Hoping to get into a social science graduate program? If you’re curious about the GRE score you need to be competitive, start by finding out the average scores for test-takers in your field and what top programs expect.
GRE Scores for Social Science Programs (Intended)
When registering for the GRE, test takers can indicate their intended graduate field of study. Since ETS, the test administrator, regularly shares this information with the public, we can see the average Verbal and Quant scores for test takers in common graduate fields.
We’ve used this data to create a table of average scores for GRE takers entering social science fields. Keep in mind, though, these are just the averages for everyone who took the test and plans to enter one of these fields. While this won’t give you the exact GRE score needed for a specific school, it will help you see what the average test taker in your field is scoring.
How Can Knowing Average Score Data Help Me Get into Grad School?
So, why should you know the average GRE scores of other applicants in your chosen field? First, the initial step in applying to grad school is gathering as much data as possible. You need to know everything about the schools offering your degree. For instance, what does each school require for admission? Additionally, what do they value most in an application? These are crucial data points to consider as you plan your strategy. Armed with this information, you can discover the best schools to apply to and tailor your application to show why you’re a great fit.
Moreover, gathering data is crucial when you start prepping for the GRE. One of your most important test prep tools is your ability to collect and analyze data. This includes knowing exactly what the test covers and, just as importantly, what it doesn’t. Additionally, tracking your practice and analyzing your mistakes is essential for improving your studies. Getting an accurate baseline GRE score, understanding the average score of other test-takers, and setting a data-driven score goal are all key.
Too often, GRE takers set score goals based on what they think is good. However, the best GRE score is the one that gets you into your chosen grad program. The key to finding that score is research. Thus, knowing more about the scores of other applicants—and, more importantly, admitted students—will set you up for success.
| Specialty | Verbal | Quantitative |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | 154 | 160 |
| Political Science | 157 | 153 |
| Psychology | 152 | 149 |
| Sociology | 153 | 150 |
| Other | 152 | 149 |
GRE Score Information For Economics Programs
Below, you’ll find a table of average GRE scores for a selection of top Economics PhD programs. You may notice that some big names like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and Princeton aren’t listed. However, their absence doesn’t mean they aren’t top programs or that they don’t accept the GRE—it simply means they don’t report score information.
Now, here’s what we do know about these programs: they’re among the top in the U.S. and are extremely competitive. Therefore, you should aim for the 90th percentile (163 or above) in Verbal and 168 or above in Quant. While it’s not a strict rule, keep in mind that the top 3 or 4 Economics PhD programs often expect a Quant score of 169 or 170. Overall, a very strong Quant performance is typically required for admission to a top Economics PhD program.
GRE Score Information For Political Science Programs
Moving on, here’s information on a selection of Political Science programs. If a school doesn’t release score data, you can use similar programs nearby as a benchmark.
GRE Score Information For Psychology Programs
Finally, for this selection of top Psychology programs, you’ll notice that some schools are test-optional. In these cases, I generally recommend taking the GRE unless you’re absolutely confident your application is stellar. You can learn more about the decision-making process for test-optional schools here. Remember, since top schools are highly competitive, anything you can do to strengthen your application is advised.
GRE Score Information For Sociology Programs
Finally, we have the GRE scores for top Sociology programs.
Achieving Your GRE Score Goals
Setting your score goal based on your targeted programs’ data is just the first step. Next, you need a solid study plan and the right tools to achieve your desired score. A Magoosh Premium Plan can help provide structure, real ETS questions, and in-depth explanations for problems to help you meet your goals.
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38 responses to “GRE Scores for Social Science Programs”
Hello,
I will be applying for counseling/school psychology phd/psyd programs this year and have a GRE verbal score of
1) 153 (with 4.0 writing)
2) 151 (with 4.5 writing)
I know both of my scores are not attractive :(, but I would like to report whichever works better. Would writing scores matter as much as verbal does? Do you have any advice for me? Thank you in advance!
Hey JJ! Unfortunately it really varies from program to program. A lot of programs are willing to hint at which is more important so I suggest you reach out to them and see what they say!
Chris S
Hi Christ,
My first attempt of GRE is 155 (V), 167 (Q) and 3.5 (AWA). I plan to apply PhD program in sociology. Currently I am working on 4 schools: U of Colorado-Boulder, Rutgers U, Purdue U and Brandeis U. I am wondering if higher GRE score is needed for them since the deadlines are in Dec. Or I can use some other way to compensate my deficiency? Thanks.
Hey! That quant score is great, and the verbal score probably won’t hurt you so much. The only big concern is likely the AWA which definitely on the low end. For many programs, this can be made up by a great statement of purpose and writing samples. But this really varies by program.
Chris S
Hey there Chris!
