List of GRE Accepting Universities in USA – Minimum Required GRE Score

Are you considering studying in the United States and wondering about the GRE (Graduate Record Examination)? The GRE is a test that many U.S. graduate schools use to evaluate applicants’ readiness for advanced study. This blog offers a comprehensive guide to GRE accepting universities in the USA, covering top programs, average GRE scores, application requirements, and more.

Why Study at GRE Accepting Universities in the USA?

Choosing to study at GRE-accepting universities in the USA offers numerous advantages for aspiring graduate students. Here are key reasons why a good GRE score can open doors to top-ranked programs and enhance your academic and career prospects.

1. Wide Recognition: GRE scores are accepted by top universities in the USA, such as MIT and Stanford.
2. Diverse Programs: Universities in the USA offer a variety of MS programs, MBA, and Humanities courses, requiring a good GRE score.
3. Standardized Evaluation: The GRE exam, administered by ETS, provides a standardized measure for quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing.
4. Admission Process: Many colleges accepting GRE scores have a streamlined admission process for international students.
5. Scholarship Opportunities: A higher GRE score can enhance eligibility for scholarships and financial aid.
6. Comprehensive Preparation: The GRE general test and GRE subject tests ensure thorough preparation, making you a competitive candidate.
7. Career Prospects: Graduates from GRE-accepting universities in the USA often have better job opportunities and higher earning potential.
8. Global Recognition: US universities are globally recognized and respected, attracting students from around the world, including Indian students.
9. Flexibility: Many colleges that accept GRE scores offer flexible study options and diverse specializations.
10. Enhanced Learning: GRE accepting universities provide rigorous academic environments that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

What is a Good GRE score to get into US universities?

A good GRE score required for admission to US universities generally falls within the score range of 310 to 330. Universities accepting GRE scores, especially top-ranked ones, often consider a good GRE score to be above 320. The cut-off scores can vary depending on the program and university. For example, engineering programs usually require higher quantitative reasoning scores, typically above 165, while humanities programs emphasize verbal reasoning, often needing scores above 160. Always check the specific GRE score requirements and cut-off scores on the university’s official website to ensure you meet their standards.

Top US Universities List with GRE scores

The table below includes some of the top GRE-accepting universities in the USA along with their world ranking, required GRE scores (section-wise), and annual tuition fees.

University	World Ranking	Verbal Reasoning Score	Quantitative Reasoning Score	Analytical Writing Score	Fee/Annum (USD)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1	162	167	4.5	$53,790
Stanford University	2	161	167	4.5	$56,169
Harvard University	3	160	166	4.5	$54,880
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	4	160	167	4.5	$52,506
University of Chicago	10	159	165	4.0	$61,548
Princeton University	9	160	165	4.0	$53,890
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)	22	159	165	4.0	$44,008
Columbia University	19	160	165	4.5	$63,530
Yale University	11	160	165	4.5	$64,024
University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)	13	160	165	4.5	$62,784

List of Top Programs and Average GRE Scores

The  table below lists some of the top programs offered by US universities along with their specializations and the required GRE scores.

Program	Specializations	Verbal Reasoning Score	Quantitative Reasoning Score	Analytical Writing Score
Engineering	Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Computer Science	155-160	165-170	4.0-4.5
Business (MBA)	Finance, Marketing, Operations, Entrepreneurship	155-160	160-165	4.0-4.5
Computer Science	Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity	155-160	165-170	4.0-4.5
Life Sciences	Biology, Biotechnology, Neuroscience	155-160	160-165	4.0-4.5
Physical Sciences	Chemistry, Physics, Earth Sciences	155-160	165-170	4.0-4.5
Social Sciences	Psychology, Sociology, Political Science	155-160	150-160	4.0-4.5
Humanities	Literature, History, Philosophy	160-165	150-160	4.5-5.0
Education	Curriculum Studies, Educational Leadership	155-160	150-160	4.0-4.5
Public Health	Epidemiology, Health Policy, Global Health	155-160	155-160	4.0-4.5
Law (JD)	Constitutional Law, International Law, Corporate Law	160-165	155-160	4.5-5.0

Application Requirements Other Than GRE to Study at USA Universities

Apart from GRE scores, several other requirements are essential for admission to top universities in the USA. While the specific criteria vary depending on the university, most programs generally require the following:

1. Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from previous institutions showcasing a strong academic record.
2. Letters of Recommendation: Typically two to three letters of recommendation from professors or employers highlighting your qualifications and potential.
3. Statement of Purpose (SOP): A detailed essay outlining your academic interests, career goals, and reasons for choosing the specific program.
4. English Proficiency Tests: For international students, tests like TOEFL or IELTS are mandatory to demonstrate English language proficiency.
5. Resume or CV: A comprehensive resume detailing your academic, professional, and extracurricular achievements.
6. Application Fee: Payment of the application fee as required by the university.

