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What Is The Average GRE Score For UT Austin?

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Last updated on 5 min read

The average GRE score for UT Austin master’s applicants is about 153 Verbal and 151 Quant, with an average unweighted GPA of 3.5 as of 2026.

Does UT Austin need GRE?

UT Austin doesn’t require the GRE for most semesters in 2026; the requirement was waived through Fall 2022 and hasn’t been brought back

If your program of interest has reinstated the GRE, shoot for scores at or above the 80th percentile (around 160 Quant and 155 Verbal) to stay competitive. Check the program’s official admissions page before applying—these policies can flip-flop from year to year.

What is a good GRE score for UT Austin?

A good GRE score for UT Austin is 160 or higher in Quant and 155 or higher in Verbal, based on what admitted students typically bring

ProgramVerbal AverageQuant Average
UT Austin155160
University of Michigan Ann Arbor154161
Cornell University160162
Purdue University158163

Scores above 160 Quant and 155 Verbal put you near the 80th percentile, which matches UT Austin’s historically cutthroat applicant pool. Programs like the McCombs School of Business often want even higher numbers.

Is 300 a bad GRE score?

A GRE score of 300 isn’t terrible; it usually gets you into plenty of U.S. MS programs

Sure, 300 won’t impress top-tier programs, but it can still land you spots at mid-tier universities and some professional degrees. For reference, the 50th percentile hovers around 150 Verbal and 152 Quant, totaling 302. Try to hit at least 310 to open more doors.

Is 308 a bad GRE score?

A GRE score of 308 isn’t bad; it lands you roughly in the 75th percentile overall

Breaking that down, you’re probably looking at about 153 Verbal and 155 Quant. This score might clear minimum bars for plenty of programs, but UT Austin’s admitted students usually post higher numbers. Use 308 as a starting point and aim for 315+ if you’re targeting top departments.

Can I get into UT Austin with a 3.7 GPA?

Yes, you can get into UT Austin with a 3.7 unweighted GPA, since that’s right around the average for admitted students

A 3.7 GPA usually sits in the middle 50% range for UT Austin undergrads. Strong essays, leadership roles, and extracurriculars can help balance out weaker test scores or GPAs. Graduate applicants should double-check program averages—they might run higher than 3.7.

Is 290 a bad GRE score?

A GRE score of 290 is below average and could hurt your chances without extra-strong qualifications

At 290 (roughly 145 Verbal / 145 Quant), you’re dipping below the 50th percentile. While a handful of universities might accept this, it’s not competitive for UT Austin or other picky schools. Consider retaking the exam if you’re aiming for top programs.

Can I get into UT Austin with a 2.7 GPA?

Admission to UT Austin with a 2.7 GPA is highly unlikely, since the average high school GPA is 3.84

UT Austin’s admits usually rank in the top 10% of their high school class with GPAs well above 3.5. A 2.7 GPA puts you below the 25th percentile, so you’d need jaw-dropping test scores, killer essays, and standout achievements to make up the gap.

How competitive is UT Austin?

UT Austin is tough to get into, with an acceptance rate of 32% as of 2026

The school fields over 50,000 applications for about 16,000 spots each year, so strong academics are a must. Competitive applicants usually post SAT scores above 1400, ACT scores above 31, and GPAs above 3.7. Applying early and showing leadership can give you an edge.

How hard is it to get into UT Austin MS CS?

Getting into UT Austin’s MS in Computer Science is extremely tough, with acceptance rates around 9% for master’s and PhD programs combined

That low acceptance rate reflects both the program’s reputation and the flood of qualified applicants. Competitive profiles usually include a 3.5+ GPA, 320+ GRE scores (if required), solid research or work experience, and research interests that line up with faculty. Tailor your statement to specific labs to stand out.

What GRE score do I need for Harvard?

Most Harvard graduate programs expect GRE scores in the 155–166 range for Verbal and 155–170 for Quant, often favoring scores in the 160s

Harvard’s average accepted scores put applicants in the top 10–15% nationally. MBA and JD programs tend to weigh Quant scores more heavily, while humanities programs lean on Verbal. Always verify program-specific expectations on Harvard’s department websites.

What is a decent GRE score?

A decent GRE score is at or above the 75th percentile, which is roughly 158 Verbal and 159 Quant, totaling 317

Scores in this range open doors to mid-tier universities and plenty of scholarships. A 318+ is solid, while 329+ lands you in the 90th percentile or higher. Anything below 300 is generally below average and might limit your options unless you’ve got other strengths.

What is a bad GRE score?

A bad GRE score is one that falls below your target program’s minimum or the 10th percentile (below 139 Verbal and 141 Quant)

If your score shuts you out of the programs you want, it’s effectively “bad” for your goals. Even scores just below program medians can hold you back. Use the ETS GRE Search Service to compare your score against program averages.

Is 315 GRE score good?

A GRE score of 315 is good for most programs, especially outside STEM, and competitive for top-50 schools

That score usually breaks down to about 155–158 Verbal and 157–160 Quant, landing you around the 75th–85th percentile. For MBA programs, aim higher—around 320+, since elite business schools often average in the mid-320s. Retake if your dream schools’ medians sit above 320.

Is 330 a good GRE score?

A GRE score of 330 is outstanding and puts you in the 98th percentile or higher

Only about 2% of test takers hit 330+, so it’s a major differentiator. This score (say, 166 Verbal / 164 Quant) competes well for Ivy League and top-10 programs across fields. If your target programs average 325+, a 330+ can give your application a serious boost.

What is the minimum GRE score for admission in USA?

There’s no universal minimum GRE score for U.S. admission; most programs want scores between 155 and 167 per section

While some universities accept scores as low as 290–300, competitive programs expect mid-to-high 150s in each section. Always check the program’s admissions page for exact minimums. Some states or professional degrees (like nursing) might have their own GRE rules.

Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
Juan Martinez

Juan is an education and communications expert who writes about learning strategies, academic skills, and effective communication.