What Is a Good GRE Score for Engineering Programs?

Last Updated on May 1, 2023

If you’re planning to apply to graduate programs in Engineering, there is a good chance you’ll be taking the GRE. So, you may be wondering, what is a good GRE score for Engineering programs?

In this article, we’ll explore what good Quant, Verbal, Analytical Writing scores are for Engineering students. We’ll also discuss average GRE scores for Engineering grad schools, minimum GRE score requirements, and how to determine what a good GRE score is for specific graduate programs you’re interested in. Finally, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about taking the GRE for Engineering programs.

Here are all the topics we’ll cover:

• Are There Minimum GRE Score Requirements for Engineering Schools?
• What Is a Good GRE Score for Engineering Programs?
  • Average Isn’t Always Reported
• How to Set Your GRE Score Goals for Engineering Programs
  • A Good GRE Quantitative Score
    • Average Quant Scores at Top 10 Engineering Schools
    • Is Average Enough?
    • What If You Don’t Have Section Score Data?
  • A Good GRE Verbal Score
  • A Good GRE Analytical Writing Score
• FAQ
  • Is 310 a Good GRE Score for Engineering Programs?
  • How Hard Is the GRE for an Engineer?
  • Is the GRE or GMAT Easier for Engineers?
• Key Takeaways
• What’s Next?

To start, let’s discuss whether Engineering programs typically have minimum GRE score requirements.

Are There Minimum GRE Score Requirements for Engineering Schools?

Engineering graduate schools typically do not specify minimum GRE score requirements. So, in theory, there is no minimum GRE score you must earn for admissions to consider your application.

This fact is not entirely surprising, given that GRE scores are just one variable among several that admissions weighs. For example, someone whose scores are on the low side for typical applicants to a particular school may still be a competitive candidate because of a high GPA, stellar recommendations, etc.

All the same, even though you’d be hard pressed to find Engineering programs that state minimum score requirements, if your GRE score falls well below what’s typical for a student at a particular program, your application may not be in the running for long.

Do I think that your application will be automatically thrown in the trash if admissions sees a particular GRE score? I wouldn’t go that far. But we have to remember that, for many Engineering programs, competition can be pretty stiff, particularly at top schools.

So, at some schools, even a fantastic GPA, glowing recommendations, compelling personal essays, and so on may not make up for a low GRE score. After all, if many of your peers in the applicant pool have relatively high GRE scores along with those other great qualities, you’ll be at a disadvantage.

Fortunately, your GRE score is one aspect of your application that is changeable! If your score is too low for the programs that interest you, you can study more to improve it.

With that in mind, let’s discuss how to figure out what kind of GRE score you need for the Engineering programs that interest you.

KEY FACT:

Engineering graduate schools typically do not specify minimum GRE score requirements.

What Is a Good GRE Score for Engineering Programs?

When examining what a good GRE score for Engineering programs is, we must realize that there is no single standard. Different schools have different expectations of applicants, and even different Engineering programs within the same school may have varied standards. So, taking a blanket approach to figuring out what Engineering schools consider a good GRE score isn’t a wise strategy.

Research the specific programs you’re interested in to see whether they publish data on the GRE scores of admitted students. Check out the websites of the programs that interest you. If no data is available, consider reaching out to admissions to try to gain insight into what types of GRE scores they look for.

One thing to keep in mind is that schools don’t all report their GRE data in the same way (if they report it at all). So, let’s talk about some common ways that schools report GRE score data and look at some examples.

TTP PRO TIP:

Check out the websites of the specific programs you’re interested in to find data on the GRE scores of admitted students.

Average Isn’t Always Reported

One complicating factor of figuring out what kind of GRE score particular Engineering programs consider “good” is that different programs report different data.

For instance, some programs report the average scores of recently admitted students for each GRE section, while others report the mid-50% range of scores for each section. (The “mid-50%” range includes all scores except those in the lowest 25% and the highest 25% of the specified group.) Still others may report only the average total score, with no section breakdown.

And you won’t find average GRE scores reported everywhere. In some cases, Engineering programs may report only what “typical” or “competitive” GRE scores are and not provide actual averages. Those types of data may be either in the form of a total score or scores for each section.

