The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardised test required for admission to most US postgraduate programmes, including master's and PhD degrees.
The GRE is administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service) and is required for graduate school admissions at most US and some international universities. It has three sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Verbal and Quantitative scores each range from 130–170.
Many US graduate programmes are increasingly becoming GRE-optional, particularly in the sciences. However, for competitive fellowships (Fulbright, Gates Cambridge) and strong postgraduate programmes, a GRE score above 160 in Quant and 155+ in Verbal is typically required.
Pakistani students applying for the Fulbright Scholarship to study in the US need a GRE score — typically 310+ for competitive applications, with Quant above 155. The GRE is also required for most US master's programmes in engineering, sciences, and social sciences. Pakistani students with strong mathematics backgrounds (from FSc pre-engineering or engineering degrees) often score well on the Quantitative section.
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