GRE Accepted Universities in USA: Minimum Required for Masters

Have you set your sights on pursuing a Master’s degree in the USA? The land of opportunity awaits, but with so many universities to choose from, where do you even begin? A secret weapon you might have yet to consider is GRE-accepted universities in the USA! Did You Know that you can take the GRE test once every 21 days and up to five times in 365 days?

Is GRE required for masters in USA? In 2024, several top-ranked universities, including MIT, Stanford, and others, still focus on GRE scores during their admission process.  However, the minimum GRE score for an MS in the USA might vary depending on the university.  

In this guide, you’ll explore the best GRE-accepted universities in the USA, whether the GRE is mandatory for your desired program, and the minimum scores needed. It’s time to dive in and get you one step closer to your dream university!

Key Highlights 

Here’s a quick overview of the key points discussed in this article on GRE-accepted universities in the USA.  

Particulars	Details
GRE Formats	The key to admission into US graduate programs Crucial for MS and MBA
Significance of GRE	Why study at GRE-accepted universities in the USA?
Why Study in GRE-Accepted Universities in the USA?	Prestige Recognition Funding Possibilities Post-Grad Advantage
Top GRE-Accepted Universities	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Stanford University University of California, Berkeley
Average Cut-offs of the Top GRE Universities in USA (2024)	Verbal Score: 158.8 Quantitative Score: 161.4 Writing Score: 4.65
GRE Scholarships	Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship TATA Scholarship for Cornell University Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
Average Annual Tuition Fee for Master at GRE-accepted Universities in the USA	INR 55L (USD 66K)

What is the GRE that Universities in the USA require? 

If you’re gearing up to pursue an MS or MBA degree in the USA, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) might have crossed your mind – that standardised test everyone talks about. But with all the talk of applications and requirements, is the GRE still a must-have key to live your grad school dreams? Time to unpack this!

Think of the GRE as a fitness test for your brain. It’s a computer-based or paper-delivered exam that assesses three key areas to see if you’re ready to tackle the challenges of grad school. Here’s an overview for all.

GRE General Test	Description
Verbal Reasoning	Dissecting complex texts Understanding intricate vocabulary Making logical connections Score Scale – 130 to 170
Quantitative Reasoning	Arithmetic, algebra Geometry and data analysis skills Testing proficiency with numbers and problem-solving Score Scale – 130 to 170
Analytical Writing	Evaluates critical thinking and writing abilities Score Scale – 0 to 6

Is GRE Required for Masters in the USA? 

The GRE score works like a magic number for grad school admissions. Aced it? You’re practically in. 

A 2023 study by Kaplan Test Prep found that 60% of graduate admissions officers consider a strong GRE score an important factor in making admissions decisions. This means a high GRE required by universities in the USA will help you stand out from other applicants with similar academic backgrounds. 

The table below details the GRE’s structure for graduate school admissions in the USA. 

GRE General Exam Information	Description
Duration	Approximately  3 hours and 45 minutes (including breaks)
Acceptance	Accepted by over 1,500 universities worldwide
Modes	Available in both online and offline formats
Section Emphasis	Quantitative: Emphasised in courses like engineering, focusing on arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Scores: –165-170: Excellent -155-164: Very Good -150-154: Good
	Verbal: Emphasised in humanities and arts courses, focusing on complex texts and vocabulary. Scores: –165-170: Excellent – 155-164: Very Good -150-154: Good
General Scoring	– Excellent: 165-170 – Very Good: 155-164 – Good: 150-154 – Needs Improvement: 140-149 – Poor: 130-139

Mandatory for MS in the USA for International Students?

If you’re an Indian student applying for MS in the USA, the GRE is your best friend! It provides a standardised way for US universities to gauge your academic abilities, especially if your undergrad degree is from a different system.

A strong GRE score can speak volumes about your potential to succeed in a demanding US program, particularly for competitive fields where the GRE remains a requirement. 

Why study at GRE-accepted universities in the USA? 

