What Percentile is 144 on GRE? Section-Wise Score Analysis in 2025
- MBA Entrance Exam Expert
- 27 minutes ago
- 16 min read
A 144 score in either GRE section represents performance at approximately the 20th-25th percentile, indicating significant challenges with the tested content and placing you in the bottom quartile of test-takers. After working with thousands of students across diverse performance levels, I must provide honest guidance: a 144 section score substantially limits graduate school options and requires serious consideration of improvement strategies or alternative pathways.
Table of Contents
Understanding 144 as a GRE Section Score
A 144 score in either GRE section represents performance at approximately the 20th-25th percentile, indicating significant challenges with the tested content and placing you in the bottom quartile of test-takers. After working with thousands of students across diverse performance levels, I must provide honest guidance: a 144 section score substantially limits graduate school options and requires serious consideration of improvement strategies or alternative pathways.
A 144 section score means you performed better than only 20-25% of GRE test-takers in that specific area. This positioning is particularly concerning because the GRE testing population consists entirely of college graduates planning advanced education—already a self-selected, academically ambitious group.
The Significance of 144 Performance
Foundational Skill Concerns: A 144 score typically indicates gaps in fundamental skills required for graduate-level work, whether in mathematical reasoning (Quantitative) or critical reading and analysis (Verbal).
Competitive Disadvantage: Most graduate programs, even those with flexible admission standards, prefer section scores above the 40th percentile (approximately 148-150).
Funding Implications: Merit-based scholarships and assistantships are virtually inaccessible with 144 section scores, making graduate education primarily dependent on need-based aid or personal financing.
Statistical Context
Score Distribution: Approximately 20-25% of test-takers score at or below 144 in each section, while 75-80% achieve higher performance.
Graduate Applicant Context: Among students actually applying to graduate programs, 144 represents performance significantly below typical application pools.
Improvement Necessity: For most graduate school goals, substantial score improvement (10-15+ points per section) is essential for competitive positioning.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Limited Options: While some educational opportunities exist with 144 scores, they are primarily restricted to open-admission programs or those with highly flexible standards.
Improvement Imperative: Most students with 144 scores benefit significantly from delaying applications to focus on substantial score improvement.
Alternative Consideration: Students may need to consider whether graduate education aligns with current academic preparation levels or whether other pathways better serve their goals.
Percentile Rankings: Verbal vs. Quantitative
The competitive implications of a 144 score vary between Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections due to different performance distributions and field-specific expectations.
Verbal Reasoning: 144 Analysis
Percentile Position: 144 Verbal ≈ 23rd-27th percentile
Performance Indicators:
Reading Comprehension Struggles: Difficulty analyzing complex academic passages
Vocabulary Limitations: Significant gaps in academic and sophisticated vocabulary
Critical Reasoning Challenges: Problems with argument analysis and logical reasoning
Skill Implications:
Graduate Coursework Concerns: Challenges with reading-heavy graduate courses
Research Capability Questions: Difficulty analyzing academic literature and sources
Communication Skills: Potential writing and analytical communication challenges
Field-Specific Impact:
Humanities Programs: Severely limiting for literature, history, philosophy programs
Social Sciences: Concerning for programs requiring extensive reading and analysis
STEM Fields: May be acceptable if balanced by strong Quantitative performance
Quantitative Reasoning: 144 Analysis
Percentile Position: 144 Quantitative ≈ 20th-24th percentile
Performance Indicators:
Mathematical Foundation Gaps: Weaknesses in algebra, geometry, and arithmetic
Problem-Solving Difficulties: Challenges with multi-step mathematical reasoning
Statistical Literacy Issues: Problems with data interpretation and basic statistics
Skill Implications:
Research Methods Concerns: Difficulty with quantitative research methods
Data Analysis Challenges: Problems interpreting statistical information
STEM Preparation Questions: Insufficient mathematical preparation for technical fields
Field-Specific Impact:
STEM Programs: Severely limiting for engineering, mathematics, sciences
Business Programs: Concerning for programs requiring financial analysis
Social Sciences: Problematic for fields emphasizing quantitative research methods
Comparative Analysis
Section Balance Considerations:
Balanced Low Performance (144V/144Q): Indicates broad academic preparation challenges
Verbal Weakness (144V/150+Q): Suggests reading and communication skill gaps
Quantitative Weakness (150+V/144Q): Indicates mathematical preparation deficiencies
Improvement Priority:
Field-Dependent Focus: Target improvement in section most relevant to intended field
Foundation Building: Address fundamental skill gaps before advanced test strategies
Balanced Development: Consider whether both sections need substantial improvement
What 144 Means for Different Sections
Understanding the specific implications of 144 performance in each section helps students develop targeted improvement strategies and realistic expectations.
