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Low GRE Score, Can I Still Be Admitted to M.S.

Raghuram Sukumar —  September 5, 2008 — 148 Comments

I have low GRE score can I still get admitted to Masters program – is the common question among students who got low GRE score (less than 1000). But GRE score of 1000 doesn’t mean its low, if student was expecting to score 1300 in GRE and ended up getting 1130 then its considered low GRE.

Along with above low GRE score questions, other common questions I come across

  • Low GRE, high GPA admissions
  • Low GPA and low GRE score admission to graduate school
  • High GRE and low GPA admission to M.S.

Low GRE Score Universities

I have stated so many times in previous article about graduate school admission considers various factors during admissions. GRE scores are not the only factor that will get admission into grad school. But, to help university search low gre score universities gave an idea that would help students to know what kind of schools they can get admission with low gre scores.

But, its important for every student to ask what is low gre score? How did you know your gre scores are low? What are you comparing against to say the gre scores are below average?

Low GRE Test Scores Admission

To help students understand that GRE scores are not the only factor that will be considered for graduate school admission, I searched different schools about admission requirements to highlight the fact i’m trying to say here.

University of Delaware

If I have low GRE scores can I still be admitted?

Admissions decisions are based on the the applicant’s full spectrum of credentials. This includes standardized test scores, as well as previous academic performance, rigor of previous academic programs and institutions, recommendations, career and volunteer experience, and commitment to one’s chosen field. We have found that at the master’s level, undergraduate grades are the best predictor of graduate academic success.

You can check the statistics page to find out the average GRE score for recently admitted classes. Obviously, some students scored higher than the average and some scored lower than the average. Some applicants may be advised to retake the GREs to improve their score and their chances of admission.

University of Washington

What if my GRE scores are low?

All aspects of your application are considered. For instance, high GPA or superior letters of recommendation, excellent statement of purpose, etc., could possibly outweigh low GRE scores. Applicants might also consider retaking the GRE test. Read More

Penn State University – Average GRE Scores

What are the average GRE scores of the students admitted?

GRE scores are but one of a number of factors the faculty considers in determining admission to the Graduate Program in Philosophy at Penn State. Other factors such as undergraduate junior-senior GPA, experience in Philosophy, faculty recommendations, the writing sample, and the personal statement often carry more weight with the faculty.

However, in order to compete for many College and University level fellowships (as opposed to the standard departmental fellowship), a combined quantitative and verbal GRE score of 1250 or higher is the norm. Such scores, however, are not a requirement and there are prestigious University fellowships that do not give much weight to the GRE score at all.

Students with lower GRE scores but strong applications in other respects are strongly encouraged to apply to our program. Read more

East Carolina University – Low GRE Score

What GPA and GRE scores must I have to be admitted?

We normally tell students they should be in the B+ range to be competitive. The admission process incorporates 1) overall GPA; 2) prerequisite GPA; and 3) GRE score. Each of these areas is weighted equally. Thereby, the applicant could remain in the competitive range if they were low in one area i.e. overall GPA and up in the other two. Historically, applicants with GRE scores below 900 are not competitive. Read More

NJIT – Average GRE Scores

In general, we look for a GRE score over 1600 with scores of 1200 in the quantitative and analytical sections combined. A good exam score, of course, is not the only criterion for admissions.

Low GRE Scores

From the FQA about Low GRE Scores its very clear that universities look for GPA, GRE Scores, Strong letter of recommendation, statement of purpose. If you have low gre score, all I can say is get other documents to be of high value. You can include all your extra curricular activities. That will help to compensate for low gre score.

If you like to get articles like this delivered for FREE to your email inbox, you can subscribe to email updated through RSS. You might be interested in few sample sops that will help prepare your applications.

Raghuram Sukumar

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Raghu is the founder/developer of Happy Schools Blog. You can learn more about him here and connect with him at Google +.

148 responses to Low GRE Score, Can I Still Be Admitted to M.S.

  1. Hello Sir,

    If you have time, please let me know your opinion.

    I have a computer-based GRE score of 1100 with 630 V, 470 Q and writing 4.0.

    I am seeking admission to the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor for Library Science graduate work. I have a GPA of 3.737 and good letters of recommendation from a private institution. Will I be admitted? Thank you.

  2. Hi sir,
    plase evaluate my profile
    Hi I am N Srilatha…Completed my Engineering Management in JNTU,Andhra Pradesh,India

    GRE score-740
    Toefl score-99
    U.G. aggregate=53%

    plz suggest some universities that fits my profile
    Thank you.

  3. my gre score is 940 but my lop and sor are very strong and my engineering is 61.3%do i have the of getting good university for computer sc.

  4. i am preparing for gre….n wud be appearing for the same next month….i am a student of civil engineering n looking at ms in civil n env. engg……wat kind of score wud be required for getting a part or full paid scholarship…..i wud also like to know about the average gre scores required for decent universities for ms in civil engg….

