A common query that arises in most of the Graduate Record Examinations candidates is, “What is a fine GRE mark?” Will my marks be enough to secure me a seat in my dream college? Well, the answer lies in the question itself. Different colleges have different cut-offs and requirements. So, what you consider as a good GRE score might not be the same for a particular institute! Every college has specific admission criteria. To be more precise, each department within a college might’ve different score requisites.
Besides GRE preparation and a good GRE score form only half of the MS/MBA abroad preparation process. A good GRE score helps you clear the necessary cutoff and even can be a good mitigator for previous academic scores. However, to gain admission to your dream college you need to focus on other aspects of the admission process too.
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How to find out the essential GRE score requirement for a university?
The best thing to do is to visit their site. Their website will show the admission criteria including the Graduate Record Examinations benchmark score. The quants & verbal section are separately viewed thus making the departments have a varied idea of a good Graduate Record Examinations score. Major of the top colleges are pretty obvious regarding their requirements. They state minimal marks for a section as well as the overall to get a seat into their institute.
The bottom line is that you need to understand the needs of your ideal college before concluding a good score/ bad score. Here are a few examples that will give you an idea about the scores different universities are looking at:
| University | Verbal avg. marks | Quant marks | Quant avg. marks |
| Purdue University | 158 | 160 | 163 |
| Michigan Ann Arbor | 154 | 159 | 161 |
| Georgia Technological | 155 | 159 | 161 |
| Illinois Urbana | 155 | 159 | 163 |
| University of California | 155 | 159 | 161 |
| Stanford University | 158 | 160 | 163 |
| Massachusetts Institute of technology | 157 | 160 | 162 |
| Cornell University | 160 | 159 | 162 |
| University of Texas Austin | 155 | 157 | 160 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 159 | 159 | 161 |
In general, the benchmarks for different sections in GRE are as follows:
1. Great Marks: Getting 163 + in verbal, 165 + in quantitative & an overall of 328 plus will make you among 10% of GRE toppers. You need to also have 5.0+ in AWA.
2. Good Marks: Getting 158 to 162 in verbal, 159 to 164 in quantitative & an overall of 317- 327 will make you among 25% of scorers. You need to also get 4.5 in AWA.
3. Modest marks: Getting 152 to 157 in verbal & 153 to 158 in quantitative & an overall of 305 & 316 will make you amongst 50% of the scorers. You need to also get a 4.0+ in AWA.
GRE Preparation for achieving a good score:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is considered a good GRE score for top universities?
A good GRE score varies depending on the university and program. Generally, a score above 320 (with 165+ in Quant and 160+ in Verbal) is considered competitive for top universities like MIT, Stanford, and Carnegie Mellon. However, each department may have its own specific requirements, so it’s best to check the official university website.
2. What GRE score do I need for admission to Ivy League universities?
For Ivy League schools such as Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia, a GRE score in the 325–330+ range is typically expected. A strong Analytical Writing score (5.0 or higher) and an impressive overall profile (GPA, SOP, and LORs) also play a crucial role in admissions.
3. Can I get into a good university with a low GRE score?
Yes. Many universities take a holistic approach to admissions. A lower GRE score can be compensated by a strong GPA, impactful Statement of Purpose (SOP), solid Letters of Recommendation (LORs), and relevant work experience. Focus on improving other parts of your profile if your GRE score is not ideal.
4. How do I find the required GRE score for my target university?
Visit the official website of your desired university and department. Most programs clearly list their average GRE scores or minimum cut-off scores for admission. You can also check forums like GradCafe or Reddit GRE to get insights from recent applicants.
5. What is a good GRE score for MBA programs abroad?
For global MBA programs such as Stanford, Wharton, and INSEAD, a GRE score between 320 and 330 is generally competitive. However, since MBA admissions focus heavily on work experience, leadership, and essays, a slightly lower GRE score can still be acceptable with a strong overall profile.
6. How can I improve my GRE score quickly?
To boost your GRE score effectively:
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Take regular mock tests to track your progress.
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Focus on strengthening weak areas in Quant or Verbal.
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Practice reading comprehension and vocabulary daily.
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Use official GRE prep materials and adaptive online tests.
Consistency and strategy are more important than cramming.
7. How important is the AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) score in the GRE?
The AWA score, ranging from 0 to 6, measures your ability to analyze and articulate arguments. While it may not be as critical as your Quant and Verbal scores, most top universities expect a minimum of 4.5 to 5.0. A strong AWA score can also strengthen your profile for research-based programs and MBA applications.
8. What’s the difference between a good and great GRE score?
A good GRE score is typically around 315–325, making you competitive for several reputable universities. A great GRE score (328+) places you among the top 10% of test-takers and opens doors to elite institutions like MIT, Stanford, and UC Berkeley.
9. How long does it take to prepare for the GRE?
Most candidates require 2 to 3 months of focused preparation. However, this can vary depending on your current skill level. Those targeting 325+ often study 2–3 hours daily, focusing on mock tests, time management, and conceptual clarity.
10. Should I retake the GRE if I’m not satisfied with my score?
If your GRE score is below the average for your target program, it’s wise to retake the test. The GRE allows multiple attempts, and most universities consider only your highest score. With better preparation and strategy, improving your score by 5–10 points is very achievable.
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