144 Verbal Reasoning: Detailed Analysis
Reading Comprehension Challenges:
Passage Complexity: Difficulty with graduate-level academic texts across disciplines
Time Management: Insufficient reading speed for completing sections within time limits
Main Ideas: Problems identifying central themes and arguments in complex passages
Detail Questions: Challenges locating and interpreting specific information
Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence Issues:
Vocabulary Gaps: Limited knowledge of sophisticated academic vocabulary
Context Clues: Difficulty using context to determine word meanings
Logical Relationships: Problems understanding how sentences and ideas connect
Multiple Blanks: Particular challenges with complex, multi-blank questions
Critical Reasoning Deficits:
Argument Structure: Difficulty identifying premises, conclusions, and assumptions
Logic Patterns: Problems recognizing common logical relationships and fallacies
Evaluation Skills: Challenges assessing argument strength and evidence quality
144 Quantitative Reasoning: Detailed Analysis
Arithmetic Weaknesses:
Basic Operations: Errors in fundamental calculations with fractions, decimals, percentages
Number Properties: Limited understanding of factors, multiples, and number relationships
Word Problems: Difficulty translating verbal descriptions into mathematical expressions
Time Efficiency: Slow calculation speed affecting overall section completion
Algebraic Deficiencies:
Equation Solving: Problems with linear and simple quadratic equations
Variable Manipulation: Difficulty working with algebraic expressions and inequalities
Coordinate Geometry: Challenges with graphing and interpreting coordinate relationships
Function Concepts: Limited understanding of function notation and properties
Geometric Limitations:
Formula Application: Difficulty remembering and applying area, perimeter, volume formulas
Angle Relationships: Problems with angle calculations and geometric proofs
Spatial Reasoning: Challenges visualizing three-dimensional relationships
Measurement Concepts: Confusion with unit conversions and measurement applications
Data Analysis Struggles:
Statistical Concepts: Limited understanding of mean, median, mode, and standard deviation
Probability: Difficulty with basic probability calculations and interpretations
Graph Interpretation: Problems reading and analyzing charts, tables, and graphs
Data Relationships: Challenges identifying patterns and trends in data sets
Competitive Context and Implications
Understanding how 144 section scores position you competitively helps set realistic expectations for graduate school applications and career planning.
Graduate Program Competitiveness
Highly Competitive Programs (Top 50):
Admission Probability: Essentially zero with 144 section scores
Funding Prospects: No merit-based funding opportunities available
Alternative Requirements: Even exceptional other credentials rarely compensate for such low scores
Moderately Competitive Programs (Regional Universities):
Admission Probability: Very limited, primarily in programs with open admission policies
Funding Prospects: Minimal merit-based opportunities, primarily need-based aid
Compensatory Factors: Extensive professional experience may help in applied programs
Open-Admission Programs:
Admission Probability: Possible, though some programs have informal minimum thresholds
Program Quality: Typically regional programs with flexible admission standards
Support Services: May offer academic support for students with preparation gaps
Professional Implications
Employment Considerations:
Consulting Firms: Management consulting recruitment essentially impossible with 144 scores
Finance Sector: Investment banking and asset management positions not accessible
Technology Companies: Research and analytical positions typically require higher demonstration
Academic Career Paths:
Faculty Positions: Academic careers requiring PhD study not realistic with current performance
Research Opportunities: Limited access to competitive research positions and programs
Teaching Roles: Some teaching positions may be accessible through alternative certification
Funding and Financial Considerations
Merit-Based Aid:
Scholarships: Virtually no merit-based scholarships available with 144 section scores
Fellowships: National and institutional fellowships not accessible
Assistantships: Research and teaching assistantships extremely limited
Financial Planning:
Need-Based Aid: Primary funding source for any graduate education pursued
Personal Financing: Likely dependence on loans or personal resources
Employer Support: Some employers may provide tuition assistance regardless of program prestige
Programs and Opportunities with 144 Scores
While options are severely limited, some educational and professional opportunities remain accessible with 144 section scores.
