The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test required for admission to graduate, business, and PhD programs worldwide. While most universities do not have a fixed cutoff score, they provide average GRE scores of admitted students, helping applicants understand what score they need to be competitive.
In this guide, we will explore GRE cutoffs for top universities, score requirements for different programs, and expert tips on achieving your target GRE score.
Does the GRE Have a Fixed Cutoff?
✔ The GRE does not have an official cutoff set by ETS (Educational Testing Service).
✔ Each university and program sets its own minimum score requirement or average admitted GRE score.
✔ Some competitive universities expect 320+ scores, while others accept scores in the 300-310 range.
📌 GRE Score Range Overview
| GRE Section | Score Range | Score Increments |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 130–170 | 1-point increments |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130–170 | 1-point increments |
| Analytical Writing (AWA) | 0–6 | 0.5-point increments |
💡 Why It Matters? Instead of a fixed cutoff, universities provide GRE score averages to guide applicants on competitive scores for admission.
GRE Cutoff for Top Universities
Different universities and programs have different GRE score expectations. Below is a general GRE score range for top-tier universities.
📌 GRE Cutoffs for Ivy League & Top 20 Universities
| University | Verbal Score | Quant Score | AWA Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | 160 - 165 | 160 - 168 | 4.5+ |
| Stanford University | 162 - 167 | 165 - 170 | 4.5+ |
| MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) | 155 - 160 | 165 - 170 | 4.0+ |
| University of California, Berkeley | 158 - 162 | 162 - 168 | 4.0+ |
| Columbia University | 160 - 164 | 160 - 167 | 4.5+ |
| Princeton University | 162 - 166 | 164 - 170 | 4.5+ |
| Yale University | 160 - 165 | 160 - 168 | 4.5+ |
💡 Pro Tip: Ivy League and top universities typically require a GRE score above 320, with 165+ in Quantitative for STEM programs.
GRE Cutoff for MS Programs
✔ STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) programs have higher Quant score requirements (160-170).
✔ Humanities & Social Sciences programs prioritize Verbal scores (155-165).
📌 GRE Score Requirements for Popular MS Courses
| MS Program | Verbal Score | Quant Score | AWA Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Computer Science | 150 - 160 | 165 - 170 | 3.5+ |
| MS in Mechanical Engineering | 148 - 156 | 162 - 168 | 3.5+ |
| MS in Data Science | 150 - 160 | 165 - 170 | 4.0+ |
| MS in Biotechnology | 155 - 162 | 155 - 165 | 4.0+ |
| MS in Psychology | 158 - 165 | 145 - 155 | 4.5+ |
💡 Why It Matters? STEM programs prioritize Quant scores, while Verbal scores are crucial for social sciences and humanities programs.
GRE Cutoff for MBA Programs
✔ Many top business schools now accept GRE scores instead of GMAT.
✔ Competitive MBA programs require 315-330+ GRE scores.
📌 GRE Score Requirements for Top MBA Schools
| Business School | Verbal Score | Quant Score | Total GRE Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard Business School | 160+ | 165+ | 320+ |
| Stanford GSB | 162+ | 167+ | 330+ |
| Wharton (UPenn) | 160+ | 164+ | 325+ |
| MIT Sloan | 158+ | 165+ | 320+ |
| Chicago Booth | 160+ | 163+ | 320+ |
| Columbia Business School | 160+ | 162+ | 320+ |
💡 Pro Tip: If applying for an MBA, aim for 320+ GRE scores to stay competitive with GMAT applicants.
How GRE Cutoffs Impact Scholarship Opportunities
✔ Many universities offer GRE-based scholarships to high-scoring students.
✔ A strong GRE score can help secure graduate assistantships, fellowships, and tuition waivers.
📌 GRE Score & Scholarship Chances
| GRE Score Range | Scholarship Chances |
|---|---|
| 330 – 340 | High chances of full or partial scholarships |
| 320 – 329 | Competitive scholarship opportunities |
| 310 – 319 | Some financial aid options available |
| Below 310 | Limited funding opportunities |
💡 Why It Matters? Higher GRE scores not only improve admissions chances but also open doors to scholarships and financial aid.
How to Achieve a Competitive GRE Score?
✔ Start Early: Prepare at least 3-6 months before your test date.
✔ Take Practice Tests: Use ETS PowerPrep, Manhattan Prep, and Kaplan for full-length mock tests.
✔ Focus on Weak Areas: Improve quantitative skills for STEM and business programs, and verbal skills for humanities.
✔ Time Management: Learn to pace yourself in each section to complete all questions.
✔ Consider Retaking the GRE: If your score is below the program's average, retaking the GRE can improve admission chances.
💡 Pro Tip: Aim for 5-10 points above the university's average GRE score to strengthen your application.
FAQs About GRE Cutoffs
1. What is the GRE cutoff for Harvard?
✔ Harvard prefers Verbal: 160+, Quant: 165+, AWA: 4.5+ for MS & PhD programs.
2. What is the minimum GRE score required for the USA?
✔ Many US universities accept GRE scores in the 290-310 range, but competitive schools require 315-330+.
3. Can I get admission with a low GRE score?
✔ Yes, some universities accept GRE scores below 300, but you may need a strong GPA, work experience, or a great SOP.
4. Do all universities have a fixed GRE cutoff?
✔ No, but universities publish the average GRE scores of admitted students to give applicants a benchmark.
5. Can a high GRE score help me get a scholarship?
✔ Yes! A GRE score above 320 increases chances of merit-based scholarships and financial aid.
Conclusion
Understanding GRE cutoffs and score requirements helps students set realistic score goals and improve their chances of getting into top universities, MBA programs, and scholarships.
