One of the most typical questions Harvard University grad school applicants have is what GRE score is required in the particular department and program they have chosen. In many universities, such as Harvard University, standardized test scores such as the GRE are part of the application requirements. The required score differs from each department and from program to program. This article covers the minimum, average, and required GRE scores to successfully apply to Harvard University.
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What is Harvard University?
Harvard University is a well-known school worldwide. It was founded in 1636 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Harvard is the first institution that offered higher education in America. Harvard University is very challenging with a 4.8% acceptance rate. Harvard’s schools and institutes include the Harvard Business School, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Extension School, School of Dental Medicine, Harvard Divinity School, Graduate School of Education, Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School, Graduate School of Design, and T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
What are the postgraduate programs offered at Harvard University?
Here is a list of all the graduate programs offered at Harvard University:
- Biological Sciences
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Economics
- History
These are the programs offered by the different Harvard School divisions requiring GRE scores for admission.
Is the GRE score required for Harvard University admission?
Yes, the GRE is a required part of the application for some graduate schools at Harvard University (not all the schools accept GRE scores). Among the schools that accept the GRE are Harvard Business School, Law School, Graduate School of Design, Graduate School of Education, Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Harvard Kennedy School.
It is important to note that Harvard University does not only require a single criterion for admission. Aside from GRE scores, graduate school hopefuls should also prepare letters of recommendation, essays, and other application requirements.
How many GRE scores does Harvard University accept?
Up to two sets of official GRE scores are accepted by some Harvard schools. Harvard Graduate School of Education, for example, accepts two but does not average test scores. They look at each set of results separately.
What is a good GRE score to successfully apply to Harvard University?
The required GRE score depends on the type of program the student will apply to, but for over 50% of the programs offered at different schools within Harvard University, the average GRE score requirements are in the upper 80th percentile. That’s about 162 in Quant, 158 in Verbal, and 4.5 in Analytical Writing.
What is the range of Harvard Universities Average GRE Score?
The required score in the quantitative and verbal sections ranges from 145 to 170. In both areas, candidates should aim for a score of 163. The average score in analytical writing should be 3.5. Furthermore, the average total accumulated GRE score required for Harvard University admission is about 326.
What is Harvard’s Average GRE score for Business School?
The following are the average GRE scores for each program offered at Harvard Business School:
Name of Program Offered at Harvard University | Average GRE Quantitative Score | Average GRE Verbal Score | Average GRE Analytical Writing Score | Average Undergraduate GPA |
---|---|---|---|---|
MBA | 167 | 163 | 5.0 | 3.7 |
MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences | 164 | 162 | 5.0 | 3.8 |
PhD in Business Administration | 165 | 161 | 5.5 | 3.85 |
PhD in Business Economics | 164 | 162 | 5.0 | 3.75 |
PhD program in Organizational Behavior | 165 | 161 | 5.0 | 3.8 |
The average GRE scores for Harvard Business School are 166 for Quantitative, 162 for Verbal, and 5.0 for Analytical Writing.
What is Harvard University average GRE score for Engineering and Applied Sciences?
The following are the average GRE scores for each program offered in the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences:
Name of Program Offered at Harvard University | Average GRE Quantitative Score | Average GRE Verbal Score | Average GRE Analytical Writing Score | Average Undergraduate GPA |
---|---|---|---|---|
Applied Mathematics (Ph.D.) | 168 | 160 | 4.5 | 3.9 |
Applied Physics (Ph.D.) | 167 | 161 | 5.0 | 3.85 |
Bioengineering (Ph.D.) | 167 | 160 | 4.5 | 3.9 |
Computer Science (Ph.D.) | 168 | 161 | 4.5 | 3.7 |
Electrical Engineering (Ph.D.) | 168 | 162 | 5.0 | 3.85 |
Environmental Science & Engineering (Ph.D.) | 168 | 161 | 5.0 | 3.9 |
Master in Design Engineering | 168 | 162 | 5.0 | 3.9 |
Master’s in Computational Science and Engineering | 167 | 162 | 4.5 | 3.80 |
Master’s in Data Science | 168 | 161 | 4.5 | 3.85 |
Materials Science & Mechanical Engineering (Ph.D.) | 167 | 161 | 4.5 | 3.8 |
MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences | 167 | 162 | 4.5 | 3.8 |
The average GRE scores for the Harvard University John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences are 167 for Quantitative, 163 for Verbal, and 4.5 for Analytical Writing.
