The minimum GRE score required to apply for a PhD program at top universities in the USA can vary depending on the specific university and the field of study. While there is no universal cutoff, competitive applicants to top-tier institutions like MIT, Stanford, or Harvard typically score in the 90th percentile or higher. For the Quantitative section, scores above 165 are often expected, especially in STEM fields, while Verbal scores above 160 are common in humanities and social sciences. However, many schools emphasize the overall profile, including research experience, academic achievements, and letters of recommendation, rather than solely focusing on GRE scores. Some universities may even waive the GRE requirement, depending on the program.

Universities will set their own requirements in terms of GRE and in the United States, for example, the average GRE scores for the general test range from: 3.0-5.5 for writing. 154-163 for verbal. 157-167 for quantitative.



Harvard is an extremely competitive school for graduate applicants. On average, the GRE scores of admitted applicants range from about 155 to 166 for Verbal and 155 to 170 for Quant, with many programs wanting scores in the 160s, or the top 10-15 percent.



There is no magic number that will ensure admissions.  A phd primarily is about creation of new knowledge. so the most important criterion would be the strength of your research problem and its match with the Professor/department that you seek to apply to. But a good GRE score does act as booster shot. Scores above 330 are exceptional and will make your application stand out. But 300- 310 are quite safe scores and you application with that scores will merit a look in most universities. What will make the decision in your favour is a combination of factors. Teh nature of your research problem, the integrety displayed by your SOP, the correlation betweeen your essay, and your reco letters all will collectively play a role in you being selected or rejected. Also since most good universites look for  diversity in their class ( though not that much at phd level), that too plays a bit role. So ideally you must  make a  list of about 10 schools, which should be a judicious mix of great, good and average schools around your level. As a bench mark., Great schools do get lot 310 - 330 and and above GRE scores students,  good schools around 300 and average would be less than that.



Thanks,

Azim

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