Candidates should note that the conducting body of the GRE test, ETS does not publish pre-defined GRE Cut Off for universities worldwide. The candidates need to check the minimum required score for every university separately. Universities that accept GRE scores release the minimum required marks on their official website. A higher GRE Score than the pre-defined cut-off would increase the chances of candidates' admission even perhaps getting a scholarship based on their academic records. The GRE is one of the most widely recognized graduate examinations for candidates looking to pursue higher studies abroad.
300+ score in Graduate Record Examination is a good score for getting admission in a reputed university. Here it is important to understand that a good GRE score can increase the chances of your admission but not gurantee it. There are some other factors such as academic performance, SOP, LOR, and score in language proficiency exams.
The ideal score depends on the university you are targeting for admission. You have to get 320 or above out of 340, for getting easy admission in to the top universities worldwide. Keep in mind that score equal to or above 75 percentile is considered good enough to apply for admission.
GRE is not highly required for caltech but however it is in certain courses. The University has termed GRE into three segements that is R for required, O for optional and SR for strongry required. Students must read all the requirements of the courses to avoid the last minutre confusion and hassle.
Want to score good in GRE? Check out GRE preparation tips
Note: To check out which subjects require GRE, applicants must check the admission highlights and click on the GRE pdf caltech .
- What is GRE Cutoff?
- GRE Cutoff for the Top Universities in the World
- What is a Good GRE Score?
What is GRE Cutoff?
Candidates planning to pursue MS Studies and MBA abroad would require GRE scores as part of their admission process. As mentioned earlier, the ETS (Educational Testing Service) has not laid down any fixed cut-off for the GRE. Each year, over half a million candidates from 160 countries appear for the GRE General Test across 1,000 test centres.
Over 1,200 business schools around the world accept GRE scores for graduate programmes. The exam has been developed to evaluate the verbal, analytical and mathematical skills of the candidates appearing for the GRE test. GRE is available in a computer-based format at a test centre or at home via the GRE at Home format and has a user-friendly design. Individuals applying to graduate schools in order to pursue a Master of Science (MS) or MBA are required to take the GRE exam.
GRE Total Marks
| 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 |
*Analytical Writing is not part of your total GRE score.
Commonly asked questions
Any score above 320 is considered good for admission to top universities worldwide. However, securing admission also depends on several other factors, such as:
- A Strong Academic Record
- An Impressive Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Relevant Work or Research Experience
- Extracurricular Achievements
The ETS does not release the GRE cut-off after every exam. The GRE score required for admission varies depending on the university and programme you're applying to. It is natural that the top universities in the world tend to have higher GRE exam score requirements than less competitive programs. So, check the university's website for this.
There is no official eligibility for GRE Exam. Students of any age with any educational background can appear for the exam. However, the GRE is an assessment test for admission to graduate courses, students should complete their undergraduate courses to go ahead with their GRE test. Note that, there is no predefined cut-off score required in graduation to appear in the Graduate Record Examination.
GRE Cutoff for the Top Universities in the World
In this section, we are going to be providing GRE cut-off scores for top universities in the world. Given below is a range of GRE cut-off scores for top universities. Candidates looking to take admission to the universities mentioned below can use the GRE cut off scores as a benchmark. For more information on modest GRE scores, candidates are advised to visit the official website to learn about score requirements.
