How is the GRE Analytical Writing section scored?

Two essays, or in the current single-essay format one Analyze an Issue task, are each scored 0 to 6 in half-point steps by a human rater and an automated engine. The scores are averaged and rounded to the nearest half point to produce your reported AW score.

What is a good GRE Analytical Writing score?

A 4.5 sits around the 78th percentile and is competitive for most programs. A 5.0 or higher, near or above the 90th percentile, is strong and matters most for writing-intensive fields like humanities, social sciences, and law-adjacent programs.

Why do percentiles change over time?

ETS recalculates percentiles from the most recent multi-year pool of test takers, so the same score can map to a slightly different percentile across editions of the score guide. This tool uses the recent published ETS band.

Does Analytical Writing affect my total GRE score?

No. AW is reported separately on its own 0 to 6 scale and is not added to the Verbal and Quantitative scores, which each run 130 to 170. Programs weigh AW on its own, often as a writing-ability check.

How can I raise my AW score?

Raters reward a clear thesis, well-developed and logically connected examples, varied sentence structure, and strong control of grammar. Move from listing points to analyzing them, and address counterarguments, to climb from the 4 range into the 5 range.

GRE Analytical Writing Score Guide

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The GRE Analytical Writing measure is scored from 0 to 6 in half-point steps, but the number alone says little without context. This guide converts your score into its current ETS percentile rank and explains what programs expect and what raters reward at each level.

How it works

Each essay is scored 0 to 6 by a trained rater and the e-rater engine; the scores are averaged and rounded to the nearest half point. ETS then publishes a percentile table from a recent multi-year pool. The percentile tells you the share of test takers you outscored. This tool uses the recent published ETS band:

6.0 → 99th    5.5 → 98th    5.0 → 91st
4.5 → 78th    4.0 → 54th    3.5 → 38th
3.0 → 14th    2.5 →  6th    2.0 →  2nd
1.5 →  1st    ≤1.0 → <1st

Because the distribution clusters around 3.5 to 4.5, small score gains in that range move your percentile a lot.

Tips and notes

Aim for at least 4.5 for broad competitiveness, and 5.0+ for writing-heavy fields. To climb, raters want a clear thesis, examples that are developed and logically connected rather than merely listed, engagement with counterarguments, and varied, controlled prose. Percentiles shift slightly between editions of the ETS guide, so treat the rank as a close estimate rather than an exact figure.