268 on the GRE is considered low as per the ETS’s average scores; however, the tag ‘bad’ is not absolute. Your personal context and targeted grad schools play a crucial role in this analysis.
The 25th Percentile Benchmark
Typically, a score in the 25th percentile or lower is often seen as a ‘low’ score. For the Verbal reasoning section, this equates to a scaled score of 145 and for the Quantitative reasoning section, it equals a score of 147. Both these scores are lower than the median ETS scores. In case your score falls significantly lower than the median scores of your target programs, your application might be less competitive.
Overcoming a Low Score
However, it’s crucial to remember that one poor area, such as a low GRE score, can often be neutralized by other stronger areas in your application. Top-tier institutions look for well-rounded applicants. So if you’ve got a fantastic work history, a high GPA, and powerful recommendation letters, don’t be discouraged by a lower-than-desirable GRE score.
268 GRE Score Percentile
The percentile rank is highly significant in the GRE score interpretation. This rank represents the exact percentage of test takers you’ve outperformed. Therefore, a high percentile rank implies high competitiveness and vice versa.
A Below 25th Percentile Score
With a 268 GRE score, you fall below the 25th GRE percentile. This means you’ve exceeded only 25% or fewer test-takers, implying low competitiveness. A low percentile rank could potentially impact your admission into highly competitive or prestigious grad school programs.
Impact on Application Competitiveness
Your GRE percentile, specifically your lower score in the pool of applicants, directly determines how competitive your application might be. However, it’s crucial to remember that certain exceptions and biases in evaluation exist, which could potentially annul the disadvantage of a lower percentile. Your overall profile, including academic records, work experience, and extracurricular involvement, amongst others, hold significant weight alongside your GRE performance. Hence, a 268 GRE score does not entirely negate possibilities of grad school admission.
Can You Get into Business School with a 268 GRE Score?
With a 268 GRE score, while getting into top tier Business Schools like Stanford Graduate School of Business (average GRE score 330) or UPenn Wharton School (average GRE score 324) might seem unrealistic, that doesn’t mean you can’t get into a reputable Business programs. Here we will explore:
The Role of GRE Score in Admissions
The GRE score is a significant component of your application, but it is just one aspect the admissions committee evaluates. They assess your application holistically, meaning they look at your overall profile which encompasses your GPA, work experience, letters of recommendation, and other components. Thus, even a lower GRE score like 268 may not totally damp the prospects of a successful admission.
Schools With Lower GRE Score Expectations
Several competitive business schools place less weight on the GRE scores, focusing more on the overall candidates’ profile. Schools like the University of Massachusetts Boston (average GRE score 305) and University of Texas, Dallas (average GRE score range 304-316) are more forgiving and offer great business programs.
- University of Southern Indiana: With an average GRE score of 298, the university focuses on fostering the comprehensive development of students.
- New York Institute of Technology: The average GRE score of admitted students is 300. They are well-known for their focus on the application of knowledge.
Strategizing your applications to target such programs can improve your admission chances, despite a GRE score like 268.
Should You Retake the GRE?
Decision to retake the GRE hinges upon several factors like current score, target school’s GRE score average and available resources among others.
When to Consider a Retake
- Your Score Is A Lot Lower Than Your Practice Tests: Random variance can make your test day score significantly lower than your practice test results. If you consistently scored higher on your practice tests, a retake might give you a better reflection of your capability.
- You Have Time to Prepare: Consistent, focused studying can result in sizable score improvements. If your application deadlines allow for it and you are willing to commit to rigorous preparation, retaking could be a good choice.
- Your Score Is Significantly Below Your Target Programs’ Averages: If the average GRE scores of students admitted to your target programs are notably higher than 268, a retake might improve your admission chances.
How to Cancel and Retake
The ETS allows students to cancel score registration. If students aren’t satisfied with their scores, they can mark ‘No’ for the ScoreSelect option and retake the test 21 days after their previous attempt (considering a maximum of five attempts permitted in a continuous 12 month period).
Tips to Improve Your 268 GRE Score
Improving your GRE score necessitates a targeted study plan and a clear understanding of the test pattern. Here are some beneficial strategies:
Understand the Format
Getting familiar with the GRE test pattern and the types of questions asked can increase your efficiency during test, as you spend less time understanding instructions and more time responding.
Manage Time Effectively
learning how to pace yourself is crucial. You don’t want to spend a timeless amount on initially complicated questions and have less time for simpler ones. Practice keeping track of time.
Practice Regularly
Consistent practice with mock tests can give an insight into your strengths and weaknesses. You can focus more on enhancing your weak areas.
Learn From Your Mistakes
When preparing, focus on understanding wrong answers in practice tests. This way, you learn to think strategically about how to approach similar questions in the future.
268 GRE Score to GMAT
A GRE to GMAT conversion chart equates a total 268 GRE Score to a GMAT score around 200.
GRE vs GMAT Structure
While both GRE and GMAT are used for graduate admissions, they differ slightly in structure:
- GRE: It comprises three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing which are scored separately.
- GMAT: The GMAT consists of four sections: Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
Preferences of Programs
Certain programs may favor GMAT over GRE due to its focus on more complex quantitative portion. Business schools, in particular, may lean toward GMAT.
GRE Scores 260 to 340
| 260 | 261 | 262 | 263 | 264 |
| 265 | 266 | 267 | 268 | 269 |
| 270 | 271 | 272 | 273 | 274 |
| 275 | 276 | 277 | 278 | 279 |
| 280 | 281 | 282 | 283 | 284 |
| 285 | 286 | 287 | 288 | 289 |
| 290 | 291 | 292 | 293 | 294 |
| 295 | 296 | 297 | 298 | 299 |
| 300 | 301 | 302 | 303 | 304 |
| 305 | 306 | 307 | 308 | 309 |
| 310 | 311 | 312 | 313 | 314 |
| 315 | 316 | 317 | 318 | 319 |
| 320 | 321 | 322 | 323 | 324 |
| 325 | 326 | 327 | 328 | 329 |
| 330 | 331 | 332 | 333 | 334 |
| 335 | 336 | 337 | 338 | 339 |
| 340 |
Conclusion: Embracing your GRE Score & Planning Your Business School Journey
Though GRE scores hold a pivotal role in your grad school applications, it’s crucial to remember that lower scores do not necessarily imply barriers to entry. Comprehensive evaluation applications provide room to exhibit other areas of strengths as well. A 268 GRE score, though considered to fall below the average, doesn’t entirely diminish one’s dream for graduate school.
The Importance of Balanced Applications
An all-around application goes beyond test scores; it emphasizes your overall potential as a future student and, more importantly, as a future professional. To make your application stand out, give apt attention to all components: academics, work experiences, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation.
Your Applied Program Matters
Your GRE score doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Some programs, for instance, value a certain set of skills more than others and those may not entirely correspond with what the GRE measures.
In Short
A GRE score like 268 merely represents one part of the larger image that comprises you as an aspiring student. Stay optimistic, gather adequate information about your target programs, and make a well-informed decision.
Remember, your intellect is not just about your test scores, and your potential for success extends far beyond a single number. So, embrace your GRE score and plan your journey to your dream business school!