Average GRE scores for Electrical Engineering
The average GRE scores for Electrical Engineering MS programs, according to the historical data and the official ETS website, lies around 320.
Although a lot of universities have made the GRE optional for 2022 due to the COVID crises, GRE scores can give you an edge over other applicants in the pool.
Since there are three sections within the GRE, namely, Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing–let’s assess how much you need to qualify into a Electrical Engineering MS program.
GRE Quantitative Reasoning Score for Electrical Engineering MS Programs:
Obviously, the most important section in the GRE for Electrical Engineering program (and for Engineering programs in general) applicants is the Quantitative Reasoning section. On average, applicants accepted into Electrical Engineering programs in the USA have a Quantitative Reasoning score of 160 on average. Thus, to increase your chances of being accepted and standing out amongst the pool of applicants, you need to aim for a Quantitative Reasoning score of at least 160.
Thus, if your dream university is one of the Ivy-league ones or is a top-tier EE program university, you should aim for an even higher score.
GRE Verbal Reasoning Score for Electrical Engineering MS Programs:
The average GRE Verbal Reasoning score of EE applicants is 155. Although Verbal Reasoning scores are not given much priority within CS and Engineering streams, it can play a vital role in differentiating and complementing an applicant’s overall profile and help them get an edge over other applicants.
Furthermore, it can help programs gauge your overall reading and comprehension skills, something that is really important when pursuing a Master’s or a PhD degree. However, do not worry yourself too much about the Verbal Reasoning section, especially if you struggle with grammar and language. Aim to get at least 150 in the Verbal Reasoning section while preparing for a high Quant score!
GRE Analytical Writing Score for Electrical Engineering MS Programs:
The average Analytical Writing score for Engineering programs falls at 3.5 out of a possible 6.
As an Electrical Engineering program applicant, you do not need to worry too much about this section either. Just familiarize yourself with the format of the essay, and go through the prompts available on the official ETS website. That should suffice to get an upwards of 3.5 in your GRE Analytical Writing section.
TOP 10 US Electrical Engineering Master’s Programs that require GRE scores:
| UNIVERSITY | GRE SCORES |
| University of Michigan, Ann-Arbor | Average 168 Quantitative, 155 Verbal, 3.3 Analytical Writing |
| Purdue University, West Lafayette | Average 166 Quantitative, 154 Verbal |
| University of California, Los Angeles | Average 168 Quantitative, 155 Verbal |
| University of California, San Diego | Average 167 Quantitative, 157 Verbal, 4 Analytical Writing |
| Columbia University | Average 166 Quantitative, 162 Verbal |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Average 162 Quantitative, 158 Verbal |
| Johns Hopkins University | Average 161 Quantitative, 156 Verbal |
| Ohio State University | Average 164 Quantitative |
| University of California, Santa Barbara | Competitive 165 Quantitative, 155 Verbal, 4 Analytical Writing |
| University of Washington | Minimum 160 Quantitative |
Conclusion:
Thus, the ideal GRE score for an average Electrical Engineering program is 318, while, for top-tier Electrical Engineering programs, we see an average of 165 in the Quantitative section of the GRE.
In conclusion, your GRE study plan should be such that you focus and spend more energy and effort in preparing for the Quant section of the GRE, while continuing to practice for the Verbal Reasoning section to achieve a score of at least 155 in that section.