Sure, the GRE might seem like another hurdle to jump, but attending a GRE-accepted university can unlock a treasure trove of benefits for your academic journey. The most noteworthy ones include the following. 

• Prestige and Recognition: Many GRE-accepted universities, such as Harvard, Stanford, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are household names renowned for their academic excellence. Earning a degree from one of these institutions can boost your resume and open doors worldwide.
• Your Passion: GRE-accepted universities in the USA often boast many graduate programs. From cutting-edge engineering to in-depth humanities studies, you’ll find a program that perfectly aligns with your academic interests.
• Levelling the Playing Field: The GRE is a standardised benchmark for admissions committees. This is especially helpful for international students, as it allows you to showcase your academic abilities on an equal footing with applicants from different backgrounds.
• Stand Out from the Crowd: A strong score can still make you a standout applicant even if the GRE is optional for your program. In competitive fields, it can give you that extra edge.
• Learn from the Best: GRE-accepted universities in the USA often attract top faculty. This means you’ll learn from world-class scholars and researchers, gaining access to modern facilities and potentially even research opportunities.
• Build Your Network: Study at a GRE-accepted university like Harvard, Stanford, or MIT to connect with talented peers and accomplished faculty, boosting your career and collaboration opportunities. Notable alumni include Barack Obama (Harvard), Elon Musk (Stanford), and Kofi Annan (MIT).
• Funding Possibilities: Many GRE-accepted universities in the USA offer scholarships and financial aid for graduate students. This can make studying in the USA a more attainable dream.
• Post-Grad Advantage: A degree from a prestigious GRE-accepted university is a powerful career booster. Companies often actively seek graduates from these institutions, recognising their academic rigour and potential.

Worried that affording the tuition fees to study at GRE-accepted universities in the USA might break the bank? If so, Leap Finance is the good news you were waiting for. We offer collateral-free loans to students going to their masters in the US. Get a loan offer in 10 minutes and let us cover 100% of the cost of studying in the US for you while you focus on what’s your right – get the best possible education. 

Top GRE Accepted Universities in the USA

Did you know that over 90% of top universities in the USA accept GRE scores for admission to their graduate programs?

While the admissions process can feel like cracking a cryptic code, a strong GRE score is your golden ticket to stand out in those super-competitive programs.

For MS graduates, the average starting salary generally falls between  INR 59L to 67L (USD 70K to 100K) annually, positioning them for lucrative career opportunities. Exploring top universities where GRE scores are accepted can open doors to these rewarding career paths for you. 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Think of it as Hogwarts for science and technology. 

At MIT, you’ll be surrounded by some of the brightest minds on the planet, all constantly brewing up ideas that can potentially change the world.  

Category	Details
Established	1861
Notable Alumni	Kofi Annan (Former UN Secretary-General) Buzz Aldrin (Astronaut) Raghuram Rajan (Economist) Richard Feynman (Physicist)
Top MS Courses Offered	Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) Mechanical Engineering Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Civil and Environmental Engineering Chemical Engineering
Average Tuition Fees Range	INR 70L (USD 83K) per year

GRE Score Required for MS in MIT:

Verbal Score	157
Quantitative Score	162
Writing Score	5.3

Stanford University

​​Imagine a place where creativity meets cutting-edge research, and lazy Sundays involve brainstorming with future CEOs and groundbreaking medical researchers. 

Stanford is like a Silicon Valley playground for the intellectually curious, with a campus teeming with possibilities. 

Category	Details
Established	1885
Notable Alumni	Larry Page (Co-founder of Google) Elon Musk (CEO of SpaceX and Tesla) Sergey Brin (Co-founder of Google) Sundar Pichai (CEO of Alphabet Inc.)
Top MS Courses Offered	Computer Science Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Management Science and Engineering Civil and Environmental Engineering
Average Tuition Fees Range	INR 50L (USD 61K) per year

GRE Score Required for MS at Stanford University

Verbal Score	158
Quantitative Score	163
Writing Score	4.5

University of California, Berkeley

Have you ever dreamt of getting an intellectually stimulating education deeply rooted in making a positive impact? 

