Cornell Waived Off GRE for 54 Master’s programs for 2024-25 Admissions

Cornell University has built a stellar reputation based on its commitment to academic excellence, boasting an impressive array of over 4,000 courses spanning various disciplines. This extensive academic offering reflects the university’s dedication to providing students with a diverse and rigorous educational experience.

One of Cornell’s standout features is its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and research. By fostering collaboration among different fields, the university actively encourages a holistic approach to problem-solving and innovation. This collaborative spirit is further reinforced through affiliations with more than 100 research centers and institutes, where pioneering research endeavors take place, pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Cornell’s influence extends well beyond its picturesque main campus in Ithaca. In the bustling metropolis of New York City, Cornell Tech takes center stage, concentrating on technology and entrepreneurship. This campus offers graduate programs in key areas such as computer science, information science, business, and health tech, reflecting Cornell’s adaptability and relevance in the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education.

Graduate Programs Offered by Cornell University

The Graduate School at Cornell University provides a diverse range of research and professional degree programs across almost 100 fields of study, allowing students to delve deeply into their areas of interest. In addition to these comprehensive degree options, the school also offers opportunities for further exploration through 18 minor fields, which, while not a degree-granting, enrich students’ academic experiences by allowing them to pursue additional specialized knowledge.

Furthermore, Cornell University boasts an extensive graduate program portfolio, comprising 65 master’s programs, 78 Ph.D. programs, and 8 dual-degree programs. This variety ensures that students have a wide array of options to choose from, catering to their specific academic and career goals. The dual-degree programs provide an interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to combine their expertise in two complementary fields, thereby enhancing their skill set and broadening their career prospects. This comprehensive offering reflects Cornell’s commitment to providing students with a well-rounded and customizable educational experience.

Master’s programs offered by Cornell that don’t require a GRE Scores

Cornell University offers 65 master’s programs in various fields like Aerospace Engineering, Anthropology, Applied Physics, Architecture, Biomedical Engineering, Communication, Computer Science, Economics, Food Science and Technology, History, Hotel Administration, Human Development, Law, Materials Science and Engineering, Management, Physics, Public Affairs, Real Estate, Sociology, Systems Engineering, Regional Science, and more. Out of 65 master’s programs, only 11 programs require GRE, and the rest 54 programs don’t accept/recommend GRE or GMAT scores for admission.

The only master’s programs that require GRE scores for admission are:

M.P.S. in Applied Economics and Management: For the MPS AEM program application, you must provide a GMAT or GRE test score. There is no specific minimum score required. If you demonstrate analytical and quantitative abilities through academics or work experience, you can request a waiver from the GMAT or GRE test requirement.
M.A. in Design: This program requires GRE general test scores, and the desired combined score should be 310 or higher.
M.S. in Human-Environment Relations: GRE general test scores are required, and the desired combined score should be 310 or higher.
M.S. Hotel Administration: GMAT/GRE scores are required for this program.
M.P.S. Management: To apply for the MPS program, you typically need to submit GRE or GMAT scores, but there’s no specific minimum score required. The GRE or GMAT demonstrates your math and English skills to the admissions team. If you’ve already demonstrated these skills in your academic or work history, you can request to skip the test.
M.Eng. and M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering: The GRE General Test is required, and minimum scores of Quantitative (165+), Verbal (155+), and Analytical (3.5+) are recommended. GRE scores are not required for Cornell undergraduate applicants.
M.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering (Distance, Hybrid, or Online Option): All applicants must submit GRE general test scores. Submission of GRE subject test scores in engineering, mathematics, or physics is strongly recommended.
M.H.A. in Health Administration: GRE or GMAT scores are required for this program.
M.P.S. in Real Estate: GRE scores are required.
M.A. and M.S. in Regional Science: GRE general test scores are required for all applicants.
M.P.S. in Applied Statistics: GRE general test scores are required for the MPS program.

