Understanding GRE Cutoff Scores
GRE cutoff scores indicate the competitive score ranges expected by top graduate programs. These scores aren’t strict barriers but act as benchmarks. Final selections depend on the full application, GPA, SOPs, research, and recommendations matter just as much.
Cutoffs differ by university, program, and location. For example, a STEM course at a top-tier university often expects higher quant scores, while humanities programs may focus on verbal reasoning.
Expected GRE Cutoffs in 2025
Top-Tier Universities
Score Range: 325–340
- Verbal: 160–170
- Quant: 165–170
- AWA: 4.5–6.0
Examples:
- Harvard: 325+
- Stanford: 330+ (STEM), 320+ (Arts)
- MIT: 335+ (Engineering), 320+ (Management)
- Yale: 325+
Highly Competitive Universities
Score Range: 315–325
- Verbal: 155–165
- Quant: 160–170
- AWA: 4.0–5.0
Examples:
- UC Berkeley: 320+
- Carnegie Mellon: 325+ (CS)
- Northwestern: 315+
- Georgetown: 320+
Competitive Universities
Score Range: 310–320
- Verbal: 150–160
- Quant: 155–165
- AWA: 3.5–4.5
Examples:
- UT Austin: 315+
- University of Washington: 310+
- Boston University: 315+
- NYU: 318+
Read More: GRE Exam Syllabus
Moderately Competitive Universities
Score Range: 300–315
- Verbal: 145–155
- Quant: 150–160
- AWA: 3.0–4.0
Examples:
- Arizona State: 305+
- University of Florida: 310+
- Ohio State: 308+
- Penn State: 312+
GRE Cutoff Trends (2020–2024)
Average Score Progression
- 2020: 306 (V: 151, Q: 155)
- 2021: 308
- 2022: 310
- 2023: 312
- 2024: 314 (V: 155, Q: 159)
Reasons Behind the Rise
- More international applicants
- Better prep materials
- Home testing advantages
- Higher retake frequency
Program-Wise Increases
- Engineering: +5 points
- Business: +7 points
- Liberal Arts: +3 points
- Science: +6 points
GRE Cutoffs by Field of Study
Engineering & Tech
- Computer Science: 325+ (Top), 315+ (Competitive)
- Electrical: 320+
- Mechanical: 318+
- Civil: 315+
Business & Management
- MBA: 330+
- Finance: 325+
- Marketing: 320+
- Operations: 318+
Natural Sciences
- Physics: 325+
- Chemistry: 320+
- Biology: 318+
- Mathematics: 330+
Social Sciences & Humanities
- Psychology: 320+
- Political Science: 318+
- English Literature: 325+
- History: 320+
Regional GRE Cutoff Trends
Northeast US
- Avg Cutoff: 320+
- Top Programs: 330+
- State Schools: 315+
West Coast US
- Avg Cutoff: 318+
- Top Programs: 328+
- State Schools: 312+
Midwest US
- Avg Cutoff: 312+
- Top Programs: 322+
- State Schools: 305+
Southern US
- Avg Cutoff: 310+
- Top Programs: 320+
- State Schools: 300+
Read More: GRE Eligibility Criteria
University-Wise Cutoffs
Ivy League
Harvard
- Arts & Sciences: 325+
- Business: 330+
- Medical: 320+
- Law: 325+ (if GRE accepted)
Princeton
- Engineering: 330+
- Sciences: 325+
- Social Sciences: 320+
- Humanities: 322+
Yale
- Graduate: 325+
- Management: 328+
- Medicine: 320+
- Engineering: 330+
Columbia
- Arts & Sciences: 322+
- Business: 332+
- Engineering: 325+
- Journalism: 318+
Top Public Universities
UC Berkeley
- Engineering: 325+
- Business: 330+
- Sciences: 320+
- Social Sciences: 315+
University of Michigan
- Engineering: 322+
- Business: 325+
- Sciences: 318+
- Social Sciences: 312+
University of Virginia
- Engineering: 320+
- Business: 322+
- Sciences: 315+
- Social Sciences: 310+
UNC Chapel Hill
- Business: 320+
- Sciences: 315+
- Social Sciences: 308+
- Humanities: 310+
Read More: GRE Admit Card 2025
Specialized Institutions
MIT
- Engineering: 335+
- Sloan: 340+
- Sciences: 330+
Caltech
- All Programs: 330+
- PhD: 335+
Stanford
- Engineering: 330+
- Business: 335+
- Sciences: 325+
- Social Sciences: 320+
What Influences GRE Cutoffs?
Application Volume
- High-demand = Higher scores
- Niche programs = Smaller pool, higher expectations
- International applicants = Score averages increase
- Recession = Surge in applications
University-Specific Factors
- Better rankings = Stricter cutoffs
- High research funding = Competitive admissions
- Renowned faculty = Increased demand
- Strong lab access = High-scoring applicants
External Influences
- GRE-optional policies
- Holistic admissions model
- Inclusion efforts
- Industry trends shifting program popularity
Score Practices
- Superscoring accepted at some schools
- Retakes improve chances
- Score Choice lets applicants send best attempt
- Validity: Scores valid for 5 years
How to Strategize Your GRE Cutoff Approach
Set Realistic Targets
- Review program-specific requirements
- Apply across a mix of reach, match, and safety schools
- Boost all components: GRE alone won’t guarantee selection
- Factor in retake timelines
Tailor Preparation
- STEM aspirants: Prioritize Quant
- Humanities: Focus on Verbal and AWA
- Balance all sections
- Practice analytical writing under time constraints
Strengthen Your Application
- Shortlist programs early
- Apply to multiple schools
- Take GRE well before deadlines
- Seek expert admissions guidance if aiming for top 10 programs
Final Takeaway
GRE cutoffs in 2025 will reflect ongoing competition and rising global standards. But admissions aren't only about scores. A strong application tells a story. Your research work, SOP, and recommendations can turn a 318 into an admit at a 325+ program. Know your numbers, but don’t chase scores in isolation, build your full profile.