| GRE Exam Eligibility Universities |
GRE Eligible Verbal Scores |
GRE Eligible Quantitative Scores |
GRE Eligible Writing Scores |
|---|---|---|---|
| 158 |
159 |
5.3 |
|
| 159 |
158 |
4.8 |
|
| 153 – 156 |
167 |
4.5 |
|
| 155 |
167 |
5.0 |
|
| 163 |
166 |
4.5 |
|
| 160 |
167 |
5.0 |
|
| 158 |
160 |
4.5 |
|
| 158 |
167 |
4.3 |
|
| 162 |
160 |
5.5 |
|
| 155 |
165 |
4.0 |
|
| 163 |
163 |
4.5 |
|
| 156 |
167 |
4.0 |
|
| 150 |
165 |
3.0 |
|
| 154 |
165 |
3.0 |
|
| 155 |
165 |
4.0 |
|
| 156 |
165 |
4.0 |
|
| 160 |
157 |
5.0 |
|
| 160 |
160 |
4.5 |
|
| 158 |
167 |
4.0 |
|
| 160 |
160 |
5.0 |
|
| 161 |
160 |
5.0 |
|
| 163 |
164 |
4.8 |
|
| 160 |
167 |
5.0 |
|
| 153 |
163 |
4.0-6.0 |
|
| 165 |
165 |
5.3 |
|
| 157 |
166 |
4.8 |
|
| 158 |
160 |
4.5 |
|
| 159 | 162 | 4.2 |
Related Reads:
- Universities Accepting GRE scores in Canada
- Universities Accepting GRE in the UK
- Universities Accepting GRE in the US
Average GRE Score for Universities 2025
As informed, the average GRE score is highly dependent on your university/programme admission guidelines. However, to give candidates an understanding of what their average GRE score might look like candidates can take a look at the table below
| GRE Section |
Average GRE Score |
|---|---|
| GRE Verbal Reasoning Section |
149.97 |
| GRE Quantitative Reasoning Section |
152.57 |
| GRE Analytical Writing Section |
3.48 |
Commonly asked questions
Harvard University does not have a fixed minimum GRE score requirement for every course it offers. However, some of its popular programs, such as STEM programs like Engineering and Computer Science, have set minimum required scores in the Graduate Record Examination.
Getting into a top graduate school with a low GRE score is challenging but not impossible. GRE result is an important factor but not the only criteria. Any university check multiple factors when offering admission to international students. Check out some tips to increase chances for admission:
- Highlight a Strong Academic Record
- Write a Compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation
- Gain Relevant Work or Research Experience
There is not a fixed cut for Graduate Record Examination to study abroad. Some top universities release course-wise GRE cut-offs for admission. Other than this, not every university in the USA or the world announces a minimum required score for the GRE exam.
What is a Good GRE Score?
A good GRE score depends on your target university and program. Check the GRE cut off on university’s department website and aim higher to make your application eligible. Reference tables can give a general idea of good scores, but they may not reflect specific college requirements.
Related Reads:
| GRE Accepting Universities in the USA | GRE Accepting Universities in Canada |
| Top GRE Accepting Universities in Germany | GRE Accepting Universities in the UK |
Best GRE Score Range 2025
| GRE Score Range Category | GRE Verbal Section | GRE Quantitative Section | GRE Analytical Writing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best GRE Score Range 2025 | 163 to 170 | 165 to 170 | 5.0 to 6.0 |
| Competitive GRE Score Range 2025 | 158 to 162 | 159 to 164 | 4.5 |
| Good GRE Score Range 2025 | 152 to 158 | 153 to 158 | 4.0 |
Related Reads:
Candidates can check out GRE Cut Off scores for universities by Country. Candidates should note that the GRE scores could vary depending on the course preferences. Hence, the scores mentioned here should be used for reference purposes only. Candidates are advised to visit the official website or get in touch with our Study Abroad Counsellors.
Commonly asked questions
To get into MS in Computer Engineering program offered by any top 20 US university, students should have at least in the range of 320-340. score in Gradute Record Examination. However, this is just a general guideline. Getting a high score in GRE does not gurantee you for getting admission in your desired course/university. Specific requirements can vary depending on the university and the program.
A GRE score of 320 is considered very good for universities in Germany. Most top German universities typically require a GRE score of 315+ for competitive programs. A score of 320 would put you in a strong position for admission and potentially for scholarship opportunities.
GRE does not announce cut off score or passing marks. Universities across the world release minimum GRE score required for admission in their programs. Getting a high score increase the chances of getting admission in your required score. You can the university wise GRE passing score on the official website of university.
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Statement of Purpose
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Hello Reshmi. If you are looking for assistance with university admissions, do reach out to our team of Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply You can know all about the University of Houston, here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/usa/universities/university-of-hous
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Hello Akshat. Yes, GRE dates for September to December have been updated on our GRE exam dates page: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/exams/gre/important-dates Please feel free to go ahead with your GRE slot booking.