Have you decided to pursue a graduate programme abroad? Then you might already have heard about the importance of the GRE exam. GRE scores are one of the most important admission requirements of universities abroad. Though a good score on the GRE exam cannot guarantee you admission, having a good score definitely improves your chance of getting a seat in the college of your dreams. Hence, if you are someone who is planning to study abroad, you must know what a good GRE score is for top colleges.
Through the course of this article, we will provide you with a list of GRE score cut-off of top universities and will also provide you with information on the admission process.
Average GRE Scores for Top Universities:
The three sections of the GRE are scored separately, and a cumulative score is given as the final score based on your performance in the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections. The score range of the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections is 130-170, while the Analytical Writing Assessment is scored on a scale of 0-6. As for the cumulative scores, the highest score you can secure is 340, whereas the lowest would be 260.
The ETS has not set any specific cut-off scores for the admissions to the universities. Hence, the average GRE score for top universities varies based on the course and the college you choose. However, the top universities usually prefer candidates with high scores. To help you understand, here is a table that lists down the GRE scores for the best universities in the US.
| Top Universities | Verbal Reasoning | Quantitative Reasoning |
| Oxford University | 160+ | 160+ |
| University Of California Berkeley (UCB) | 154 | 160 |
| Massachusetts Institute Of Technology (MIT) | 158 | 162 |
| University Of Michigan | 154 | 161 |
| Texas A&M University | 157 | 158-164 |
| Purdue University | 158 | 163 |
| University Of Toronto | 150 | 150 |
| California Of Technology (Caltech) | 149 | 150 |
Admission into these universities is not based on GRE scores alone. There are several other factors that decide your admissions, such as the statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, academic grades, etc. The universities look at your profile holistically, and hence, it is essential to ensure that you excel in all the above-mentioned factors. For this, you can opt for GRE counselling services offered by various GRE/GMAT coaching centres.
These counselling service platforms will guide you through all the application processes. They will assist you in preparing a great application, help you prepare well for the exam, guide you to write the best SOP, Letters of Recommendation, and more. Only good counselling services can give you the best results.
The best counselling centers help you in:
- Selecting the best college and course that matches your skills
- Reviewing documents, SoPs, and Letters of Recommendation
- Finding scholarship
- Guiding you through the visa process
- Preparing for the GRE exam
- Preparing for the interview process, etc.
If your coaching center provides all these services, rest assured you will have a great chance of getting admission to your dream college.
There is no specific answer to the question as to what is a good GRE score, as it varies from university to university. However, most top universities around the world prefer candidates with an exceptional GRE score along with other factors such as exceptional academic grades, a good SOP, and more. A good coaching center can guide you through all these steps. Hence, if you plan to pursue higher studies abroad, get help from a coaching center that can prepare you well.
A good GRE score depends largely on student expectations. The perception of a ‘good GRE score’ also varies from person to person. Some students may consider the University to be a good college, and hence the score required for admission is viewed as a good GRE score. So their idea of a good GRE score would be much higher.
Highest Scores: These scores will put you in the top 10% of test-takers and place you in top US universities.
Good Scores: These scores will put you in the top 25% of test-takers and get you into excellent US universities. You still have the opportunity to attend an Ivy League university if you have a good and consistent track record.
Modest score: These scores will put you in the top 50% of test-takers. But you will l get the chance to study at a number of non-Ivy League universities. So this is pretty good and not bad at all. Although you may face some competition if you apply for a highly sought-after program, make sure you create a strong profile.
Average Score: These scores will place you among the remaining 50% of test-takers. However, these scores can get you accepted into many universities. Still, there is a high chance that these universities may not be regarded as top universities or excellent universities by general standards. However, these universities can also offer innovative programs and help you create your own niche. Alternatively, you can take the new GRE and aim to increase your GRE score to gain admission to more popular universities.
