Navigating the world of GRE scores can be utterly perplexing. Let’s break it down for a clearer perspective on a 326 GRE Score.
- Understanding the GRE Scoring Scale: Grasp the structure of GRE scoring, from the floor of 260 to the summit of 340.
- Is 326 a Good or Bad GRE Score?: Buoyed by data, explore the reliability of a 326 GRE score.
- 326 GRE Score Percentile: In context of percentile rankings, learn how 326 fares.
This guide will be your beacon, illuminating the path to mastering a 326 GRE Score.
Understanding the GRE Scoring Scale: From 260 to 340
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) uses a consistent scoring scale from 130 to 170 for two of its parts: Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. This means, the lowest possible score for each of these categories is 130 while the highest is 170. When combined, this scales your total GRE score from a minimum of 260 to a maximum of 340.
Breakdown of GRE Scoring
The GRE score is calculated in two segments: Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. You can score anywhere from 130 to 170 in each of these sections.
- Verbal Reasoning: This section assesses how well you understand, analyze and evaluate written material.
- Quantitative Reasoning: This section measures your problem-solving ability using basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
It’s crucial to note that your GRE score is not a mere total of your Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning scores. The test also includes an Analytical Writing assessment, scored on a 0 to 6 scale, which does not contribute to the 260 to 340 scale but is considered separately.
When we talk about a GRE score of 326, we’re usually referring to the total score from these two sections, Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning.
Is 326 a Good GRE Score?
After understanding the mechanics of the GRE scoring system, the big question is: Is 326 a good GRE score? It’s a valid question as putting your scores into context is a strong step towards a successful application strategy.
Comparing with Average and Top Scores
A score of 326 is indeed quite high and falls too close to the top of the score range (340). When you compare this to the global average GRE scores – about 150 for Verbal and 153 for Quantitative Reasoning, equivalent to a total of approximately 303 – it’s much higher.
- Comparative score: When you consider that the average combined score floats around 303, a 326 places you well above average.
- Top-tier scores: At the very competitive end of the spectrum, a perfect score is 340. Therefore, a 326 is incredibly close, making it a high score, even among competitive applicants.
Is 326 a Bad GRE Score?
Despite the positive inferences drawn above, it’s reasonable to ask if there could be situations where a 326 on the GRE is considered a suboptimal score.
Relative to Program Requirements
This, of course, depends on the program and school you’re applying to. There are programs where an average GRE score is around 317, such as Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Then, there are more competitive programs like Yale School of Management, where the average hovers around 331.
- Less competitive programs: In a program where the incoming students’ GRE scores average around 317, a 326 would be a phenomenal score.
- Highly competitive programs: However, while still strong, a 326 may not be as competitive in programs where the average GRE score exceeds this, like at Yale School of Management.
326 GRE Score Percentile
To get another perspective on how the GRE score of 326 stacks up, consider the percentile system.
Percentile Ranks
A percentile rank for a GRE score is the percent of test-takers who scored lower than you. In the most recent GRE score data, a 326 had a percentile rank of around 90-95%. This means that only 5-10% of test-takers scored higher than 326.
- Verbal Reasoning: Typically, a Verbal Reasoning score of 160-163 (part of a 326 composite score) lands in the 85th-90th percentile.
- Quantitative Reasoning: A Quantitative Reasoning score of 163-166 (contributing to a 326 total) is about the 85th-90th percentile.
How Hard Is it to Get a 326 GRE Score?
Achieving a 326 on the GRE is unquestionably a significant undertaking.
Preparation Time
Although the time it takes to prepare for the GRE varies greatly from person to person, on average, it takes about two to three months of dedicated, regular studying to score in or above the 90th percentile.
Study Material
The choice of study materials can significantly impact your GRE preparation. Good study materials will cover all topics you’ll see on the test and offer plenty of practice questions for you to use. High-quality materials to consider include:
- GRE Official Guide: This is the only official GRE guide and is highly recommended for its accurate portrayal of the exam.
- Manhattan Prep’s 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems: This book provides over 1,800 practice problems covering every topic tested on the GRE.
