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Graduate Record Examination Cut Off 2026
Graduate Record Examination Cut Off
GRE Score Range
GRE scores are reported on a scale of 260-340 for the verbal and quantitative sections combined. The analytical writing section is scored on a scale of 0-6.
A GRE score between 305 and 315 is considered an average score. This range is accepted by some of the best universities worldwide.
- GRE verbal reasoning: 130-170 score scale
- GRE quantitative reasoning: 130-170 score scale
- GRE analytical writing: 0-6 score scale
| GRE Score Ranges based on Performance | GRE Verbal Reasoning | GRE Quantitative Reasoning | GRE Analytical Writing Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best GRE Score Range | 163 to 170 | 165 to 170 | 5.0 to 6.0 |
| Competitive GRE Score Range | 158 to 162 | 159 to 164 | 4.5 |
| Good GRE Score Range | 152 to 158 | 153 to 158 | 4.0 |
| Average GRE Score Range | 146 to 150 | 150 to 153 | 3.5 |
| Poor GRE Score Range | Below 139 | Below 141 | Below 3.0 |
GRE Cut Off for Top Universities Worldwide
GRE cut off varies and depends on the university a candidate applies for. Top universities of the world often demand a high GRE score for both the verbal and quant sections.
Generally, achieving a score of around 310 or above is considered competitive for most programs. Candidates are advised to check the requirements on the official website before sending their scores.
GRE Cut Off for Top Business Schools
Top Indian business schools also started accepting GRE scores for MBA admission. The average GRE cut off for ISB top programs ranges from 319 to 330.
Indian Aspirants Data
According to the data, 1,13,304 Indian aspirants took GRE in the 2022-23 testing year. Candidates who want to study Master's in the top universities worldwide are required to meet GRE cutoff requirements.
GRE Score Requirements at Top US Universities
Many US universities accept GRE scores for graduate admissions. The table below shows the average GRE scores expected by some well-known universities.
These figures are typical score ranges or averages. Individual programs may have different requirements.
| Universities Accepting GRE Scores | Verbal | Quantitative | Analytical Writing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 158 | 159 | 5.3 |
| Stanford University | 159 | 158 | 4.8 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 153 – 156 | 167 | 4.5 |
| The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 155 | 167 | 5.0 |
| University of Virginia | 163 | 166 | 4.5 |
| University of Michigan – Ann Arbor | 160 | 167 | 5.0 |
| University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill | 158 | 160 | 4.5 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | 158 | 167 | 4.3 |
| University of California – San Diego | 162 | 160 | 5.5 |
| University of Illinois – Urbana/Champaign | 155 | 165 | 4.0 |
| University of Wisconsin – Madison | 163 | 163 | 4.5 |
| University of Washington | 156 | 167 | 4.0 |
| Pennsylvania State University | 150 | 165 | 3.0 |
| University of Florida (UFL) | 154 | 165 | 3.0 |
| The University of Texas, Austin | 155 | 165 | 4.0 |
| Ohio State University | 156 | 165 | 4.0 |
| California Institute of Technology | 160 | 157 | 5.0 |
| Duke University | 160 | — | — |
GRE Cut Off for Top Business Schools
Business schools in the United States accept GRE scores for admission to MBA and other management programs. The table below lists the average GRE scores of admitted students at some of the top business schools.
The scores are divided into Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections. The Analytical Writing score is also listed.
| University | Verbal Score | Quantitative Score | Analytical Writing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Chicago | 158 | 167 | 4.0 |
| Northwestern University | 160 | 160 | 5.0 |
| Washington University in St. Louis | 161 | 160 | 5.0 |
| Johns Hopkins University | 163 | 164 | 4.8 |
| Rice University | 160 | 167 | 5.0 |
| Emory University | 153 | 163 | 4.0-6.0 |
| University of Notre Dame | 165 | 165 | 5.3 |
| Vanderbilt University | 157 | 166 | 4.8 |
| College of William and Mary | 158 | 160 | 4.5 |
| Johns Hopkins University | 159 | 162 | 4.2 |
These figures are average scores of students who were admitted. A score near these averages does not guarantee admission.
Each school sets its own expectations. Applicants should check the specific requirements of each business school.
GRE Cut Off for MBA Programs
Most business schools worldwide now accept GRE scores for MBA programs. The GRE score cut off for MBA programs generally ranges higher than for MS programs.
Before applying to any business school, check its MBA class profile carefully. The table below shows the typical GRE score range expected by different business schools.
| Business Schools | GRE Score Range |
|---|---|
|
320+ |
|
310-320 |
|
300-310 |
|
290-300 |
Subject-Wise GRE Cut Off
GRE scores are program-specific in most universities. Achieving a good GRE score is important to study your desired program.
