GRE Cutoff: Minimum GRE scores for Top Universities worldwide

The GRE cutoff score is determined by universities and varies with each university and program the candidates are applying for. ETS, the conducting body of the GRE test, does not have pre-defined cutoff scores for universities.The GRE cutoff 2026 could be higher or lower than the previous year depending on the institution and field of study. Generally, a score of 315+ is considered a competitive score for most programs. Top-ranking universities in the world, such as Harvard, Oxford, Stanford, MIT, and Princeton, demand a minimum GRE score of 310+.  ETS revealed that the number of test takers from India has skyrocketed to more than 1 lakh in the year 2023. This surge is attributed to the increasing acceptance of GRE scores in top Indian business schools.

What is the GRE Cutoff?

GRE Cutoff is the minimum GRE score required for students to get admissions into universities. Candidates who seek to pursue MS studies and MBA programmes at top universities abroad require GRE scores as part of their admission process. The Graduate Record Examination or GRE, is an examination that tests a candidate’s analytical, verbal, and mathematical skills to assess their readiness for graduate school. Candidates preparing for the GRE exam should be well informed about the GRE Cutoff requirements to get into the university of their choice.

Over half a million candidates appear for the GRE General Tests every year. With over 1300+ business schools and 80+ law schools accepting GRE scores, the number of GRE candidates is on the rise. GRE is a computer-based test that can be taken either at a test centre or at home.

GRE Total Score

The GRE is divided into three sections, namely, GRE verbal reasoning, GRE quantitative reasoning, and GRE analytical writing. The analytical writing score is reported separately and not included in the GRE total score. Here is a breakdown of the GRE sections along with their respective scores:

GRE Total Score
GRE Sections	Minimum GRE Scores	Maximum GRE Scores
Analytical Writing	0	6
Verbal Reasoning	130	170
Quantitative Reasoning	130	170
GRE Total Marks	260	340

Note: Analytical writing score is not part of your total GRE score.

GRE Score Range

GRE scores for both verbal and quantitative reasoning sections are scored on a scale of 130 to 170, with their combined total scores ranging from 260 to 340. While the GRE Analytical Writing section has a score ranging from 0 to 6. However, the Analytical writing section score is not included in the total GRE score. A GRE score between 305 to 315 is considered an average score and is accepted by some of the leading universities worldwide. Refer to the table below to understand the GRE score range:

GRE Score Range
GRE Score Range based on Performance	GRE Verbal Reasoning	GRE Quantitative Reasoning	GRE Analytical Writing
Best GRE Score Range	165 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
Average GRE Score Range	146 to 150	150 to 153	3.5
Poor GRE Score Range	Less than 139	Less than 141	Less than 3.0

GRE Cut off for Top Universities in the World

GRE Cut off demanded by top ranking universities such as MIT, Stanford, and Harvard range from 314 to 320 and above. Such prestigious universities often demand a high GRE score in both verbal and quant sections. Universities keep updating their GRE score requirements every year. The GRE cutoff scores for top universities is given in the table below. Candidates can use the below mentioned GRE cutoff scores as a benchmark to get into the university of their choice. Candidates can visit the official website of the respective university for more information on modest GRE scores. 

GRE Cut off for Top Universities in the World
Universities Accepting GRE Scores	Verbal	Verbal Percentile	Quantitative	Quant Percentile	Writing
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	158	80th	159	73rd	5.3
Stanford University	159	83rd	158	70th	4.8
University of California, Berkeley	153-156	61st-72nd	167	92nd	4.5
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	155	68th	167	92nd	5.0
University of Virginia	163	93rd	166	91st	4.5
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor	160	86th	167	92nd	5.0
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill	158	80th	160	76th	4.5
Georgia Institute of Technology	158	80th	167	92nd	4.3
University of California – San Diego	162	90th	160	76th	5.5
University of Illinois – Urbana/Champaign	155	68th	165	89th	4.0
University of Wisconsin – Madison	163	93rd	163	84th	4.5
University of Washington	156	72nd	167	92nd	4.0
Pennsylvania State University	150	48th	165	89th	3.0
University of Florida (UFL)	154	64th	165	89th	3.0
The University of Texas, Austin	155	68th	165	89th	4.0
Ohio State University	156	72nd	165	89th	4.0
California Institute of Technology	160	86th	157	66th	5.0
Duke University	160	86th	160	76th	4.5
The University of Chicago	158	80th	167	92nd	4.0
Northwestern University	160	86th	160	76th	5.0
Washington University in St. Louis	161	88th	160	76th	5.0
Johns Hopkins University	163	93rd	164	87th	4.8
Rice University	160	86th	167	92nd	5.0
Emory University	153	61st	163	76th	4.0-6.0
University of Notre Dame	165	96th	165	89th	5.3
Vanderbilt University	157	76th	166	91st	4.8
College of William and Mary	158	80th	160	76th	4.5
Johns Hopkins University	159	83rd	162	82nd	4.2