Educational Opportunities
Open-Admission Graduate Programs:
Regional State Universities: Some state universities with minimal admission requirements
Community College Partnerships: Collaborative programs between community colleges and universities
Online Programs: Distance learning programs with flexible admission standards
Professional Development: Non-degree programs focusing on skill development
Alternative Credential Programs:
Certificate Programs: Professional certificates not requiring graduate admission
Continuing Education: Professional development and lifelong learning programs
Industry Training: Employer-sponsored or industry-specific training programs
Vocational Education: Practical skills training for specific career advancement
Field-Specific Considerations
Education:
Alternative Certification: Teaching certification programs with flexible requirements
Educational Support: Programs for educational assistants and support staff
Community Education: Adult education and community program leadership
Special Populations: Programs serving students with special needs or adult learners
Social Services:
Human Services: Bachelor's-level social service positions with growth potential
Community Support: Nonprofit sector opportunities emphasizing experience over credentials
Advocacy Work: Positions in advocacy organizations focusing on specific causes
Peer Support: Programs training individuals with lived experience in support roles
Applied Arts and Creative Fields:
Portfolio-Based Programs: Creative programs emphasizing demonstrated ability over test scores
Practical Training: Hands-on programs in arts, crafts, or creative industries
Community Arts: Programs serving local arts and cultural organizations
Therapeutic Arts: Art and music therapy support roles
Professional Development Pathways
Industry-Specific Training:
Technology Bootcamps: Intensive training programs for specific technical skills
Healthcare Certifications: Medical assistant, pharmacy technician, and similar roles
Business Skills: Project management, marketing, and administrative skills training
Trade Development: Skilled trades training and apprenticeship programs
Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment:
Small Business Development: Resources for starting and growing small businesses
Freelance Skills: Training for independent contractor and freelance work
Creative Enterprises: Support for arts, crafts, and creative business development
Service Industries: Training for service-based business development
Improvement Strategies from 144 vement-strategies
Students with 144 section scores require comprehensive, foundational improvement strategies addressing fundamental skill gaps.
