GRE Scores for Masters (MS) in USA: The Graduate Record Examination or the GRE exam is administered by ETS and is one of the most widely recognised graduate examinations for students wanting to pursue higher education abroad. So, if you want to get into one of the top universities in the US, you know how important a solid GRE score is in the application process.
Frequently, applicants want to know what a decent score would be to get into their preferred graduate school. The GRE scores required for MS in USA will vary based on the school you attend. Again, it varies based on the field you choose within a specific university or institute.
In case you are confused about the GRE cutoff requirements for US universities, you have arrived at the right place. Here, we will walk you through the GRE cutoff and average GRE scores for different MS programs at different US universities.
What is GRE Cutoff?
Before we jump onto the GRE cutoff for US universities, let us throw some light on what the GRE cutoff actually means. The GRE exam is intended solely for graduate or doctorate degree candidates in any discipline. The exam was designed to assess the verbal, analytical, and mathematical abilities of GRE test-takers. However, the ETS (Educational Testing Service) has not established a specific cutoff for GRE.
GRE scores are accepted by over 1,200 business and graduate schools around the country. Commonly, the GRE scores are accepted for master’s and postgraduate education in 94 countries across the world, including the US. Also, every university would have a minimum score required which would become the GRE cutoff. As a result, any score above the specified GRE cutoff for US universities in 2023 would automatically qualify their application.
In other words, an average GRE Score or GRE cutoff 2022 is a score that is neither the greatest nor the lowest. It has to be somewhere in the middle. Candidates should keep in mind that a high GRE score would only boost their chances of admission to their preferred university and make them eligible for any scholarships offered by their particular universities.
Sections in the GRE Exam |
Average Estimated Score |
---|---|
152.57 |
|
149.97 |
|
3.48 |
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GRE Cutoff for Top US Universities
Tabulated below is a range of GRE cut off for top US universities. Candidates seeking admission to the universities listed below might use the GRE cutoff scores as a guideline. Candidates should visit the official website of the university too to learn more about the GRE cutoff for their chosen program.
GRE Accepting US Universities |
Verbal |
Quantitative |
Writing |
---|---|---|---|
158 |
159 |
5.3 |
|
159 |
158 |
4.8 |
|
153-156 |
167 |
4.5 |
|
158 |
160 |
4.5 |
|
150 |
165 |
3.0 |
|
154 |
165 |
3.0 |
|
155 |
167 |
5.0 |
|
163 |
166 |
4.5 |
|
160 |
157 |
5.0 |
|
158 |
167 |
4.3 |
|
162 |
160 |
5.5 |
|
156 |
167 |
4.0 |
|
160 |
167 |
5.0 |
|
155 |
165 |
4.0 |
|
156 |
165 |
4.0 |
Note: The data provided in the table above are subject to change at the discretion of the individual university. Therefore, be sure to check the admission requirements for your desired MS programme in the US before you submit your application to avoid last-minute hassles.
Average GRE Cutoff for Different MS Degrees in US
Now that you are aware of the GRE cutoff for US universities, tabulated below are some GRE average scores for studying forMasters in US as per the different fields of study.
Field of Study |
Average Verbal Score |
Average Quantitative Score |
---|---|---|
Physical Sciences |
151 |
160 |
Life Sciences |
151 |
151 |
Business |
151 |
156 |
Social Sciences |
153 |
152 |
Arts And Humanities |
156 |
150 |
Though the above table shows the average GRE scores for various universities, the average GRE score for the top-ranked schools is substantially higher. Let us look at how much the average GRE score or the GRE cutoff changes depending on the school or program to which you want to apply.
Note: During the Covid-19 pandemic, many schools relaxed the GRE requirement. The scores shown are historical patterns from previous years.
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Average GRE Scores for MS in Engineering
Given below are the average GRE scores or the average expected GRE cutoff for US universities to study MS in Engineering:
University Name |
Average Verbal |
Average Quantitative |
---|---|---|
Harvard University |
158 to 160 |
163 to 166 |
Stanford University |
162 |
168 |
155 |
167 |
|
153 |
163 |
|
University of Southern California |
151 |
166 |
University of California - Los Angeles |
158 |
168 |
153 |
160 |
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Note: The GRE cutoff for MS in Engineering courses in USA, as outlined in the table above should only be used as a reference for 2023 admissions. The minimum requirements are subject to change at the discretion of the university, therefore, be sure to check the admission requirements before sending in your applications.
Average GRE Scores for MS in Computer Science
Find the average GRE scores or the average expected GRE cutoff for US universities to study MS in Computer Science:
University Name |
Average Verbal |
Average Quantitative |
---|---|---|
Harvard University |
160 |
164 |
Stanford University |
162 |
166 |
University of Pennsylvania |
159 |
168 |
164 |
167 |
|
Yale University |
162 |
166 |
University of California - Los Angeles |
155 |
161 |
Cornell University |
160 |
164 |
Columbia University |
155 |
161 |
Note: The average GRE scores needed for MS in Computer Science in US, as outlined above, is subject to change at the discretion of the university offering the course. Candidates are advised to keep a check on the admission requirements of their desired university before submitting their application forms.
Average GRE Scores for MS in Physics
Given below are the average GRE scores or the average expected GRE cutoff for US universities to study MS in Physics:
University Name |
Average Verbal |
Average Quantitative |
---|---|---|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
167 |
167 |
Harvard University |
167 |
167 |
Stanford University |
167 |
167 |
University of California-Berkeley |
167 |
167 |
University of Pennsylvania |
162 |
164 |
Princeton University |
168 |
170 |
Yale University |
162 |
164 |
University of Southern California |
159 |
162 |
Cornell University |
167 |
167 |
Columbia University |
162 |
164 |
Note: Each of the universities above reserves the right to change the minimum GRE score requirements for the MS in Physics courses in USA. While previously the universities have accepted international students based on these scores, they may change the minimum requirements to help them shortlist the ideal student for the course.
