GRE Accepted Universities in USA

Are you planning to study for a master’s degree in the United States? The land of opportunity is waiting for you, but where do you even start when there are so many universities to pick from? Universities in the United States that take the GRE are a secret weapon you may not have thought about yet! Were you aware that you might take the GRE exam as many as once every 21 days, for a total of five times in a year?

Does the US Master’s program require the GRE? Even in 2024, the admissions procedure at a number of highly regarded universities, such as Stanford, MIT, and others, still heavily weighs GRE results. However, depending on the university, different MS programs in the USA may require different minimum GRE scores.

Discover which US institutions accept the highest GRE scores, if the exam is required for the program you want to pursue, and which minimum scores are required in this guide. Now is the moment to get started and move closer to your ideal university!

Important Points

Here is a brief summary of the main ideas covered in this article about US universities that accept the GRE.

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 required GRE score for admission to US universities?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the standardized test that everyone talks about, may have crossed your mind if you’re preparing to pursue an MS or MBA in the USA. Is the GRE still necessary to fulfill your graduate school fantasies, though, with all the discussion of applications and requirements? It’s time to take this apart!

Consider the GRE as a mental health exam. This computer-based or paper-based exam evaluates three main areas to determine your readiness for graduate school difficulties. Here is a summary for everyone.

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

In the USA, is a GRE required for master’s degrees?

For graduate school admissions, the GRE score functions as a kind of magic number. Perfected it? You’re all but in.

According to a 2023 Kaplan Test Prep study, 60% of graduate admissions administrators think a high GRE score is crucial when deciding who gets in. This means that having a high GRE, which is required by US universities, will make you stand out from other applicants who have comparable educational backgrounds.

The format of the GRE for graduate school entrance in the United States is shown in the table below.

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

Requirements for MS in the United States for Foreign Students?

The GRE is your best buddy if you’re an Indian student applying to MS programs in the United States! It gives US universities a uniform method to evaluate your academic standing, particularly if your undergraduate degree was earned under a different system.

A high GRE score might tell you a lot about your chances of succeeding in a challenging US program, especially in highly competitive sectors where the GRE is still required.

Why enroll at American universities that accept the GRE?

Yes, the GRE may seem like one more obstacle to overcome, but enrolling in an institution that accepts the test can open up a wealth of opportunities for your academic career. Among the most notable are the ones listed below.

Prestige and Recognition: Harvard, Stanford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and other well-known universities that take the GRE are well-known for their outstanding academic programs. A degree from one of these universities can improve your career prospects and open doors globally.

Your Passion: Many graduate programs are offered by US universities that take the GRE. You can pick a program that precisely matches your academic interests, ranging from in-depth humanities studies to cutting-edge engineering.

Leveling the Playing Field: Admissions committees use the GRE as a standardized baseline. For overseas applicants, in particular, this is quite beneficial because it puts your academic credentials on par with those of applicants from other countries.

Stand Out from the Crowd: Even if your program does not require the GRE, a great score will still help you stand out among the competition. It can provide you with a competitive advantage in some sectors.

Take Advice from the Experts: In the USA, universities that accept the GRE frequently draw elite faculty. This implies that in addition to having access to cutting-edge resources and possibly even research opportunities, you will study under eminent academics and researchers.

Develop Your Connections: Attend a university that accepts the GRE, such as Harvard, Stanford, or MIT, to network with experienced faculty members and bright classmates, which will advance your professional prospects and teamwork. Prominent alums include Kofi Annan (MIT), Elon Musk (Stanford), and Barack Obama (Harvard).

Funding Options: A large number of US universities that accept the GRE provide financial help and scholarships to graduate students. This may make the desire of studying in the USA more feasible.

Post-Grad Advantage: Earning a degree from a prominent university that accepts the GRE can significantly advance one’s career. Businesses frequently actively seek out these colleges’ alumni because they value their potential and rigorous academic programs.

Fear that attending a US university that accepts your GRE will be too expensive for you to pay? If so, the excellent news you’ve been waiting for is here: Leap Finance. Students pursuing master’s degrees in the US are eligible for collateral-free loans from us. Get a loan offer in ten minutes and let us take care of all the expenses associated with your studies in the US so you can concentrate on exercising your right to the greatest education possible.

Also Read:

Student Visa Requirements in USA

MOI Accepted Universities In The USA

USA’s Top Universities Accepting the GRE

Did you know that the majority of the nation’s best universities—more than 90%—accept GRE scores as a prerequisite for graduate admission?

A great GRE score is your best chance of standing out in those incredibly competitive programs, even if the admissions process can sometimes feel like trying to decipher a mysterious code.

