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GRE Cutoff for US Universities - Required Scores List

Updated on 08 February, 2024

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is the standard entrance exam that students appear for to qualify for an undergraduate or postgraduate course, specifically in English-speaking nations. There are varying GRE cut-off scores for US universities when it comes to admissions for international applicants. A good score in GRE is mandatory to secure a place in leading courses and institutions throughout the country. Before we have a detailed discussion on the GRE cut-off for universities in USA, students should know that the quantitative and verbal sections in GRE are scored on a 130-70 scale with one-point increments for each. Such a range indicates that even a little increase in the GRE score will greatly boost the overall percentile.

GRE comprises three sections- verbal reasoning, analytical writing, and quantitative reasoning. GRE is 3 hours and 45-minute long exam and it is accepted by more than 1500 universities across the globe. GRE tests can be taken in both online and offline modes. Many courses such as engineering, often emphasize more on quantitative GRE scores, while humanities and arts courses put more emphasis on verbal GRE scores. In general, scoring 165-170 in a section is regarded as Excellent, while 155-164 indicates Very Good. Anything around 150-154 is Good, while 140-149 indicates Needs Improvement. A score of 130-139 in a section is considered Poor

The GRE cut-off for MS in USA would entirely depend on the university a student chooses. Also, within a particular university, the score would vary depending on the subject.

GRE Cut-Off Scores for US Universities- A Brief List

Here is a list of scores required by universities in the USA. The average GRE cut-off for MS in USA varies across courses and institutions. Here’s taking a closer look:

MS Course

Average Score in Verbal SectionAverage Score in Quantitative Section
Social Sciences153152
Business151156
Life Sciences151151
Arts and Humanities156150
Physical Sciences151160

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Here Are the Cut-Offs at US Universities:

Name of the Institution

Average Score in the Verbal Section

Average Score in the Quantitative Section

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

157

162

Stanford University

158

163

University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign

155

163

University of California Berkeley

155

161

Georgia Technological University

155

161

Carnegie Mellon University

159

161

University of Texas Austin

155

160

University of Michigan Ann Arbor

154

161

Purdue University

158

163

Cornell University

160

162

Texas A&M University

154

160

University of Southern California

158

163

California Technological University

158

166

University of California San Diego

154

166

Princeton University

158

163

Columbia University

164

163

University of Wisconsin Madison

157

163

Northwestern University

154

161

University of Maryland College

154

160

University of Washington

156

159

University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

155

163

Ohio State University

158

North Carolina State University

155

161

Duke University

155

165

University of California Irvine

152

161

University of Colorado Boulder

155

152

Iowa State University

152

160

Arizona State University

154

162

University at Buffalo – SUNY

154

161

Northeastern University

152

157

University of Connecticut

153

157

Colorado State University

153

157

University of Illinois–Chicago

152

158

Illinois Institute of Technology

148

158

University of Central Florida

151

155

Clemson University

151

155

University of Cincinnati

155

159

Santa Clara University

151

157

University of Texas Arlington

148

157

University of North Carolina

158

155

Mississippi State University

148

157

Michigan Technological University

154

157

Conclusion

While most US universities require you to submit GRE scores, this may not be mandatory at others. Students can still submit the scores if they wish. A high GRE score may provide a competitive edge to aspirants seeking admissions at top-ranking US higher education institutions. Keep a tab on this section to stay updated with the latest 2024 GRE cut-off scores.

Disclaimer: All scores are indicative and subject to change at any time.

Important Resources to Read:

GRE Exam Eligibility CriteriaGRE Exam DatesGRE Test Centers
GRE Exam fee in IndiaHow to Register for GRE Exam in IndiaBest Books for GRE Preparation
Sections in GRE ExamHow to Prepare for Verbal in GREHow to Score 170 in GRE Quant

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 310 a good GRE score for MS in the USA?

310 is considered a good GRE score for MS in the USA. It is usually enough to secure admission into most engineering or computer science programs in the country. The program average is what matters, i.e. if it is around 315-320, then you should score higher than this to enhance your chances of obtaining admission.

Is it hard to score 300 on GRE?

It is not as hard to score 300 in the GRE since it means 150 as an average score in each section. It is an average score and one should strive to do better, by scoring at least 315-320. 325 and more is enough for helping students get into leading global universities, including reputed names in the USA.

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upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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The above tips are the Author's experiences. upGrad does not guarantee scores or admissions.