First of all, I wanted to thank Margoosh team for such a great source for GRE preparation. Unfortunately, I bumped into it just 3 weeks ago but still it helped me a lot!
I am planning to apply to PhD programs in Psychology.
I took the GRE in September and scored 152 (V), 149 (Q) and 3 for the writing part. So I was not sure whether it was reasonable to apply to any program with those scores at all. Then, after 1,5 months I retook it and scored 158 (V) and 157 (Q). Margosh GRE eBook, hints regarding the materials and your vocabulary flashcards were more than useful:)
Writing part results are yet to come, but I suppose it won’t be higher than 3.5. (It is difficult to deal with this part for a non-native speaker:)
I have not started application procedure yet. Thinking about University of California, San Diego, Brown Uni, North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Uni of Maryland. Do you think it could be done with such scores?
Thank you for your help!:)
I
Hey Nikolay! Those scores put you in good company for the programs you’re interested in, but since it’s PhD level, a lot will come down to research interest. I’d reach out to the schools to see if they can give you more information regarding the admissions process. 🙂
Chris S
Hi Chris,
I recently took the GRE and received a 166 for verbal, 154 for quantitative, and a 4 for analytical writing. I am interested in applying to many of the top 10 schools for clinical psychology. Do you think I should retake the exam to try to improve my quantitative and writing score to be more competitive?
Thanks!
Hey Katherine! Your scores are right in the competitive range, so I wouldn’t worry so much about a retake. Your AWA might be a bit on the low end of their averages, but you can probably make that up in the SOP or writing samples. 🙂
Chris S
Dear Chris
I really appreciate your effort to inform the PhD aspirants about the details of admission process. I have been informed of many issues through your blog. However, I need to hear something from you regarding my GRE score. Few days back I sat for GRE exam and I scored Q-158 & V-145, I don’t know whether this score is enough to have an admission in economics (specialization in public finance, macro/ monetary economics) with an offer of funding in any university in the US or Canada. Here, I would like to mention that I am a civil servant working for long 8 year in a country of South Asia.
I have an engineering degree and then a masters degree in economics in Japan. I have also a publication along with my superviser in Japan in an international journal. Also, please note that I have 2.89 CGPA in my undergraduate degree and 3.86 CGPA in my masters in economics.
I will be grateful very much if you please suggest me as per my aspiration.
Hey Rash! First off, most PhD programs provide funding to their students, so if you’re accepted, there’s not too much else to worry about in that regard. Your scores are likely a bit low for the top schools but I wouldn’t say you’re out of the running. 🙂
Best,
Chris S
Hi Chris,
I am applying to Clinical Psychology programs. I have a 3.5 GPA and some research experience. On my practice tests I have been scoring between a 150-160V and a 150-155Q. I know these are on the lower side but do they help me stand a chance of getting in? Most of the schools I am applying to do not have their target scores listed so I am stuggling to find out.
Thank you!
Hey! I think landing on the higher end of those will definitely put you in solid footing. 🙂
Best,
Chris S
Hi Chris,
I’m applying to an I/O psych masters program. In looking at the chart I’m above the ‘top 10′ math score, but in the ’51-100’ for my verbal score. I was just wondering if my high quant score will outweigh my subpar verbal score?
Thanks!
Hey Nicole! It really depends on the school and the program. Some weigh them evenly, some verbal more than quant, and others vice versa. Try to consider which skills would be most important to being successful in your program and you’ll have a better idea of what’s more important to the adcoms. 🙂
Best,
Chris S
Hi Chris..
Thanks a lot for providing very useful information to all seekers.
Can you please advise…
An Indian students having strong profile like CPI-GPA over 9 out of 10, more than three research paper in the field of International Relation, 3-4 internships, 1 month summer school abroad experience and extra curriculum supported by certificates etc…but GRE combined score of 295-300 only can have chance of
1. getting into Top 10 Universities for Master/Phd in Political science.
2. Or 11-20 Top Universities.
2. Harvard school of divinity…(how much GRE score is required )
Your guidance and advise would be very useful.
regards
Amit
Hey Amit! It sounds like you’ve got a lot of different things in mind when it comes to what you want to do. I recommend taking some time to reflect on what you really want to do so that your research focus is strong. In a lot of senses that outweighs the GRE score. 🙂
Best,
Chris S
Hi, Chris. I’m applying at 5 different schools for Clinical Psychology, which is of course an extremely competitive field. Using Magoosh I raised my quant score to 154 (my verbal was never a problem). My dream school is University of Washington – with a 162 and a 154, I just wonder if I should try again. 154 is pretty weak. Your opinion?
