What Is The GRE Minimum Score Required For Top Universities?

In the race for top university admissions, it’s easy to forget that only 1% of GRE test-takers score in the 99th percentile across all sections. That’s right—just a fraction of applicants achieve that elusive perfect GRE score. For many, the idea of scoring high on this standardized test feels more like scaling an impossible mountain rather than a stepping stone toward their dream graduate program.

But here’s the harsh reality: A low GRE score can severely limit your options. Many students find themselves wondering whether their scores are “good enough” to get into top US universities. With intense competition and specific score requirements in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and GRE analytical writing, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Yet, it’s not all about perfection—knowing what GRE minimum score top universities expect can save you from unnecessary stress and help you focus your test prep on achieving realistic, targeted results.

What Is A Good GRE Score?

Many students have misconceptions about what constitutes a good GRE score, often leading to unnecessary stress or misguided test prep strategies. Let’s clear up some of the most common misunderstandings with logical reasoning:

• A high overall GRE score guarantees admission to top universities.
  This is far from true. While a high overall score may be impressive, graduate programs often weigh specific sections more heavily. For example, in STEM programs, your quantitative score is far more critical than your verbal score, and the reverse is true for humanities. A perfect verbal reasoning score might not help much if your quant score is too low for the program’s standards.
• There’s a single minimum GRE score required for all top universities.
  Many believe there’s a universal minimum score that all top programs require, but each university and program has its own expectations. A score of 160 on the verbal section may be sufficient for a program in literature but inadequate for one in computer science, where quant scores hold more weight. So, “good enough” depends entirely on the program’s requirements.
• A perfect GRE score is the only way to secure a spot in competitive programs.
  Perfection is not necessary. Universities look at GRE scores in conjunction with other aspects of your application, such as letters of recommendation, personal statements, and your academic record. While a strong GRE score can boost your chances, it’s not the sole deciding factor for admission. Test-takers who focus only on getting a perfect score may neglect other critical components of their applications.
• Only the GRE score matters; percentile rankings don’t.
  This is a big misunderstanding. A “good” score on the GRE isn’t just a number—it’s relative to how other test-takers performed. A 160 on the quantitative section might sound great until you realize it places you only in the 75th percentile, which might not meet the expectations of competitive programs. Percentile scores offer a better comparison and understanding of where you truly stand.

So, what’s a good GRE score exactly? For most top universities, a good GRE exam score typically falls around 155-160 for both the verbal and quantitative sections. However, for competitive STEM programs, a quant score closer to 165 may be necessary, while humanities-focused programs might prioritize a verbal score in the same range.

In terms of percentile rankings, scoring in the 90th percentile is generally considered excellent. This means you would need a score of around 165 in the quant section or a 160+ in the verbal section. Remember that GRE scores range from 130 to 170, but a good score doesn’t just mean hitting a high number—it’s about meeting the specific expectations of your desired program.

What Are The GRE Minimum Score Universities Looking For?

Most top universities don’t have an official minimum GRE score, but a score of 160 in both verbal and quantitative sections is typically competitive. A combined overall GRE score around 318 is solid for many top programs, though STEM fields may expect higher quant scores. Universities use these scores to assess readiness for graduate work and compare applicants objectively.

While the lowest possible score is 260, aiming for the median GRE scores of admitted students (usually 315-325) keeps you competitive. A low verbal or quant score can hurt your chances, so consider retaking the GRE if needed.

Here are a few universities with their minimum score in GRE requirement:

University	QS Rank 2024	Minimum GRE Score (GRE Verbal / GRE Quant)	Average Annual Fees (USD)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1	158 for verbal, 159 for quant	31,667
Stanford University	3	159 for verbal, 158 for quant	56,519
Harvard University	4	160 for verbal, 160 for quant	30,000
University of California, Berkeley	10	153-156 for verbal, 167 for quant	23,000
University of Chicago	11	158 for verbal, 167 for quant	29,212
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	6	160 for verbal, 157 for quant	25,000
Princeton University	9	160 for verbal, 164 for quant	21,300
Yale University	8	160 for verbal, 160 for quant	23,700
Columbia University	12	160 for verbal, 160 for quant	29,003
University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)	13	155 for verbal, 165 for quant	34,594
Cornell University	20	155 for verbal, 160 for quant	23,500
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	29	155 for verbal, 167 for quant	21,350
University of Michigan	30	160 for verbal, 167 for quant	22,500
University of Southern California (USC)	134	160 for verbal, 145 for quant	25,321
Duke University	29	160 for verbal, 160 for quant	27,000

5 Study Strategies To Score An Average GRE Score

You don’t need to be super smart, and you don’t need pseudo tips. You just need one thing: consistent practice in the right direction. Scoring an average GRE score of around 315-320 is achievable if you focus on the right strategies.