What is Harvard’s average GRE score for the Graduate School of Design?
The following are the average GRE scores for each program offered at the Harvard Graduate School of Design:
Name of Program Offered | Average GRE Quantitative Score | Average GRE Verbal Score | Average GRE Analytical Writing Score | Average Undergraduate GPA |
---|---|---|---|---|
Master of Landscape Architecture in Urban Design | 160 | 156 | 4.5 | 3.6 |
Master of Architecture in Urban Design | 159 | 158 | 4.0 | 3.6 |
Master in Urban Planning and Public Policy | 158 | 157 | 4.5 | 3.65 |
Master in Urban Planning and Public Health | 160 | 157 | 4.0 | 3.6 |
Master in Urban Planning and Public Administration | 159 | 157 | 4.0 | 3.58 |
Master in Urban Planning and Juris Doctor | 159 | 158 | 4.5 | 3.6 |
Master in Urban Planning | 159 | 156 | 4.0 | 3.7 |
Master in Landscape Architecture | 160 | 156 | 4.5 | 3.65 |
Master in Design Studies (MDes) | 159 | 160 | 4.0 | 3.6 |
Master in Architecture | 159 | 157 | 4.0 | 3.6 |
Doctor of Design Program (DDes) | 159 | 157 | 4.0 | 3.6 |
The average GRE scores for Harvard Graduate School of Design are 159 for Quantitative, 158 for Verbal, and 4.0 for Analytical Writing.
What is Harvard University’s average GRE score for the Graduate School of Education?
The following are the average GRE scores for each program offered at the Harvard Graduate School of Education:
Name of Program Offered | Average GRE Quantitative Score | Average GRE Verbal Score | Average GRE Analytical Writing Score | Average Undergraduate GPA |
---|---|---|---|---|
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education | 158 | 159 | 4.5 | 3.5 |
Master’s in Education | 156 | 159 | 4.0 | 3.6 |
The Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) | 157 | 160 | 4.5 | 3.65 |
The average GRE scores for Harvard Graduate School of Education are 157 for Quantitative, 158 for Verbal, and 4.0 for Analytical Writing.
What is Harvard University’s average GRE score for the T.H. Chan School of Public Health?
The following are the average GRE scores for each program offered at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health:
Name of Program Offered | Average GRE Quantitative Score | Average GRE Verbal Score | Average GRE Analytical Writing Score | Average Undergraduate GPA |
---|---|---|---|---|
Doctor of Public Health | 160 | 158 | 5.0 | 3.8 |
Master in Health Care Management | 159 | 157 | 4.5 | 3.7 |
Master of Public Health | 160 | 157 | 5.0 | 3.65 |
MPH in Epidemiology Online/ On-Campus | 159 | 158 | 4.5 | 3.65 |
PhD in Biological Sciences in Public Health | 160 | 158 | 5.0 | 3.8 |
PhD in Biostatistics | 161 | 158 | 5.5 | 3.85 |
PhD in Population Health Sciences | 160 | 158 | 4.5 | 3.8 |
PhD program in Health Policy (Management) | 162 | 165 | 5.0 | 3.7 |
The average GRE scores for Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health are 160 for Quantitative, 158 for Verbal, and 4.5 for Analytical Writing.
What is Harvard University’s average GRE score for Harvard Kennedy School?
The following are the average GRE scores for each program offered at the Harvard Kennedy School:
Name of Program Offered | Average GRE Quantitative Score | Average GRE Verbal Score | Average GRE Analytical Writing Score | Average Undergraduate GPA |
---|---|---|---|---|
Master in Public Administration | 160 | 162 | 4.5 | 3.65 |
Master in Public Administration in International Development | 159 | 164 | 5.0 | 3.7 |
Master in Public Policy | 159 | 163 | 4.5 | 3.6 |
Mid-Career Master in Public Administration | 158 | 162 | 4.5 | 3.65 |
PhD in Public Policy | 162 | 164 | 5.0 | 3.7 |
PhD in Political Economy & Government | 161 | 165 | 5.0 | 3.8 |
PhD in Social Policy | 162 | 163 | 4.5 | 3.8 |
PhD in Political Science | GRE is not required |
The average GRE scores for Harvard Kennedy School are 160 for Quantitative, 163 for Verbal, and 4.5 for Analytical Writing.