GRE Cutoff for Popular Programs Worldwide

The GRE Cutoff in most renowned universities are program-specific. The GRE cutoff mark varies based on various factors such as the program, number of applicants, competitiveness of the program, academic requirements, difficulty level, among others. Given in the table below are some of the most sought after disciplines along with their GRE cutoff scores:

GRE Cutoff for Popular Programs Worldwide
Program	GRE Verbal Score	GRE Quant Score	GRE AWA Score
Engineering	150-159	149-157	3.6-3.5
Computer Science	150-160	150-160	3.5-4.0
Business	150-157	152-160	3.5-3.7
Physical Sciences	153-162	158-165	3.5-3.8
Social Sciences	153-160	150-158	3.5-4.0
Education	157-164	149-156	3.4-4.2
Life Sciences	151-158	151-158	3.5-3.8
Humanities and Arts	157-164	149-157	3.5-4.2

GRE Cutoff for Top Business Schools

The GRE cutoff for top business schools varies depending on the level, competitiveness, and requirements of the program. Some of the popular programs offered by the top business schools include MBA, Executive MBA, MiM, MFA, MiF, among others. Here are the GRE cutoff scores for some of the top business schools:

GRE Cutoff for Top Business Schools
Business Schools	GRE Score Range
Harvard Business School Stanford Graduate School of Business MIT Management School Oxford - Saïd Business School London School of Business	320+
IESE Business School Owen Graduate School of Management (Vanderbilt University) McCombs School of Business, University of Texas Imperial College Business School Carroll School of Management - Boston College	310-320
Eli Broad College of Business, Michigan State University University of Alabama Huntsville Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland McGill (Desautels) Miami Herbert Business School	300-310
Adams State College University of Dayton Emlyon Business School Sorrell College of Business Alcorn State University	290-300

GRE Cutoff for IVY League Colleges

Candidates seeking admissions in the IVY League colleges should familiarize themselves with the GRE cutoff requirements of those prestigious institutions. IVY league universities have a high standard for admissions and consider a variety of factors including the GRE score. The GRE cut off score for these institutions varies greatly depending on the program. However, the Science/technology-oriented programs have higher GRE score expectations than the arts/humanities and social sciences-oriented programs. That being said, here are the average GRE cutoff scores for IVY league colleges:

GRE Cutoff for IVY League Colleges
University	Verbal Score	Quantitative Score	Analytical Writing Score
Harvard University	160-165	160-170	4.5-5.0
Yale University	160-165	160-170	4.5-5.0
Princeton University	160-165	160-170	4.5-5.0
Columbia University	160-165	160-170	4.5-5.0
University of Pennsylvania	160-165	160-170	4.5-5.0
Dartmouth College	157-162	158-163	4.0-4.5
Brown University	157-162	158-163	4.0-4.5
Cornell University	157-162	158-163	4.0-4.5

GRE Cutoff in Popular Countries to Study Abroad

The GRE Cut off scores for universities abroad vary greatly depending on the university, program, and other factors. However, here is the average GRE cutoff score in some of the popular countries to study abroad:

• United States: A score of 160 to 165 in both the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections can be competitive. Note that the cut off scores for universities in the United States vary widely.
• United Kingdom: A score of 160 to 165 in both the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections can be competitive. Note that the cut off scores for universities in the United Kingdom vary widely.
• Canada: A score of 160 to 165 in both the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections can be competitive. Note that the cut off scores for universities in Canada vary widely.
• Australia: A score of 160 to 165 in both the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections can be competitive. Note that the cut off scores for universities in Australia vary widely.
• Germany: A score of 160 to 165 in both the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections can be competitive. Note that the cut off scores for universities in Germany vary widely.

