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19 September 2025

5 minutes read

What Are The Desired Average GRE Scores By Schools For MBA Program?

Dirghayu Kaushik
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Dirghayu Kaushik

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Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik is the co-founder and CEO of Ambitio. He started this platform because he’s been in your shoes—navigating confusing websites, second-guessing college choices, and trying to make sense of what actually matters in an application. A graduate of IIT BHU, Dirghayu combines personal experience with data-backed guidance to help students apply smarter. Whether it’s choosing the right course, building a standout profile, or writing essays that don’t feel forced, his mission is simple: to make getting into your dream university less overwhelming, and a little more honest.

21 September 2024

5 minutes read

GRE

Key Takeaways

  • GRE scores by school vary, but a competitive range of 320-330 can boost your chances for top MBA programs.
  • A strong GRE score is important, but admissions committees weigh work experience, recommendations, and personal essays just as heavily.
  • To improve your GRE score, focus on your weakest section first and take regular full-length practice tests to simulate real exam conditions.

Over 1,20,000 applicants took the GRE General Test every year, with top business schools often expecting an average GRE score above 320. For MBA aspirants, especially Indian students, the reality is harsh: admissions committees judge your GRE scores by school, and even one weak quantitative or analytical writing section can cost you a seat.

The solution isn’t chasing a perfect score but knowing the average GRE scores for top programs, aligning with school requirements, and using this insight to strengthen your MBA application.

Why Indian Students Should Care About GRE General Test Scores by School?

For Indian students aiming at an MBA program in the U.S. or top global business schools, the GRE General Test is more than just a formality; it’s a benchmark. Your GRE scores by school can shape how admissions committees perceive your readiness for rigorous graduate study.

  • Many top universities and schools of business now accept the GRE exam, alongside GMAT scores, making it crucial for MBA applications.
  • A good GRE score in verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning can place you in a higher percentile, giving you an edge over other test-takers.
  • Admission Committee doesn’t just see the overall score but also analyze your section scores from analytical writing to quantitative test scores.
  • The average GRE scores for top programs at Duke University or Stanford University differ, so knowing the GRE score average helps you target realistically.
  • Understanding GRE scores by school allows you to aim for the best scores instead of guessing, ensuring your effort on the general test matches your dream school’s expectations.
  • With more graduate schools and even law schools accepting GRE, a high GRE score can open multiple pathways beyond business.

Understanding GRE Scores by School for Indian Students

When Indian students prepare for the GRE General Test, knowing how GRE scores by school are interpreted makes all the difference. The ETS test isn’t just about hitting an overall figure; it’s about balancing verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections to meet the GRE requirement of your target program.

While STEM programs like MS in Computer Science often demand a higher quantitative score, Non-STEM fields such as business and law or humanity disciplines weigh more on a good verbal score and strong analytical writing section.

gre scores by school

For those looking at mid-tier or affordable schools, the expected GRE score range is more flexible. Many schools now accept the GRE with average scores around 300, and your performance across GRE sections matters more than perfection.

With smart GRE practice, realistic planning for test day, and aligning with each school or the program’s requirement, you can find a great GRE score that gets you noticed by admissions committees even without being in the top 20.

Program TypeTypical GRE Score Range (2024)Focus AreaNotes for Indian Students
STEM (e.g., MS in Computer Science, Engineering)315–330Higher quantitative score (165+)Competitive programs at top schools expect strong quantitative reasoning; aim for at least 160 in verbal.
Non-STEM (Business, Law, Humanities)300–320Balanced verbal and quantitativeBusiness schools and law schools value strong verbal scores and essays like Statement of Purpose (SOPs) and letters of recommendation.
Mid-tier / Affordable Universities290–305Flexible score requirementsMany schools accept scores in this range; overall profile and statement of purpose play a bigger role.
Top Programs (Duke, Harvard, Stanford, etc.)325–335+High across all sections of the GREAdmissions committees expect excellence across verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing; scores are often in the top percentile.

Average GRE scores for MBA program in top universities

If you’re an Indian student aiming for a top MBA program, understanding GRE scores by school is critical. The GRE test is not just about the overall number; admissions committees often break it down into verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing before making a decision.

Knowing the average scores helps you set realistic goals and avoid surprises when your score falls short of expectations. Here’s a breakdown of section-wise average GRE scores at some of the top universities like Duke, Harvard, and Stanford. These GRE figures will help you determine what’s a good GRE score range for your target school or the program in 2024.

University / School of BusinessGRE Verbal (130–170)GRE Quantitative ( 130-170 )Analytical Writing (0–6.0)Overall Average GRE Score
Harvard University1631644.5327
Stanford GSB1651654.8330
Wharton (UPenn)1621644.5326
MIT Sloan1621644.5326
Columbia Business School1611634.5324
Chicago Booth1621644.5326
Yale SOM1621634.6325
Duke Fuqua (Programs at Duke)1601624.4322
NYU Stern1601624.3322
UC Berkeley Haas1611634.5324

How Indian Students Can Improve Their Chances with GRE Scores?

For Indian students aiming at top graduate programs, the key is not just taking the General GRE but learning how to use your results strategically.

gre scores by school

By understanding GRE scores by school, you can plan better, target wisely, and maximize your admission chances.

  • Research GRE Scores by School
    Before you take the test, always find average GRE scores for your target universities. This helps prospective students get a sense of what’s competitive at different schools.
  • Use ScoreSelect Wisely
    ETS allows you to send only the scores you want. With ScoreSelect, you can highlight your best attempt so that only the strongest scores are accepted by score recipients.
  • Balance Profile Beyond Scores
    Even if your score falls slightly short of the GRE scores at top programs, a strong GPA (above 3.0 or 4.0), SOP, and LORs can keep you in the race at many different schools.
  • Practice with Free GRE Resources
    Use ETS-provided free GRE practice tests to simulate test day. This helps you understand section timing, improve accuracy, and predict what your final score would look like.
  • Check Rankings but Be Realistic
    While News and World rankings are helpful, you need to check mid-tier options too. Many schools accept GRE scores in the 300–315 range, giving Indian students affordable, quality opportunities.
  • Align Scores with Application Strategy
    If you’re looking to apply broadly, ensure your profile balances GRE sections with strong achievements. Always be sure to check which scores are accepted at your school of the program before finalizing choices.

Conclusion 

Understanding GRE scores by school is not just about numbers; it’s about strategy. The general GRE can open doors, but aligning your verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing with the expectations of top graduate schools is what truly shapes your admission chances. Every school or program values a different mix, and that’s where guidance makes the difference.

At Ambitio, we don’t just prepare you for the test; we build your entire profile. From score strategies to SOPs, LORs, and applications, we help you stand out. Ready to aim higher? Let Ambitio Elite build your success story today.

FAQs

What is the GRE?

The GRE is a standardized test used for admissions to graduate programs, assessing skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.

Is the GRE required for all graduate programs?

Not all programs require the GRE. It’s essential to check specific program requirements, especially in fields like humanities or professional schools where other tests may be preferred

How much does the GRE cost?

The cost of taking the GRE varies by location, but it generally includes registration fees and potential additional costs for rescheduling or sending scores

How do I register for the GRE?

Registration can be completed online through the ETS (Educational Testing Service) website, where you can select your test date and location

Can I cancel my GRE scores?

Yes, candidates can cancel their scores immediately after completing the test, but this will result in cancellation of all sections, not just one

Can I take the GRE at home?

Yes, ETS offers an at-home version of the GRE that maintains similar security measures to in-person testing and is available in many locations worldwide

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