What are good GRE scores for PhD?

A good GRE score for a PhD is generally above 315-320 total, with scores in the high 150s or 160s in each section (Verbal/Quant), but it varies heavily by program and field, with top-tier programs often looking for 330+ or 90th percentile (163+ Verbal, 170 Quant); research experience, GPA, SOP, and recommendations often matter more than scores alone, especially in research-focused PhDs.

What is a good GRE score for a PhD program?

“Good” GRE Scores for Other Graduate Programs

Other competitive graduate school programs (besides business) have GRE section score averages between 160 and 165.

Is a GRE score of 320 good or bad?

Yes, a 320 is a strong GRE score, making you competitive for many graduate programs, especially in the top 20-30 universities, though it might be on the lower end for the most elite (M7) programs where scores often exceed 325-330+; your overall profile, including work experience, GPA, and essays, heavily influences admission, with strong Quant scores (around 160+) being crucial for technical fields, PrepScholar, GOALisB, and Reddit users, Reddit users. 

What is a top 10% GRE score?

A top 10% GRE score typically means scoring around 169-170 in Verbal and 168-170 in Quantitative, with a combined score often in the 325-330+ range, placing you well above average and competitive for top programs, though specific program requirements vary. 

Is getting a 300 on GRE hard?

Getting a 300 on the GRE is considered an average but attainable goal for most students, requiring solid, focused preparation, but it's not "easy" and demands consistent effort, strategic studying (like mastering weak areas), and time (often a few months of dedicated study), rather than last-minute cramming. It's a doable score if you commit to understanding concepts and practicing regularly, but it requires more than minimal effort. 

PhD admissions: Is GRE really essential in 2025?

What is the top 1% score on the GRE?

A top 1% GRE score requires near-perfect performance, typically a 170 in Verbal Reasoning, a score that hits the 99th percentile, while a perfect 170 in Quantitative Reasoning is often around the 97th-99th percentile, showing it's harder to get in the top 1% on Quant. For Analytical Writing, a score of 5.0 or higher places you in the top 10%, with 6.0 being the 99th percentile.
 

Is 312 a bad GRE score?

For most top-50 schools, a good GRE score is in the high 150s to low 160s on both sections. Based on this data, an overall GRE score of 315 to 320 is a good GRE score for MBA applicants, while a score of 325 is excellent.

What GRE score for Harvard?

Harvard University Requirements

For admission to Harvard University, you need the following: Average GPA: 3.7/4.0. GRE score: 330/340. Statement of Purpose.

What is an Ivy League GRE score?

Different B schools accept different GRE scores. However, to get admission into top B schools in the US, you need to score a minimum of 320. However, for anyone aspiring to take admission to Ivy League colleges, a score of minimum 330 should be good enough.

Does 340-340 GRE mean direct admit in MIT Stanford?

The GRE score is only one of the factors that goes into the selection of an applicant for a particular program. Even if you have a score that is above 330, it does not guarantee admission into one of the world renowned institutes, such as Stanford or MIT.

Is 320 a competitive GRE score?

Is 320 a good GRE score? Yes—320 (e.g., 160V/160Q) is competitive at many programs. For top-tier or quant-heavy fields, stronger section balances (e.g., 163–168+ Quant) can help.

What percentile is 330 on GRE?

To answer that, you need to understand that a 330+ score is usually the 98th percentile of all GRE scores, which means only 2% of all GRE test takers in the world get a score of 330+.

Is a 3.4 GPA too low for PhD?

A 3.4 GPA is on the borderline for PhD programs; while below the typical 3.5+ expectation for competitive programs, it's not automatically too low and can be overcome with a strong application showing significant research experience, outstanding letters of recommendation (LORs), a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP), and high GRE scores, especially if your performance improved over time. Focus on demonstrating research potential and aligning with specific professors, as holistic review values potential over just grades. 

Is GRE waived off for 2025?

For a 2025 GRE fee waiver (reduction), you typically apply through ETS by proving financial need with your FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI) or demonstrating unemployment, with potential vouchers reducing the cost to about $100 for the General Test and offering free prep materials. You must complete the GRE Fee Reduction Voucher Request Form and submit supporting documents via email to [email protected]. 

Is GRE necessary for PhD?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) has long been considered a key requirement for admission into PhD programs across the United States. However, in recent years, many top universities have revised their admission policies, offering students the opportunity to pursue a PhD in the USA without submitting GRE scores.

What GRE score do I need for Yale?

While there are no official minimum GRE scores, it's crucial to aim high to maximise your chances of acceptance. According to various sources, the average GRE scores for accepted Yale students typically GRE score range from 155 to 165 for Verbal and 160–167 for Quant.

What is the average GRE score for Phd programs?

Remember that the Verbal and Quantitative portions of the GRE are scored between 130–170, and the average score falls somewhere around 150-152. The Analytical Writing section of the GRE is scored between 0 and 6 in half-point increments, and the average hits somewhere around 3.5.

How much GRE score is required for Cornell?

It requires a combined quantitative and verbal score of 350 on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for admission. The minimum required score for the verbal segment is 160, and the minimum required score for the quantitative component is 170. However, remember that the GRE requirement varies from course to course.

What is the GRE score for NYU?

The average GRE scores for the incoming class at NYU Stern are 163 Verbal and 164 Quant.

How rare is 340 GRE?

Although securing a perfect GRE score is rare, a few candidates are able to achieve it. As per the data of ETS, only 1% of the candidates worldwide score more than 330, making securing 340 an extraordinary achievement.

What percentile is 320 on GRE?

A 320 GRE score is generally considered a strong, competitive score, often falling around the 80th percentile or higher, meaning you scored better than most test-takers, but its effectiveness varies; it's very good for many programs but might be on the lower end for highly selective top-tier universities, where scores over 325-330 are often preferred. The exact percentile depends on the Verbal/Quant split (e.g., 160V/160Q is great), but a 320 total demonstrates solid readiness for graduate studies.
 

Is a 315 good on GRE?

Any GRE score above 310+ is considered to be an exceptional score, however, what the colleges or universities consider while looking at your scorecard are the verbal and quant section scores and percentile. The sectional scores and percentile vary.