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Determining the GRE Cut Off for MIT

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Students pursuing science in their high school often set their goal university as MIT for its universal fame and first rank in QS. To secure a chance in this renowned university, a solid preparation strategy is adopted by the candidates for taking the GRE exam as that will mark the entry to the university. The GRE score plays a huge role in determining if the candidate is set to join that topmost university, or not. 

GRE Cut off for MIT: The cutthroat competition

Exactly how competitive is the GRE cut off for MIT, is a question bugging numerous candidates. A simple answer will simplify their quench: the acceptance rate in MIT was 7.2% in 2018, which is really tough. The GRE average scores for MIT looks like:

  • GRE Verbal: 155-163
  • GRE Quantitative: 155-167
  • GRE AW: 4.5 - 5.0

Things to note about GRE cut off for MIT:

  • An engineering or maths-related program will require a higher quant score
  • An anthropology or verbal related program will definitely need a higher verbal score

GRE Cut off for MIT: Based on Fields of Study

As it is already known, universities set their previously determined GRE cut off for MIT in sectional scores – GRE verbal and quant separately for most of their programs as the GRE score for MIT mechanical engineering will be contrasting to that of media arts. 

We’ve curated a list where the main programs, their need for the GRE scores and also the scores are mentioned.

But before that, let us learn about three important segregation of the GRE scores:

  • Required Scores: The minimum GRE scores needed to qualify for admission in MIT
  • Recommended Scores: The GRE scores which should be aimed for, though not necessary. But scoring or exceeding the scores will definitely mark you as a competitive applicant.
  • Average Scores: These are the average scores determined by studying the previous applicant’s posts and candidates should definitely aim for these or higher than these scores.
Program US News Ranking GRE Required? Avg. GRE Scores
Aeronautics and Astronautics 1 Yes V: 162
Q: 167
AW: 4.5
Architecture Generally no (depends on program)
Biology PhD 1 Yes V: 163
Q: 164
AW: 4.7
Brain and Cognitive Sciences PhD Yes Unavailable
Chemical Engineering 1 Yes V: 161
Q: 164
AW: 4.7
Chemistry PhD 1 Yes Unavailable
Civil and Environmental Engineering 7 Yes V: 90th percentile
Q: 90th percentile
AW: 4.5
Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences 2 Yes Unavailable
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science PhD 1 No
History; Anthropology; and Science, Technology, and Society (HASTS) PhD Yes Unavailable
Materials Science and Engineering 1 Yes Unavailable
MBA 5 Must take either GRE or GMAT Unavailable
Mechanical Engineering 1 Yes Unavailable
Media Arts and Sciences No
Microbiology PhD Yes Unavailable
Nuclear Science and Engineering 2 Yes Unavailable
Operations Research Yes Unavailable
Physics PhD 1 Yes Unavailable
Political Science 9 Yes Unavailable
Real Estate Development MS Yes V: 155-160
Q: 155-160
Social and Engineering Systems PhD 5 Yes Minimum
V: 157 (150 for nonnative English speakers)
Q: 159
AW: 4.0
Technology and Policy MS Yes Recommended
V: 90th percentile
Q: 90th percentile
AW: 90th percentile
Urban Studies and Planning Yes Minimum
MCP: None
PhD: 308 (V+Q), 5.0 AW

GRE Cut off for MIT: Facts to be considered

Few factors must be kept in mind when determining the GRE cut off for MIT – these scores will provide an edge to the candidate while seeking admission:

  • 165 on Quant, 162 on Verbal, and 5.0 on AW: Scoring these GRE score for MIT engineering or other programs, scores will push the candidate’s application and will authorities might consider – as these are quite competitive scores. But if your program doesn’t require a GRE score, then submit the GRE score report only if it’s this high.
  • 3.8 (out of 4.0) GPA or higher: Achieving a GPA like this or even higher than 4.0 will be absolutely great for a candidate.

Factors affecting GRE cut off for MIT

  • Minimum required GRE score: The factor to be attended is checking if your program in MIT requires a minimum GRE score. After studying the above list, it can be said that MIT doesn’t regulate any minimum GRE scores but if any program still demands it then the candidate has to abide by the same for their application to be considered. 

If the GRE score for MIT computer science states a recommended score but is not strict about it, then also that score should be aimed at to promote your application as a proficient one.

  • Comparing with the average GRE scores: It is already mentioned that the GRE average scores are derived from the previous applicant’s scores, and the present candidates are advised to achieve higher than that. For instance, applying for PhD in Biology will need a candidate to have a GRE score for MIT PhD - 163 in verbal, 164 on quant and 4.5 – 5.0 in AW. But if they achieve a 165 on verbal, 166 on quant then they will have an even higher chance of securing admission.

How capable is your MIT score?

Needless to say that a low score will be risky for your admission, but along with the GRE cut off for MIT or GPA, the remaining factors that matter is:

  • How powerful and well-crafted statement of purpose is,
  • How convincing and appreciative the letters of recommendation are,
  • Research or extracurricular knowledge the candidate has in that field

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.

Ask your question

Answered Questions

AV

Arvind Verma

30 Jun 22

ISB Hyderabad accepts both examination scores. So, you can opt for either of GMAT or GRE. Your chances of selection or rejection will remain the same. Go through the examination pattern and syllabus and choose the one in which you feel that you will be able to score better. Ultimately having a good score is what matters during admission. As per the recent trends, ISB Hyderabad cutoff for GMAT is 600, while for GRE it is 311. 


D

Dhwani

30 Jan 23

Of the two entrance exams, GMAT and GRE, the former is a better option. ISB Hyderabad has recently started accepting GRE scores. This doesn’t mean that taking the GRE is a bad idea. Many business schools apart from ISB are now accepting GRE scores. The best part is that ISB won’t be converting your GRE scores to GMAT for comparison during the MBA admissions.

  • GRE is suitable for students who are considering other PG options apart from MBA like MS or MA. 
  • For someone who is sure of their career in an MBA, the GMAT is a better choice because GRE is much more dynamic. GMAT shows your commitment to MBA and thereby increases your chances of admission in comparison to GRE which shows that you are open to various options.
  • ISB Hyderabad prefers GMAT over GRE also because the former is a more quantitatively challenging exam than the latter. 
  • Certain firms may ask for your GMAT score before shortlisting you for your interview. These include the biggest firms in the corporate world like McKinsey

So from these points, we can safely conclude that GMAT is a better option for MBA students provided that you are sure of your course.


AS

Akanksha Sharma

30 Jan 23

In case you are enquiring about the CAT percentile let me clarify that ISB Hyderabad does not take into consideration CAT scores. It accepts GMAT/GRE scores only. Most importantly, the ISB Shortlisting process is profile-based. This means even with a lower percentile you can manage to get shortlisted provided you have an excellent profile.

There is no fixed cutoff for GMAT. However, a 700+ GMAT score isn't a must-have for ISB if your application is strong in other areas. According to an ISB spokesperson, candidates were admitted to the 2021 cohort with scores as low as 580, and as high as 780. So the GMAT score range for ISB is 580-780.


DM

Deepak Mehta

12 Dec 22

Firstly, GRE scores are not accepted for the PGP MBA program. Only CAT/GMAT scores are accepted. To apply through the GMAT route you need sufficient work experience in a foreign country.

For the FPM program, like any other doctoral program, the quality of the application matters the most and there is no cut-off for the GRE scores. Other factors that are actually considered are

  • Profile

  • Past research

  • Publications

There is no specific GRE score that would guarantee a call-up from IIM Ahmedabad.