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Content Writer - Study Abroad | Updated On - Jun 27, 2024
Highlights:
- Below Average: Scores around 300 are considered below average, falling within more than 50th percentile range.
- Program-Specific Requirements: Each graduate program sets its own admissions standards and minimum GRE score requirements.
- Research Score Requirements: It's essential to research the specific programs you're interested in to understand their GRE score expectations.
- Focus on Other Factors: If you achieve a GRE minimum score, strong academic performance, relevant work experience, LOR, and SOP.
GRE minimum score depends on the university and program you are applying. GRE verbal and quantitative section ranges from 130 to 170. The analytical writing section score ranges from 0 to 6 level. Top universities like Harvard, Oxford, MIT, and Stanford University requires an 320+ GRE score. If you achieve a GRE lowest score of 290 to 300, you can apply for the abroad universities. If you achieve a minimum marks in GRE, focus on your LOR, SOP, and a good CV. GRE minimum score based on the field you are applying for. For instance, arts and humanities require average GRE scores of 157 on the verbal section whereas a 150 in quant.
GRE Minimum Score
If we look carefully into GRE score percentile table, we will be noticing that a GRE verbal score 131 or 132 holds as low as 1%. This states that the count of candidates scoring that number is almost negligible. As the percentage count is so low, it is almost considered a zero. This states one or less percentage of the whole test-taking population scores lesser around 131 – 132. In the case of GRE quant, GRE score range of 133 – 134 is 1 percentage of the whole test-taking population, which is negligible to count.
As already catered to, most universities have their GRE minimum scores aligned to the program or field of study. Programs which are mostly inclined towards the verbal part will require a higher verbal score and vice versa. The best way to score higher than the university recommended minimum GRE score is:
- Note down the selected grad schools;
- Search up for the minimum GRE scores (mostly the information is found on the admission/FAQ page);
- Search for the highest GRE score from that list for admission;
- Add 2 – 3 marks to the score, and that will be your target score to surpass the minimum score requirement.
There is quite a difference between GRE scores required for verbal and quant-based on the field of study. For instance, arts and humanities require average GRE scores of 157 on the verbal section whereas a 150 in quant. On the contrary, a physical science stream requires a 158 in quant and a 151 in verbal.
GRE Total Scores Ranges
Perfect GRE scores are 170 in each section, 340 combined. GRE score range total runs from 260 to 340. The table below shows the Verbal, Quantitative, and combined scores:
| Sections | Score Range | Perfect Score | Competitive Scores | Average score | Below Average Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRE Verbal | 130-170 | 170 | 157+ | 151 | 145 |
| GRE quant | 130-170 | 170 | 161+ | 154 | 147 |
| GRE AWA | 0-6 | 6.0 | 4.5+ | 4.0 | 3.5 |
Subject Wise Minimum GRE Score
The table below provides a helpful minimum GRE score list, that are the average scores for all schools. To get the competitive GRE scores reports, you must research for the specific colleges and universities that you are targeting.
| Subjects | Average Verbal Score | Average Quant Score |
|---|---|---|
| Business | 150 | 154 |
| Education | 150 | 147 |
| Engineering | 149 | 160 |
| Humanities & Arts | 156 | 150 |
| Life Science | 151 | 151 |
| Physical Science | 150 | 160 |
| Social Science & Behavioral Science | 153 | 152 |
| Other Fields | 151 | 150 |
| Undecided | 148 | 154 |
Lowest Possible GRE Score
The lowest possible GRE score is not 0. The two multiple-choice GRE sections, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, are each scored on a scale from 130-170 in one-point increments. The lowest possible score on each of those sections is 130. Analytical Writing section is slightly different as it is scored from 0-6 in half-point increments. The lowest score for Analytical Writing is a 0. The minimum score in GRE terms, then, would be a 260 combined Verbal and Quantitative score with an Analytical Writing score of 0.
Minimum GRE Score for Admission
The minimum GRE score required for admission is based on the list of grad schools you’re targeting and the program you’re going to apply in. Most of the universities have their predetermined GRE scores, and some of the universities also don't require GRE. There are instances when a university, which states that it doesn’t have any GRE cut off, will accept a low GRE score. It may happen, they will just eliminate those low GRE score reports. A minimum GRE score for Harvard admission is even considered when the scores are not taken much into consideration but with such a low score in the display, the school might disqualify the candidate.