The typical starting income for MS graduates is between INR 59L and 67L (USD 70K and 100K) per year, which puts them in a strong position to pursue profitable professional paths. Looking into prestigious universities that accept GRE scores might help you get started on these fulfilling career possibilities.

Technology Institute of Massachusetts (MIT)

Consider it to be science and technology’s Hogwarts.

You’ll be surrounded by some of the world’s sharpest brains at MIT, who are always coming up with ideas that have the power to alter the course of history.

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 College

Imagine a place where innovative science and creativity coexist, where future CEOs and ground-breaking medical researchers get together to brainstorm on lazy Sundays.

With a campus full of opportunities, Stanford is for intellectually interested people like a playground in Silicon Valley.

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

Berkeley University of California

Have you ever wished to have a highly impactful education that is both intellectually and socially stimulating?

Next, focus on UC Berkeley, commonly known as the University of California, Berkeley, where activism and research collide and the battle for a better world begins 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

Chicago University

Imagine a location where eminent economists debate theories, philosophers analyze concepts with a laser-like focus, and every discussion is an exciting intellectual duel.

Not for the timid, UChicago is a refuge for individuals who enjoy a challenge and the excitement of delving into intricate concepts.

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	–

Pennsylvania University

This is a location where the spirit of entrepreneurship blends with the quest of knowledge, and Benjamin Franklin’s legacy walks the hallways beside medical research.

A rich tapestry of innovation, history, and opportunity awaits you at UPenn, ready for you to add your thread to the legacy of the university.

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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A Short List of the GRE Cut-Off Scores for US Universities

“The GRE is still a crucial component of our admissions procedure. It offers a standardized evaluation of a student’s verbal and quantitative reasoning skills, which are essential for success in graduate school. In a competitive application pool, a well-rounded candidate may benefit from a great GRE score. — Dr. Sonia Rodriguez, Columbia University’s graduate admissions dean.

Imagine that despite your stellar performance in your undergraduate statistics course, your lecturer applied a harsh marking scheme. Now, in comparison to someone who received a B+ in a course with a more forgiving professor, your excellent achievement appears “average”. Yes, it is frustrating.

The great equalizer is the GRE. It offers a standardized evaluation, which is particularly beneficial for overseas students whose transcripts might not translate accurately.

The average GRE scores that US universities accept are listed below.

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

Requirements for Admission to US Universities That Accept the GRE

For all MS programs in the United States, there isn’t a single “minimum GRE score.” Depending on the university and program you’re applying to, different GRE scores are required by US universities.

Make sure you confirm that you can attend any of the more than 150 US institutions without taking the GRE. If you are ineligible, focus on getting a high GRE score instead. Here’s how to go about it:

Research-Specific Programs: Make sure you visit the program’s official admissions page at all times. They will specify the particular GRE prerequisites (mandatory or optional).
Make a Prioritized Plan: Strategically schedule your GRE to coincide with your application deadlines and timeline for preparation.
Verify the GRE exam dates: While preparing a compelling application, look for GRE dates.
Good General Application Is Important: Make sure your application is well-rounded by emphasizing your research experience and academic accomplishments.

GRE requirements in the USA

Although there are no special documents needed for the GRE other than a valid photo ID on test day, applying to graduate programs in the United States may require providing certain documents in addition to your GRE results (if applicable).

This is an explanation:

Applications for Graduate Schools: Possible Documents

Universities in the USA That Accept the GRE: Minimum Requirement for Masters Degrees Official Transcripts: This is very important. Request that the graduate program or programs you are applying to receive an official copy of your transcripts from every university you attended.

Standardized test scores: GRE results, TOEFL or IELTS results for international students whose first language is not English, and GRE results if the program needs them.

Letters of Recommendation: Two or three excellent letters attesting to your academic prowess and research potential from supervisors or instructors will greatly improve your candidacy.
Purpose Statement/Personal Declaration: You can highlight your academic objectives, areas of interest in research, and reasons why you are a great fit for the program in this essay.

Emphasize your research experience, relevant employment experience, academic accomplishments, and any honors or recognitions you may have won in your resume or curriculum vitae.
Extra Resources (content-specific to program): Additional materials, such as writing samples, creative portfolios, or certain qualifications, may be required by some programs.

How to Get Ready for the US Minimum GRE Score for an MS

An estimated 2,00,000 Indian students were enrolled in US higher education programs in the 2023–2024 academic year, with a large number of them obtaining master’s degrees. An important part of this process is getting ready for the GRE.

The following table outlines how to get ready for the required minimum GRE score for a master’s degree in the United States:

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

Obtaining a Scholarship for American Universities That Accept the GRE

Were you aware? For overseas students studying in the United States, the estimated cost of living is between INR 80L and INR 2Cr per year, or between INR 80k and INR 2L on average.