Diagnostic Assessment and Planning
Comprehensive Skill Assessment:
Content Knowledge Gaps: Identify specific mathematical concepts or vocabulary areas needing development
Strategic Weaknesses: Assess test-taking approaches, time management, and preparation methods
Learning Style Analysis: Determine optimal learning approaches for individual success
Baseline Establishment: Document current performance levels for tracking improvement
Realistic Goal Setting:
Short-Term Targets: Aim for 5-10 point improvements initially (reaching 149-154 range)
Long-Term Aspirations: Plan for 15-20 point improvements with extensive preparation
Timeline Planning: Allow 6-12 months for substantial score improvements
Milestone Tracking: Set intermediate goals to maintain motivation and measure progress
Foundational Skill Building
Verbal Reasoning Enhancement:
Vocabulary Development: Systematic learning of 1,500+ academic vocabulary words
Reading Practice: Daily engagement with complex academic texts across disciplines
Critical Thinking: Development of argument analysis and logical reasoning skills
Writing Practice: Regular analytical writing to support overall verbal development
Quantitative Reasoning Improvement:
Mathematical Foundation: Comprehensive review of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry
Problem-Solving Strategies: Systematic approaches to mathematical reasoning
Calculator Skills: Strategic integration of calculator use with mental math
Applied Mathematics: Practice with word problems and real-world mathematical applications
Preparation Strategy Development
Learning Resource Utilization:
Foundational Materials: Comprehensive prep books focusing on basic skill development
Video Instruction: Online lessons explaining concepts step-by-step
Practice Systems: Adaptive online platforms providing personalized practice
Professional Support: Tutoring or prep courses for personalized guidance
Study Schedule Creation:
Daily Practice: Consistent 1-2 hours daily for sustained skill development
Content Rotation: Alternating focus between different skill areas
Progress Assessment: Weekly practice tests to monitor improvement
Review Integration: Regular review of previously learned concepts
Long-Term Development Planning
Academic Preparation:
Community College Courses: Taking relevant courses to strengthen foundational skills
Audit Opportunities: Sitting in on college courses to develop academic skills
Study Groups: Joining or forming study groups for collaborative learning
Academic Support: Utilizing tutoring centers and academic assistance programs
Professional Development Integration:
Skill Application: Using academic skills in professional contexts
Mentorship: Finding mentors who can support academic and professional development
Goal Integration: Aligning skill development with broader career objectives
Progress Documentation: Maintaining records of improvement for future applications
Section Balance Considerations
The impact of 144 scores depends significantly on performance balance across sections and alignment with intended fields of study.
Balanced Low Performance (144V/144Q)
Implications:
Broad Preparation Gaps: Indicates fundamental academic preparation challenges
Graduate School Readiness: Suggests need for substantial preparation before graduate study
Professional Considerations: May indicate need for alternative career pathways or extensive skill development
Improvement Strategy:
Comprehensive Approach: Address both verbal and mathematical skill deficiencies
Foundation First: Focus on basic skills before advanced test-taking strategies
Extended Timeline: Allow longer preparation periods for broad skill development
Alternative Pathways: Consider whether immediate graduate school pursuit is appropriate
Verbal Weakness (144V/Higher Q)
Implications:
Reading Challenges: Significant concerns about ability to handle graduate-level coursework
Communication Skills: Questions about written and analytical communication abilities
Field Limitations: Particularly problematic for humanities and reading-intensive programs
Improvement Strategy:
Reading Intensive: Daily engagement with complex academic texts
Vocabulary Focus: Systematic vocabulary building with contextual learning
Writing Development: Regular analytical writing practice
Communication Skills: Speaking and presentation practice to support overall verbal development
Quantitative Weakness (Higher V/144Q)
Implications:
Mathematical Preparation: Insufficient quantitative skills for many graduate programs
Research Methods: Challenges with statistical analysis and quantitative research
Field Limitations: Particularly problematic for STEM and quantitatively demanding programs
Improvement Strategy:
Mathematical Foundation: Comprehensive review of basic mathematical concepts
Applied Practice: Word problems and real-world mathematical applications
Statistical Literacy: Basic statistics and data interpretation skills
Technology Integration: Calculator skills and basic computer-based quantitative tools
Strategic Field Alignment
Verbal-Emphasized Fields:
Humanities Programs: Require strong verbal skills but may be more flexible with quantitative performance
Communication Fields: Emphasize reading, writing, and analytical communication
Education Programs: Value verbal skills for teaching and curriculum development
Quantitative-Emphasized Fields:
STEM Programs: Require strong mathematical preparation
Business Applications: Need quantitative analysis and statistical reasoning
Research-Intensive Fields: Require statistical literacy and data analysis skills
When 144 in One Section Might Be Acceptable
Certain specialized circumstances or program types may accommodate 144 performance in one section, though this remains rare.
