What's the minimum GRE score for grad school admissions?

I've been preparing for the GRE and I'm wondering what the minimum score is for most grad schools. Is there a specific benchmark I should be targeting to at least be considered for admission?

The minimum GRE score for grad school admissions can vary significantly depending on the program and the school you're applying to. There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but I can give you some general guidelines to help you determine a target score.

First, keep in mind that graduate programs often have different GRE score expectations based on the field of study. Engineering or science programs might have higher quantitative score expectations, whereas humanities and social science programs may prioritize a higher verbal score.

To start with, you can research the average GRE scores of admitted students for the specific programs and schools you're interested in applying to. Some institutions publish this data on their website, while others might require you to contact the admissions office directly.

As a general guideline, a competitive GRE score for most grad schools would be in the 75th percentile or above for each section (verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing). That being said, a lower score doesn't automatically disqualify you from consideration. Many graduate programs use a holistic admissions approach, considering your academic background, recommendations, work experience, and personal statement in addition to your GRE scores.

In summary, there isn't a universal minimum GRE score for grad school admissions. It's important to research your target grad schools to understand their expectations. Aiming for a score in the 75th percentile or above for each section can be a good target, but remember that other aspects of your application may help balance slightly lower scores.