Then set your sights on the University of California, Berkeley, also known as UC Berkeley – where research meets activism, and the fight for a better world starts right on campus.

Category	Details
Established	1868
Notable Alumni	Steve Wozniak (Co-founder of Apple Inc.) Eric Schmidt (Former CEO of Google) Jennifer Granholm (U.S. Secretary of Energy) Gordon Moore (Co-founder of Intel)
Top MS Courses Offered	Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) Mechanical Engineering Civil and Environmental Engineering Industrial Engineering and Operations Research Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Civil and Environmental Engineering
Average Tuition Fees Range	INR 45L (USD 55K) per year

GRE Score Required for MS at the University of California, Berkeley:

Verbal Score	155
Quantitative Score	161
Writing Score	4.5

University of Chicago

Imagine a place where renowned economists spar over theories, philosophers dissect ideas with laser focus, and every conversation feels like a thrilling intellectual joust. 

UChicago isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s a haven for those who thrive on challenge and relish the thrill of exploring complex ideas.

Category	Details
Established	1890
Notable Alumni	Milton Friedman (Nobel Laureate in Economics) Carl Sagan (Astronomer and Astrophysicist) Satya Nadella (CEO of Microsoft) David Rubenstein (Co-founder of The Carlyle Group)
Top MS Courses Offered	Computer Science Data Science Financial Mathematics Analytics Biomedical Informatics
Average Tuition Fees Range	INR 50L (USD 60K) per year

GRE Score Required for MS at the University of Chicago:

Verbal Score	156
Quantitative Score	161
Writing Score	–

University of Pennsylvania

Here’s a place where Benjamin Franklin’s legacy walks the halls alongside medical research, and the spirit of entrepreneurship intertwines with the pursuit of knowledge.

UPenn offers a vibrant tapestry of history, innovation, and opportunity, waiting for you to weave your thread into the fabric of its legacy. 

Category	Details
Established	1740
Notable Alumni	Donald Trump (45th President of the United States) Warren Buffett (CEO of Berkshire Hathaway) Elon Musk (CEO of SpaceX and Tesla) Sundar Pichai (CEO of Alphabet Inc.)
Top MS Courses Offered	Computer and Information Science Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics Bioengineering Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Average Tuition Fees Range	INR 40L (USD 48K) per year

GRE Score Required for MS at the University of Pennsylvania

Verbal Score	168
Quantitative Score	160
Writing Score	4.3

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GRE Cut-Off Scores for US Universities- A Brief List

“The GRE remains an important tool in our admissions process. It provides a standardised assessment of a student’s quantitative and verbal reasoning abilities, which are crucial for success in graduate coursework. A strong GRE score can give a well-rounded applicant an edge in a competitive applicant pool.” –  Dr. Sonia Rodriguez, Dean of Graduate Admissions at Columbia University.

Imagine this: you aced your undergraduate statistics course, but your professor used a brutal grading scale. Now, your stellar performance looks “average” compared to someone who got a B+ in a program with a more lenient professor. Frustrating, right?

The GRE is the great equaliser. It provides a standardised assessment that is especially helpful for international students whose transcripts might translate poorly.  

Here is a list of average scores for the GRE accepted by Universities in USA. 

MS Course	Average Score in Verbal Section	Average Score in Quantitative Section
Social Sciences	153	152
Business	151	156
Life Sciences	151	151
Arts and Humanities	156	150
Physical Sciences	151	160

Eligibility Criteria to Get into GRE-Accepted Universities in the USA

No single “minimum GRE score” exists for all MS programs in the USA. The importance of the GRE required by universities in the USA varies depending on the university and program you’re applying to. 

