The minimum GRE score for PhD programs in the USA isn't a fixed cutoff—most universities lack absolute thresholds, opting for holistic reviews that weigh research experience, GPA, and letters over test scores. For 2025 admissions, aim for 310–330 total (155+ Verbal, 155+ Quantitative) to stay competitive, as this aligns with 70–90th percentiles for top programs. With over 50% of PhD programs now waiving GRE entirely, the focus shifts to your academic fit and potential contributions. International students, especially from India, benefit from this trend, as waivers reduce barriers like test access and costs.
What Is the Minimum GRE Score for PhD in USA: Average Scores by Field
GRE expectations vary by discipline, emphasizing sections relevant to the field:
- STEM (Engineering, Computer Science): High Quant focus; averages 160–170Q, 150–160V (total 310–330). MIT's engineering PhD expects 159Q minimum, with admitted averages at 165+.
- Physical Sciences (Physics, Chemistry): 158–165Q, 155–162V (total 313–327), per ETS data for top programs like Stanford.
- Humanities & Social Sciences: Verbal-dominant; 155–165V, 150–158Q (total 305–323). Yale's history PhD averages 161V.
- Education & Life Sciences: More flexible; 152–158V, 150–155Q (total 302–313), with AWA 4.0+ key for research proposals.
Global averages sit at 150V/153Q, so exceeding field norms boosts your edge in selective pools.
Top USA Universities and Minimum Scores
Elite programs publish admitted averages rather than minima:
- MIT: Optional but recommends 158V/159Q for engineering; waived for many sciences.
- Stanford: Averages 328 total (167Q/161V) for CS PhD; waived for humanities.
- Harvard: 318–325 (162V/156Q) for social sciences; optional across most PhDs.
- UC Berkeley: Waived for many; targets 320+ where required.
- Yale: 320–332 (165V/165Q) for economics; optional for arts.
For 2025, Purdue, UIUC, and Northeastern fully waive for STEM PhDs, prioritizing research portfolios.
Universities Waiving GRE 2025
The pandemic accelerated waivers—now over 60% of programs are test-optional. Key waiving schools include:
- MIT & Purdue: All engineering and sciences PhDs.
- UCLA: Computer Science, Neuroscience, Psychology.
- NYU: Urban Science, Biotechnology.
- University of Iowa & San Jose State: Most graduate tracks.
- University of Chicago: Humanities and social sciences.
Check program pages, as waivers apply selectively—e.g., economics may still require it.
Strategies to Meet or Bypass Minimum GRE for USA PhD
If submitting, target 5–10 points above averages via ETS PowerPrep mocks and 200+ study hours. For waivers, emphasize publications, 3.5+ GPA, and tailored SOPs. TOEFL/IELTS (100+/7.0+) remains essential. Retakes are allowed (5/year), but strong alternatives like research fellowships shine brighter.
In essence, while 310+ is a safe minimum GRE for PhD in USA where required, waivers at top schools make holistic strength your true minimum.