GRE Cutoff Scores for Universities in USA : Verbal, Quantitative, Writing

The average GRE score would depend on your preferred university and subject of choice. However, a GRE score between 150 and 160 in the GRE Verbal and GRE Quantitative Sections would make you eligible to apply to most universities in the US and can be referred to as the average GRE scores of US universities. 

Average GRE Scores for US Universities: If you want admission to top universities in the US for MS, you need to set your eyes on getting the required GRE scores. After getting the scores, you need to figure out which college fits your profile the best and then apply to it accordingly. Although the US colleges don’t have minimum ‘cutoff’ marks required for admission, they do provide average class marks for every academic year. This class profile helps you understand what the class looks like that year and the average scores of that set of students. So technically this score can work as a standard, and guarantee admission you need to score more than the average marks.

The full form of GRE is the Graduate Record Examination or more commonly referred to as GRE is a standardized test conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Services). Candidates who are registering for their GRE are required to book an available GRE test date and GRE test centre at their convenience. However, candidates are advised to have booked their GRE Slots well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle. Once candidates have appeared for their GRE. the next step would be to wait for their GRE results. During the GRE registration process, the candidates can opt to send their scores to four colleges or scholarship programmes without any charge. In this article, we are going to be talking about the Average GRE scores across Top US universities. 

Also, Read

In response to the ongoing pandemic COVID-19, ETS - the conducting body of GRE - Graduate Record Examinations has decided to launch the GRE General Test at home in locations where the computer-based format of the GRE test was earlier available, for the convenience of students wanting to take the GRE test during the pandemic to be able to study abroad. The same is yet to launch in mainland China and Iran. The GRE General Test home edition has been started in response to GRE Test Centres being temporarily shut due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and local restrictions. However, candidates need to make sure that they meet the system equipment requirements and have a test conducive environment pre-determined by ETS before registering for the GRE test. You can read in detail about the GRE at Home, as you read along.

Related Read: List of Colleges Accepting GRE Score

GRE Scores Required for MS in USA

Here are the average GRE scores across top American universities.

Notes –

1. Most universities do not have minimum GRE scores across all sections. Your profile is given a holistic consideration, including your undergraduate grades, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, work experience, awards earned, research or internship activities and other achievements.

2. Average GRE scores of US Universities vary from department to department. Some of the departments might require higher GRE scores compared to other departments, depending on the subject. Applicants are advised to check the department requirements of the Universities for GRE scores before applying.

3. A lot of Universities do not have any score requirement for the Verbal section of the GRE, especially for MS. But that doesn’t mean you ignore the verbal section completely; the scores are still taken into consideration. A low Verbal score will not help your chances of admission.

4. A few Universities in the US do not require GRE scores for admission to MS programs. If your GRE score is less and does not meet the requirements of the Universities elsewhere, you can consider applying to such Universities

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Minimum GRE Scores for MS in USA

Students can never fail their GRE. The average GRE score differs for every subject. An engineering student will need higher marks in the Quantitative Section and an arts and humanities student will need higher marks in the Verbal Section. Hence, to get into a particular college, candidates would be required to fall in the score range accepted by the college. Here is a table that will give you a rough idea about good scores which are subject averages.

Strategy for preparing for GRE 2023-24

GRE preparation strategy: Candidates looking to prepare for their GRE can check out our detailed preparation guide on the various sections of the GRE. Candidates can also benefit from downloadable sample GRE questions for the benefit of the test taker.