Compensatory Excellence Scenarios
Exceptional Other Section Performance:
Balanced by High Performance: 144V paired with 165+Q for STEM applications
Field Alignment: Score pattern matching field requirements and expectations
Demonstration of Capability: Other evidence supporting strength in weak area
Outstanding Experience Credentials:
Professional Achievement: Exceptional work experience demonstrating competence
Research Success: Published research or significant academic accomplishments
Leadership Recognition: Awards or recognition demonstrating analytical capability
Specialized Program Types
Highly Applied Programs:
Professional Experience Focus: Programs prioritizing work experience over academic metrics
Skill-Based Evaluation: Programs assessing demonstrated competencies rather than test scores
Portfolio Emphasis: Creative or practical programs focusing on demonstrated ability
Regional and Community-Focused Programs:
Local Service Mission: Programs serving specific regional or community needs
Flexible Admission: Programs with holistic evaluation processes
Support-Intensive: Programs providing extensive academic support for diverse learners
Alternative Assessment Programs
GRE-Optional Opportunities:
Test-Optional Admissions: Growing number of programs eliminating standardized test requirements
Alternative Assessments: Programs using interviews, portfolios, or practical demonstrations
Conditional Admission: Programs offering admission contingent on completing preparatory work
Professional Development Focus:
Career Advancement: Programs for working professionals seeking advancement
Industry Partnership: Programs developed with specific industry partners
Practical Application: Programs emphasizing immediate application of learning
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Improvement
Students with 144 section scores must carefully evaluate whether investing in score improvement represents the optimal use of their time and resources.
Investment Requirements
Time Investment:
Intensive Preparation: 6-12 months of focused study for substantial improvement
Opportunity Costs: Time not available for work, family, or other activities
Personal Stress: Emotional and psychological costs of intensive academic preparation
Lifestyle Impact: Significant changes to daily routines and priorities
Financial Investment:
Test Retakes: Multiple test attempts at $220 each
Preparation Materials: $500-1,000 for comprehensive preparation resources
Professional Instruction: $2,000-8,000 for tutoring or intensive prep courses
Indirect Costs: Transportation, materials, and opportunity costs of time
Potential Returns
Educational Opportunities:
Program Access: Improved scores open access to better graduate programs
Funding Eligibility: Higher scores make merit-based funding possible
Academic Success: Better preparation supports graduate school success
Career Preparation: Skill development supports professional advancement
Professional Benefits:
Credential Value: Graduate degrees from better programs carry more professional weight
Network Access: Better programs provide access to more valuable professional networks
Career Advancement: Enhanced credentials support faster professional progression
Salary Impact: Better degrees often correlate with higher lifetime earnings
Decision Framework
Goal Clarity Assessment:
Career Requirements: Determine whether career goals actually require graduate education
Alternative Pathways: Investigate whether professional development serves goals better
Timeline Flexibility: Assess whether delayed education fits life circumstances
Personal Motivation: Evaluate genuine commitment to intensive academic preparation
Resource Evaluation:
Financial Capacity: Realistic assessment of ability to invest in preparation and education
Time Availability: Honest evaluation of time available for intensive preparation
Support Systems: Assessment of family, professional, and personal support for extended preparation
Stress Tolerance: Personal capacity for handling intensive academic pressure
Alternative Assessment and Pathways
Students with 144 section scores should consider various educational and career pathways that may better align with their current preparation and long-term goals.
