Achieving a 170 on the GRE—the highest possible score in Verbal or Quantitative Reasoning—is extremely difficult. Only about 1% of test-takers earn a perfect 170 in either section. While possible, it demands near-flawless performance under time pressure and deep mastery of test content.
What It Takes to Score 170 on the GRE
A 170 on the GRE in Quantitative Reasoning typically requires answering all 40 questions correctly or missing only one (due to score scaling). In Verbal, even one incorrect answer can drop your score to 168 or 169, depending on question difficulty. The GRE uses adaptive testing, so early errors can prevent access to the hardest questions needed to reach 170.
- Quantitative Section: Covers high-school math—but questions are designed to trick, not just test. You must solve multi-step problems quickly, avoid common traps, and manage time perfectly.
- Verbal Section: Requires an exceptional vocabulary (beyond standard word lists), nuanced reading comprehension, and the ability to interpret subtle logical distinctions in text completion and sentence equivalence.
How Rare Is a 170 on the GRE?
According to ETS data:
- Verbal 170: Achieved by fewer than 0.5% of test-takers.
- Quantitative 170: Achieved by 1–2%, mostly by students with STEM backgrounds.
A combined 340 (170 in both sections) is exceptionally rare—earned by a tiny fraction of elite test-takers worldwide.
Preparation Required for 170 on the GRE
Casual studying won’t suffice. To reach a 170 , you need:
- 3–6 months of disciplined, targeted prep
- Mastery of advanced problem-solving strategies
- Hundreds of high-quality practice questions with thorough error review
- Fluency in GRE-specific logic and pacing
Even top students often plateau at 165–168. Breaking into the 169–170 range requires identifying and eliminating every pattern of error.
Is a 170 on the GRE Necessary?
For most graduate programs—no. Even top schools rarely expect perfect scores. A 165+ is often sufficient for elite PhD or STEM programs. A 170 is impressive but not required for admission.
Achieving a 170 on the GRE is one of the most difficult feats in standardized testing. It reflects extraordinary precision, speed, and content mastery. While admirable, it is not a practical goal for most applicants. Focus instead on reaching a competitive score for your target programs—typically 160–165+—which is challenging but attainable with solid preparation.