Average GRE Scores for MS in Chemistry
The average GRE scores or the average expected GRE cutoff for US universities to study MS in Chemistry are mentioned below:
University Name |
Average Verbal |
Average Quantitative |
---|---|---|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
164 |
163 |
Harvard University (GRE not required but optional) |
164 |
163 |
Stanford University |
164 |
163 |
University of California-Berkeley |
164 |
163 |
University of Pennsylvania (Not required but recommended for Physical Chemistry applications) |
159 |
160 |
Princeton University (Not required but recommended) |
164 |
168 |
Yale University |
159 |
160 |
University of Southern California |
156 |
158 |
University of California - Los Angeles |
158-160 |
161-163 |
Cornell University |
164 |
163 |
Columbia University |
164 |
163 |
Note: The minimum GRE scores for MS in Chemistry in US will be determined and subject to change at the discretion of the university or college offering the programme. The minimum scores, as outlined above, have helped the institutions select the best and the brightest for their MS programmes.
Average GRE Scores for MS in Mathematics
The average GRE scores or the average expected GRE cutoff for US universities to study MS in Mathematics are mentioned below:
University Name |
Average Verbal |
Average Quantitative |
---|---|---|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
165 |
167 |
Harvard University (General GRE not required. Subject GRE required) |
165 |
167 |
University of California-Berkeley |
165 |
167 |
University of Pennsylvania |
160 |
164 |
Princeton University |
168 |
168 |
Yale University |
165 |
167 |
University of Southern California |
157 |
162 |
University of California - Los Angeles |
165 |
167 |
Cornell University |
160 |
164 |
Columbia University |
165 |
167 |
Note: All applicants are advised to keep a check on the admission requirements for MS in Mathematics in any one of these top US universities, as these are subject to change at the discretion of the universities offering the course. Since GRE scores help shortlist the ideal candidate for the programme, the minimum score requirements change occasionally.
Average GRE Scores for MS in Psychology
The average GRE scores or the average expected GRE cutoff for US universities to study MS in Psychology are presented below:
University Name |
Average Verbal |
Average Quantitative |
---|---|---|
Harvard University (GRE is optional) |
163 |
154 |
University of California-Berkeley |
163 |
160 |
University of Pennsylvania |
158 |
151 |
Yale University |
163 |
154 |
University of Southern California |
158 |
151 |
University of California - Los Angeles |
163 |
154 |
Cornell University |
158 |
151 |
Columbia University |
Combined score >310 |
Combined score >310 |
Note: Each of the universities above reserves the right to change the minimum requirements for MS in Psychology in USA for international students. Therefore, candidates must keep a check on the admission requirements for the course before they submit the application forms this year.
What is a Good GRE Score for MS in US?
Determining a good GRE score for MS in US will heavily be influenced by the admission requirements of an applicant’s desired university. Therefore, before attempting the test, it is crucial to note down the minimum GRE scores required for admission at your desired university abroad. Subsequently, prepare for and attempt the test accordingly. It should be noted that each university will define different GRE score requirements for different MS programmes on offer.
For reference, we have provided a table below that candidates can use to understand good GRE score ranges that universities abroad commonly accept. In other words, if your scores fall under any one of the following ranges, then you should be able to determine whether your score is good or otherwise for MS admissions in USA.
Furthermore, the ETS publishes test statistics (test percentage distribution of scores) for different fields for the whole range of scores applicants receive in each of the GRE sections during a three-year period. This GRE score range (which applies to both the verbal and quantitative sections) has been organised and rated based on the widespread opinion of what a good or not-so-good GRE score might be.
GRE Score Range |
Ratings |
---|---|
165-170 |
Excellent |
155-164 |
Very good |
140-149 |
Needs Improvement |
130-139 |
Poor |
Best GRE Score Range
These GRE scores will place you in the top 10% of all GRE test takers for pursuing MS in US:
GRE Sections |
Best GRE Score Range |
---|---|
GRE Verbal Section |
163-170 |
GRE Quantitative Section |
165-170 |
GRE Analytical Writing |
5.0-6.0 |
Competitive GRE Score Range
These GRE scores will place you in a strong position for admission to US universities (top 25% of all GRE test-takers).
GRE Sections |
Competitive GRE Score Range |
---|---|
GRE Verbal Section |
158-162 |
GRE Quantitative Section |
159-164 |
GRE Analytical Writing |
4.5 |
Good GRE Score Range
These GRE scores will place you ahead of the pack (50% or higher), but they will not be as helpful when applying to highly competitive master's programs at top US universities.
GRE Sections |
Good GRE Score Range |
---|---|
GRE Quantitative Section |
153 - 158 |
GRE Verbal Section |
152 - 158 |
GRE Analytical Writing |
4.0 |
The GRE cutoff for US universities is a key aspect of the application process for MS in US. However, keep in mind that it is not simply the GRE score that is important; other aspects of the application will be considered. An impressive undergrad score, professional experience, or extracurricular activities would be beneficial, and your letters of recommendation (LOR), as well as your statement of purpose (SOP), can all contribute to a great application.
Furthermore, as previously said, there is no optimum answer to what your GRE score/GRE cutoff should be in order to get admitted to a given program because each school has its own GRE cutoffs and averages. As a result, you should check with the university where you want to apply to discover what the average GRE scores have been in past years.
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