To gain admission to the best engineering schools, candidates should align their GRE scores with the specific requirements of each program. Read the blog to learn more about the GRE score required for the engineering program.
Are you planning to apply to graduate engineering programs and wondering about the average GRE scores needed for admission? Unfortunately, GRE score requirements vary widely among schools, and not all schools disclose this information. However, US News and World Report compiles and publishes GRE score data for the top 100 engineering programs, providing valuable insights for prospective students. Unlike some fields, engineering programs consistently share their GRE score data with the public, making it easier for future engineers to gauge their competitiveness.
· Widely Accepted: The GRE is the standard admissions test for engineering programs worldwide, making it essential for aspiring engineers aiming for renowned schools like MIT and Stanford.
· Application Significance: Graduate applications consider various factors, including GPA, work experience, and GRE scores. GRE scores carry substantial weight, accounting for over 20% of the application.
· Score Compensation: Impressive GRE scores can compensate for weaknesses in other areas, particularly a lower Grade Point Average (GPA).
· Opportunity Expansion: Taking the GRE test broadens opportunities for aspiring engineers, as it is the primary admissions test for engineering graduate programs.
US NEWS & WORLD RANK |
SCHOOL |
AVERAGE GRE (QUANTITY) OF ADMITTED ENGINEERING STUDENTS |
1 |
MIT |
166 |
2 |
Stanford |
167 |
3 |
University of California - Berkeley |
166 |
4 (tie) |
California Institute of Technology |
168 |
4 (tie) |
Carnegie Mellon University |
166 |
4 (tie) |
Purdue University |
164 |
7 |
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor |
166 |
8 |
Georgia Institute of Technology |
164 |
9 |
University of California-San Diego |
165 |
10 |
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign |
165 |
For engineers, the math section tends to be relatively manageable, given their technical background. However, the verbal and analytical writing sections pose more significant challenges, often being tougher than similar sections in tests like the SAT or ACT.
In engineering program admissions, quantitative scores hold more weight than verbal scores. Fields like engineering prioritize strong quantitative performance over verbal abilities.
Yes, verbal reasoning scores do matter for master's or doctoral programs in engineering. While many universities prioritize quantitative scores, low verbal scores can still impact your overall GRE strength, especially when percentile scores are considered.
To enhance your chances of admission to top engineering programs, aiming for a quantitative score in the range of 161–166 on the GRE is advisable.
· Verbal Reasoning: 158 or higher
· Quantitative Reasoning: 162 or higher
Students who achieve GRE scores surpassing the 80th percentile have a better chance of gaining acceptance. To put it into perspective, based on ETS data from 2019–2020, this means securing a verbal score of 158 and a quantitative score of 162 or higher
Typically, aspiring engineers should aim for a strong score in the quantitative section, as it holds significant importance in engineering school admissions. On average, test-takers planning to apply to engineering programs have a mean GRE quantitative score of 159, which places them in the 69th percentile.
However, these averages can vary depending on the specific engineering track or specialization a student is interested in. Here are the average GRE quantitative scores for different engineering tracks:
· Chemical Engineering: 161
· Civil Engineering: 158
· Electrical Engineering: 159
· Industrial Engineering: 159
· Materials Engineering: 162
· Mechanical Engineering: 159
· Other Engineering Tracks: 160
These scores reflect the quantitative nature of engineering fields, where a strong foundation in mathematics and analytical skills is crucial for success. While there may not be much flexibility in these scores, aspiring engineers should strive for scores that align with their chosen engineering track's average.
· Strategic Study Plan: Develop a well-structured study plan as a roadmap for your GRE preparation. Realistic schedules enhance your chances of achieving a high GRE score.
· Quality Study Materials: Utilize high-quality study materials, with a focus on official ETS resources. These materials provide practice tests that closely resemble the actual GRE exam, giving you valuable insights into the test format and content.
· Maintain Motivation: Keep your target GRE scores in mind as you study. Use them as a motivating factor during challenging preparation periods. Staying focused on your goals will help you stay committed to achieving a strong score.
In conclusion, securing a competitive GRE score is crucial for gaining admission to top engineering programs. With the right study plan, quality materials, and motivation, aspiring engineers can achieve their GRE goals.
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Don't miss the opportunity to pursue your engineering aspirations. Connect with us today and let our experts pave the way for your successful academic journey abroad.
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