For example, Carnegie Mellon publishes average GRE scores of admitted Engineering students, whereas Duke publishes the mid-50% range. The University of Michigan–Ann Arbor states only a total score that recently admitted applicants surpassed and those students’ minimum AWA score. Cornell, on the other hand, provides a Quant score and a Verbal score that successful applicants “generally” score above.

So, in the case of Cornell, you could have a pretty clear idea of the GRE scores you need to be competitive for a particular Engineering program. For UMich, the path may be a little murkier. However, even averages and mid-50% ranges don’t tell the whole story. After all, there are inevitably students admitted with GRE scores that fall outside those averages and ranges.

Nonetheless, it is possible to put these and other pieces of the puzzle together to devise reasonable section score goals for yourself. So, going section by section, let’s discuss how.

How to Set Your GRE Score Goals for Engineering Programs

Generally speaking, most test-takers should seek to at least meet the average Quant, Verbal, and Analytical Writing scores at their desired Engineering programs, if not beat those scores.

Now, given that GRE scores are just one admissions factor, you may have to adjust your targets higher or lower. For instance, say your GPA or work experience is slightly below average for a particular program. Or, perhaps you’re worried that the level of your undergraduate coursework is lacking in some respect. In those cases, it’s smart to aim for GRE scores that beat the averages, to help compensate for those weaknesses. Likewise, if you’re looking at a mid-50% range, you may want to aim for the top of that range or score above that range.

The point is, you have to consider your unique circumstances when setting GRE scores goals for yourself. The GRE data you find for the particular programs you’re interested in, or for schools of a similar rank, will only get you so far.

With these general principles in mind, it’s useful to look at the GRE data from some Engineering schools, to get a sense of what may be expected. Let’s start with the most important GRE data for prospective Engineering grad students: GRE Quantitative scores.

TTP PRO TIP:

When setting GRE scores goals for yourself, consider how the other aspects of your application stack up, and adjust your score targets accordingly.

A Good GRE Quantitative Score

The Quantitative section of the GRE is the most important section for students applying to Engineering programs. Quant scores are scrutinized more closely than scores on the Verbal and Writing sections because math skills are a key to success in Engineering fields.

So, if there is one part of the GRE where you really want to impress for Engineering programs, Quant is it!

Let’s take a look at what kinds of Quant scores may impress at some top Engineering schools.

[CALL TO ACTION]

Average Quant Scores at Top 10 Engineering Schools

Given the data above, if you’re targeting top 10 Engineering schools, you’ll likely need to aim for a Quant score that is at least in the mid-160s, if not the upper 160s, all else equal. (Note that Texas A&M — College Station is also ranked #10 on U.S. News’s 2023 list but is omitted from the table above because of lack of data.)

Of course, there may be variations in average Quant scores from one program to the next at any Engineering school. So, remember to research the specific programs you’re interested in. But it is notable that at Engineering schools in the top 10, we see average Quant scores ranging from the 76th to the 90th percentiles. Likely, average scores in individual programs at those schools would be within or right around that range. In other words, at top schools, every Engineering program is likely to have Quant scores in that range.

In fact, typical Quant scores at Engineering schools in the top 25 are similarly impressive. For instance, Cornell, which ranks #13, reports that successful applicants to its M.S. Engineering program generally score above 160 (67th percentile) on GRE Quant. Duke, which ranks #24, reports that the mid-50% range of Quant scores of students recently admitted to its master of Engineering program is 163-169 (76th-93rd percentile). Those scores are on par with the ones we saw at the top 10 schools.

This data isn’t too surprising, given that the average Quant score of all GRE test-takers who intend to pursue graduate study in Engineering is 160.

KEY FACT:

Engineering schools in the top 25 are likely to have typical Quant scores that are very similar to or right on par with those of top 10 schools.

Is Average Enough?

There is another important point to consider when analyzing average GRE scores at top Engineering schools. Although the average may be considered “good” or “good enough” for a particular program, is “good” all you need? Is “good” going to put your application at the top of the heap?

