Are you trying to understand your 273 GRE Score and how it impacts your graduate school applications?
- Understanding the GRE Scoring Scale: The GRE consists of two sections – Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, each carrying scores that range from 130 to 170. A 273 GRE score indicates your combined performance in these two sections.
- Average GRE Score: The average composite GRE score is 303 (150 Verbal and 153 for Quant). So, a 273 GRE score is below average, but with strategic preparation, it is possible to enhance this score.
- Implications of a 273 GRE score: While your GRE score is a significant factor, schools don’t use it as the sole yardstick for admission. Other strong factors like a high GPA and relevant work experience can make a difference.
Use your 273 GRE Score as a road map to guide your preparation strategy and target your dream graduate school programs.
Understanding the GRE Scoring Scale: From 260 to 340
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), given by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), is a standardized test that is an admission requirement for many graduate schools in the United States and Canada. The GRE features three sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.
Verbal Reasoning
The Verbal Reasoning sections of the GRE evaluate your reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and vocabulary skills. The score range for each Verbal Reasoning section is from 130 to 170.
Quantitative Reasoning
The Quantitative Reasoning sections, on the other hand, assess your problem-solving skills and understanding of mathematical concepts. The score range for each Quantitative Reasoning section is also from 130 to 170.
The combination of your Verbal and Quantitative scores gives a composite score ranging from 260 to 340. A 273 GRE score falls within this range and represents the cumulative score from both the Verbal and Quantitative sections. However, it is critical to note that specific programs may prioritize one section over the other, especially when it comes to making admissions decisions.
Is 273 a Good GRE Score?
To put it into perspective, a GRE score of 273 is less than the average scores. According to ETS, the average score for the GRE’s Verbal and Quantitative sections are approximately 150 and 153, respectively, making the average composite GRE score around 303.
Now let’s compare this to the average GRE scores at some leading business schools.
- Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB): The average GRE scores are significantly higher for Stanford GSB. The mean GRE score for Stanford’s 2023 class was 330 (165 Verbal, 165 Quantitative).
- The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania: The average GRE score for Wharton is also high. The mean GRE score for Wharton’s incoming class was 324 (162 Verbal, 162 Quantitative).
Therefore when comparing a score of 273 to these averages, it may be seen as considerably low.
Is 273 a Bad GRE Score?
A GRE score of 273, when compared to the average scores, is lower.
However, whether a score is “low” can depend on several factors:
- The Admissions Requirements of Your Target School: A score is usually considered low if it falls around the 25th percentile or below. This roughly equals a verbal score of 145 and a quantitative score of 147 on the GRE. It would be prudent to compare a 273 score with the median score of your targeted graduate school program.
- Your Own Performance Goals: Your personal target score may differ from average or median scores, and a 273 may not meet your own performance expectations.
So, if your target programs have higher median scores and your score of 273 falls below that, it could be considered a low score.
273 GRE Score Percentile
Considering GRE score percentiles, it is important to note that a percentile ranking is a measure of what proportion of test-takers you scored better than.
According to the ETS GRE score distribution, a score of 273 falls significantly below the median score, which stands at approximately a score of 303. If your score falls low in these rankings, it may affect your admission chances into highly competitive programs.
How Hard Is It to Get a 273 GRE Score?
Achieving any score on the GRE requires diligence, and a thorough understanding of the test format, coupled with effective preparation. You should aim to excel in both verbal and quantitative sections, and even a score of 273 requires diligent preparation.
There are certain key strategies to adhere to:
- Understand the test pattern: A thorough understanding of the test format is helpful. Familiarize yourself with the sections, the question types in each section, and time constraints.
- Develop a Study Plan: A well-structured study plan plays an essential part. Divide your GRE preparation time into understanding concepts, practicing questions, and taking full-length tests.
- Prioritize sections: If you’re struggling with a particular section, devote more time to it. Recognize your weak areas and invest additional effort to overcome these.
- Review: Regularly assess your progress by taking mock tests. This can help you evaluate your preparation level and identify areas of improvement.
In sum, securing a GRE score of 273, while comparatively modest, does require a fair amount of dedicated preparation time and focused study resources.
