- Sakal India Foundation
- July 15, 2025
Table of Contents
When you want to study in USA, it is likely that you have already thought of the way funding your education. It can be a great relief when least expected as tuition fees and the cost of living are not always cheap and often the scholarships can make those academic dreams of yours low cost and more affordable.
A good GRE score is often one of the things that need to be in place when one is seeking scholarships. how good is good enough? So is GRE all that counts? I would now like to discuss how scholarship opportunities in the United States can be affected by your score in the GRE.
What are Scholarships?
Financial awards in terms of scholarships are provided to students to cover education expenses. Unlike student loans, there is no repayment required on scholarships, which means that this type of financial aid is extremely attractive.
They may be given out on an academic merit basis, financial need, having leadership qualities, athletic skills, or in a given field of study. Most of the universities in the U.S., as well as, the privately run institutions and governmental initiatives, have individual scholarships, to local and international students.
Related Blog: What Is a Scholarship? A Detailed Guide
What is the GRE and Why GRE Score Matters for Scholarships?
Graduate record examination (GRE) is a standardized examination which is usually required passport to GRE schools in the USA. It evaluates verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing.
Scoring high on GRE is not only significant in gaining admission into the best universities but it also complements the probability of obtaining scholarships. Owing to its characteristic as a standardized measure of the attributes needed to measure the level of merit a candidate presents; numerous scholarship committees have adopted the use of GRE scores as one of the most important factors to use in granting financial assistance.
Types of Scholarships That Consider GRE Scores
Lots of scholarships take into account GRE scores directly or indirectly in the process of selection. The following are most common:
1. Merit-Based Scholarships
They are provided to those students whose academic records are exemplary and GRE marks are mostly given high priority in selection of the brightest ones.
2. University-Specific Scholarships
Most U.S. universities grant scholarships to high-achieving candidates, on a funds basis, depending on their GRE scores, usually in the form of graduate departments or financial aid departments.
3. Program-Specific Scholarships
Scholarships based on the GRE performance may be offered on some of the special academic programs (particularly in engineering, sciences, or business).
4. Research Assistantships (RA)
These include assisting the professors in research studies. Quantitative GRE score is often a game changer in disciplines like engineering or physics or even data science.
5. Teaching Assistantships (TA)
Such posts involve lecturing or walking in with the undergraduate classes. Your chances will be increased with a better verbal or analytical score in GRE.
6. Government scholarships or Private scholarships
There are many government and private foundation scholarships available throughout the U.S. and abroad, both at the federal level, and at local and state levels, which may reward the use of GRE scores.
Related Blog: How Many Types of Scholarships Are There in India? A Complete Overview
What is a Good GRE Score for Scholarships?
Any given GRE score can be deemed as good or not, depending on a university and a program, but there are a few ranges of scores that are commonly agreed to be competitive in the view of scholarships.
- 320 + Total Score- Overall, a score of above 320 (340 out of 340) is impressive and highly likely to augur up the eligibility to scholarship.
- Quantitative Reasoning -160+ The ability to be successful in STEM and technical programs.
- 155+ in Verbal Reasoning- Good when applying to related to programs in humanities, social sciences, or communication.
- 4.5+ in Analytical Writing -Scores on this section are particularly worthwhile when considered towards scholarship offered whereby essays or writing samples are specified.
- Top 10%15 Percentile- This is stronger in your application, since it is in a higher percentile range.
- Program Benchmark Scores – On some programs, they openly discuss the preffered GRE ranges on their websites – shoot for the marks, and more.
Other Factors That Complement Your GRE Score
Although your GRE score matters a great deal, it is not the sole factor that scholarship committees take into account.
- Academic GPA: A good under graduate grade point average demonstrates good solid academic work.
- Recommendations – Good testimonies by professors or any professional are an added value.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) The SOP can be a very persuasive piece that can bring out your motives, intentions and suitability in the program.
- Research or Work Experience Student experience within your field will be of worth to your application.
- Extracurricular Activities- Shows leadership, community activities and soft skills.
- Language Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)English speaking students, your language test results matter. As an international student, you need a strong language score to be accepted into an American University.
- Resume or CV- It is an orderly and attractive academic/work history that can give your case a good start.
Can You Get a Scholarship with a Low GRE Score?
Yes, you can definitely secure scholarship even at a lower score of GRE. Even though higher scoring scholarships could be demanding, a lot of schools and entities use a combined method to evaluate applicants.
In case you did not have a very high score in the GRE, other strong factors can substitute this including a very high GPA, strong recommendation letters and even research experience. Other scholarships also focus on the financial need, diversity or leadership and not primarily on test scores.
It is also valid to mention that some universities are actively de-emphasizing standardized tests as a whole given the trend of test-optional in many universities. It is always worth looking at the requirements of specific scholarships to keep an eye on where a person may still qualify.
FAQs About GRE Score and Scholarship
Applying in USA specific scholarships have common questions among the students concerning the role of GRE score where many students want to know how it comes in. These are among the most frequently posed questions and their responses to clear up any doubts you may have.
Q1. Can international students get scholarships with GRE scores?
Of course, there are numerous U.S. universities and even independent organizations which provide scholarships to the foreign students and the score of GRE frequently plays an important role in these processes. A good GRE score can help you to stand out in an international applicant.
Q2. What is the minimum GRE score required for a full scholarship?
It has no fixed minimum but the majority of the full scholarships are awarded to those students whose score exceeds 320. Other factors such as research background and performance in school are also looked upon.
Q3. Which is more important: GRE score or GPA?
They are both significant. GRE gives a common basis between the candidates, and GPA gives academic course over a prolonged period of time. In the case of scholarships, a mix of good GRE and good GPA is preferable.
Q4. Is GRE mandatory for scholarships in the USA?
Not always. Although GRE score is a requirement in most of the scholarships, there are institutions that have declared it to be optional or have not required the scores at all. It is always important to ensure that you cross check the eligibility criterion of a particular scholarship.
Q5. Do assistant-ships require a high GRE score?
Often, yes. Competitive research and teaching assistantships usually grant admission to individuals who have good scores in GRE or more or less especially those that match the quantitative or verbal portion of the test in the same field.
Conclusion
GRE mark can greatly influence your chance of getting scholarship but it is a small part of the problem. A competitive score plus good academic background, good essays, and experience will do wonders to placing you in line to get financial aid.
Keep in mind there are a lot of different types of scholarships and the student profiles that such scholarships reach. Through perseverance and appropriate preparation, it is possible to get a source of funding that best suits you.
Need Funding for College? Sakal India Foundation Can Help
The process of applying to scholarship is confusing, and you never have to do it alone. Sakal India Foundation provides a guiding and supportive hand to the Indian students wishing to study abroad.Be it finding funding opportunities or mentorship and looking forward to some professional advice to build yourself a strong application, Sakal India Foundation is the right place to make your academic dreams come true.
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