For international candidates, the most preferred genres of study are:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Education
GRE cut off for top universities varies depending on the number of applications and their quality. In 2021, competition to secure seats in top universities worldwide increased because of delays in admission processes due to Covid-19.
The table below shows the mean and safe GRE scores for different subjects.
| Subject | Life Sciences | Physical Sciences | Engineering | Social Sciences | Humanities and Arts | Education | Business |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRE verbal mean score | 151 | 153 | 150 | 153 | 157 | 157 | 150 |
| GRE verbal safe score | 158+ | 162+ | 159+ | 160+ | 164+ | 164+ | 157+ |
| GRE Quant mean score | 151 | 158 | 159 | 150 | 149 | 149 | 152 |
| GRE quant safe score | 158+ | 165+ | 165+ | 158+ | 157+ | 156+ | 160+ |
| GRE AWA mean score | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 3.7 |
| GRE AWA safe score | 3.5+ | 3.5+ | 3.5+ | 3.5+ | 3.5+ | 3.5+ | 3.5+ |
Country-Wise GRE Cut Off Scores
GRE cut off scores for universities can vary greatly by country. Here is a general idea of what is considered a competitive score in some popular countries.
Country-wise GRE Cut-off Scores
Cut-off scores for the GRE vary by country and university. The figures below are general guidelines, not fixed requirements.
- United States: A score of around 160-165 on the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections and a score of 4-5 on the Analytical Writing section are considered competitive. This can vary depending on the university and program.
- United Kingdom: The cut off scores for universities in the UK can vary. A score of around 160-165 on the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections is generally considered competitive.
- Canada: The cut off scores for universities in Canada can vary. A score of around 160-165 on the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections is generally considered competitive.
- Australia: The cut off scores for universities in Australia can vary. A score of around 160-165 on the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections is generally considered competitive.
- Germany: The cut off scores for universities in Germany can vary. A score of around 160-165 on the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections is generally considered competitive.
These are only general guidelines. Actual cut off scores for each university and program can vary greatly. Check the specific score requirements and range for the schools and programs you are interested in.
| Country or Program | Details |
|---|---|
| GRE Cut off for USA | Check university-wise cut offs for the United States. |
| GRE Cutoff for German universities | Check university-wise cut offs for Germany. |
| GRE Cut off for Europe | Check university-wise cut offs for European institutions. |
| GRE Cut off for MS in USA | Check cut offs for MS programs in the United States. |
What is a Good GRE Score?
A good GRE score depends on the specific universities and programs you are applying to. Generally, a score of around 160-165 on the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections, and a score of 4-5 on the Analytical Writing section are considered competitive.
Check the specific score requirements and range of the schools you are interested in, as these can vary greatly. Some top universities may require an average GRE score of 160 or higher on each section.
A good score is just one factor in the admissions process. Academic record, letters of recommendation, and personal statement are also important.
50% of the candidates secure an average GRE score every year. 25% secure a competitive GRE score. Less than 5% of the candidates can secure the top GRE scores.
Best GRE Score Range
These GRE scores will put you in the top 10% of all GRE test-takers.
| Section | Score Range |
|---|---|
| GRE Verbal Section | 163 - 170 |
| GRE Quantitative Section | 165 - 170 |
| GRE Analytical Writing | 5.0 – 6.0 |
Competitive GRE Score Range
These GRE scores will put you in a highly competitive place in admissions (top 25% of all GRE test takers).
| Section | Score Range |
|---|---|
| GRE Verbal Section | 158 - 162 |
| GRE Quantitative Section | 159 - 164 |
| GRE Analytical Writing | 4.5 |
Good GRE Score Range
These GRE scores put you ahead of the pack (50%+), but won’t be as advantageous when applying to highly competitive programs.
| Section | Score Range |
|---|---|
| GRE Verbal Section | 152 - 158 |
| GRE Quantitative Section | 153 - 158 |
GRE Score and Cut Offs
GRE cut off for US universities is generally very high. A 75th percentile is considered a good score.
Achieving a 320+ score is an excellent score and could get you into any college you want. Keep your goal score above 318 for a successful admission process.
GRE Score Requirements for Different Programs
There is no specific GRE score requirement set by universities. Each university sets its own score requirements.
- Most universities require a GRE score of 310+ for Master's programs.
- Most universities require a GRE score of 320+ for MBA programs.
GRE Score Scale
There is no qualifying score for GRE. The score ranges on a scale of 260-340.
You need to achieve a score of 300+ to apply and get admission to some of the best universities worldwide.
GRE Score Interpretation
| Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 300 | Average GRE score |
| 320 | Accepted by most universities for master's programs and top business school's MBA programs |
| 320 or higher | Required for admission to top-ranked universities |
GRE for MBA Admission
Currently, most of the MBA Programs accept GRE scores. You need to achieve a GRE score of 310+ to get admission to some of the best MBA programs.
You can check the universities and business schools score requirement from their official website.