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GRE Scores for Top US Universities

GRE Scores for Top US Universities

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on May 23, 2024 06:11 PM IST | #GRE

GRE score is inarguably one of the most important elements for graduate-level admission to study in US universities. If the candidate is eyeing some of the best universities in the USA, it is imperative that he/she is aware of the complete admission procedure, including the GRE scores for top US Universities.
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If you are curious to know, what is a good GRE score for top universities? then you should keep in mind is that the required GRE score varies for each university and within departments of the same university. For instance, the University of California, Berkeley, requires a GRE score within the range of 154-159 for MS in Physics, but there is a requirement of a massive 167 GRE score for MS in English literature. The same is the case with other universities as well.

While a majority of universities and departments accept GRE, this, however, is not the sole criterion for admission. The universities admit students depending on their intake capacity. Read the article on GRE scores for top universities in USA, to know more about the minimum required qualifying scores of US universities to seek admission.

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GRE Score Requirement for Universities 2024

The full form of GRE is the Graduate Record Examination. It is an international aptitude test that determines eligibility to MS and MBA courses in the USA. The examination is conducted three times a year. It is a test of Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative and Analytical Reasoning ability of a candidate. It is conducted for maximum marks of 340 that is offered both online and offline across India.

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Indian students seeking to pursue MS in US must meet GRE requirements for US universities. However, the GRE is not a requirement for undergraduate courses in USA. Prospects must strive to get a minimum GRE score for USA which is 315-320. However, top GRE colleges in USA consider a score of 325 or higher for acceptance to their MS/MBA programs. Along with that a minimum sectional GRE score required for MS in USA and this may also vary depending on the course and competition.

Here, we will discuss the average or minimum GRE score required by top universities in the USA including the sectional scores of verbal, quantitative, and writing. Before that here is the list of top universities in the US. Students wishing for admission can refer to qualifying GRE scores for top US universities in 2024 as a benchmark to compare with their own scores.

GRE Accepted Universities in USA 2024

Here is the list of the top universities in the US according to the QS University Ranking 2024. All these universities are GRE-accepted universities in USA for most MS courses. Though GRE is considered a standardised exam, many universities are no more mandating minimum GRE scores for USA as many applicants are facing disadvantage despite of having high academic performance. Some universities in USA have made GRE only an optional requirement.

Top GRE Accepting Universities in the USA

GRE Scores for Universities (USA)

Though many GRE-accepted universities in USA 2024 don't have minimum GRE requirements and sectional cutoffs, Indian students must fulfill the overall GRE score required for top universities. A low sectional score doesn't help with USA admissions either. Also, GRE requirements may vary from course to course in the same university as determined by the respective university. Indian students require good GRE scores for scholarships in USA. Many universities like Purdue, Boston University, University of Cincinnati don't ask for GRE scores at all for particular courses.

GRE Scores for Top US Universities

GRE Accepted Universities

Verbal Score

Quantitative

Score

Writing

Component

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

158

159

5.3

Stanford University

159

158

4.8

University of California, Berkeley

153 – 156

167

4.5

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

155

167

5.0

University of Chicago

158

167

4.0

University of Washington

156

167

4.0

University of Texas, Austin

155

165

4.0

California Institute of Technology

160

157

5.0

Duke University

160

160

4.5

Johns Hopkins University

163

164

4.8

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on April 10, 1861, MIT has five schools offering over 30 courses. The schools include the School of Architecture and Planning, School of Engineering, School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, MIT Sloan School of Management and School of Science. It is one of the oldest universities in the US and is the highest-ranked university in the world more than 10 times according to the QS world university rankings. It is among the GRE accepted universities in USA 2024 for most MS courses. However, the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science doesn't require GRE scores.

