Is It Difficult to Score 330+ in GRE General Test?

330+ Score In GRE, Key Points

  • A 330+ score is usually the 98th percentile of all GRE scores, which means only 2% of all GRE test-takers in the world get a score
  • You need knowledge, such as basic grammar rules, math formulas, basic and advanced concepts for each topic and master the seemingly difficult vocabulary
  • For an average student, it would need at least 100 hours of dedicated study and practice for an average student to score as high as 330. It would take anywhere between one to three months by way of preparations
  • A diagnostic test, especially the Powerprep test by ETS, will provide an assessment of your strengths and weaknesses.

A 330+ score in GRE places you on top of the heap, among the 2% of all the test takers. What does it take to propel you to that level of excellence? Apparently, it takes some preparation but not impossible.

Brushing Up Basic Knowledge

You need to sit down and brush up your knowledge of basic grammar rules, math formulae, basic and advanced concepts for each topic and the vocabulary. The vastness of the syllabus should not deter you from buckling down to learn and understand every one of these concepts.

Honing Your Skills

Secondly, hone up your skills in reading, logical reasoning, extracting data from math questions, data interpretation, the process of elimination, etc. Next comes Strategy in the form of educated guessing, skipping hard and time-consuming questions, learning how to manage time. You should build up your mental stamina to withstand the rigors of a nearly four-hour test.

Study Plans

You should develop a thorough understanding of the test, devise proper study plans and prep strategies to overcome your weak areas and strengthen those you are already good at.

Preparation Time Frame

How much time would you need for GRE preparation? If you are an average student, you would require at least 100 hours of study and practice to score anywhere near 330. You should set apart one to three months for the test preparations.

You must be aware that the GRE comprises 6 sections, 1 of Analytical Writing, 2 of verbal, 2 of quant and 1 additional section, either verbal or quant. It is also an adaptive test. That is, if you solve the first section correctly, the next sections will have more difficult questions.

Since it is section-wise adaptive, the difficulty level will not increase or decrease in the same section but in the next section of that type.

Assessing Strengths / Weaknesses

How would you assess your strengths and weaknesses ahead of the test? Several practice tests are available, especially the Powerprep test by ETS, that would help you pinpoint areas with the scope of improvement. The practice tests should be taken in all seriousness, keeping within the prescribed timeframe for the actual test.

GRE Test Time Management

This brings us to the question of time management. In Analytical Writing, you get just 30 minutes each to complete two separately timed tasks. Verbal Reasoning has two sections with 20 questions per section to be wrapped up in 30 minutes per section.

In Quantitative Reasoning, you get 20 questions per section to be completed in 35 minutes each. In the Unscored and Research sections, the number of questions and the time given varies.

So now it’s quite obvious that some nifty time management is called for. The general rule of the thumb is to finish the easy ones first and tackle the difficult and time-consuming ones later.

About the difficulty in scoring 330+, it is tough, but not impossible. You should aim for a score much higher than the target and with hard work and proper preparations, will be able to achieve your goals.

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