Non-Traditional Educational Pathways
Community College Graduate Programs:
Emerging Opportunities: Growing number of community colleges offering graduate-level training
Applied Focus: Programs emphasizing practical skills and local employment needs
Flexible Standards: Often more accommodating of diverse academic backgrounds
Cost Advantages: Typically lower cost than traditional university programs
Professional Certification Programs:
Industry-Specific: Credentials focused on specific professional competencies
Skill-Based Assessment: Evaluation based on demonstrated ability rather than test scores
Career Advancement: Credentials leading to professional advancement opportunities
Continuous Learning: Opportunities for ongoing professional development
International Educational Options:
Different Assessment Systems: Some international programs use alternative evaluation methods
Experience-Based Programs: Programs emphasizing work experience over standardized testing
Cultural Exchange: International education providing diverse perspectives and opportunities
Language Immersion: Opportunities to develop multilingual competencies
Career Development Alternatives
Professional Experience Focus:
Work-Based Learning: Career advancement through professional experience and training
Apprenticeship Programs: Structured learning combining work and education
Industry Training: Employer-sponsored or industry-specific skill development
Leadership Development: Professional development programs within current organizations
Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment:
Small Business Development: Starting and growing independent business ventures
Freelance Career Development: Building independent contractor or consultant careers
Creative Enterprises: Developing artistic or creative business opportunities
Service Industry Innovation: Creating value through service-based businesses
Community Leadership Roles:
Nonprofit Leadership: Career development within nonprofit and community organizations
Civic Engagement: Leadership roles in community development and civic organizations
Advocacy Work: Career development in social justice and advocacy organizations
Volunteer Leadership: Building leadership skills through extensive volunteer engagement
Skill Development Strategies
Targeted Competency Building:
Technical Skills: Development of specific technical competencies valuable in chosen fields
Communication Skills: Enhancement of written and oral communication abilities
Leadership Capabilities: Development of management and leadership competencies
Cultural Competence: Building skills for working in diverse environments
Portfolio Development:
Work Samples: Creation of professional portfolios demonstrating capabilities
Project Documentation: Recording significant achievements and contributions
Skill Demonstration: Practical demonstration of competencies relevant to career goals
Continuous Improvement: Ongoing documentation of professional growth and development
International Student Perspectives
International students achieving 144 section scores face unique challenges and considerations in planning their educational and career strategies.
Cultural and Educational Context
Educational System Differences:
Testing Traditions: Some educational systems may not emphasize standardized testing preparation
Learning Approaches: Different pedagogical traditions may not align with GRE format requirements
Content Emphasis: Variations in curriculum emphasis affecting preparation for specific sections
Language Considerations: Additional challenges for non-native English speakers
Cultural Adaptation Challenges:
Test Format Familiarity: Unfamiliarity with American-style multiple choice and analytical writing
Time Management: Different cultural approaches to time management affecting test performance
Communication Styles: Variations in academic communication affecting writing performance
Critical Thinking Traditions: Different approaches to analytical reasoning and argument
Strategic Considerations for International Students
Language Development Priority:
English Proficiency: Intensive English language development may be more valuable than GRE preparation
Academic English: Focus on academic reading and writing skills essential for graduate study
Cultural Communication: Understanding American academic communication conventions
Professional English: Development of professional communication skills for career success
Alternative Pathway Exploration:
Home Country Options: Pursuing graduate education in home country or region
Different Destination Countries: Exploring educational opportunities in countries with different admission standards
Professional Experience: Gaining international work experience before pursuing graduate education
Cultural Bridge Roles: Developing careers that utilize multicultural competencies
Global Career Planning
International Competency Development:
Multilingual Skills: Leveraging language abilities for international career opportunities
Cross-Cultural Competence: Developing skills for working across cultural boundaries
Global Networks: Building international professional and personal networks
Regional Expertise: Developing specialized knowledge about specific global regions
Alternative Credential Recognition:
Professional Certifications: Industry credentials that may be more globally recognized
International Standards: Pursuing credentials recognized across multiple countries
Regional Opportunities: Exploring career opportunities in regions with different educational expectations
Cultural Expertise: Building careers based on cultural knowledge and international experience
Long-Term Academic and Career Planning
Students with 144 section scores need comprehensive long-term strategies that may extend beyond traditional graduate education pathways.