Make sure to verify your eligibility for admission to over 150 US universities without GRE requirements. If not eligible, prioritise achieving a strong GRE score instead. Here’s how to approach this:

1. Research-Specific Programs: Always check the official admissions website for your desired program. They’ll outline specific GRE requirements (optional or required.)
2. Plan Ahead of Time: Plan your GRE date strategically to align with your application deadlines and preparation timeline.
3. Check GRE Exam Dates: Check GRE dates while building a strong application.
4. Strong Overall Application Matters: Focus on building a well-rounded application showcasing your academic achievements and research experience.

Requirements for GRE in USA 

While the GRE itself doesn’t require specific documents besides a valid photo ID on test day, the application process for graduate schools in the USA might involve submitting certain documents alongside your GRE scores (if required). 

Here’s a breakdown:

Documents for Graduate School Applications (might include):

• Official Transcripts: This is crucial. Request official transcripts from all universities you attended to be sent directly to the graduate program(s) you’re applying to.
• Standardised Test Scores (if required): GRE scores (if the program requires them), TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students whose native language isn’t English.
• Letters of Recommendation: 2-3 Strong recommendation letters from professors or supervisors who can vouch for your academic abilities and research potential can significantly enhance your application.
• Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement: This essay lets you showcase your academic goals, research interests, and why you’re a perfect fit for the program.
• Resume/CV: Highlight your academic achievements, research experience, relevant work experience, and any awards or recognitions you’ve received.
• Additional Materials (program-specific): Some programs might require additional materials, such as writing samples, portfolios of creative work, or specific certifications.

How to Prepare for Minimum GRE score for MS in USA

Estimates suggest that in the 2023-2024 academic year, more than 2,00,000 Indian students were enrolled in US higher education, with a significant portion pursuing Master’s degrees. Preparing for the GRE is a crucial step in this journey.

Here is the table on how to prepare for the minimum GRE score for MS in the USA:

How to Prepare for Minimum GRE Score for MS in USA	Preparation Tips
Verbal Reasoning	Build a strong vocabulary  Practice reading comprehension  Take practice tests regularly
Quantitative Reasoning	Review basic maths concepts  Practice problem-solving techniques   Use GRE prep books and online resources
Analytical Writing	Practice writing essays Develop clear and concise arguments  Get feedback on your writing
General Tips	Create a study schedule  Take full-length practice tests   Stay consistent and focused

Also Read: GRE Exam Preparation 2024: Section-wise Tips. 

Getting a Scholarship for GRE-Accepted Universities in the USA

Did you know? The estimated cost of living for international students in the USA ranges from approximately INR 80L to 2Cr annually, averaging about INR 80k to INR 2L per month.

Your GRE score can be your ticket to a world-class education with substantial scholarships! Here are some you can consider. 

Scholarship Name	Description	Award Amount
Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship	Offered by Rotary Clubs For undergraduate and postgraduate students	Academic Year: USD 25K (INR 21L)Multi-Year: USD 12K (INR 10L)Cultural: USD 12K – 19K (INR 10L – INR 16L)
TATA Scholarship for Cornell University	Need/merit-based scholarship For Indian students at Cornell UniversityFunded by TATA.	USD 300K (INR 2.5Cr – 20 scholars annually)
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship	Merit-based scholarship By Reliance Industries For Indian students pursuing an MBA at Stanford	Up to USD 240K (INR 2Cr -5 students annually)
Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship	Merit-based scholarship For higher education in the USAOffering a mix of grants and loans	Varies by course
Inlaks Scholarship	Offered by Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation For Indian students Pursuing higher studies in the USA	Up to USD 100K (INR 83L)

Please note that these award amounts can vary and are provided as estimates. 

Also read: Scholarships for Indian students in the USA 2024: Eligibility & Benefits. 

To Conclude:

If you’ve gotten this far, you’ve walked the first step – making a firm decision to study at the top-rated GRE-accepted universities in the USA! The next step is preparation so you can crack open to your opportunity and secure your seat in your dream university.

This is where Leap Scholar can help you! Book a free counselling session to chart your path to US grad school success. Remember, the GRE score is just one piece of the puzzle. Showcase your passion, academic prowess, and research potential. 

Frequently Asked Questions