GRE Cutoff for Top Universities in 2023

Written ByRituparna Nath Content Writer at Study Abroad Exams

GRE cut off score varies depending on the institution and program candiadtes are applying to. Generally, a score of around 300 or above is considered competitive for most programs, but the GRE cut off 2033 can be higher or lower depending on the school and field of study. It is best to check the specific requirements of the program candidates are interested in applying to. GRE cut off ranges from 150-165 in top universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, University of California – Berkeley.

GRE Scoring Scheme

The GRE is scored on a scale of 130 to 170, in one-point increments, for both the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections. The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are each scored separately, and the scores are then combined to give an overall GRE score. The scores for the Analytical Writing section are not included in the overall score, but are reported separately. The GRE is designed to be a general test of aptitude, and the scores are just one factor that graduate programs consider when evaluating applicants. Other factors such as work experience, essays, and letters of recommendation can also play a significant role in the admission process.

GRE exam cut off analyses three sections:

GRE verbal (130-170 score scale)
GRE quantitative reasoning (130-170 score scale)
GRE Analytical Writing (0-5 score scale)

To get admitted to the top universities in the US to study MS or Ph.D. an overall goal score of 320+ and 4.5 in GRE AWA is required.

GRE Score Range

Here is the GRE score range for various colleges that is considered by ISB GRE cutoff, Northeastern university GRE cutoff, Harvard GRE cutoff, Stanford GRE cutoff, and more.

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 Cutoff for the Top Universities in the World

The top universities of the world often demand a high GRE score for both the verbal and quant sections. GRE cutoff for universities 2023 is not the same as GRE cutoff for universities 2022. The updated GRE cutfoff for the best universities of US and UK are as follows for colleges like Stanford University GRE cutoff, MIT GRE Cutoff, and more.

University acceptingGRE Scores	Verbal	Quantitative	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	160	4.5
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

GRE Cutoff for Specific Programs

The GRE scores are program-specific in most renowned universities. For international candidates, the most preferred genres of study are:

Engineering
Computer Science
Psychology
Physics
Chemistry
Mathematics
Education

GRE cutoff for top universities varies depending on the number of applications and their quality. In 2021 the competition to secure seats in the top universities all over the world is raised because of the delay in admission processes due to Covid-19.

Subject	Life Sciences	Physical Sciences	Engineering	Social Sciences	Humaninties 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+

GRE cutoff for US universities is generally a bit high, so in case the candidates are determined to study in the best US universities, they have to get the best GRE preparation.

GRE CutOff Scores for Universities Countrywise

The 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:

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, but this can vary depending on the university and program.
United Kingdom: The cut off scores for universities in the UK can vary, but 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, but 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, but 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, but a score of around 160-165 on the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections is generally considered competitive.

It is important to note that these are only general guidelines and the actual cut off scores for each university and program can vary greatly. It is best to check the specific score requirements and range for the schools and programs you are interested in. Check the table below to check the GRE cut off for invidiual universities countrywise:

GRE Cut off for USA	GRE Cutoff for German universities
GRE Cut off for Europe	GRE Cut off for MS in USA

What is a Good GRE Score?

A GRE good scores depends on the specific universities and programs you are applying to. Generally, a score of around 160-165 on the GRE verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections, and a score of 4-5 on the Analytical Writing section are considered competitive. However, it is best to check the specific score requirements and range of the schools you are interested in, as these can vary greatly. Some top universities may require a score of 170 or higher on each section. It's also important to keep in mind that a good score on the GRE is just one factor that is considered in the admissions process and other factors such as your academic record, letters of recommendation, and personal statement are also important. 50% of the candidates secure an average GRE score and 25% secure a competitive GRE score every year. Plus, 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

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)

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

GRE Verbal Section: 152 - 158	GRE Quantitative Section: 153 -158	GRE Analytical Writing: 4.0

GRE cut off for US universities is generally very high. A 75th percentile is considered a good score while 90th percentile is an excellent score and could get you into any college you want. Keep your goal score above 318, which is a good GRE score.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.