GRE Accepting Universities in USA: 10 Best US Universities and Colleges Accepting GRE Scores for MS for Indian Students

Are you thinking about studying in the United States and want to know more about the GRE (Graduate Record Examination)? The GRE is a standardized test that many graduate schools in the United States use to evaluate an applicant’s readiness for graduate school. 

This blog provides a complete guide to universities that accept the GRE in the U.S., including the best programs, average GRE scores, what these universities require from applicants, and more.

Why Study at GRE Accepting Universities in USA as Indian Students?

Studying at GRE accepting universities in the USA can provide several other benefits for prospective graduate students.

Here’s a quick overview of some of the benefits of having a good GRE score and how it can allow you to enter different top-ranked programs to maximize your academic and career potential.

1. Recognizable: GRE scores are a requirement for graduate programs at some top universities in the USA, such as MIT and Stanford.
2. Varied Programs Available: Many Universities in the US offer MS programs, MBA, or humanities courses that will require some type of suitable GRE score.
3. Standardized Measure: The GRE exam offered by ETS provides a standardized measure of your proficiency in areas such as quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing.
4. Admissions Process: Many colleges who accept GRE scores also have an easier admission process for international students.
5. Scholarship Opportunities: A higher GRE score may improve eligibility for scholarships and financial aid.
6. Complete Preparation: GRE general test and GRE subject tests will provide complete test preparation and competition with other GRED scores.
7. Better Career Opportunities: Graduate students from GRE acceptive Universities in the USA also tend to have better job opportunities and earn higher salaries.
8. Recognition: US Universities are well-recognized and respected internationally, thus providing global reach to students and attracting students from all around the world including students from India.
9. Options: Many colleges that accept GRE scores provide flexible study opportunities and range of extra study programs and options for students.
10. Enriched Learning: GRE accepting Universities provide rigorous academic environments with support to develop critical thinking skills, problem solving and engagement in hands-on learning activities.

What is a Good GRE Score Range to Get into US Universities?

Generally, a good GRE score for admission to US universities generally falls within the score range of 310 to 330. Universities that accept GRE scores, especially the more prestigious ones, would be looking at a good GRE score as anything over 320. The cut off scores will always vary by program and university.

For example, engineering programs would expect higher quantitative reasoning scores than verbal reasoning scores (for example above 165 for quantitative, and above 160 for verbal). In addition, please check the GRE score requirements and cut offs on the official university websites.

Top Universities in the USA Accepting GRE Scores With GRE Cut-Off Scores for International Students

The table below is a compilation of some of the best GRE accepting universities in the USA, and includes their world rankings, GRE Cut Off scores (per section), and annual tuition figures. 

List of Top Programs in the USA in Top GRE Colleges Accepting GRE and Average GRE Score Requirements

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

Application Requirements Other Than GRE in USA at US and Canadian Universities Accepting Minimum GRE Score for MS

Apart from GRE scores, several other requirements are mandatory for admission to top universities in the USA.

Although requirements may differ based on the university, the requirements below are relatively common in most programs:

1. Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from previous institutions that demonstrate an impressive academic record.
2. Letters of Recommendation: Typically two or three letters of recommendation professors or employers that describe your qualifications and potential.
3. Statement of Purpose (SOP): A formal, descriptive essay that outlines your academic interests, career aspirations, and motivation for selecting that specific program.
4. English Proficiency Tests: For international students, TOEFL or IELTS tests are required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
5. Resume or CV: A comprehensive resume describing your academic experience, work experience or internships, and extracurricular experience.
6. Application Fee: Payment for the university-required application fee.

Although GRE scores are vital for admission, the above-listed requirements are equally important because they play a significant role in the process of admission to top-ranked universities in the USA when utilized by the university in a holistic manner.

In addition to other academic qualifications, many universities will also consider work experience; research project experiences; and extracurricular activities, depending on the university’s and program’s expectations.

Scholarships and the Required GRE Scores

The table below contains a summary of the scholarships awarded by leading US universities accepting GRE scores to international students, as well as the relevant GRE scores and scholarship amounts.

Tips to Improve Your GRE Scores

If you want to boost your chances of acceptance into competitive programs at highly regarded universities in the USA, to gain admission to the institutions of your choice, you need to take your GRE scores seriously. 

To help you meet your GRE minimum scores, here are a few ideas, 

1. Start Early: You want to ensure adequate coverage of all GRE topics (e.g. verbal, quantitative) by starting prep months ahead of your GRE test date.
2. Understand the Structure of the GRE: Familiarizing yourself with the GRE marks distribution, structure and question types prepares you for the experience on test day.
3. Take Practice Tests: Take the official GRE practice tests. Taking Chapter/Section tests will help you assess what your strengths and weaknesses are.
4. Create a Study Schedule: Creating a regular study routine can improve your score on the GRE and allow you to meet the GRE cut-off for top-ranked universities.
5. Spend More Time on Areas of Weakness: Leverage additional time and practice reviewing areas of weakness or discomfort.
6. Use Quality Prep Resources: Utilizing GRE Prep materials and other quality resources can change the way you prepare.
7. Reflect on Your Mistakes: When you review your mistakes on your practice tests, be sure to assess how you made a mistake and why you made a mistake.
8. Balance your Preparation: Don’t focus too heavily on either the verbal or quantitative portion of the GRE.
9. Understand their Expectations: Research the average GRE score requirements for programs in the USA and universities in Canada to identify realistic goals for yourself.
10. Know It’s Important: Remember, to get into universities and colleges, you need GRE scores that create value, especially if you are hoping to get an MS or MBA in the USA.

If you earn a good GRE score, it could be a game-changer for your application for the 443 national universities and more, according to US News. The GRE score required varies depending on the university and program.

Latest Updates on the GRE Test as of 2024

As of 2024, the GRE test has undergone a number of substantial changes. These changes have been made to make the entire test-taking experience better and more efficient.

More specifically, the changes are:

1. Reduced Test Duration

The amount of time you have to take the GRE test, now has gone down in total time from about 3 hours and 45 minutes to 1 hour and 58 minutes​.

2. Fewer Questions

There are now fewer questions in the Verbal Reasoning Section and Quantitative reasoning Sections as well. The final change is to the “Analytical Writing Section” where there will only now be one of the two tasks used to use in the test, only “Analyse an Issue”, not “Analyse an Argument”.

3. Elimination of Unscored Section

The unscored section has been removed from the GRE test. The previous unscored section was used for research purposes so it is no longer included in the test​.

4. Faster Score Reporting

Now, you will receive your official GRE test in 8 to 10 days, as opposed to previously receiving them in 10 to 15​.

5. New Test Features

You will now get an on-screen calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning section. You can now also mark questions and go back to review them in each section, and you can change your answer before the question is submitted.

6. GRE Subject Tests

The GRE Subject Test for Chemistry is no longer offered. The GRE subject tests for Physics and Psychology are now only offered in a computer-based format and are taken at home. The time for both physics and psychology tests have been reduced to 2 hours​.

Summary of the information that has changed related to the history of the tests:

These changes are intended to reduce test-taking fatigue and make the GRE more accessible and manageable by everyone. Please check the official ETS GRE website for more information regarding study and preparation.

Conclusion

Studying at GRE-accepting universities in the USA will provide international students with many possibilities. With an appropriate GRE score, students are able to study in top-ranked programs, receive financial support, and are able to pursue better career prospects.

The Educational testing Service (ETS) has made changes to the GRE test that makes it more streamlined and manageable for graduate and post graduate programs, leading to an easier process to your academic goals without GRE.

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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