  5. hello applying to masters degree

    I have a 1170 GRE

    440 verbal 730 quant…

    GPA 3.18 no job experience

    international student…

    However I have a very good finacial support (scholarship from a goverment based company which I will work after masters degree) which covers full tuition fee and all living expenses..Does a financial support document from a reputable organization increase one's chances when applying?For example Can I push my chances for Ivy league or top schools such as cornell rutgers penn state ohio state etc

  6. Im a veterinary graduate. i had GRE score of 940 v-350 Q-590 AWA 3.5. I had 2.88 grade point out of 4 in academics. i done some research in UG. one publication in State journal. 3 international Conferences participated. In that 1poster presentation and 1 powerpoint presentation. im interested in doing research in Molecular level in US. Is it possible to get with scholarship. anybody give idea? shall i try with this score or write once again?

  7. hi raghu,

    my gre score is 1200 with quant 730,verbal 470…plz suggest me some universities…….i am confused ……..

  8. Hi Raghu,

    I am really happy to read your valuable comments here. I have taken GRE three days back with a csore of 900, verbal 370 and quantitative 530. I am an Mtech Bioprocess technology. I am planning for a PhD in biomedical engg. I have had few commuinications with the Boston University, but due to my low GRE score, i am a bit confused. Thier requirement is 1300. Pl suggest me what to do? Should i take a chance by applying? Should i reappaer my GRE, as i have a overall GPA of 3.0 or above apart from GRE with few National and International Presentations too.

    Your co-operation will be very helpful.

    Ruchi

  9. Hello Sir,
    My GRE score is 1010(270verbal+740) and 6.5 cgpa in chemical engineering degee. Request you to please suggest few univerisities for ms in chemical.

  10. Hello Sir,
    My GRE score is 1010(270verbal+740) and 6.5cgpa in chemical engineering degee. Request you to please suggest few univerisities for ms in chemical.

  11. i hv copleted b.pharm..and preparing for GRE and TOEFL..i am expectind my score around 80 in toefl and around 900 TO 1050 IN GRE…….I WANT TO GET ADDMISSION IN FALL 2009…FOR M.S IN PHARMACEITICAL SCIENCE……my academic will be 68%…i dont know how to count GPA …..tell me my GPA and list out univrsity which comes according to my profile…….r there any chnces for getting scholarsjip??? what is the deadline for application……plz atleast list out univessities

  12. B.E(ECE)61% PASSED IN FIRST CLASS(WITH 50 BACKLOGS)

    GRE:QUAN 630,VERB 360, TOTAL 990

    TOEFL 96,PL. NAME SOME U.SUNIVERSITIES FOR M.S IN EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

  13. Hi sir,

    plase evaluate my profile

    Hi I am N.Rakesh…doing my final yr Electronics and Communication Engineering in ANITS college,Andhra Pradesh,India

    GRE score-1160(740-quants 420-verbal 2-AWA)

    Toefl score-90

    U.G. aggregate=84.47%(upto end of 3rd year)

    plz suggest some universities that fits my profile

    Thank you.

  14. hi, I have a score of 300 (V), 950 (Q) ….in the field of Microbiology, what all are the universitites can I apply??

  15. What if I manage to get a decent GRE score, but my GPA is as low as 3.0 ?

    Will I get admission in any univ for Computer Science programme?

    Please help me

  16. Valavala Ramani October 15, 2008 at 8:39 AM

    plz suggest some universities for my profile

  17. Valavala Ramani October 15, 2008 at 8:38 AM

    hai my gre score is 980(verbal-270 and quant-710) and tofel score is 78.my inter percent is 74%.i done my BTech in chemical engineering stream.my engineering percentage is 56%.and iam having totally 16 backlogs.i was interested to go to lamar university for this spring 2009.plz help me can i get I20 from lamar university.if not what shall i do.plz suggest me

    • Hellow Valavala. My condition is also slightly similar to you
      can u plz send me list of universities. thankyou.

  18. hey any one help me out…i got gre score 900…330 in verbal and 570 in quants…can any one suggest me some universities plzz…and can i get admission in good universities in us for doing ms in us..and i have an academic aggregate of 71%…

    my e-mail id is:- [ email removed author ]

  19. i got a gre score of 950 ie 350V nd 600Q.

    i am in my degree final year comp science with electronics ( BCS 3 year degree).

    toefl-105.

    can u list me some univs that accept a gre score of 950 in MS computer science nd also the ones that accept 15 years of education(12+3 years of degree) nd also the job prospects after completing the MS program.

    please help me out.

  20. hey can anyone plz help me out…….i've written my gre twice and got almost the same least score twice…………is it advicble to give another try 2 the xam?

  21. can anyone suggest me universities for ms in pharmacy with a gre score 980 and toefl 96 with an average of 58percent in academics……n me also holding a greencard can that help me in admisions?

    plz reply me at [email address removed]

  22. hey can anyone suggest to do ms in good school.my gre score is low but accadamic percentage and toefl score is gud……..my gre score 980(710 quant and 270 verbal),toefl 90………plz help me out plzzzzzz

  23. hey can anyone suggest to do ms in good school.my gre score is low but accadamic percentage and toefl score is gud……..my gre score 1000(710 quant and 270 verbal),toefl 90………plz help me out plzzzzzz

  24. Hey can anyone suggest me some good college for doing MS in Computer Science. My GRE score is 1110 ie 780 in Quantative and 330 in verbal.Also my academic percentage is 62% in Computer Science Engg.

    • Hey my name is also nitesh…

      i also got the same score in GRE(780+330)…..my toefl score is 95 and i hav aggregate 90%..suggest me some UNIV'S for fall2011

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