GRE Score Required for MS in USA - Details Here!

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is an entrance test accepted by many US universities for admission to Master's programs such as MS, MSc, MTech, and MBA. The GRE test has three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The GRE score for MS in the USA includes scores from all three sections.

The GRE score required for MS in USA varies depending on the university and the course you apply for. The top universities in the USA that accept GRE scores for MS include Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, University of California Berkeley, Cornell University, and the University of Pennsylvania. 

The GRE score required for MS in these top-ranked US universities ranges from 320 to 340. A GRE scores in the 75th percentile is considered the minimum, and a score in the 90th percentile is considered excellent. Aiming for a GRE score above 318 is considered a good GRE͏͏ exam score for MS in the USA. The minimum GRE score for MS in the USA ranges from 155 to 167 in the Verbal and Quantitative sections. 

Some programs may also require GPA, Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation (LOR), IELTS or TOEFL scores, and work experience along with GRE scores. During GRE registration, candidates can send their scores to four universities for free. Sending GRE scores to more than four universities requires an additional fee. If you're targeting top tech-focused programs like an MS in Computer Science in the USA, understanding your GRE score requirement is essential.

There is no fixed minimum GRE score required for MS in USA. The GRE score required for MS will depend on the course, specialization, and university you are applying to. It is important to check the GRE cut-off scores mentioned by each university. A good GRE score for MS is required for top-ranked universities worldwide and competitive programs. To explore more courses and destinations, visit our Study Abroad portal.

Also Read: Study in USA

Average GRE Score Required for MS in USA by Course 

The GRE score required for MS in USA is different for each course. The most popular fields of study for MS in USA include Engineering, Computer Science, Business Analytics, Data Science, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences. The GRE score required for each course is listed below.

Master’s Course	Verbal Reasoning	Quantitative Reasoning
Engineering	150 – 157	160 – 168
Computer Science	152 – 158	160 – 170
Business Analytics	150 – 155	155 – 165
Data Science	153 – 158	160 – 170
Physical Sciences	151 – 156	158 – 165
Life Sciences	150 – 154	150 – 160
Social Sciences	153 – 158	150 – 155
Arts and Humanities	155 – 160	148 – 155
Education	147 – 152	149 – 154

Top US Universities and GRE Score Requirement for MS

The following table includes the top US universities and the average GRE scores accepted for MS programs. The table also includes the estimated tuition fees for the MS program at each university.

GRE Score Requirement for MS in USA Top-Tier Universities

University	Verbal	Quantitative	Analytical Writing
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	157	160	5.3
Stanford University	158	160	4.8
University of California, Berkeley	155	159	4.5
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	160	157	5.0
University of Chicago	158	167	4.0
Northwestern University	160	160	5.0
John Hopkins University	163	164	4.8
Duke University	160	160	4.5

GRE Score Requirement for MS in USA Mid-Tier Universities

University	Verbal	Quantitative	Analytical Writing
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor	154	159	5.0
Georgia Institute of Technology	155	159	4.3
University of California – San Diego	154	164	5.5
University of Wisconsin – Madison	157	160	4.5
University of Washington	156	167	4.0
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

GRE Score Requirement for MS in USA Lower-Tier Universities

University	Verbal	Quantitative	Analytical Writing
Pennsylvania State University	150	165	3.0
University of Florida	154	165	3.0
Ohio State University	156	165	4.0
University of Texas, Austin	155	165	4.0
University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign	155	165	4.0

Note: GRE score requirements can vary by program and department within each university. It's advisable to check the specific requirements of the program you're interested in.

What Is a Good GRE Score for MS in USA?

A good GRE score for MS in USA is a score that meets or exceeds the required score by the university and the program. In general, a GRE score above 320 is considered excellent, and a score above 305 is considered good. A score below 290 is considered low for most MS programs. To get admission to top US universities for MS, you should aim for a GRE score above 318.

GRE Score Range	Rating
320 – 340	Excellent
305 – 319	Good
290 – 304	Average
Below 290	Below Average

Is GRE Required for MS in USA?

The GRE is not compulsory for all MS programs in the USA. Some universities have waived the GRE requirement, especially after COVID-19. However, most top-ranked universities still require GRE scores for MS admissions. 

Submitting a good GRE score increases your chances of admission and scholarship. A strong GRE score can also help with Teaching Assistantships (TA) or Research Assistantships (RA) in the USA.

GRE Score Validity

GRE scores are valid for 5 years. You can use your GRE score to apply for MS in USA within these 5 years.