What is Harvard University’s average GRE score for Harvard Medical School?
The following are the average GRE scores for each program offered at Harvard Medical School:
Name of Program Offered | Average GRE Quantitative Score | Average GRE Verbal Score | Average GRE Analytical Writing Score | Average Undergraduate GPA |
---|---|---|---|---|
PhD in Bioinformatics and Integrative Genomics | GRE recommended, not required | 3.8 | ||
PhD in Biological and Biomedical Sciences | GRE recommended, not required | GRE recommended, not required | GRE recommended, not required | 3.85 |
PhD in Immunology | GRE recommended, not required | GRE recommended, not required | GRE recommended, not required | 3.75 |
PhD in Neuroscience | GRE recommended, not required | GRE recommended, not required | GRE recommended, not required | 3.8 |
PhD in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology | GRE recommended, not required | GRE recommended, not required | GRE recommended, not required | 3.8 |
PhD in Virology | GRE recommended, not required | GRE recommended, not required | GRE recommended, not required | 3.85 |
For Harvard Medical School, the GRE is only recommended and not required. Instead, applicants are required to take the MCAT or Medical College Admission Test.
What is Harvard University’s average GRE score for the Harvard Graduate School of Arts & Sciences?
The following are the average GRE scores for each program offered in the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences:
Name of Program Offered | Average GRE Quantitative Score | Average GRE Verbal Score | Average GRE Analytical Writing Score | Average Undergraduate GPA |
---|---|---|---|---|
Creative Practice and Critical Inquiry (PhD only) | 156 | 161 | 4.5 | 3.5 |
Master’s and PhD in Celtic Languages and Literature | GRE recommended, not required | GRE recommended, not required | GRE recommended, not required | 3.6 |
Master’s and PhD in History of Science | GRE recommended, not required | GRE recommended, not required | GRE recommended, not required | 3.7 |
Master’s and PhD in Middle Eastern Studies | 154 | 157 | 4.0 | 3.6 |
Master’s and PhD in Music Specialization in Composition | 156 | 161 | 4.5 | 3.5 |
Masters and PhD in Anthropology | GRE recommended, not required | GRE recommended, not required | GRE recommended, not required | 3.7 |
Masters and PhD in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations | 155 | 162 | 4.5 | 3.6 |
Masters and PhD in South Asian Studies | 155 | 162 | 4.5 | 3.6 |
Masters in Regional Studies–East Asia | 157 | 163 | 5.0 | 3.7 |
Masters in Regional Studies–Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia | 158 | 163 | 4.5 | 3.7 |
Music Theory (PhD only) | 156 | 161 | 4.5 | 3.5 |
Musicology/Ethnomusicology (PhD only) | 156 | 161 | 4.5 | 3.5 |
Musicology/Historical (PhD only) | 156 | 161 | 4.5 | 3.5 |
Performance Practice* (Master’s only) | 156 | 161 | 4.5 | 3.5 |
PhD in African and African American Studies | 153 | 164 | 5.0 | 3.7 |
PhD in American Studies | GRE is not required | GRE is not required | GRE is not required | 3.8 |
PhD in Astronomy | GRE is not required | GRE is not required | GRE is not required | 3.9 |
PhD in Biophysics | 168 | 164 | 5.0 | 3.9 |
PhD in Chemical Physics | 166 | 162 | 4.5 | 3.98 |
PhD in Chemistry and Chemical Biology | 166 | 162 | 4.5 | 3.98 |
PhD in Comparative Literature | 153 | 164 | 5.0 | 3.6 |
PhD in Earth and Planetary Sciences | 166 | 162 | 5.0 | 3.8 |
PhD in East Asian Languages and Civilizations | 155 | 163 | 5.5 | 3.7 |
PhD in Economics | 168 | 165 | 5.5 | 3.8 |
PhD in English | GRE is not required | GRE is not required | GRE is not required | 3.7 |
PhD in Film and Visual Studies | 156 | 167 | 5.0 | 3.7 |
PhD in Germanic Languages and Literatures | 154 | 162 | 5.0 | 3.8 |
PhD in Government | 156 | 161 | 4.5 | 3.7 |
PhD in History | 151 | 164 | 5.0 | 3.8 |
PhD in History of Art and Architecture | 157 | 162 | 4.5 | 3.7 |
PhD in Human Evolutionary Biology | GRE recommended, not required | GRE recommended, not required | GRE recommended, not required | 3.6 |
PhD in Inner Asian and Altaic Studies | GRE is required but scores are not available | GRE is required but scores are not available | GRE is required but scores are not available | 3.6 |
PhD in Physics | GRE is not required GRE Subject in Physics is optional | GRE is not required GRE Subject in Physics is optional | GRE is not required GRE Subject in Physics is optional | 3.8 |
