People who are applying to graduate programs, especially in the US, frequently take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), a standardized test. It evaluates verbal reasoning, mathematical reasoning, and analytical writing abilities. Your verbal and logical reasoning skills are tested in one sitting on the GRE. It’s critical to comprehend the test’s mechanics and the significance of each component if you want to achieve the highest possible GRE score. The test’s “blind” component is among the most frequently misinterpreted aspects.
The GRE has been a crucial factor for gaining admission to prestigious institutions for many centuries, and universities now require the GRE score as part of the application process. While many universities still require GRE scores, some have cleared the path for “GRE-blind” or “No GRE” options. As a result, when compared to colleges that use the GRE, the “GRE-blind” or “No GRE” system only obtains a small number of applicants.
GRE blind means that the schools do not consider GRE scores as part of their admission criteria even though the GRE scores are submitted.
It is usually advisable to review the GRE requirements for each graduate program separately prior to applying. Even while some programs are officially labeled as “GRE-blind,” they may nonetheless demand a GRE score as part of the application process. That might not, however, be the determining reason for enrollment in the graduate program.
List of Universities that have made the GRE Blind
University of California, Berkeley – GRE blind
The School of Social Welfare at the University of California, Berkeley doesn’t accept GRE for any of its graduate programs. Instead of GRE scores Berkeley Social Welfare gives importance to the following requirements.
- A bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution.
- A minimum grade-point average of B or better (3.0 on a 4-point scale) in all coursework after the first two years of undergraduate study
- Transcripts
- Letters of recommendation(s)
- Essay statements
University of California, Los Angeles – GRE blind
The School of Education and Information Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles offers a master’s degree program in Higher Education & Organizational Change, Human Development & Psychology, Social Research Methodology, Social Sciences & Comparative Education, and PHD degree programs in Urban Schooling, and Educational Leadership Program.
None of the graduate programs offered by UCLA School of Education and Information Studies required GRE for admission.
- Academic transcripts
- Resume/CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Personal Statement
- Professional Experience
- GPA Scores
University of California, San Diego – GRE blind
The Department of Sociology at the University of California, San Diego accepts students during the fall of each academic year. The GRE general test scores or the GRE subject test scores are not required for admission to graduate programs.
The quality of an applicant’s academic credentials and record, the statement of purpose, letters of recommendation from professors or others familiar with their academic work, performance on aptitude and achievement tests, as appropriate, relevant work experience, preparation in the proposed field of study, the fit between the applicant’s goals and the program, and the fit between the applicant’s research interests and those of the program are all taken into consideration when making an admission decision.
University of California, San Francisco – GRE blind
The UC San Francisco Graduate Division offers 12 master’s programs and 2 doctoral programs. All the programs have declared GRE blind for admission. Other admission requirements include,
- a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (B)
- non-refundable application fee of $120
- Recommendation letters
University of Chicago – GRE blind
The Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice at the University of Chicago offers master’s programs in Social Work, Social Policy, Social Administration (SW), and Social Sector Leadership and Nonprofit Management (SSL). The application opens each year in September to apply for the master’s programs.
The School of Social Service Administration doesn’t require GRE scores or interviews to apply to any of the graduate programs.
Both Master’s Programs have a similar application process, and the only requirement for admission to any program at Crown Family School is that applicants hold a bachelor’s degree from an institution that has been granted accreditation by a recognized regional accrediting body. Along with this 3 letters of recommendation, a candidate statement, transcripts, and a comprehensive resume are required for admission to graduate programs.
George Washington University – GRE blind
The Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) at George Washington University doesn’t require a GRE for admission to graduate programs. The GSEHD has made GRE blind.
All required supporting documents must be uploaded to the student’s online application. Academic records, letters of recommendation, a CV, and GPA results are all included.
University of Michigan – GRE blind
The School of Education (SOE) at the University of Michigan offers 17 master’s programs and 15 doctoral programs. GRE is blind for all the graduate programs for all SOE programs.
For a successful application, students must submit the following documents.
- Your academic background, your research interests, your professional objectives, and your motivations for applying to this degree program should all be briefly described in the Academic Statement of Purpose.
- Personal Statement
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
Harvard University – GRE blind
Harvard University is GRE blind for all its online Master’s programs in the Graduate School of Arts and Science.
Prospective Graduate students will be happy to know that Harvard University has made all the Graduate courses Online. More than 70% of the courses (nearly 1000 courses) are offered Online. This might change as the COVID situation improves in the coming months. What is more interesting is that GRE is not required for most of the programs. Some programs are GRE blind which means that even if you send GRE scores, they will not look at them.
For more programs that have made GRE blind, refer to No GRE Master’s Program