Academic Development Timeline
Immediate Phase (6-12 months):
Skill Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of academic strengths and weaknesses
Foundation Building: Intensive work on fundamental skills in weak areas
Goal Clarification: Clarifying long-term educational and career objectives
Resource Development: Building support systems and learning resources
Intermediate Phase (1-3 years):
Continuous Improvement: Ongoing skill development and academic preparation
Experience Building: Gaining relevant professional or volunteer experience
Network Development: Building relationships with mentors and professional contacts
Credential Accumulation: Pursuing alternative credentials and certifications
Long-Term Phase (3-10 years):
Career Advancement: Pursuing leadership roles and professional advancement
Advanced Education: Potentially pursuing graduate education when better prepared
Expertise Development: Building specialized knowledge and competencies
Contribution Goals: Developing capacity for meaningful professional and social contribution
Career Development Strategy
Competency-Based Growth:
Skill Identification: Identifying valuable competencies in chosen field
Development Planning: Creating systematic approaches to skill acquisition
Practice Opportunities: Seeking opportunities to apply and develop skills
Recognition Pursuit: Documenting and gaining recognition for competency development
Experience-Based Advancement:
Responsibility Increase: Gradually taking on increased professional responsibilities
Leadership Development: Building management and leadership capabilities
Innovation Opportunities: Seeking chances to improve processes and create value
Mentorship Roles: Eventually mentoring others and sharing expertise
Alternative Success Metrics
Professional Achievement Focus:
Results Orientation: Emphasizing measurable professional accomplishments
Value Creation: Focusing on creating value for organizations and communities
Problem-Solving: Developing a reputation for effective problem-solving and innovation
Relationship Building: Creating valuable professional and personal relationships
Personal Development Emphasis:
Continuous Learning: Maintaining commitment to lifelong learning and growth
Adaptability: Developing resilience and adaptability for changing circumstances
Contribution Focus: Emphasizing meaningful contribution to society and community
Life Balance: Integrating professional development with personal well-being and relationships
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentile does a 144 GRE section score represent?
A 144 score in either GRE section represents approximately the 20th-25th percentile, meaning you performed better than only 20-25% of test-takers. This places you in the bottom quartile of performance, which significantly limits competitive graduate school options and funding opportunities.
Is it possible to get into graduate school with a 144 in one section?
While very challenging, some graduate programs may accept students with 144 section scores, particularly if the other section is strong and you have exceptional experience or credentials. However, your options will be limited primarily to regional universities, open-admission programs, or highly applied professional programs.
How much improvement is realistic from a 144 section score?
Most students can improve 10-20 points with dedicated preparation over 6-12 months. Improvement from 144 to the mid-150s is common with systematic skill building and strategic preparation. Some students achieve even larger improvements, but this requires addressing fundamental skill gaps and extensive preparation time.
Should I retake the GRE if I scored 144 in one section?
For most graduate school goals, retaking is strongly advisable. A 144 section score severely limits your options and eliminates virtually all merit-based funding opportunities. However, if you're applying to experience-based professional programs or have compelling alternative credentials, immediate application might be appropriate in rare cases.
What does a 144 Verbal vs. 144 Quantitative score mean?
A 144 Verbal indicates significant challenges with reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical reasoning, which affects ability to handle graduate coursework. A 144 Quantitative suggests mathematical foundation gaps that limit options in STEM fields and programs requiring statistical analysis. Both require substantial improvement for competitive graduate school admission.
Can professional experience compensate for a 144 section score?
Exceptional professional experience can partially compensate in certain applied programs, but academic programs typically require demonstration of analytical ability through test scores. Even experience-focused programs prefer scores above the 40th percentile. Very few programs accept 144 section scores regardless of experience level.
What types of programs might accept 144 section scores?
Programs that might consider 144 scores include some education leadership programs for experienced teachers, applied social work programs, regional university professional programs, and certain creative or portfolio-based programs. However, even these programs increasingly prefer higher scores for competitive admission.
How long should I prepare before retaking if I scored 144?
Plan for at least 6-12 months of intensive preparation to achieve meaningful improvement from 144. This timeline allows for addressing fundamental skill gaps, systematic content review, and extensive practice. Rushing retakes without adequate preparation often results in minimal improvement and wasted resources.
About the Author: As a certified MBA admission consultant with over 20 years of experience in higher education consulting, I provide honest, realistic guidance to students at all performance levels. My expertise includes helping students with significant score improvement needs develop comprehensive strategies for academic and career success. Connect with me for a personalized consultation on optimizing your educational pathway, regardless of your current performance level.
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