Hey Harry! I think the best is to check the range above. I’m not exactly certain of UW’s score ranges, but check out the rankings and see where it falls. Even if you’re a bit under range, that’s OK, you can most likely make it up elsewhere. 🙂
Best,
Chris S
Hi Chris, I just wanted to ask whether these points valid for international students or not? Do you have any idea about universities’ consideration for international students? Thanks,
Hey Onur! Unfortunately that varies from program to program, so you’d need to check with your specific schools of interest. My guess is that it won’t vary much. 🙂
Best,
Chris S
Hey Chris,
Thanks for this post! I am planning to apply for a Phd in Economics in one of the mid tier colleges and I am applying from India. Other than the GRE how would you rate the Importance of the other admission criteria namely SOP,RECO, Undergrad and masters grades, Toefl, etc
Hey Soumya! It really depends a lot on the program. For Econ I suspect that Quant will be really important, but for a PhD, research interest alignment is really important. I can’t stress that enough. You could have perfect scores across the board, but even a mid-tier school might reject you if the research interests don’t match up with their faculty.
Best,
Chris S
Hi Chris! Thanks for the reply. I am selecting the colleges based on their faculty and courses. In the US, people generally join the Phd after an undergraduate degree right? So do the colleges expect students to have Research projects under their name before they are applying for the Phd programs?
Hey Soumya! Some programs will have people applying to PhDs immediately after undergrad and others prefer students to have a Master’s, it really depends on the program. In social sciences, you should have a very strong research focus at least if you plan on applying to a PhD.
Best,
Chris S
Hello Sir… Is this GRE score sufficient to get into a PhD program in Political Sciences?
Which GRE score? Of the ranges I’ve listed, for a PhD program, I’d aim for the high end and then focus on research fit. 🙂
Best,
Chris S
Chris,
I just sat for my GRE today, after a summer full of studying. Results: V-162 Q-157.
I am applying to Counseling Psychology Ph.D programs, which are not as competitive as say Clinical programs. Nevertheless, would you consider my score to be high enough to “get my foot in the door” during the application process? I understand that you are not an admissions expert, but speaking only in terms of my scores, would you expect me to be on the competitive side?
P.S. Magoosh really helped me up my game this summer. I only used Magoosh (6 month plan), and a couple of Kaplan books.
Thanks!
SportPsych30
Hey SportPsych30! (I can guess what you want to study 😛 ) I’m not very aware of the Counseling psych programs, but if they aren’t very quant intensive, then I’d expect you to at least get your foot in the door, though I doubt you’ll blow that door wide open! 🙂 Glad you found Magoosh helpful!
Best,
Chris S
Chris, thanks for your feedback. Unfortunately you are probably correct, I will not be blowing open any doors with this score, but I am happy with what I have achieved. I worked as hard as I could for the time I was given, and am happy to be at least getting that foot in the door.
Here’s to hoping that I get into a Ph.D program this go around, and won’t be back here in two years stressing over this test again after a masters program.
Cheers,
SP30
Is this for masters or PhD?
It’s essentially a blend of the two. That means you should look on the higher end for PhD, though it really depends on your program. 🙂
Best,
Chris S
What do you think it would be for a Public Policy/Administration
Hey! Looking at some of the top university scores, it seems like mid-to-low 160s for verbal and mid 150s for quant. That’s for the best schools though and would be a bit lower going down the line.
Chris S
Hey Mr. Swimmer, thanks for the great information. I was just wondering where these US news scores came from. Are these from the compass information that must be paid for, or am I just now finding them in the main website? Thanks in advance for your time and effort.
Hey Samer! Glad you found the info useful. Arriving at these scores is a bit more complicated, since they’re not released even in US News. Essentially I created a scale of expected score difference between the average scores of test takers intending to pursue a certain major (from the ETS) and top 10/25/50/100 schools. I used the reported scores from US News in Engineering and Education as the basis for the expected difference between intended majors’ average scores and a certain grouping of schools. It’s admittedly not a perfect answer, but since most programs don’t release scores, it’s the best we can do.
Hope this clears things up for you!
Best,
Chris S
Hey, Chris.
Thanks for the great post. I’m looking at psychology programs, so I found this particularly helpful. But I think I’m missing something. You say, “There’s a pretty big distinction between say Psychology GRE scores and Sociology GRE scores,” but as I look at it, there’s absolutely no distinction between the two. I’m probably not seeing something obvious, but I’m curious.
Thanks again!
~jelebu
Hey Jelebu! Good catch, I had meant to edit that (and since have) so that it reads “economics”, not “psychology. 🙂 Hopefully that makes a little more sense now.
Best,
Chris S
Yup, makes perfect sense. 🙂
Thanks again for the post. This is really helpful as I look at potential schools!