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Application Process for MS in the USA

The application process for MS in USA must be followed step by step. The MS application process in USA includes shortlisting universities, checking eligibility, taking the GRE test, preparing documents, submitting applications, and applying for the student visa. The application process for MS in the USA is simple if students follow all the steps correctly.

• To apply for MS in the USA, students should first choose the course and the university. The most popular courses for MS in USA include Computer Science, Engineering, Business Analytics, Data Science, and Life Sciences. After selecting the course, students must choose the universities that accept GRE scores for MS programs. Students must check the GRE score requirement for each university before applying.
• Once the universities are shortlisted, the next step is to check the eligibility criteria. Most universities require a 4-year undergraduate degree, a valid GRE score, a TOEFL/IELTS score, and academic documents. Some universities also ask for a Statement of purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), resume, and work experience.
• After checking the eligibility criteria, students must register and appear for the GRE exam. Aiming for a score above 318 is considered a good GRE score. The next step is to prepare documents. The required documents for MS in USA include GRE scorecard, TOEFL/IELTS score, transcripts, an SOP, LORs, a resume, and proof of funds.
• After the documents are ready, students can apply to universities. Applications must be submitted through the university portal. Students need to pay an application fee, which varies by university. After submitting the application, students must wait for the admission decision.
• If selected, students will receive the admission letter. After receiving the admission offer, students must apply for the F1 student visa. The visa application includes DS-160 form, SEVIS fee payment, visa appointment, and visa interview.

Documents required for MS in USA

• GRE scorecard
• IELTS or TOEFL score
• Academic transcripts
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Resume or CV
• Proof of funds
• Passport copy

Scholarship for GRE-accepted Universities in USA

Scholarships are available for international students applying to GRE accepted universities in USA. The scholarships help students cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other academic costs. A good GRE score increases the chances of getting a scholarship at top universities in USA.

The GRE score required for scholarship eligibility ranges from 310 to 330. Aiming for a GRE score above 318 is considered a good GRE score for scholarships in USA. Students applying for MS in USA with a strong academic profile and good GRE score can get full or partial scholarships in USA.

Types of scholarships for MS in USA

• Merit-based scholarships
• Need-based scholarships
• Departmental scholarships
• Teaching Assistantships (TA)
• Research Assistantships (RA)
• Fellowships
• Tuition waivers

Many US universities automatically consider international students for scholarships at the time of admission. Some universities require a separate scholarship application. Students must check the official university website for scholarship eligibility, deadline, and application process.

Top universities offering scholarships for MS in USA

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Stanford University
• University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
• University of Chicago
• Cornell University 
• Columbia University
• Carnegie Mellon University
• University of Pennsylvania

A good GRE score increases your chances of receiving scholarships, assistantships, and tuition fee waivers. Students must apply before the deadline and submit all required documents. Submitting a well-written SOP and strong LORs also helps in scholarship consideration.

What is a Good GRE Score?

A good GRE score for MS in USA is the score that meets or exceeds the requirements of the university and program. A GRE score above 318 is considered a good GRE score. A GRE score between 320 and 340 is considered excellent. A GRE score between 305 and 319 is considered good. A GRE score below 290 is considered low.

The GRE exam has three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and GRE AWA (Analytical Writing). Each section is scored separately. The GRE Verbal and Quantitative sections are scored between 130 and 170. The Analytical Writing section is scored between 0 and 6.

Universities in the USA evaluate GRE scores based on the program. For Engineering and Computer Science, the GRE Quantitative score is more important. For Arts and Humanities, the Verbal score is considered more. Analytical Writing is also important for MS admissions in USA.

GRE Score Range and Rating

GRE Score Range	Rating
320 – 340	Excellent Score
305 – 319	Good Score
290 – 304	Average Score
Below 290	Low Score

Section-wise good GRE scores:

• Verbal Reasoning: 155 or above
• Quantitative Reasoning: 160 or above
• Analytical Writing: 4.0 or above

Important Resources to Study in USA
How to Settle in USA from India	Best Scholarships for MS in USA
USA F-1 Visa Requirements for Indian Students	How to Apply & Obtain PR in USA
Education System in the USA	Best Cities to Study in USA

Conclusion

The GRE score required for MS in USA depends on the course and the university. A GRE score above 318 is considered a good GRE score for most universities. It is important to research the GRE score cut-offs for the program you are applying to. 

While GRE is not mandatory for all universities, submitting a strong GRE score can improve your chances of admission and scholarships. 

For top MS programs in Engineering, Computer Science, and Data Science, a higher score in Quantitative Reasoning is recommended. A good GRE score for MS in USA meets the university's expectations and reflects your academic potential.

One can connect with the upGrad experts for any kind of assistance in choosing MS universities in USA.