Even the doctoral programs at Cornell have waived off GRE

Cornell University offers 78 PHD programs in various fields like Africana Studies, Animal Science, Applied Mathematics, Asian Literature, Religion and Culture, Biomedical and Biological Sciences, Classics, Computational Biology, Development Studies, Genetics, Genomics and Development, Information Science, Philosophy, Plant Biology, Theoretical and Applied Mechanics and more. Out of 78 doctoral programs, only 9 programs require the GRE, and the rest 69 programs don’t accept/recommend GRE or GMAT scores for admission.

The only PHD programs that require GRE scores for admission are:

Ph.D. in Human Behavior and Design: You must take the GRE general test, and your combined score should be 310 or higher.
Ph.D. in Economics: The GRE general test is necessary, but the GRE subject test is not required.
Ph.D. in Hotel Administration: You need to submit either GMAT or GRE scores.
M.S./Ph.D. in Industrial and Labor Relations: Submit either the GRE general test or GMAT scores.
Ph.D. in Management: You are required to take either the GRE general test or GMAT.
Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering: The GRE general test is recommended.
Ph.D. in Physics: For those interested in experimental physics or physics education research, the general GRE and physics GRE will not be considered. However, the physics GRE is recommended for those interested in theoretical elementary particle physics or theoretical condensed matter physics.
Ph.D. in Regional Science: All applicants must provide GRE general test scores.
Ph.D. in Sociology: Admission requires GRE scores.

Admission Requirements for Masters program at Cornell University

Cornell University’s Master’s programs have certain criteria for admission that prospective students need to meet. These include academic standards, test scores, and other qualifications demonstrating the applicant’s readiness for their chosen field. Cornell aims for a competitive and qualified group of graduate students, emphasizing academic excellence across different subjects.

The admission requirements for Cornel’s master’s program are:

Transcripts: You must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university. Provide transcripts from all the colleges or universities you attended.
Recommendations: Submit 2-3 recommendation letters from faculty members at your current or past academic institutions who know your academic work.
Statement of Purpose: Write an academic statement explaining your background and experience in your field of interest. Convince the admissions committee that you have the potential for success in graduate study.
Personal Statement: The online application requires both an Academic Statement of Purpose and a Personal Statement for all graduate degree programs.
GRE/GMAT Scores: Some programs may require GRE/GMAT scores. While there’s no strict minimum, successful applicants usually score around 165 in Quantitative, 155 in Verbal, and 3.5 or higher in Analytical Writing. Your GPA, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, and research experience also influence the admission decision.

Rationale Behind Waiving off GRE by Cornell University

The decision to waive the GRE requirement aligns with Cornell’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in higher education. Recognizing that standardized testing may not accurately reflect an applicant’s potential for success in graduate school, the university has chosen to place greater emphasis on other factors such as academic achievements, work experience, and personal statements. This shift acknowledges the limitations of standardized testing in predicting graduate student success and seeks to remove barriers to entry for qualified candidates.

Implications for Prospective Students at Cornell University

Prospective students considering applying to Cornell’s Master’s programs for the 2024-25 academic year will welcome this news as it provides them with greater flexibility in the admissions process. Without the burden of preparing for and taking the GRE, applicants can focus their efforts on other aspects of their application, such as crafting compelling essays and securing strong letters of recommendation. This change opens doors for individuals who may have previously been deterred by standardized testing requirements and encourages a more diverse applicant pool.

The Future of Graduate Admissions in terms of GRE

Cornell University’s decision to waive the GRE for a significant number of its Master’s programs reflects a broader trend in graduate admissions towards holistic evaluation methods. As more institutions reevaluate the role of standardized testing in the admissions process, other universities will likely follow suit. This shift signals a growing recognition of the limitations of standardized testing and a commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable admissions practices. As the landscape of graduate admissions continues to evolve, prospective students can expect to see more universities prioritizing factors beyond test scores in their evaluation of applicants.