Want to Do A PhD in the US? You Need Good GRE Score (2023 Edition)

International Students interested in doing a PhD in the United States must complete their GRE test well enough to be accepted by accredited institutions.

To be accepted as a full-time student, most institutions will require an average score of at least 300 out of 340 on the Verbal and Quantitative sections of the GRE exam.

So, as you prepare to do PhD in the US in 2023, it’s essential you also do thorough preparation for GRE, ensuring you score well in the test and stand a chance for an excellent research opportunity at a top university.

About GRE

The GRE is a general test that is required by almost all universities in the US. If you’re applying for PhD, you may be asked to take the GRE. The test has 3 sections: Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing. Each section is scored on a scale of 130 to 170, with 170 being the highest score. The average score for each section is roughly 150.

The Verbal section measures your ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it. The Quantitative section tests basic high school level mathematical skills and understanding of elementary mathematical concepts. The Analytical Writing section assesses your abilities to think critically and write analytically.

Doing PhD in the US

A PhD in the US can take up to 10 years. However, for the majority of the students who are studying full time, this generally takes 5-6 years. The first three years of the program called the candidacy stage are focused on research and coursework, while the final two to three years of the program called the dissertation stage are devoted entirely to researching and writing your dissertation.

Because so much of your work will be focused on your own research project, you’ll need to make sure you choose a university that has experts in your subject area and gives you access to facilities you’ll need. You might also want to see what recent graduates went on to do after finishing their PhDs — whether they were able to find good jobs or go on to do postdoctoral research, for example.

In some cases, a PhD can be completed without any additional study, but it is normally required that at least some coursework is completed as part of a PhD. The amount of coursework required varies from university to university and department to department, but you should expect to spend around a quarter of your time in class.

Most universities require PhD students to complete some compulsory courses in the first year or two of the programme. These might include classes on research methods and tools, subject-specific classes, or even writing classes designed to develop your academic writing skills. You may also be asked to take optional classes or electives.

Want to know more?

If you’re planning to pursue PhD in the US in 2023 and want to know more, including about GRE, connect with us today. Frame Learning is one of the leading overseas education consultants, having helped many students go abroad to do PhD. Get in touch with our experts today and let us help you.