The GRE score required for the USA depends on program rank, field, and university competitiveness, but 300–320 total (150–160 Verbal + 150–160 Quantitative) opens most Master’s doors. Top-tier schools (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT) expect 310–330+, while mid-tier or regional universities accept 290–305. Over 60% of programs now waive GRE entirely for 2025, shifting focus to GPA, experience, and essays. Always check program websites—requirements vary, and strong profiles can offset lower scores.
Average GRE Score Requirements by Field in the USA
GRE expectations differ by discipline:
- Computer Science & Engineering: 160–165Q, 145–155V (total 305–320). MIT averages 168Q, Purdue accepts 155Q if GPA >3.5.
- Business (MBA/MS Analytics): 155–162V, 158–165Q (total 313–327). Schools like NYU Stern target 320+.
- Data Science & AI: 162–170Q, 150–158V (total 312–328). UC Berkeley prefers 165Q.
- Humanities & Social Sciences: 155–165V, 145–155Q (total 300–320), with AWA 4.5+. Yale Psychology averages 161V.
- Education & Public Health: 150V, 145Q (total ~295). Often waived or low-priority.
ETS reports global averages (150V, 153Q), so +10–15 points per section beats 70% of test-takers.
Top USA Universities and GRE Score Cutoffs
Elite programs publish admitted averages:
- Stanford MS CS: 328–333 (169Q, 162V)
- Carnegie Mellon (Engineering): 322–330 (167Q, 158V)
- University of Michigan: 315–325 (163Q, 155V)
- Georgia Tech (Online MS): 310+ recommended, but waived
- Texas A&M: 300+ acceptable with strong GPA
Many top schools (UIUC, Northeastern) are GRE-optional—submit only if above 310. International students from India/China often score 165Q+ to stand out.
GRE Percentiles and Admission Impact in the USA
A 310 total = ~60th percentile; 320 = ~80th. Programs value section percentiles:
- 165Q = 89th (gold for STEM)
- 160V = 85th (strong for business/humanities)
- AWA 4.5 = 80th
Balanced scores matter—170Q + 145V may lose to 160Q + 160V in humanities. Use ETS tools to convert old/new formats.
How Much Score Is Required in GRE for the USA and How to Meet the Requirements
Achieve your target with:
- Full-length mocks: ETS PowerPrep (free)
- Section drills: Quant (algebra, data); Verbal (vocab, RC)
- Study plan: 100–200 hours for +10–20 points
- Retake strategy: 5 attempts/year allowed
If waived, skip GRE—strengthen SOP, LORs, and projects. TOEFL/IELTS (90+/7.0+) remains mandatory.
In short, 300–320 GRE suffices for most USA Master’s; 310+ for top schools. With waivers rising, a great profile often trumps scores.