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GRE Scores for Top US Universities
Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Feb 03, 2025 05:48 PM IST | #GRE
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The Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, is an important part of the application process for many of the top universities in the United States. Although some schools have made this test-optional, a good GRE score can make a huge difference in your application, especially for competitive programs in business, engineering, and the sciences. But what is a good GRE score for top universities like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Columbia? This article breaks down the ideal GRE scores for different programs, helping you understand what it takes to secure admission to the best US universities.
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This Story also Contains
- GRE Score Requirement for US Universities 2025
- Top 10 GRE Accepting Universities in USA 2025
- GRE Scores for Top 10 US Universities
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 the GRE, this, however, is not the sole criterion for admission.
GRE Score Requirement for US Universities 2025
GRE is an international aptitude test that determines eligibility for 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 a maximum score of 340 which is offered both online and offline across India.
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 the USA. Applicants 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 is required for MS in USA and this may also vary depending on the course and competition.
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Start NowQS World University Ranking 2025 | University | GRE Verbal Scores | GRE Quant Scores | GRE Writing Scores |
1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 157 | 162 | 5.3 |
6 | Stanford University | 158 | 163 | 4.5 |
11 | University of Pennsylvania | 168 | 160 | 4.3 |
12 | University of California, Berkeley | 155 | 161 | 4.5 |
16 | Cornell University | 165+ | 155+ | 3.5+ |
21 | University of Chicago | 156 | 161 | - |
23 | Yale University | 155 - 165 | 160-167 | - |
32 | 156 | 161 | 5 | |
34 | 154 - 167 | 156 - 170 | 4 | |
42 | 154 - 165 | 152 - 167 | 5 | |
44 | University of Michigan Ann Arbor | 168 | 155 | 3.3 |
58 | Carnegie Mellon University | 159 | 161 | 4 |
61 | 155 - 165 | 154 - 160 | 4.5 | |
66 | University of Texas Austin | 160 | 159 | - |
69 | University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign | 155 | 165 | 4 |
72 | University of California San Diego | 157 | 151 | 4 |
76 | University of Washington | 156 | 167 | - |
89 | Purdue University | 151 | 155 | 3.5 |
114 | Georgia Institute of Technology | 150 | 150 | 4 |
116 | University of Southern California | 153 | 163 | 4 |
154 | 154 | 160 | - | |
155 | University of North Carolina | 152 | 159 | 4.5 |
200 | 154 | 162 | - | |
203 | University of Minnesota – Twin Cities | 155 | 158 | - |
208 | Ohio State University | 163 | 164 | - |
297 | University of Virginia | 163 | 166 | 4.5 |
307 | University of California Irvine | 152 | 161 | - |
311 | North Carolina State University | 150 | 153 | 3 |
320 | University of Colorado Boulder | 155 | 152 | - |
365 | University of Illinois–Chicago | 152 | 151 | - |
396 | 152 | 157 | - | |
442 | 153 | 157 | - | |
466 | University at Buffalo – SUNY | 154 | 161 | - |
470 | Iowa State University | 148 | 163 | 3 |
565 | University of Connecticut | 154 | 155 | - |
601-610 | Illinois Institute of Technology | 148 | 158 | 2.5 |
741-750 | University of Central Florida | 151 | 155 | - |
761-770 | University of Cincinnati | 155 | 160 | 3.5 |
901-950 | Michigan Technological University | 148 | 153 | 3 |
951-1000 | Clemson University | 151 | 155 | - |
1001-1200 | 148 | 157 | - |
Top 10 GRE Accepting Universities in USA 2025
Here is the list of the top universities in the US according to the QS University Ranking 2025. All these universities are GRE-accepted universities in USA for most MS courses. Though GRE is considered a standardized exam, many universities are no more mandating minimum GRE scores for USA as many applicants are facing a disadvantage despite having high academic performance. Some universities in USA have made the GRE only an optional requirement.
Top GRE Accepting Universities in the USA
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GRE Scores for Top 10 US Universities
Though many GRE-accepted universities in USA 2025 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.
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 2025 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 |
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.
Average GRE Score Requirements
Average GRE score in the quantitative section | 160-170 |
Average GRE score in the verbal section | 165 |
Writing | 4.0-5.0 |
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 |
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 2025 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 |
| Writing | 5.0 |
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 |
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 programs. Though there is no minimum GRE score required for MS in USA at UC Berkeley, on 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 |
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 2025. 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.
Average GRE score requirements
Average GRE score in the quantitative section | 153-170 |
Average GRE score in the verbal section | 157-164 |
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 |
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 | - |
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 | - |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is 300 a good GRE score?
A GRE score of 300 can be considered a decent score, depending on the programs and universities you're aiming for. It generally falls around the average range for many institutions, though some competitive programs might have higher score expectations. To understand how your score aligns with your target schools and programs, it's advisable to consult with Invicta Career Consultancy. They can provide tailored advice based on the specific requirements and expectations of your desired institutions.
2. Is it difficult to get 320 in GRE?
Yes, to get a 320 on the GRE, is considered hard since it falls within the upper range of the percentiles. A lot of preparation, understanding, and test-taking strategies in verbal and quantitative concepts have to be practiced to achieve 320 in GRE.
3. Is GRE easier than GMAT?
Experts agree that the Quantitative section is harder on the GMAT than on the GRE for most test-takers but easier for people who like logic problems over geometry questions since there are more geometry questions on the GRE.
4. 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.
5. 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 ?
GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, and GMAT are standardized tests often required for admission to universities abroad, but they serve different purposes. The **GRE** (Graduate Record Examination) is used for admission to graduate programs and some business schools, focusing 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, often required for non-native speakers applying to English-speaking countries; TOEFL is more common in the U.S., while IELTS is popular in the U.K. and other regions. The **GMAT** (Graduate Management Admission Test) is specifically for business school admissions, testing quantitative, verbal, analytical writing, and integrated reasoning skills, and is required for MBA programs. I would advise that you get in touch with a prominent abroad education advisor - a great one will really help you through the entire process, end-to-end.
chandresh iyer 10 September,2024
Hello aspirant,
Those who wish to pursue postsecondary education, specifically a Master's degree, specialised Master's programme, MBA, or PhD, are eligible to take the GRE. You must show up for the GRE general exam. Use the following link to get the comprehensive exam details:
https://studyabroad.careers360.com/exams/gre
Thank you
Hope this information helps you.
Sajal Trivedi 17 January,2024
Choosing the best GRE coaching center in Hyderabad depends on various factors such as the quality of faculty, study materials, class size, and the success rate of the institute. Look for centers that offer comprehensive courses, personalized attention, flexible timings, and extensive practice tests. Additionally, consider the center's reputation, feedback from former students, and any additional resources like online support or library access. Visiting a few centers to get a feel for their teaching style and environment can also help in making an informed decision.
chandresh iyer 28 May,2024
Yes, pursuing an M.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) through the GRE is possible. Many universities, especially in the US, accept GRE scores for admission into their master's programs in CSE. Strong GRE scores, along with a solid academic record, relevant work experience, and a compelling statement of purpose, can enhance your chances of admission. For personalized guidance and to navigate the application process effectively, consider reaching out to Invicta Career Consultancy, which can provide expert advice and support tailored to your goals, 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.
Amrita Koner 30 July,2024
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!
Jyoti Eyasmin 22 August,2022
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