A good GRE score for a Master’s in Computer Science depends on program prestige, but data from ETS (2023–2025) and admissions reports reveal clear tiers.
Elite programs (Stanford, MIT, CMU, UC Berkeley): Aim for 165–170 Quantitative (90th–99th percentile), 155–160 Verbal (65th–85th), and 4.0–5.0 AWA. Quant below 160 is rarely competitive; a 170Q/145V profile often outperforms 155Q/165V. Research, GPA >3.8, and strong letters outweigh marginal Verbal/AWA gaps.
Strong mid-tier (UIUC, Georgia Tech, UT Austin, UCLA): Target 160–165 Quant (75th–90th), 150–158 Verbal (45th–75th), 3.5–4.5 AWA. A 155Q (55th percentile) can work with GPA ≥3.7, publications, or FAANG internships. Georgia Tech’s OMSCS and UIUC’s MCS are GRE-optional skip if your profile shines.
Accessible programs (ASU, Purdue, Northeastern, state schools): 155–160 Quant, 145–155 Verbal, 3.0+ AWA suffices. Many waive GRE entirely; focus on projects, work experience, and SOP.
2025 Trends:
- 60%+ top-50 CS programs (CSRankings) are GRE-optional.
- Quant dominates: 162+ (80th percentile) keeps you safe across tiers.
- Holistic review: A 150Q can be offset by 3.9 GPA, 2+ first-author papers, or startup experience.
Strategy:
- Check target schools waive GRE if optional and your GPA >3.6.
- Prioritize 162+ Quant; retake only if <158 and no strong compensating factors.
- Use ETS percentile tables (scores shift yearly).
- Strengthen SOP, GitHub, and recommendations GRE is just one signal.
Bottom line: 162Q/153V/4.0AWA is a versatile “good” score; 165Q unlocks top-20 doors. Tailor prep to your tier and profile.