Quick Definition
GRE percentile rankings show what percentage of test-takers scored below you. Quant 160/170 = 76th percentile; Quant 165 = 93rd percentile; Quant 170 = 96th percentile. Top STEM programs emphasise Quantitative percentile above all other GRE metrics.
GRE Percentile — Full Explanation
Verbal percentiles are different: 160V = 86th percentile. ETS publishes annual score percentile tables. Programs care more about percentile than raw score — a 165 Quant is stronger than a 162 Quant depending on the applicant pool.
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Written & reviewed by
Arjun SinghAcademic Counsellor — Test Prep & Complex Profiles
Frequently Asked Questions
85th percentile+ (160+). For MIT, Stanford, CMU, aim for 95th+ (167–170).
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