GRE test is an extensively acknowledged graduate admission exam. GRE can be engaged in 2 formats: computer-delivered and paper-delivered. Both GRE exam content is the same, but they have slightly diverse timings and no. of questions for each section. GRE scores are recognized by 1300+ B-schools and 80+ law schools worldwide.
The universities accepting GRE are mainly in Canada, Australia, US, China, India, the UK, and several other European and Asian countries. GRE score cutoff for various top universities varies from college to college, as the leading body sets no strong minded standard. Overall, the cutoff scores for any college or course rely on parameters like the number of test-takers, reputation, number of admission seats, complex level of the exam, etc. So, if you’re searching for what is a good GRE score? In this article, we will be covering all the aspects of the GRE exam and other needed details on GRE score cutoff for various top universities.
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Top Universities Accepting GRE Scores
GRE is one of the most prominent MBA entrance exams that many business schools and universities accept for their potential MBA programs. Thus, bypassing the GRE test, you can also choose to apply for MS programs. Some of the top colleges accepting GRE score are:
Universities Accepting GRE |
GRE Score Range for Top Universities |
163-168 |
|
162-167 |
|
161-166 |
|
162-167 |
|
162-166 |
|
161-166 |
|
162-166 |
|
160-165 |
|
153-160 |
|
160-164 |
Suggested: Know Different Types of GRE Test to Study Abroad
How Important are GRE Scores for College Admission?
The GRE provides a mutual tool for admissions faculties to compare hundreds of students irrespective of their undergraduate GPA, work experience, undergraduate school, and program. There are various benefits of GRE scores for top schools:
- GRE marks for top universities provide grad programs with an easily calculable way to compare you with other students.
- Colleges that accept GRE scores receive distinct scores for each of the test's three sections, which permits graduate programs to place better weight on some skills than others.
- GRE Scores classify which potential students are likely to struggle academically in a particular skill, which can help programs formulate to offer extra provision to help those students be successful.
- Admissions committees generally focus on your most applicable GRE score. This will be either Verbal, or Quant AW is always the least important of the three.
- GRE test takers with good GRE scores can apply for thousands of scholarships presented by Universities and B-schools to deserving international students.
Suggested: Know How to Calculate GRE Score Section Wise
What is a Good GRE Score?
A good GRE score depends on which business school you will be applying to. The GRE is counted on a 130-170 scale in the verbal and quantitative sections. The writing section is calculated on a scale of 0–6. But you don’t obtain only scores; you will also receive a percentile rank, which rates your performance compared to a large sample populace of other GRE takers.
Now that you’ve understood the GRE scoring system, let’s move on to what would be measured as a “good” score. We have framed a table for you to comprehend what would be considered a good GRE score in all three sections of GRE.
Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning
GRE Score Range |
Percentile Rank |
Performance |
320-340 |
85-99 |
Excellent |
300-320 |
50-55 |
Good |
280-300 |
40-50 |
Average |
Below 260 |
30-40 |
Poor |
Analytical Writing
GRE Score Range |
Percentile Rank |
Performance |
5.0-6.0 |
92-99 |
Excellent |
4.5-5.0 |
80-92 |
Good |
3.5-4.5 |
38-80 |
Average |
2.0-3.5 |
1-38 |
Poor |
However, these GRE scores differ from university to university. It also fluctuates depending on the course of your choice.
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What is the Average GRE Score Range Universities Abroad?
Average GRE score for Verbal reasoning is 150.37, Quantitative reasoning is 153.66, and Analytical writing is 3.60. Therefore, the total GRE score will be 303. Below we have tabulated the table mentioning the average GRE score and percentile ranking.
GRE Section |
Average GRE Score |
Percentile Ranking |
Verbal Reasoning |
150.37 |
45 |
Quantitative Reasoning |
153.66 |
48 |
Analytical Writing |
3.60 |
6 |
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GRE Cutoff for Top Universities
Many top-ranked colleges that accept GRE scores offer admission to their MBA/MS/JD programs on the basis of GRE scores. So, to get an idea, we have aligned below a table listing GRE score cutoff for various top universities.
GRE Accepting Colleges |
GRE Verbal & Quant Cutoff Score |
GRE AWA Cutoff Score |
Wharton Business School |
Verbal & Quant: 162 |
- |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Verbal: 158 Quant: 162 |
5.3 |
University of California, Berkeley |
Verbal & Quant: 158 |
3.5 |
Verbal & Quant: 160 |
- |
|
University of Columbia |
Verbal: 159 Quant: 166 |
4.3 |
Yale University |
Verbal: 166 Quant: 165 |
- |
315 (Combined) |
- |
|
Harvard University |
Verbal: 161 Quant: 162 |
- |
Verbal: 159 Quant: 165 |
4.8 |
|
Verbal: 161 Quant: 165 |
- |
|
Verbal: 160 Quant: 161 |
- |
Top Universities Accepting GRE Scores Country Wise
There are various colleges accepting GRE scores in different abroad countries for MBA & MS programs for international students. To give an overview of GRE scores required for top universities abroad is:
UK Universities Accepting GRE Scores 2022
Here is the list of GRE score for top universities in UK:
UK Universities |
GRE Score |
302 |
|
319 |
|
316 |
|
328 |
|
324 |
|
320 |
Universities Accepting GRE Scores in Canada
There are different GRE marks for top universities in Canada for the MS program; one can check before applying to the specific program. So, here are some of the Canadian universities and the GRE score.
Universities in Canada |
GRE Score |
320 and above |
|
300 and above |
|
Queen's University |
315 and above |
300 and above |
|
321 and above |
|
University of Victoria |
No minimum score required |
Universities in Australia Accepting GRE Score
Here are the GRE score for top universities in Australia for international students pursuing MBA/MS programs.
Universities in Australia |
GRE Score |
No minimum score required |
|
158 |
|
No minimum score required |
|
305 |
|
305 |
|
305 |
US Universities Accepting GRE Score
Below are some of the top universities in US accepting GRE scores for successful admission in graduate programs.
US Universities |
GRE Score |
Stanford University |
166- 172 |
No minimum GRE score required |
|
University of California |
No minimum GRE score required |
Harvard University |
328 |
319 |
|
329 |
The best way to start with GRE preparation is to utilise Yocket’s GRE Prep, which has a treasure of resources. International students can check out sample questions, inclusive advice, and full GRE practice papers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Universities Accepting GRE
Ques. Which universities accept GRE score?
Ans. There are thousands of universities, graduate schools, and divisions worldwide that admit GRE scores for graduate courses. Some of the following universities abroad are:
- Harvard University
- Boston University
- University College London
- Dalhousie University
- James Cook University etc.
Ques. How important is GRE scores in terms of the entire application?
Ans. GRE plays a vital role in getting admission to top universities abroad. If a student scores a good GRE score above 300+, they will get admission to the best universities for MBA or MS programs without any hurdles.
Ques. What are the benefits of taking GRE exam for Indian students?
Ans. There are various benefits of taking GRE exam, but some of the following advantages are:
- Access to Scholarship easily
- Wider acceptance in various programs
- Test-taker friendly design
- Lower Fee
Ques. How much does the GRE cost?
Ans. GRE fees depend on where the test centre is situated, but you can expect to pay between 205 and 255 USD for the general test.
Ques. How much time does GRE take to showcase the score after the test?
Ans. It completely depends on which form your test was delivered in; if you took the computer-delivered GRE test, your official scores will be reflected online in your account and sent to your designated institutions around 10-15 days after your test date. If you took the paper-delivered test, your scores will be accessible online and sent to the institution within 5 weeks after your test date.