What Is the GRE and Why Do US Universities Require It?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised test used by thousands of graduate schools and business programs in the United States as part of their admissions process. For international students — particularly from India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines — a strong GRE score can significantly boost your chances of admission and even scholarship eligibility.
This guide covers the exact GRE score requirements for top US universities by program, what constitutes a competitive score, and how to prepare if you are aiming for the top.
Understanding the GRE Score Structure
The GRE General Test has three sections:
- Verbal Reasoning: Scored 130–170 in 1-point increments
- Quantitative Reasoning: Scored 130–170 in 1-point increments
- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): Scored 0–6 in 0.5-point increments
The maximum combined Verbal + Quantitative score is 340. Most competitive programs look for a total above 315 to 320.
GRE Score Requirements by Program Type
Computer Science and Engineering
STEM programs are the most popular among international students and also have some of the most clearly defined score expectations.
- MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology): Average GRE Q: 167, V: 158
- Stanford University: Average GRE Q: 167, V: 160
- Carnegie Mellon University: Average GRE Q: 168, V: 160
- University of Michigan: Average GRE Q: 164, V: 157
- Georgia Tech: Average GRE Q: 163, V: 155
- General competitive range: GRE total of 320 or above, with Quantitative 160 or above
Business (MBA programs — note: GMAT more common)
For MBA programs, most top schools prefer GMAT. However, many now accept GRE equivalents:
- Harvard Business School: equivalent to GMAT 730+ (GRE approximately 325)
- Wharton (UPenn): GRE scores accepted; median approximately 324
- Booth (University of Chicago): GRE accepted; average approximately 323
Life Sciences and Biological Sciences
- Harvard University: Average GRE V: 160, Q: 158, AWA: 4.5
- Johns Hopkins University: Average GRE total approximately 318
- University of California Berkeley: Competitive range 315–325
Social Sciences, Humanities, and Public Policy
These programs weight the Verbal score more heavily.
- Princeton University (Social Science): V: 161 or above
- Columbia University (International Affairs): V: 160, Q: 155 minimum competitive range
- Harvard Kennedy School (Public Policy): GRE total 320+ recommended
Psychology and Education
- Most clinical psychology PhD programs: GRE total 310 or above
- Education programs: GRE total 300–310; AWA of 4.0 or above valued
What Is a “Good” GRE Score?
Percentile rankings help put raw scores in context:
| Verbal Score | Percentile | Quantitative Score | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 163 | 90th | 167 | 90th |
| 158 | 79th | 163 | 78th |
| 153 | 59th | 158 | 57th |
| 148 | 38th | 153 | 37th |
For top-50 programs: aim for V: 155+, Q: 160+, AWA: 4.0+. For top-10 programs in competitive fields: aim for V: 160+, Q: 165+, AWA: 4.5+.
Is the GRE Still Required in 2025?
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a test-optional trend at many US graduate programs. As of 2025:
- Many programs have permanently made GRE optional
- STEM programs at top universities still prefer or require strong GRE scores
- PhD programs with funding (fellowships or assistantships) typically still use GRE as a screening tool
- Some programs have eliminated the GRE requirement permanently
Strategy: Always check the specific requirements of each program you are applying to. If a program is test-optional but you have a strong GRE score, submit it — it can only help.
How to Prepare for the GRE: Proven Strategy
- Diagnose your baseline. Take a free official GRE practice test (available at ets.org) to identify your starting point.
- Target your weaknesses. Most international students score higher on Quantitative than Verbal. Focus your study time on Verbal and AWA.
- Use official materials. The Official GRE Super Power Pack from ETS is the most reliable study resource.
- Study vocabulary systematically. Learn 10 to 15 GRE-specific words daily for 8 to 12 weeks.
- Practice AWA essays. Write two timed essays per week and review high-scoring sample responses.
- Simulate real test conditions. Take at least 4 to 6 full-length timed practice tests before your exam date.
Final Thoughts
A strong GRE score is one of the most controllable elements of your graduate school application. Unlike your undergraduate GPA, which is fixed, your GRE score is something you can improve with targeted preparation. Start at least 3 months before your target exam date, study systematically, and aim for a score that puts you comfortably above the average for your target programs. The investment of time in your GRE preparation is directly proportional to the calibre of university you can access.