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Content Curator | Updated On - Jan 23, 2024

GRE for USA is accepted by top universities for their MBA/MS and master’s degree courses. Scores for GRE accepted universities in USA vary in admissions for international applicants. A good score in GRE is mandatory for admission to top universities in USA. GRE cut-off for universities in USA, for quantitative and verbal sections are scored on a 130-170 scale with one-point increments for each. For GRE Analytical Writing the score ranges from 0-5 score scale.

GRE scores for MS in US accept a range starting from 155 to 167. A 75th percentile is considered the minimum GRE score required for admission in USA. A 90th percentile is considered excellent and GRE score above 318, is regarded as a good GRE score.

If you are applying to a master's or management course, you must take GRE for admission. There are no minimum passing marks for GRE for USA. The required score depends on the university to which you are applying to and their GRE cut off. The top universities in USA like MIT, Harvard, Stanford and others require a GRE score of 160 and above. Some universities do not require GRE scores for admission. Hence, you must always check the official website before applying. 

Why GRE for USA?

When high school students contemplate applying to universities, their SAT (or ACT) scores have a significant effect on whether institutions will accept their applications. However, because a considerably lower percentage of undergraduate students apply to graduate school, the significance of a high GRE score may be underestimated. Students who wish to apply to top colleges in the United States for MS with a GRE score, on the other hand, should understand the purpose of this exam.

Here is how significant the GRE score range is important for studying in the USA:

  • Prospective students must take the GRE exam in order to get admitted to master's programs at prestigious universities in the United States. In the United States, the GRE is required for technical master's degrees such as MS, MCA, MSC, MTech, and MBA.
     
  • In the first place, it is important to note that all GRE-accepting universities in the United States and graduate programs will evaluate GRE results differently. Some programs, such as science, technology, engineering, and STEM subjects in USA, will place a considerably larger focus on this component, whilst others may not examine it at all.
  • Taking GRE Subject Tests assesses a student's success in a specific field of study and allows departments to identify a candidate's suitability for graduate school. As a result, candidates must understand the minimal GRE score for admission to the United States.
  • Most significantly, GRE Subject Tests generate subscores that give insight into one's strengths and shortcomings, which can help guide placement decisions.
     

As a result, candidates must carefully examine course structure, faculty, research facilities, and career chances while selecting top MBA institutions in USA accepting GRE.

GRE Score for MS in USA

Here is the list GRE for USA score for MS courses is given below. The table contains GRE Verbal and GRE Quantitative scores:

MS Course Average Score in Verbal Section Average Score in Quantitative Section
Social Sciences 153 152
Business 151 156
Life Sciences 151 151
Arts and Humanities 156 150
Physical Sciences 151 160

GRE Accepted Universities in USA

Here are the GRE Cutoffs at US Universities for both GRE verbal and quant sections:

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

Universities in USA Without GRE

There are several universities in the USA that do not require the GRE percentile as part of their admission requirements. The policies of universities may change over time, so it's always a good idea to verify the current admission requirements directly with the US universities without GRE interested. Here are a few examples of universities that have been known to offer programs GRE waived university in USA:

  1. University of Southern California (USC)
  2. New York University (NYU)
  3. George Washington University (GWU)
  4. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
  5. University of Chicago
  6. Northeastern University
  7. Purdue University
  8. University of Texas at Austin
  9. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  10. Texas A&M University

These universities may not require the GRE, they may have alternative requirements or consider other factors such as work experience, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, or undergraduate GPA. It's always advisable to check the specific requirements of each university and program you're interested in.

FAQs

Ques: What is the GRE and who needs it?

Ans: The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is a standardized test required by many graduate programs in the USA. International students seeking US graduate degrees requires the GRE score for admission.

Ques: What format is the GRE in?

Ans: The GRE is a computer-delivered test with 3 main sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Since September 2023, there's no "Analyze an Argument" task in Writing. The format is now shorter.

Ques: How long is the GRE?

Ans: The current GRE exam is about 1 hour and 58 minutes. Before September 2023, it was closer to 3 hours and 45 minutes. ETS, the conducting body of GRE has shortened the format of the exam.

Ques: Do all US universities accept GRE?

Ans: No, all US universities do not require or accept GRE scores. However, most of the university accepts the GRE scores for admissions to masters degree or business programs. You must check the official websites for score requirement before admission.

Ques: What is the scoring range for the GRE?

Ans: The score range of GRE Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning are from 130-170. Analytical Writing is scored from 0-6. You will also get the percentile scores which will determine the percentages of test takers that you have scored better than.

Ques: What is a good GRE score?

Ans: Good GRE score depends on your target program(s) and preparation. Top programs often expect scores above 160 in Verbal and Quant, above 4 for Writing. Research average scores of your target programs. If you score more than what is required by the university, it should be good enough score for you.

Ques: What is the average GRE verbal score for universities in USA?

Ans: The average GRE score for universities in USA for the verbal section ranges between 150-156. You must try to score as much as possible to strengthen your chances of admission.

Ques: When can I take the GRE?

Ans: The GRE is offered year-round at test centers worldwide. You can book your test date online at least 4 weeks in advance. Hence, you can take GRE anytime you want. Please make sure that you have cleared your graduation and applying for masters degree.

Ques: How much does the GRE cost?

Ans: The current GRE registration fee is US$213, with additional charges for late registration or rescheduling. Thsi cost will incurr every time you do the registration or take GRE. Hence, you must try to clear and score the targetted score at the first go.

Ques: How can I register for the GRE?

Ans: You can register for the GRE online on the Educational Testing Service (ETS) website: www.ets.org/gre. You need to create an account and then fill the details. Once that is done, you can pay the fees and register yourself for GRE.

Ques: What do I need to bring to the GRE test center?

Ans: When comming to the test center on the test day, you must bring a valid photo ID, your registration confirmation, and pencils/erasers (for the scratch paper provided). Please note that electronic devices are not allowed inside the hall.

Ques: Can I retake the GRE?

Ans: You can retake the GRE as many times as you want, with at least 30 days between attempts. Scores from all attempts are reported to schools, so focus on improvement rather than aiming for a specific attempt.

Ques: How long are GRE scores valid?

Ans: GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the test date. You can send multiple scores or the best score to universities within 5 years. After 5 years, the scores will not be valid and you will not be able to send it.

Ques: Do I need to send my GRE scores directly to schools?

Ans: Yes, you need to send the scores directly to the university that you are applying for. You can choose which schools receive your scores when you register for the test. Some programs may require additional submission methods.

Ques: What are some universities that do not accept GRE scores in USA?

Ans: Few universities that do not accept the GRE scores are University of Southern California (USC), New York University (NYU), George Washington University (GWU), University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), University of Chicago, Northeastern University and many more. You must check the official website for details.

Ques: Are there scholarships available for international students based on GRE scores?

Ans: While GRE scores might contribute to scholarship decisions, they're not the only determining factor. You must check the requirements, eligibility and research scholarship opportunities offered by your target programs and universities.

Ques: What if I have disabilities?

Ans: If you have any disability, ETS offers accommodations for test takers with disabilities. Contact their Disability Services for more information: www.ets.org/disabilities. You must contact atleast 3 months prior to the exam date for the accommodation.

Ques: What happens after I take the GRE?

Ans: After you take GRE, you'll receive your official scores within 10-14 days. Review your scores, confirm which schools receive them, and continue your graduate school application process.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.

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