A commonly asked question by most candidates appearing for the GRE is if the GRE verbal scores are important? Through the course of this article, we will answer this question. So, let us see if the GRE Verbal scores are important for your admission into top universities and college. However, before we begin, we will give you a quick overview of the GRE.
About the GRE
The GRE is a computer-based examination that tests skills — problem solving, critical thinking, etc. — that you require to succeed in a graduate program. It is mostly taken by those who are keen on pursuing a graduate program abroad. If you want to appear for the GRE, you must register on the official ETS website.
Before you register, you must check the GRE eligibility criteria online and make sure you are eligible. Once you are eligible, you can register and pay for the GRE. The fee for GRE is $213 which is approximately 15,838 INR.
The GRE consists of three sections — Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Each of these sections tests you on specific skills and is scored differently. The scores of each of the GRE sections are as follows:
| GRE Section | Score Range |
| Verbal Reasoning | 130 to 170 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130 to 170 |
| Analytical Writing Assessment | 0 to 6 |
The sum of the scores of the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning make up for the total GRE score. As a result, the highest possible score on the GRE is 340 and the lowest possible score is 260. The scores of the GRE AWA do not contribute to the total GRE score, however, they add a significant value to university applications.
Now that you have a general overview of the GRE, let us move on to the importance of the GRE Verbal scores.
Is the GRE Verbal Score Important?
The GRE Verbal Reasoning section tests your ability to analyse and understand a passage, draw inferences from it, and to be able to summarise the content of the passage. It also tests your ability to understand words, sentences, and decipher the relationship between words and concepts. The GRE Verbal syllabus consists of three question types — Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence.
A common assumption is that if you are applying for a technical course such as computer science or mathematics, the score of the GRE Verbal section is not as important. While this might be true to an extent, you must remember that your GRE verbal scores contribute to your total GRE score. Besides, some of the top universities are extremely competitive and they take the GRE Verbal and GRE Quant scores into equal consideration.
Some programs and universities repurpose the GRE Verbal scores as a means to verify if the student is eligible for a scholarship or additional funding. This is because when and if you are eligible for a scholarship, universities verify your eligibility by measuring your intellect. Similarly, if you have applied for a teaching assistant position, the GRE Verbal scores become extremely important. This is because as a teaching assistant, you must have a strong command of the English language.
Most graduate programs use English as a medium of instruction. Hence, a low score on the GRE Verbal section depicts that you are not well-versed with the language. This might put you at a disadvantage with the admissions committee. All in all, the scores of the GRE Verbal section is as important as the scores of the GRE Quantitative section. Hence, to be safe, you must aim for a good or above-average score on the GRE Verbal.
Please note: The plagiarism count is 3% and the results depict commonly used terms such as verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing assessment.