Considering the importance of Quant scores at Engineering schools, and the competitiveness of admissions at top schools, even if your application is otherwise competitive, aiming for a Quant score that beats the averages at your desired programs may be the safest move.

Of course, only you know how strong your application is overall. Also, there will be students who are admitted with “below-average” scores. The point is, we can’t assume that the average should automatically be our target.

TTP PRO TIP:

Particularly for top schools, don’t assume that the average Quant score at an Engineering program should automatically be your goal.

What If You Don’t Have Section Score Data?

There may be times when you have total score information for a particular program but not section score information. Keep in mind that, in reaching or surpassing that total, you should weigh your section scores toward Quant.

For instance, consider Applicant A and Applicant B, who are both applying to the UMich–Ann Arbor’s Aerospace Engineering PhD program, where recently admitted applicants had a total GRE score above 320. Applicant A submits GRE scores of Q157/V167, while Applicant B submits Q167/V157 scores.

Both applicants scored 324 on the GRE, so technically they both meet the standard of scoring “above 320.” However, Applicant B’s scores show a much stronger performance in the Quantitative section than Applicant A’s. Thus, Applicant B’s test scores are going to look more impressive to admissions in that program.

Incidentally, to get a better sense of the section scores that UMich Engineering programs (or other programs that don’t provide section score data) may be expecting, it’s useful to look at other schools with similar rankings.

So, for UMich–Ann Arbor’s Engineering school, ranked #9 on U.S. News and World Report’s 2023 list of the Best Engineering Schools, you could look for GRE section score data from other Engineering schools in the top 10. You could also look for section score data at similarly ranked programs for your specific field of Engineering.

A Good GRE Verbal Score 

Verbal scores are certainly not emphasized as much as Quant scores at Engineering programs. That said, I would never advise Engineering students to completely blow off Verbal and focus all their energy on Quant. The fact is, even Engineering schools prefer to see relatively balanced GRE scores — weighted toward Quant, but not totally lopsided.

So, to better your chances of admission, your Verbal score generally should still be around or above the average Verbal score for Engineering-focused GRE test-takers, which is currently 151. Note that if you’re aiming for a top 25 Engineering school, Verbal scores above that average may be expected. (And you should of course, as always, check specific program averages.)

Let’s take our Cornell example again. Remember, Cornell is ranked #13 among Engineering schools and reports that successful M.S. applicants generally score above Q160. Additionally, Cornell reports that successful applicants generally score above V153 (so, 62nd percentile or higher). Sure, the typical Quant score is higher, but the typical Verbal score is still above average.

Consider also that, if you’re going for the top of the top schools — say, top 5 — you may need impressive GRE scores all around. So, your Verbal score may need to be substantially higher than the average of Engineering-focused GRE test-takers. Take MIT, the #1-ranked school, for example. According to 2021 data, the average GRE Verbal score of its Master’s in Engineering students was 160 (85th percentile). That score is not too much lower than the average Quant score at the time, 164.

TTP PRO TIP:

Generally speaking, your Verbal score should at least be at, if not above, the average Verbal score for Engineering-focused GRE test-takers, 151.

A Good GRE Analytical Writing Score 

Many prospective Engineering students taking the GRE wonder whether the Analytical Writing section is important for them. The truth is, the Analytical Writing section is the least important GRE section for Engineering grad school admissions. However, as with Verbal, you can’t discount the Writing section altogether.

In fact, I would use the same standard for Analytical Writing that I use for Verbal: aim to score around, if not somewhat above, the average score of Engineering-focused test-takers. The current AWA average for Engineering students is 3.5. For Engineering programs in the top 25, average or minimum AWA scores in the 3.0-4.0 range are not unusual.

For instance, Carnegie Mellon’s Mechanical Engineering program, which ranks #10, reports an average AWA score of 4.0 among admitted applicants.

Similarly, the aforementioned PhD Aerospace Engineering program at UMich, which ranks #6, reports a minimum AWA score of 4.0 among recently admitted applicants.

Cornell, which ranks #8 for Mechanical Engineering and #11 for Aerospace Engineering, reports that the “typical” admitted Master’s of Engineering student at its Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering scores 3.0 on AWA.