Can You Get into Business School with a 273 GRE Score?
A critical question that potential candidates grapple with is: Can I get into a good business school with a 273 GRE score? The answer, although not straightforward, considers multiple factors apart from the GRE score in the admission process.
Composite Picture of Your Application
Your GRE score, albeit important, is not the sole determinant of your acceptance into a business school. Committees look at a candidate’s entire profile, which includes:
- Undergraduate GPA: A solid academic record can testify to your ability to excel in demanding academic environments.
- Relevant Work Experience: Work history in your field of interest provides a practical dimension to your application. A solid track record in professional settings can be compelling evidence of your potential success in targeted areas.
- Letters of Recommendation: Recommendations offer insightful third-party evaluations of your competency and skills.
- Personal Statements/ Essays: These give admissions committees a qualitative understanding of your interests, motivations, and professional aspirations.
These factors can compensate for a 273 GRE score, depending on the selectiveness of the B-school and your performance in the above criteria.
School-Specific Averages
It’s beneficial to investigate the average GRE scores of incoming students at your targeted business schools.
- Harvard Business School (HBS): The average GRE score of the latest intake is around 327.
- McCombs School of Texas, Austin: This school has a mean GRE score of approximately 318.
These are averages, and while they indicate the competitiveness of the applicant pool, a score below these averages does not imply an automatic rejection. However, a low GRE score may warrant a powerful case for admission in other areas of your application.
Should You Cancel a 273 GRE Score?
Deciding whether to cancel a GRE score of 273 revolves around multiple factors.
Analyzing the Score
Compare your 273 GRE score with the median score of your target programs. If it is significantly lower, and you believe you can achieve a higher score with further preparation, it may be wise to consider cancellation.
Concepts of Retesting
Retesting has its own set of pros and cons. Here’s what you need to think about:
- Time and Money: The GRE isn’t free. It takes time and money to prepare and retake the exam. Unless you are certain of scoring higher, it might not be worth it.
- Improvement Possibilities: Determine whether your weak areas can be improved with more targeted preparation.
- Availability of Test Dates: Ensure there are suitable GRE dates before the deadline of your choice of program application.
Tips to Improve Your 273 GRE Score
A score of 273 indicates that there is room for improvement. Here are some strategies to help you perform better:
Tailored Study Plans
Identifying your specific areas for improvement is paramount.
- Weak Areas: Understand which section (Verbal Reasoning or Quantitative Reasoning) pulled your score down. Work to improve vocabulary, comprehension, data analysis or problem solving, as required.
- Preparation Time: Allocate sufficient time in your schedule for dedicated GRE preparation. Success in this exam requires consistent and persistent efforts over a period of time.
- Study Resources: Utilize GRE prep books, online resources, and mock tests effectively. ETS offers a variety of preparation materials which can be vital for reaching your target score.
Expert Guidance
Consulting with test prep experts or enrolling in GRE preparation courses may be beneficial. Expert guidance can provide tailored strategies and feedback to improve your test-taking skills.
273 GRE Score to GMAT
Understanding the equivalent GMAT score for a 273 GRE score can be useful, especially if you’re considering business school options that accept both GRE and GMAT scores.
According to the GRE to GMAT conversion chart provided by ETS, a total GRE score of 273, assuming a roughly equal split between verbal and quantitative reasoning scores, roughly translates to a GMAT score of about 250. Remember that each school has different preferences and requirements when it comes to standardized test scores. It’s critical to research the admissions process and expectations for the schools you’re interested in.
GRE Scores 260 to 340
Conclusion: Embracing Your GRE Score and Planning Your Business School Journey
Remember that your GRE score is just one piece of your application puzzle. A 273 GRE score is not the end of your graduate school dreams, but an opportunity to reassess your preparation strategy. Each contender is evaluated holistically by admissions committees and a vibrant application profile consists of various elements – a compelling GPA, relevant work experience, strong letters of recommendation, and assuredly, an improved GRE score.
Continue to persevere and remain confident in your abilities. With a positive mindset and strategic planning, your business school journey can still end up exactly the way you envisioned. Successful entry into a rewarding business school program is possible, even with the challenges of improving a 273 GRE score.