GRE aka Graduate Record Examinations is a computer-based, standardized test accepted in 90+ countries. GREs are taken for various programs, hence different scores are required by different US universities. Various universities and colleges in the USA require GRE scores as part of their admissions process. The minimum score needed in the USA depends on the program and the university.
Table of Contents:
- Top GRE Accepting Universities in the USA
- GRE Score for MS in USA
- How to Send GRE Scores to Universities?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Top GRE Accepting Universities in the USA
The GRE score is required for most top universities in the USA. However, the GRE is not mandatory for MS programs in the USA, as some universities have waived this requirement. Some of the top universities are as follows:
| University Name | QS World University Ranking | Average GRE Score | |
| Verbal | Quantitative | ||
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 | 155 – 167 | 157 – 168 |
| Stanford University | 6 | 158 – 163 | 163 – 168 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 11 | 168 | 160 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 12 | 131 – 155 | 157 – 161 |
| Cornell University | 16 | 155 | 165 |
| University of Chicago | 21 | 156 | 161 |
| Yale University | 23 | 159 – 165 | 159 – 165 |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 42 | 154 – 165 | 152 – 167 |
| University of Michigan Ann Arbor | 44 | 155 | 168 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 58 | 159 | 161 – 167 |
| Duke University | 61 | 155 – 165 | 154 – 167 |
| University of Texas at Austin | 66 | 154 – 160 | 154 – 159 |
| University of California San Diego | 72 | 157 | 151 |
| University of Washington | 76 | 153 – 161 | 154 – 168 |
| Purdue University | =89 | 151 – 153 | 155 – 164 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | 114 | 153 | 155 |
| University of Southern California | 125 | 151 – 162 | 155 – 167 |
| University of North Carolina | =155 | 159 | 158 |
| Arizona State University | =200 | 150 – 156 | 158 – 162 |
| University of Virginia | 297 | 163 | 166 |
*Kindly note that these scores are tentative and can vary based on your program and the university.
GRE Score for MS in USA
There is no one fixed score for MS in the USA. The scores differ from the universities and programs. Top universities and popular programs may require a higher GRE score. A GRE score required for MS is between 150 – 160 in the GRE Verbal and Quantitative section and is considered ideal and will get you admission to many top universities.
A score of overall 300 – 320 and a 4.5 in GRE AWA are generally required for admission to the MS programs in the USA. However, to boost their chances for admission, candidates must aim for a 318 or higher score which is the 90th percentile, increasing their chances of acceptance into their choice of university.
How to Send GRE Scores to Universities?
As a part of the registration process, aspirants can share their GRE scores with up to four universities or institutions for free. If you wish to submit your test scores to more universities, you can do the same by ordering Additional Score Reports (ASRs) for a fee of US $35. Sending the GRE scores to universities involves a few steps. They are:
- Sign in to your ETS account.
- After signing in, navigate your scores and select “Send Additional Score Reports” on the My GRE homepage.
- You will find the option: On-Screen: Test Registration.
- Finally, you will have the option to send further score reports.
You can pick the option Most Recent (results from your current test administration) or All (scores from all administrations in the last five years)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the test fee for the GRE in the USA?
The test fee for the GRE in the USA is $220.
How much GRE score is required for a scholarship in the USA?
The GRE score required for a scholarship in the USA is based on the university and program. No fixed score guarantees scholarship, candidates should aim for an overall score of 300 – 320 to strengthen their chances.
Is the GRE compulsory for MS in the USA?
No, the GRE is not compulsory for MS in the USA.
How long is the GRE score valid in the USA?
The GRE score is valid for 5 years in the USA.
How long does the GRE test take?
The GRE test time is 1 hour and 58 minutes.
