Test Score Guides — Understanding GRE, SAT & IELTS Scores
Understand how scoring works on the GRE, SAT, and IELTS. Each guide covers score ranges, percentile rankings, what constitutes a good score, and the benchmarks top universities and programs expect from applicants.
GRE Scoring
The GRE is scored across three sections: Verbal Reasoning (130-170), Quantitative Reasoning (130-170), and Analytical Writing (0-6). A combined Verbal and Quant score of 310+ is above average, while 320+ is competitive for top-50 programs.
SAT Scoring
The Digital SAT total score ranges from 400 to 1600, split between Math (200-800) and Reading & Writing (200-800). The national average is approximately 1060, with scores of 1400+ placing students in the 94th percentile or higher.
IELTS Scoring
IELTS uses a 0-9 band score system across four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The overall band is the average of all four, rounded to the nearest 0.5. Most universities require a 6.0-7.0 overall band for admission.
Score Conversion Tools
- GRE to GMAT Score Converter — compare GRE and GMAT scores using official ETS concordance tables
- IELTS to TOEFL Score Converter — convert between IELTS, TOEFL iBT, and Duolingo scores