While the importance of GRE scores cannot be overstated, these additional requirements play a crucial role in the holistic evaluation process for admission to top-ranked universities in the USA. Many universities also consider factors like work experience, research projects, and extracurricular activities, which vary depending on the university and program.

Scholarships and the Required GRE scores

The table below includes some of the scholarships offered to international students by top US universities along with the required GRE scores and the scholarship amount.

Scholarship Name	Offering Institution/University	Required GRE Score (Section-wise)	Amount (USD)
Fulbright Foreign Student Program	Multiple US Universities	Varies (minimum 310 total)	Full tuition, living expenses, travel costs
Stanford Graduate Fellowships	Stanford University	Verbal: 160, Quantitative: 165	Full tuition + $45,000 stipend
AAUW International Fellowships	Various US Universities	No specific score (competitive)	$18,000 – $30,000
Yale Graduate Scholarships	Yale University	Verbal: 160, Quantitative: 165	Full tuition + $43,300 stipend
Harvard University Scholarships	Harvard University	Verbal: 160, Quantitative: 165	Full tuition + living expenses
MIT Graduate Fellowships	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	Verbal: 160, Quantitative: 167	Full tuition + $40,000 stipend
UC Berkeley Graduate Fellowships	University of California, Berkeley	Verbal: 160, Quantitative: 165	Full tuition + $34,000 stipend
Columbia University Scholarships	Columbia University	Verbal: 160, Quantitative: 165	Full tuition + $35,000 stipend
University of Chicago Scholarships	University of Chicago	Verbal: 159, Quantitative: 165	Full tuition + $32,000 stipend
Princeton University Fellowships	Princeton University	Verbal: 160, Quantitative: 165	Full tuition + $33,000 stipend

Tips to improve your GRE scores

Improving your GRE scores is essential for gaining admission to top universities in the USA, especially for programs requiring competitive scores. Here are few tips to improve your GRE score,

1. Start Early: Begin your GRE prep months in advance to cover all topics thoroughly, including verbal and quantitative sections.
2. Understand the Format: Familiarize yourself with the GRE marks distribution, structure, and question types to avoid surprises on test day.
3. Take Practice Tests: Regularly take the official GRE practice tests to identify strengths and weaknesses.
4. Set a Study Schedule: Consistent study routines can improve your score in GRE and help meet the GRE cut-off for top-ranked universities.
5. Focus on Weak Areas: Target your weaker sections with additional practice and review.
6. Use Quality Prep Materials: Using GRE Prep materials and other reputable resources can make a significant difference.
7. Review Mistakes: Analyse errors in practice tests to understand and correct them.
8. Balanced Preparation: Balance your preparation for verbal and quantitative sections, as both are crucial.
9. Know the Requirements: Research the average GRE score requirements for programs in the USA and universities in Canada to set realistic goals.
10. Stay Motivated: Remember the importance of GRE scores for admission to universities and colleges, especially when aiming to pursue an MS or MBA in the USA.

Achieving a good GRE score can significantly enhance your application to the 443 national universities and beyond, as reported by US News.

Latest Updates on the GRE Test as of 2024

The GRE test has undergone several significant changes as of 2024, designed to improve the test-taking experience and efficiency. Here are the key updates:

1. Reduced Test Duration:
   • The overall duration of the GRE has been shortened from approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes to 1 hour and 58 minutes​.
2. Fewer Questions:
   • The number of questions in both the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections has been reduced. The Analytical Writing section now includes only one task, “Analyse an Issue,” eliminating the “Analyse an Argument” task​.
3. Elimination of Unscored Section:
   • The unscored section, previously used for research purposes, has been removed from the test​ .
4. Faster Score Reporting:
   • Test takers can now receive their official GRE test scores within 8 to 10 days, compared to the previous timeline of 10 to 15 days​.
5. New Test Features:
   • An on-screen calculator is available for the Quantitative Reasoning section.
   • Test takers can mark and review questions within each section, allowing for changes to answers before final submission.
6. GRE Subject Tests:
   • The GRE Subject Test for Chemistry has been discontinued. The subject tests for Physics and Psychology are now offered in a computer-based format and can be taken at home. The duration for these tests has been reduced to 2 hours​.

New GRE Format

Section	Number of Questions	Duration
Analytical Writing	1 task	30 minutes
Verbal Reasoning	2 sections	18 + 23 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning	2 sections	21 + 26 minutes

Conclusion

Studying at GRE-accepting universities in the USA opens up numerous opportunities for international students. With a good GRE score, you can access top-ranked programs, secure scholarships, and enhance your career prospects. The recent changes in the GRE test make it more streamlined and manageable, ensuring a smoother path to your academic goals.

Empower your GRE journey with Ambitio’s comprehensive preparation tools. Our platform offers everything you need to succeed, from detailed study plans to adaptive practice tests, ensuring you’re fully prepared to tackle the GRE and achieve your academic goals.

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