Your GRE exam score is one of the most critical components of your application when applying to top MS programs. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores help universities by providing a uniform metric to compare applicants from various backgrounds. While it’s not the only factor that matters, good GRE test scores can strengthen your chances of admission to prestigious institutions. This research synopsis will provide an overview of average GRE scores for top universities and guide you in determining the proper GRE test score range for your academic goals.
Table of Contents
1. What is the GRE Score Range?
The GRE score comprises Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Each of these sections has its score range:
• Verbal Reasoning: 130-170
• Quantitative Reasoning: 130-170
• Analytical Writing: 0-6 (in half-point increments)
Your combined GRE scores for Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning will fall between 260 and 340, while the Analytical Writing section is scored separately.
2. What is the Average GRE Score?
A competitive score depends largely on the program and university. On average, a strong applicant should aim for:
• Verbal Reasoning: 150-160
• Quantitative Reasoning: 155-165
• Analytical Writing: 4.0-4.5
Your GRE scores will typically need to be at the higher end of these ranges to get into top universities, particularly for technical fields like engineering and computer science.
3. How Do You Find the Correct GRE Score for Yourself?
Finding the proper GRE test score range involves researching the programs you’re interested in and understanding their average GRE scores. For instance, if you are applying to a highly competitive university like MIT, you must aim for a higher GRE score than less competitive institutions.
Consider the following steps to find your target score:
1. Research University Requirements: Check the specific GRE score requirements for each program.
2. Evaluate Your Strengths: Understand which sections of the GRE you excel at and where you need improvement.
3. Check Program Competitiveness: Programs in technical fields may place more emphasis on Quantitative Reasoning, while humanities-based programs may focus more on Verbal Reasoning.
GRE Scores for Top MS Universities
1. New York University (NYU)
About New York University (NYU):
NYU is one of the largest private universities in the U.S., known for its strong computer science, engineering, and data analytics research programs. Graduate record examination scores are essential for admission to their top MS programs.
• Verbal Reasoning: 155-160
• Quantitative Reasoning: 160-165
• Analytical Writing: 4.0-4.5
2. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
About Carnegie Mellon University (CMU):
CMU is renowned for its technology and engineering programs. To secure admission to their MS programs, your GRE score must reflect solid analytical and reasoning abilities.
• Verbal Reasoning: 155-160
• Quantitative Reasoning: 160-165
• Analytical Writing: 4.0-4.5
3. Northeastern University
About Northeastern University:
Northeastern is famous for its co-op programs and experiential learning. A balanced score in all GRE sections will improve your application for their MS programs.
• Verbal Reasoning: 150-155
• Quantitative Reasoning: 155-160
• Analytical Writing: 3.5-4.0
4. University of Southern California (USC)
About the University of Southern California (USC):
USC is known for its graduate programs, especially engineering and computer science. High GRE test scores will boost your application significantly.
• Verbal Reasoning: 155-160
• Quantitative Reasoning: 160-165
• Analytical Writing: 4.0-4.5
5. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
About the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC):
UIUC is a top public university with a strong emphasis on research. A good GRE test score is essential for admission to their top-tier MS programs.
• Verbal Reasoning: 155-160
• Quantitative Reasoning: 160-165
• Analytical Writing: 4.0-4.5
6. Columbia University
About Columbia University:
Columbia University is an Ivy League institution renowned for its research and academic programs. To be competitive, students are expected to have high GRE scores.
• Verbal Reasoning: 155-160
• Quantitative Reasoning: 160-165
• Analytical Writing: 4.0-4.5
7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
About Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT):
MIT is one of the most competitive universities in the world. Excellent GRE scores are essential for their MS programs, especially in technology and engineering.
• Verbal Reasoning: 160-165
• Quantitative Reasoning: 165-170
• Analytical Writing: 4.5-5.0
8. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
About the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley):
UC Berkeley is another leading research university, and high GRE scores, especially in Quantitative Reasoning, are crucial for admission.
• Verbal Reasoning: 155-160
• Quantitative Reasoning: 160-165
• Analytical Writing: 4.0-4.5
9. University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)
About the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin):
UT Austin is a public research university, and MS applicants need solid GRE scores to strengthen their applications.
• Verbal Reasoning: 150-155
• Quantitative Reasoning: 155-160
• Analytical Writing: 3.5-4.0
10. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
About the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor:
The University of Michigan is known for its strong engineering and science programs. High GRE scores, particularly in Quantitative Reasoning, are necessary for competitive applicants.
• Verbal Reasoning: 155-160
• Quantitative Reasoning: 160-165
• Analytical Writing: 4.0-4.5
Summing up:
Aiming for a high GRE score is crucial when applying to top Master of Science (MS) programs. A competitive GRE score strengthens your application and enhances your chances of admission to prestigious institutions. Universities often receive thousands of applications, and your GRE score provides a standardized measure for evaluating your analytical, quantitative, and verbal reasoning skills, making it easier for admissions committees to compare applicants from different academic and geographical backgrounds.
In addition to securing a strong GRE score, the efficient submission of your official transcripts plays a vital role in the application process. Universities require these academic transcripts to assess your past academic performance. However, traditional methods of sending academic transcripts via mail can be slow, prone to errors, and expensive, especially for international students. This is where Electronic Transcripts come into play.