Your GRE score may be your pass to a prestigious university and large financial aid! Here are a few for you to think about.

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)

Finally:

If you have progressed thus far, you have taken the first step—decisionally choosing to study at the top-rated GRE-accepted American universities! The next phase is getting ready so you can grab your chance and guarantee your place in your ideal university.

Here is where Leap Scholars can be of use. Schedule a free counseling appointment to map your course toward success in US grad school. Recall, the GRE score is only one component of the jigsaw. Present your enthusiasm, intellectual ability, and research potential.

Often asked questions are:

Q. Do MS programs at every university in the USA call for the GRE?

Many US Master’s programs are removing the GRE requirement. Some elite colleges, including Purdue University, have even waived it for specific programs. For the particular admissions policies of any university, it is advisable to visit their program websites. This change lets students evaluate themselves holistically, with an eye toward your academic record and experience.

Q. How can I locate American GRE-accepting colleges?

Simpler! Here is a list of GRE-accepting American colleges: Use their program finder tool on the official GRE website to search for GRE-requiring courses.
University websites: Often, admissions sections plainly state exam requirements.
On general university search engines, look for filters such as “GRE required.”

Q. Does MS in every field of study have a GRE requirement?

Not all US MS programs require the GRE, though. That relies on the field and university.
Often in STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, math), is required.
A few humanities and social science courses might not.
Always review the criteria of the particular program found on the university website.

Q. Under MS programs in the USA, what is the lowest GRE score?

US MS programs have no one minimum GRE score. It changes depending on:
University: Top universities would have expected better marks.
Program: GRE weight frequently falls more in STEM disciplines.
Try for a solid mark in the part pertinent to your field as well as a good overall score—300+.

Q. Does one need a high GRE score to be admitted into a GRE-approved university?

While it’s not the only consideration, a high GRE score is quite helpful for a GRE-accepting institution application. Committees overseeing admissions search for a well-rounded profile. This also counts:

GPA: Your undergraduate achievement has to be really strong.
Relevant work experience will strengthen your application.
2–3 Letters of Recommendation Suggestions that are glowing say volumes.

Q. Should I take the GRE even if the program of interest does not call for it?

The GRE conundrum resides in this:
Skip it if not absolutely necessary. saves time and money.
Think of it in terms of weak areas: A good score will improve your app.
Check the competition. If plenty of people apply with GREs, a good score will set you apart.

Q. What substitutes for the GRE for American MS programs?

RE stands for Not too concerned about it! Alternatives for US MS programs are listed here:

For business programs, the GMAT evaluates business-specific competencies.
GREsubject tests Subject tests highlight expertise in particular disciplines, including physics or math. Not all programs let them.
Showcase pertinent research experience or work on a strong portfolio.
Emphasize on your application a great GPA and coursework.

Q. If I want to target GRE-accepting colleges, how can I become ready?

Prepare for a successful GRE:

Official GRE materials: Consult study resources and practice exams from the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
Prep courses or books: Think about using courses or focused GRE preparation books in an organized manner.
With flashcards or applications, concentrate on GRE-style vocabulary building.
Time management: Create pacing and stamina by timing practice exams.
Emphasize your shortcomings. List your weak areas—quant or verbal—then customize your studies.

Q. Why would one want to attend a USA GRE-accepting university?

US colleges recognized by GRE have various benefits: Prestige: Many are highly regarded, top-ranked universities.
Strict Programs: Anticipate a demanding yet worthwhile academic background.
Faculty Expertise: Study under top-notch world-class experts in their domains.
Networking Possibilities: Get in touch with successful University of Chicago MS graduates including Satya Nadella (CEO, Microsoft).

Q. Where can I look for USA scholarships for GRE-accepting universities?

Research university websites, scholarship databases, and government financing programs provide many scholarships for overseas students seeking graduate degrees in the USA. Research foundations, professional groups, and NGOs in your field may provide scholarships especially for overseas students studying for a master’s degree in the USA.

Q. When applying to USA’s GRE-accepted universities, what deadlines apply?

Applying to GRE-accepted US universities differs depending on school and degree; deadlines vary as well. While spring semester deadlines run from August to October, fall semester deadlines usually include December to February. A few colleges have rolling admissions free from any set deadlines. On their official websites, every university and program has particular deadlines that should be checked. Early application advice is advised.

Q. While selecting a GRE-accepting university in the USA, what other considerations should be given?

When deciding on a GRE-accepting university in the USA, take into account the program’s rating and faculty experience, tuition costs and availability of financial assistance, campus location and lifestyle, career services and job placement rates, and particular entrance criteria of every program. Speaking with recent graduates or current students helps one also understand their experiences.