Here are five practical tips to help you hit your target score:

1. Focus on Targeted Practice for Weak Areas

Start by identifying your weakest sections—whether it’s your verbal score, quantitative reasoning, or AWA score—and practice consistently. Aim to meet the minimum score required in each section, based on your desired program. Improving in weak areas helps you achieve an overall minimum GRE score for admission while raising your raw score.

2. Understand the GRE Format Thoroughly

Before you start your prep, make sure you understand the structure of the GRE general test. Learn the time limits, question types, and scoring patterns. This will help reduce surprises on test day. Remember, GRE isn’t just about intelligence—it’s about understanding how to use your time effectively and solve problems under pressure. Aim for an overall GRE score that balances all sections.

3. Use Mock Tests to Simulate Real Test Conditions

Take full-length GRE exam practice tests to simulate real test conditions. These mocks will help you track your progress and highlight where you stand on your gre percentile compared to other test-takers. They will also help you stay calm and composed on test day by reducing anxiety. If your score isn’t where you need it to be, adapt your study strategy and retake the GRE practice exams.

4. Don’t Neglect the Analytical Writing Section

Many students focus on the verbal and quant sections but overlook the AWA score. While the AWA might seem less important, it can still impact your application, especially if the program requires strong writing skills. Consistent practice here will ensure you meet the minimum score requirement for the writing section. A balanced score across all sections demonstrates you’re well-rounded.

5. Set Realistic Goals and Track Progress

Set daily and weekly goals for improvement and work towards them gradually. Keep in mind the minimum GRE score for admission and your own target score. You don’t need to aim for a high GRE score of 340 (of course it matters – but be process-oriented); instead, focus on improving your score bit by bit. Monitor how your practice improves your performance, and adjust as needed.

What Are The GRE Score Percentiles?

The GRE score percentiles indicate how a test-taker’s score compares to others who took the GRE. The percentile ranks help universities understand where a candidate stands relative to their peers. Here’s a breakdown of GRE score percentiles for each section:

Section	GRE Score	Percentile Rank
Verbal Reasoning	170	99th percentile
	160	85th percentile
	150	48th percentile
	140	17th percentile
Quantitative Reasoning	170	96th percentile
	160	73rd percentile
	150	38th percentile
	140	13th percentile
Analytical Writing (AWA)	6.0	99th percentile
	5.0	92nd percentile
	4.0	54th percentile
	3.0	17th percentile

How Universities Use Percentiles?

Percentile ranks give admissions committees a clearer understanding of a candidate’s performance beyond the raw score. A good GRE score isn’t always about the number; it’s about how you rank against other GRE test takers. For example, a quantitative score of 160 places you in the top 27%, while a verbal score of 160 puts you in the top 15% of test-takers.

What Are The GRE Score Ranges?

The GRE score ranges refer to the minimum and maximum possible scores a test-taker can receive in each section of the GRE general test. Each section of the GRE has a different scoring scale:

Section	Score Range
Verbal Reasoning	130 to 170
Quantitative Reasoning	130 to 170
Analytical Writing (AWA)	0 to 6

Conclusion

In the end, the GRE is just one part of your application puzzle. It’s not about hitting a perfect score; it’s about demonstrating that you’re ready for the academic challenges ahead. The score you need depends on your program, your competition, and, most importantly, your ability to balance all sections of the test.

Focus on consistent, strategic preparation, and remember that admissions committees look at more than just numbers—they’re looking for potential, dedication, and fit. So, prepare with intention, but don’t let the GRE define your entire journey. It’s a stepping stone, not the destination.

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