Perseverance is Key
Determination and perseverance also play a vital role in achieving a high score. Regular practice and a consistent study schedule typically result in a steady improvement in scores. However, scoring a 326, which falls well in the 90th percentile, will typically require a deep understanding of the test and a rigorous practice schedule. You’ll likely need to give a considerable amount of time every week for studying, in addition to taking several full-length, timed practice tests.
There are no shortcuts or magic bullets to achieve a high GRE score. It is the product of careful preparation, a solid understanding of the test material, strategic practice, and unwavering dedication.
Can You Get into Business School with a 326 GRE Score?
When angling for admission to business school, GRE scores are often a vital piece of your application package. Besides your academic standing, resume, letters of recommendation and essays, performance on standardized tests like the GRE or GMAT can significantly impact your acceptance chances.
So, is a 326 GRE score sufficient to secure a seat in business school? The answer is – yes!
A Global Perspective on Business School Admissions
The GRE score requirements change dramatically based on the competitive nature of the program and the school. For context, let’s observe a handful of top-tier business schools that accept GRE scores.
- Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University: Median GRE score here is 327. A 326 is within a striking distance.
- MIT Sloan School of Management: Average GRE scores for admitted students hover around 325. Hence, 326 is above par.
- Yale School of Management: The average GRE score is approximately 331. Here, 326 might need to be buttressed by a strong overall application.
Diversifying Your Application Strength
Like most standardized tests, the GRE is just a piece of the puzzle when it comes to admissions. Schools look not only at your scores but also give weightage to your grade point average (GPA), leadership experiences, and extracurricular activities. Having a 326 may not be the feather on your cap if applying for a more competitive program, but combined with a strong overall application, it can certainly fortify your candidacy.
Should You Cancel a 326 GRE Score?
You might find yourself deliberating over whether to keep or cancel a 326 GRE score. The ETS (Educational Testing Service) allows you to decide whether you wish to report or cancel your GRE scores right after you take the test.
Points to Ponder
When making the decision to keep or cancel, it is essential to consider:
- Ambition: If you are certain you can obtain a higher score or if you’re aiming for very competitive programs where a 326 GRE score falls slightly short of average, you might consider retaking the test.
- Future Plans: The GRE scores are valid for five years. If you plan to apply to business school within that period, it may be worth keeping your score of 326, especially if you don’t have time for another round of meticulous preparation.
Tips to Improve Your 326 GRE Score
Even though a 326 is a remarkably high GRE score, some may desire to push beyond, reaching closer to the perfect 340.
Habits for High Scores
- Understand the Test: To improve your score, it’s important to understand the structure, type of questions, and the scoring method of the GRE.
- Practice: Taking practice tests frequently under realistic conditions will allow you to identify your weaknesses, manage time effectively, and build endurance for test day.
- Review: Always review your practice tests thoroughly. The purpose of practice tests is not just to simulate the test experience, but also to learn from your mistakes.
- Custom Study Plan: Everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses. Designing a custom study plan will allow you to focus your time and energy on the areas that need improvement.
326 GRE Score to GMAT
If you’re contemplating applying to business schools, you might want to understand how your GRE score of 326 stacks up against a GMAT score.
The Conversion Chart
The ETS has published a conversion chart that provides a comparable GMAT score for the GRE. A 326 GRE score would equate roughly to a GMAT score of 690. Given that the coveted 700 on GMAT is considered as the gold-standard qualification to get into a reputable business school, a converted score of 690 pitches you favourably in your quest.
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
With your GRE score in hand, it’s crucial to understand how to position it within your overall business school application strategy. A 326 GRE score already places you in an elite segment of test-takers around the world. When complimented with a well-rounded application, it can open doors to some of the most coveted business programs.
That said, the importance of GRE scores should not eclipse the value of the other critical components of your application. Your letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, resume, and essays are equally crucial.
While the journey to business school may seem daunting, it can be made significantly more manageable with clarity on what the various metrics, including your GRE score, indicate. Armed with this knowledge, you can chart your exciting educational journey effectively, paving the way to the business school best suited to your career goals and aspirations.