The GRE cutoff is the minimum score needed by universities to select students for MS and MBA programs. ETS does not fix any official cutoff. Each college decides its own required score. The GRE total score ranges from 260 to 340 for Verbal and Quantitative sections, while Analytical Writing is scored from 0 to 6. Top universities usually expect 150 to 167 marks in Verbal and Quantitative and 3.0 to 5.5 in Writing. On average, students score around 150 in Verbal, 153 in Quantitative, and 3.5 in Writing. Every year, more than 5 lakh students from 160 countries take the GRE, and over 1,200 universities accept these scores. Higher GRE scores increase the chances of getting admission to well-ranked universities and competitive programs.
What is GRE Cutoff?
Candidates who plan to study MS or MBA abroad usually need GRE scores for admission. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) does not set any fixed cutoff for the GRE. Every year, more than 5 lakh students from over 160 countries take the GRE General Test at around 1,000 test centers worldwide. More than 1,200 business schools and universities accept GRE scores for graduate programs. The GRE exam is designed to test a student’s verbal reasoning, analytical writing, and quantitative (math) skills. The GRE is available in computer-based mode at authorized test centers and also through the GRE at Home option. Students applying for Master of Science (MS) or MBA programs must take the GRE exam as part of the admission process.
GRE Total Marks
The GRE exam has a total score range of 260 to 340 for Verbal and Quantitative sections, while Analytical Writing is scored from 0 to 6. Each section tests different academic and reasoning skills required for graduate-level studies.
| 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 |
GRE Cutoff for the Top Universities in the World
Top global universities usually expect strong GRE scores, with Verbal and Quantitative scores between 150 and 167 and Analytical Writing scores from 3.0 to 5.5. Exact cutoff requirements vary by university and chosen academic program.
| GRE Exam Eligibility Universities | GRE Eligible Verbal Scores | GRE Eligible Quantitative Scores | GRE Eligible Writing Scores |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Average GRE Score for Universities
The average GRE scores are around 150 in Verbal Reasoning, 153 in Quantitative Reasoning, and 3.5 in Analytical Writing. These scores indicate typical performance levels of candidates applying to universities for graduate admission.
| GRE Section | Average GRE Score |
|---|---|
| GRE Verbal Reasoning Section | 149.97 |
| GRE Quantitative Reasoning Section | 152.57 |
| GRE Analytical Writing Section | 3.48 |
GRE Cutoff FAQs
What is the GRE cutoff set by ETS for the GRE exam?
ETS does not set any fixed GRE cutoff. Each university and program decides its own minimum score requirement for admission.
What is the total score range of the GRE exam?
The GRE total score ranges from 260 to 340 for Verbal and Quantitative sections combined, while Analytical Writing is scored from 0 to 6.
What is the GRE Verbal Reasoning score range?
The GRE Verbal Reasoning section is scored between 130 and 170.
What is the GRE Quantitative Reasoning score range?
The GRE Quantitative Reasoning section is scored between 130 and 170.
What is the GRE Analytical Writing score range?
The GRE Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6.
What GRE scores are usually required by top universities worldwide?
Top universities generally expect Verbal and Quantitative scores between 150 and 167 and Analytical Writing scores between 3.0 and 5.5, depending on the program.
What is the average GRE Verbal score for university admissions?
The average GRE Verbal Reasoning score is around 150, which reflects typical performance among applicants.
What is the average GRE Quantitative score for university admissions?
The average GRE Quantitative Reasoning score is about 153, commonly seen among graduate applicants.
What is the average GRE Analytical Writing score for universities?
The average GRE Analytical Writing score is approximately 3.5, which meets the general expectations of many institutions.
How many universities and business schools accept GRE scores worldwide?
More than 1,200 universities and business schools across the world accept GRE scores for graduate programs.