University of Houston, Clear Lake demands average GRE scores of 146 each in verbal and quant. This GRE score range is quite a low one compared to the other universities. The list of universities for GRE scores 290 – 300 will help you curate the preferred universities, along with information about fees and other important details. This list shows that even if your score is relatively lesser, one can secure admission in a proper university.
| Universities | GRE Scores | |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri State University | 290 | |
| South Arkansas University | 284 + | |
| Murray State University | 288 | |
| Troy University | GRE Verbal: 150 GRE Quant: 140 | |
| Western Kentucky University | GRE Verbal: 143 GRE Quant: - | |
| Alabama A & M University | GRE Verbal: 146 GRE Quant: 140 | |
| Bridgewater State University | 281 – 290 | |
GRE Minimum Score for Top Universities
Minimum GRE score for admission in top universities varies depending on the number of applications and their quality. GRE score requirements for top universities varies and depends on which programs you are applying for. Here in the table are the minimum GRE score for MIT, Stanford and more.
| Top Universities | Verbal Score | Quant Score |
|---|---|---|
| MIT | 158 | 162 |
| Stanford University | 159 | 165 |
| UC Berkeley | 154 | 160 |
| Imperial College, London | 162 | 167 |
| Oxford University | 160+ | 160+ |
| London School of Economics | 163 | 163 |
| Illinois Urbana Champaign | 154 | 162 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 160 | 162 |
| Georgia Tech | 155 | 161 |
| University of Texas Austin | 155 | 160 |
| University of Michigan | 154 | 161 |
| Cornell University | 162 | 162 |
| Purdue University | 158 | 163 |
| University of Southern California | 151-162 | 155-164 |
| Texas A&M University | 157 | 158-164 |
| University of California San Diego | 154 | 166 |
| CalTech | 149 | 150 |
| McGill University | 158 | 163 |
| University of Toronto | 150 | 150 |
| Deakin University, Australia | 160+ | 140+ |
The minimum marks in GRE for top universities is generally a bit high, so in case the candidates are determined to study in the best universities abroad, they have to get the best GRE preparation.
FAQs
Ques: What is the lowest score for GRE?
Ans: The lowest possible score on GRE is not 0. The lowest score in each section is 130. The Analytical Writing section is scored from 0-6, with 0 being the lowest possible score.
Ques: Is 300 an okay GRE score?
Ans: 300 is a below-average GRE score. While it might not be enough for top-tier programs, it could be competitive for some mid-range programs, depending on your other qualifications and the specific program requirements.
Ques: Is 280 a bad GRE score?
Ans: 280 is a low GRE score, falling below the 25th percentile. It suggests that your verbal and quantitative reasoning skills might need improvement for competitive graduate school applications.
Ques: What is a failing GRE score?
Ans: There is no passing or failing score on GRE. However, a very low score might affect your chances of getting admission into most graduate programs.
Ques: What is the minimum GRE score for USA?
Ans: There is no minimum GRE score requirement for USA. Each graduate program sets its own admissions standards, including GRE score they consider acceptable.
Ques: Is 300 a low GRE score?
Ans: Yes, 300 is considered a low GRE score, falling below the average range. Top-ranked universities require an average 315+ GRE score.
Ques: What is a passing GRE score?
Ans: There's no specific passing score, but scores above 310 are highly considered for some of the top-ranked universities worldwide.
Ques: Is 297 a good GRE score?
Ans: 297 is still a below-average GRE score. It might be competitive for some mid-tier programs but could be challenging for top-tier MS courses.
Ques: What GRE score is required for MS?
Ans: The required GRE score for MS programs varies greatly depending on the university, program, and other qualifications. Research the specific programs you're interested in to understand their GRE expectations.
Ques: What GRE score do I need for MBA?
Ans: Similar to MS programs, MBA programs have diverse GRE score requirements. Top MBA programs often expect scores in the 160s or higher on both the verbal and quantitative sections. Research the specific programs from the university’s official website.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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