Average GRE Score Requirements

Average GRE score in the quantitative section

158

Average GRE score in the verbal section

159

Writing

5.3

Stanford University

Founded in 1885, Stanford is recognized as one of the world’s leading research and teaching institutions. The seven schools of Stanford - Business, Earth Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Sciences, Law and Medicine offer over 15 degrees. Students from Stanford prefer to follow the path of entrepreneurship even though they get job offers from top companies after they graduate. Stanford, too, follows a high standard when it comes to accepting GRE scores and is one of the top GRE-accepted universities in USA.

Average GRE score requirements

Average GRE score in the quantitative section

159

Average GRE score in the verbal section

158

Writing

4.8

Harvard University

One of the top-ranked universities in the US, there is a lot of competition to get into this university. A good GRE score will improve a student's chance of getting into this university. The GRE score requirement depends on the course the student is applying for. A course in science will require students to have a higher score in the quantitative section while a course in a subject like education will require a higher verbal reasoning score.

University of California, Berkeley

Famous for the identification of vitamin E and many such pioneering types of research, the University of California, Berkeley, has been ranked among the top ten universities in the world by almost all the reputed ranking agencies. Constituting 14 colleges and schools, the university offers around 350 degree programs. It is a public research university that has 184 academic departments and programmes. Though there are no minimum GRE score required for MS in USA at UC Berkeley, on an average admitted students have higher GRE scores.

Average GRE score requirements

Average GRE score in the quantitative section

153-156

Average GRE score in the verbal section

167

Writing

4.5

University of Chicago

A private research university, the University of Chicago was established in 1890 and focuses on arts, engineering, medicine and education. University of Chicago’s graduate studies department has 5 divisions and 6 professional schools. UChicago has eight schools under its division including the Law School, the Booth School of Business, the Pritzker School of Medicine, the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, the Harris School of Public Policy, the Divinity School, the Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies, and the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. University of Chicago requires high GRE scores for top universities in USA as follows.

Average GRE score requirements

Average GRE score in the quantitative section

158

Average GRE score in the verbal section

167

Writing

4.0

University of Pennsylvania

Established in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, this university is one of the private Ivy League universities in the US. It offers both undergraduate and master's programs. The university focuses on interdisciplinary learning and research. It offers double degree programs, and majors in unique subjects and provides students greater flexibility to choose their academic programs.

Average GRE score requirements

Average GRE score in the quantitative section

162

Average GRE score in the verbal section

162

Writing

4.6

Cornell University

Cornell University is a private Ivy League college. Cornell University is among the top 50 research universities in the world. Cornell University is ranked at 7 in the QS World University Rankings 2024. Placed among the top universities in the world. it is one of the top computer science universities in the world. The GRE requirements for admission to this university vary for each course.

California Institute of Technology

The California Institute of Technology is a private research university and is known for its science and engineering institutions. It has a low student-faculty ratio of 3:1. It ranks among the top ten universities in the world according to QS 2024 rankings. The GRE score requirements for this university are mentioned below.

Average GRE score requirements

Average GRE score in the quantitative section

157

Average GRE score in the verbal section


160
Writing5.0
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Yale University

Yale University is the third oldest institution of higher education in the United States and has three major academic components - Yale College for pursuing undergraduate programs, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and the professional schools. Founded in 1701, the university has around 15 schools and offers about 145 programs.

Average GRE score requirements

Average GRE score in the quantitative section

160-170

Average GRE score in the verbal section

159-169

Writing

-

Princeton University

One of the most popular Ivy League institutes in the United States, there are three schools within the Princeton campus - School of Architecture, School of Engineering and Applied Science and Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. The University also has 34 departments offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Average GRE score requirements

Average GRE score in the quantitative section section

158

Average GRE score in the verbal section

163

Writing

-

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

1. Is 300 a good GRE score?

You should be able to get into the best institutions with a total score of at least 325. For MS, though, even a score above 300 is acceptable.

2. What is the required GRE score for scholarship in USA?

It depends on the type of scholarship. Generally, full funding scholarships require GRE score above 300. Most universities in USA accept GRE verbal scores above 160 for scholarships.