Again, consider the rankings of the programs you’re interested in, and to really be on the safe side, aim to beat the average or minimum.

Now, have I ever heard of an applicant to an Engineering program being denied because of a low AWA score? Can’t say that I have. Do I think that totally bombing the AWA section is going to do you any favors? No.

TTP PRO TIP:

Totally bombing the Analytical Writing section is never a good look.

Now that we know what a good GRE score is for Engineering programs, let’s answer some common questions about taking the GRE if you’re an Engineering student.

FAQ

Let’s answer some of the most common questions I hear from Engineering students considering taking the GRE.

Is 310 a Good GRE Score for Engineering Programs?

If 310 is the average or better than the average GRE score at the programs you’re interested in, then 310 is a good GRE score for you. That said, we’ve already discussed the importance of weighting your score toward the Quantitative section. So, even if 310 is in line with typical GRE scores at your desired programs, if that 310 is a Q150/V160, as opposed to a Q160/V150, I’d be concerned about your 310 score.

Incidentally, although 310 might be on the low side for many Engineering schools in the top 25, there are PLENTY of Engineering programs out there for which 310 is a good score. Furthermore, there could be some students accepted to top 25 programs with a GRE score of 310.

Take our earlier example of Duke, which is ranked #24 and reports the following mid-50% range of GRE scores for recently admitted master of Engineering students:

Quant Score: 163-169

Verbal Score: 152-161

Note that a student who scored at the bottom of those ranges would have a total score of 315. However, since those ranges represent only the middle 50% of the class, 25% of the class scored below 163 in Quant, and 25% scored below 152 in Verbal. Thus, it’s possible that some students were admitted with a total GRE score of 310.

Now, would I say that 310 is a “good” score for top 25 programs? Maybe not. However, it’s possible, depending on other aspects of your application, that it could be an acceptable score for some.

How Hard Is the GRE for an Engineer?

The question of how hard the GRE is — for any test-taker — is never an easy one to answer. After all, even people in the same discipline have different skill sets. That said, people in the engineering field tend to be strong in math. So, many people pursuing Engineering programs may find that achieving a high GRE score in Quant is well within their reach. (Remember that average GRE score of Q160 for GRE test-takers aiming to pursue graduate study in Engineering? That score is 6 points higher than the average Quant score of all GRE test-takers regardless of major.)

On the other hand, engineers may find GRE Verbal challenging. In particular, people who have not taken any college-level English classes for a while, or international students for whom English is a second language, may find GRE Verbal’s focus on vocabulary knowledge challenging to prepare for.

Fortunately, with a smart study plan, there is no reason why students of any background can’t achieve high GRE scores in both Quant and Verbal.

Is the GRE or GMAT Easier for Engineers?

Both the GRE and GMAT are challenging exams in their own ways, and they both require dedicated study. So, I wouldn’t go into one test or the other expecting it to be “easier.”

More importantly, for most Engineering programs, you probably won’t have the option of taking the GMAT. Now, there may be some dual-degree programs that accept GMAT scores. So, you should always check the testing requirements for the specific programs and degrees you’re interested in. But by and large, the GRE is the accepted test for Engineering degrees at the graduate level.

If you are pursuing a program that gives you the option to take the GMAT, this guide is a great resource for learning about the differences between the GMAT and the GRE and figuring out which test is right for you.

Key Takeaways

Remember the following points when determining what is a good GRE score for Engineering programs:

• GRE scores are just one factor among several that admissions weighs when evaluating applications.
• Research the specific programs you’re interested for data on the GRE scores of admitted students.
• Seek to at least hit the average Quant, Verbal, and Analytical Writing scores at your desired programs.
• The safest bet is to outperform the averages.
• For many top 25 Engineering programs, you may need a Quant score of at least 163, a Verbal score of at least 152, and a Writing score at least in the 3.0-4.0 range.
• In general, your GRE scores should be weighted toward Quant. However, for the top of the top Engineering schools, you may need impressive scores in both Quant and Verbal.

What’s Next?

Read more about GRE Verbal scores Engineering programs here. Then check out this post on what kind of GRE scores applicants to MIT need.

Looking for ways to improve your GRE Quant score? These timing strategies can help.

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