PhD in Psychology | 157 | 162 | 4.5 | 3.7 |
PhD in Religion | GRE recommended, not required | GRE recommended, not required | GRE recommended, not required | 3.7 |
PhD in Romance Languages and Literatures | 158 | 165 | 5.0 | 3.8 |
PhD in Slavic Languages and Literatures | GRE is not required | GRE is not required | GRE is not required | 3.9 |
PhD in Sociology | GRE is required but scores are not available | GRE is required but scores are not available | GRE is required but scores are not available | 3.8 |
PhD in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology (SHBT) | GRE recommended, not required | GRE recommended, not required | GRE recommended, not required | 3.8 |
PhD in Statistics | 168 | 159 | 4.5 | 3.9 |
PhD in Systems, Synthetic, and Quantitative Biology? | GRE recommended, not required | GRE recommended, not required | GRE recommended, not required | 3.7 |
PhD in The Classics | 153 | 163 | 4.5 | 3.8 |
The average GRE scores for Harvard Graduate School of Arts & Sciences are 158 for Quantitative, 162 for Verbal, and 4.7 for Analytical Writing.
What is the GRE score required for a Master of Science at Harvard University?
The GRE scores required for Masters’s in Science at Harvard University would be 162 for Verbal, and 164 for Quantitative. However, the GRE is not the only factor that will help students get admission to Harvard University. TOEFL and GPA marks are also requirements to consider.
Can I get into Harvard University with a low GRE score?
The applicant’s chances of admission will be substantially reduced if their GRE scores are significantly low. According to Harvard University GSE, “We have seen that the program can be quite challenging under these circ*mstances. In recent years, successful applicants with lower scores have presented compelling professional experience and provided evidence of demonstrated academic ability in other areas of the application.”
How can i improve my GRE Score for Harvard University?
To enhance your GRE score for Harvard University, employ a strategic approach. Begin with thorough content review, focusing on your weak areas. Utilize official GRE practice materials and timed mock tests to simulate exam conditions. Develop time management skills to tackle all sections effectively. Seek additional resources like prep courses or tutors if needed. Regularly analyze mistakes to learn and improve. Prioritize consistent, targeted practice over time. Remember, holistic application matters; a strong GRE is just one facet.
Can a GRE prep course help with scores for Harvard University?
Yes, a online GRE prep courses can significantly enhance your chances of achieving higher scores for Harvard University admission. These courses offer tailored strategies, practice tests, and expert guidance that align with the GRE’s format and content. While scores are just one aspect of your application, a strong performance can positively impact your candidacy. Remember that Harvard University considers various factors, so a well-rounded application is key.
What are the three options for score submission to Harvard University?
The applicant’s chosen degree program will note one of three options regarding submission of scores for the GRE General Test:
- Required. Applicants must submit GRE General Test results.
- Optional. Applicants may submit GRE General Test results if they wish.
- Not Accepted. Applicants shouldn’t submit GRE General Test results because the scores will not be considered when applications are reviewed.
For those programs that say GRE scores are only recommended or optional, it would be ideal that applicants take it since it may boost their chances of admission.
How do I send GRE scores to Harvard University?
This is how applicants can send their scores to Harvard University:
- Request that GRE scores be sent to the academic institutions of your choice.
- Be sure to select the correct Harvard admissions office because each has its own ETS school code. (i.e Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences’ institution code is 3451)
- Use the ETS code to send GRE scores to the chosen Harvard School.
- Make sure that GRE score reports are sent to a certain school’s admissions office by the application deadline.
Although an official score report from Educational Testing Service (ETS) is required, applicants can upload personal score reports from examinations taken within the last five years if they have them.