USA GRE Questions
9 questions
Expert Answers
What is the preparation status and requirements for GRE and IELTS exams for my intended study abroad in USA for a Master's?
→What GRE score and academic background do Indian students need to get into UCLA for Masters?
→For a UCLA masters, aim for a GRE around 320 to 330 where it is required, a 4-year bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA or roughly 75 percent, and strong English scores. Many departments, including Computer Science, have made the GRE optional for 2026-2027.
How long is a GRE score valid for an MS application in the USA?
→A GRE score is valid for exactly 5 years from your test date. Once that window closes, ETS permanently deletes your record, so you cannot send official reports. Some universities require your score to still be valid on the application opening date or the first day of classes.
What GRE scores and GPA does MIT expect from Indian students applying for a Masters program?
→MIT enforces no official minimum, but competitive Indian Masters applicants typically score GRE 325 to 330+, with a Quant score of 165 to 170 for STEM, and hold a 3.5+ GPA, roughly 8.5+ CGPA. Many departments now waive or do not accept the GRE, so check per program.
How do I shortlist universities for an MS in the USA based on my GRE score and GPA?
→Start by normalising your GPA to the 4.0 scale and reviewing your GRE sectional scores, since Computer Science weighs Quant and humanities weigh Verbal. Then build a balanced three-tier list of ambitious, target, and safe programs, and filter for GRE-optional schools if your GRE is weak.
Does the GRE have negative marking for wrong answers or is it safe to guess?
→No, the GRE has no negative marking. Wrong answers score exactly the same as blanks, zero, so you should guess on every question. A random guess on a five-option question gives 20 percent odds, and eliminating two wrong choices raises that to about 33 percent.
What is a good GRE score out of 340 for MS admissions in the USA?
→A GRE total of 315 to 325 out of 340 is a good, competitive score for MS admissions in the USA. Top-10 programmes like MIT and Stanford expect 325 plus with near-perfect 167-170 Quant, top-50 schools accept 312-324, and scores of 300-311 suit universities ranked 51-100.