3. What is the required GRE scores for top engineering schools in USA?

International students applying to MS programs in USA must have GRE scores of 315-320 to be considered for admission. Whereas the GRE score required for top engineering universities in USA is 325 or above.

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Questions related to GRE

Have a question related to GRE ?

The GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, and GMAT are standardized tests with different purposes. The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is used for admission to various graduate programs and focuses on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) assess English language proficiency for non-native speakers, with TOEFL being more common in the US and IELTS in the UK and other countries. The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is specifically for MBA and business school applicants, testing quantitative, verbal, integrated reasoning, and analytical writing skills. For personalized advice on which test to take based on your academic and career goals, consider reaching out to Invicta Career Consultancy, which can provide expert guidance tailored to your needs, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

For pursuing a PhD, the subject you choose for the GRE largely depends on your intended field of study. Generally, you will need to take the GRE General Test, which assesses your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. Additionally, some programs may require or recommend a GRE Subject Test, which focuses on specific fields such as biology, chemistry, literature, mathematics, physics, and psychology. To get personalized guidance and tailored recommendations on choosing the right subject for your GRE and further assistance with your PhD applications, consider consulting Invicta Career Consultancy, which specializes in helping students navigate the complexities of studying abroad, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get a consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

Choosing the best GRE coaching center in Hyderabad depends on your specific needs and learning style. Some of the top-rated GRE coaching centers in Hyderabad include Manya - The Princeton Review, Manhattan Review, and TIME Institute, all known for their experienced faculty and comprehensive study materials. To find the coaching center that best fits your requirements, it's beneficial to seek personalized advice from experts. Invicta Career Consultancy can provide tailored recommendations and guidance, ensuring you select a coaching center that aligns with your goals and preparation needs, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

Dear Student,

For admittance to premier universities like MIT, Harvard, Stanford, UC Berkeley, and CMU, your resume must be exceptionally strong.

  • GRE - on the safe side, 325+
  • GPA of at least 110 and a TOEFL score of at least 110.
  • Do as many articles as you can, attempt to participate in research activities at your college, and if at all feasible, try to obtain patents.
  • Internships: I firmly feel that internships are important. Utilize your vacation time for internships, and attempt to concentrate on professions that are research-based or pure CS.
  • Extracurricular Activities: Present Papers, Participate in GSOC and Other Coding Events, etc.
  • Do two or more projects during your undergraduate studies, preferably ones that are linked to your field of study.
  • Work Experience - This is an optional consideration, but if you spend a few years in a top product company's R&D, it might be worthwhile.
  • Put a lot of time and work crafting your SOP and make sure it accurately expresses your reasons for obtaining an MS in Computer Science.
  • Get letters of recommendation from top management at your job and from research faculty at your college—they must know you!

Even if you address all of the aforementioned criteria, there is no assurance that you will be admitted to one of the universities you have named. When you make a decision, a combination of all these criteria will be taken into account, but these 10 ideas are a fantastic place to start.

I know someone who received acceptance letters from MIT, UC Berkeley, and Carnegie Mellon University for their MS and PhD programmes after scoring between 1400 and 1600 on the GRE. He applied with an excellent resume that included a 9+ GPA throughout college, two years of research in Microsoft R&D, and a few patents. Therefore, what matters is your whole profile.


I hope that helps! I wish you the best!

Hi aspirant
IELTS (International English language Testing System) is an English language test taken by millions of aspirants in non English speaking countries who wish to study, migrate or work in English speaking nations. This test is conducted at an international level. It tests your proficiency based on 4 skills i.e listening, reading, writing and speaking.
So yes, you'll need to appear for IELTS exam in order to pursue MS from the US.

Now, there's another English aptitude test for the United States. It is called TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is accepted by American Universities while IELTS is accepted overseas. You can choose from these two as per your needs.
Hope this answers your query.
All the best :)
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