What is a Good GRE Score?

A Good GRE Score varies with every candidate based on the university and program they are applying to. Candidates should identify the GRE cut off required for their preferred course in the respective university. This information can be obtained from the university’s official website. Generally, a score ranging from 160 to 165 on both the GRE verbal and quantitative reasoning sections, and a score of 4-5 in the analytical writing section are considered to be competitive scores.

Best GRE Score Range

These are considered to be the best GRE scores and they will place you in the top 10% of all GRE test takers. These scores will guarantee you admission at your preferred university.

GRE Verbal Section: 163 - 170

GRE Quantitative Section: 165 - 170

GRE Analytical Writing: 5.0 - 6.0

Competitive GRE Score Range

These are considered to be competitive GRE scores and they will place you in the top 25% of all GRE test takers. These scores give you a fighting chance to secure admission.

GRE Verbal Section: 158 - 162

GRE Quantitative Section: 159 - 164

GRE Analytical Writing: 4.5

Good GRE Score Range

These are considered to be goodGRE scores and they will place you in the top 50% of all GRE test takers. These scores may not be as advantageous when you’re seeking admission for highly competitive programs.

GRE Verbal Section: 152 - 158

GRE Quantitative Section: 153 - 158

GRE Analytical Writing: 4.0

How to get your desired GRE Cutoff score?

To achieve your desired GRE cut off score, you need to approach your exam preparation in a strategic and well-planned manner. Here are some important steps to help you prepare effectively and get your target score:

• Gain a good understanding of the GRE structure and familiarize yourself with question types from all sections of the test.
• Identify the GRE cutoff score for your preferred university, set a target score and work towards exceeding it.
• Develop a study plan that best suits your timeline and ensure you have consistent study sessions.
• Refer to high-quality study materials such as prep books and online courses.
• Practice regularly by taking full-length mock tests. Time your test session and review your mistakes at the end of each practice test.
• Develop test-taking strategies based on your strengths and weaknesses to better manage your time and perform efficiently in the exam.

How do universities determine their GRE cut-off scores?

GRE Cutoff is an important facet of the admission process. Universities consider a variety of factors to determine their GRE cut-off scores. Let’s look at some of the major factors that influence that decision:

1. Program Competitiveness: Highly competitive programs tend to have a higher GRE cutoff to attract top-tier candidates.
2. Program Requirements: Each program prioritizes a different skill. Some programs may place high emphasis on verbal reasoning, while others may prioritize quantitative reasoning.
3. Accreditation Standards: Some professional programs would be required to meet specific accreditation standards, which might influence their GRE cutoff scores. 
4. Applicant Pool: The quality and number of applicants highly influence the GRE cutoff score. If a program receives many highly qualified applicants, the cutoff might be set higher.
5. Benchmarking against Peers: Universities often check the cutoff requirements of their peer institutions and set their cutoff scores accordingly to stay competitive.
6. Advisory Committees: Universities have advisory committees with faculty and administrative members who recommend cutoff scores based on the program’s goals and standards.

To sum it up, candidates must identify the GRE cutoff score for their preferred university and work towards surpassing it. By securing a higher GRE score than the required cutoff score, candidates can significantly improve their chances of gaining admission to top universities.

FAQs - GRE Cutoff

1. What is a GRE cutoff?

GRE cutoff refers to the minimum GRE score that students would require to apply for admission at universities. It is important to note that the GRE cutoff is only a part of the admission requirements and it does not guarantee admission. 

2. What is the cut off score for GRE? 

Generally, the cut off score for GRE is around 310+ for Master’s programs, and 320+ for MBA programs. However, the cutoff score varies depending on the university and the program.

3. How can I find out the GRE cutoff score for my desired program?

To identify the GRE cutoff score for your desired program, you need to visit the official website of your preferred university. You can find the GRE cutoff score requirements along with various other information about the admission process.

4. How often do GRE cutoff scores change?

GRE cutoff scores get updated every year based on the program’s applicant pool and admission criteria. You can either check the university’s website or contact the admissions office for the latest information on GRE cutoff score requirements.

5. Can I retake the GRE to meet the cutoff score? 

Yes, you can retake the GRE test multiple times if necessary to achieve your target cutoff score by following the retake policy set by ETS.