Search for No GRE Master’s program

If colleges say, No GRE is required for admissions to the Master's program should you still send GRE scores?

If a college explicitly states that the GRE is not required for admissions to their Master's program, it means that they do not consider GRE scores as part of their evaluation process. In such cases, it is generally unnecessary to send your GRE scores. Admissions committees typically make their decisions based on the materials they request, such as application forms, academic transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statements, and any other specific requirements they mention.

What we have seen is that students who do not have a significant work experience or their GPA is less than stellar, they tend to send their GRE scores to make their applications strong.

Only in the case when college says we are GRE blind, you should not send GRE scores. A great example is Harvard. is GRE blind for some of its online Master's program.

However, it's important to carefully read the instructions provided by the college or contact the admissions office directly to confirm their policy regarding GRE scores. While it is unlikely that they would consider or require GRE scores if they explicitly state otherwise, it's always best to double-check to ensure you're following their guidelines accurately.

This is similar to students sending their SAT scores even though colleges mentioning that SAT is optional.

What are the advantages of choosing a "No GRE" Master's program?

Taking the GRE is a time-consuming and demanding task, something which many students simply do not have the resources to manage whilst balancing their other commitments. However, this does not mean that candidates should wait for their test results before commencing university applications; in fact, applying sooner rather than later can be beneficial to both parties involved. By doing so, aspiring scholars are presented with more options while universities may be able to focus on the student's skills and knowledge instead of relying solely upon a standardized exam. This could open up opportunities for talented minds to embark on quality studies and go forth exploring new territories.

Apart from the GRE scores, what can be the admission requirements for a "No GRE" Master's Program?

In place of the GRE, universities have made certain documents a requirement for admission. These include bachelor's degree mark sheets and college transcripts, Statement of purpose (SOP), letters of recommendation (LOR), and Curriculum vitae. As an alternative to GRE results, some universities may request a letter from the head of the respective department/institute confirming that English is the only language used in instruction. Thus, proof of English proficiency remains necessary for admittance.

What are the types of "No GRE" Master's Programs?

The types of No GRE Master's programs are as follows:

Professional master's programs- The course program is tailored to the unique needs of each student, based on their subject demands and learning requirements. Every class is held in person and covers professional degree topics such as Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), Business, and Marketing. This comprehensive schedule allows students to reach their academic goals with ease.

Online master's programs- In contrast to the traditional on-campus master's program, online programs allow candidates to attend anywhere in the world without having to be physically present. Moreover, those enrolled in an online course will benefit from greater flexibility in terms of study timing, something that is especially beneficial for working professionals who need to balance their studies and other commitments. Although the number of courses available online can be limited, potential students are provided with plenty of options when it comes to pursuing a master's degree remotely.

Accelerated master's programs-The so-called 'integrated master's degree program' is a great opportunity for exceptionally talented and intelligent candidates who wish to complete both their undergraduate and master's degrees quickly and efficiently. This unique course offers students the chance to finish a bachelor's degree while simultaneously working on their master's, all within five years. Not only does this system save precious time, but also eliminates the need to go through the tedious process of applying separately for one's postgraduate studies.

Thesis-based master's programs- A thesis-based master's degree focuses heavily on research and practical application. The duration of the program is typically two years, and it provides a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue a doctoral degree. During this coursework, students gain experience with the necessary skills needed to complete independent research projects.

Tips for Applying to a "No GRE" Master's Program

• Have a distinct objective or rationale for applying to the specific program. 
• Research the curriculum and collaborative projects that the university manages in the same course in depth. It will assist you in making informed decisions.
• Get your statement of purpose reviewed by professionals and writing guides as you write it to ensure a clear document.
• During your undergraduate education, give yourself permission to visit more labs and pick up skills.
• To prevent rushing at the last minute, start your applications early.
• Ask your professors about the letters of recommendation before submitting them. Never accept a recommendation from a PHD student who is still enrolled.
• Before applying for a master's program, have all the necessary paperwork prepared.
• Convince yourself initially, so that it will appear in the personal statement and then later on in the course.

Top "No GRE" Master's Programs in Different Fields

• Business
• Marketing
• STEM
• Education
• Healthcare
• Social Sciences
• Computer Science and Information Technology
• Engineering
• Psychology

Highlight of some renowned institutes that are not considering the GRE for master’s curriculum.

Below is the list of top-ranked universities that no longer include the GRE test for master’s programs.

1. Northwestern University - GRE is optional for the School of Professional Studies. It mentioned that GRE scores are not required, but strong scores bolster the chances of admission for any applicants possessing weak academic credentials.
2. University of Southern California - All the schools of USC has made the GRE optional or not accepting it anymore. For example, USC Marshall School of Business has made Standardized test scores (GMAT or GRE) optional. GRE scores are neither required nor accepted for admission at USC Rossier School of Education.
3. American University - GRE is not accepted for most of the master's programs at the American University.
4. George Washington University - Most of the programs offered at GWU’s College of Professional Studies, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Elliott School of International Affairs, Graduate School of Education and Human Development, School of Business, School of Engineering and Applied Science, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and School of Nursing doesn’t require GRE.
5. University of San Francisco - GRE is not required for the graduate programs at the Graduate USF College of Arts and Sciences.
6. Northeastern University - The College of Arts, Media and Design, D’Amore-McKim School of Business, Khoury College of Computer Sciences, College of Engineering, and College of Professional Studies have made the GRE scores optional for the master's program.
7. University of Miami - GRE is not required for most of the master's programs at the University of Miami.
8. Drexel University - GRE has been waived for the Master's Degree in Public Health, Masters in Law, LeBow College of Business, and more.
9. Loyola Marymount University - LMU doesn’t require GRE/GMAT for admission to master's programs.
10. Virginia Commonwealth University - The Department of Engineering, VCU College of Health Professions, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics doesn’t require GRE for admission to the master's program.

Are there Graduate schools that are GRE-blind?

Yes, there are Graduate schools that are GRE-blind. These schools do not consider GRE scores as part of their admission criteria even though the GRE scores are submitted. 

GRE blind means even if you submit the GRE scores to the universities, they don’t look at them. For instance,

Bowling Green State University: The educational opportunities that Bowling Green State University offers to its students, teachers, and staff enrich their lives both inside and outside of the classroom. Students are prepared for leadership in a global society, lifelong professional advancement, and active citizenship. We create a warm, secure, and varied atmosphere within our learning community so that everyone can contribute their innovative ideas and successes to others in Ohio, the country, and the world. Here no GRE is required.

Florida State University: Florida State University embraces a learning philosophy that is deeply anchored in the traditions of the liberal arts while preserving, advancing, and disseminating knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions. Excellence in teaching, research, creative enterprises, and service are priorities at the university. In a setting that promotes open inquiry and values diversity, the university works to create the resilience, competence, and character needed for lifelong learning, personal responsibility, and sustained achievement.

Below are a few of the colleges that are GRE blind 

1. University of California, Berkeley (School of Social Welfare)
2. University of California, Los Angeles (School of Education and Information Studies)
3. University of California, San Diego (Department of Sociology)
4. University of California, San Francisco (Graduate Division)
5. University of Chicago (School of Social Service Administration)
6. George Washington University (Graduate School of Education and Human Development)
7. University of Michigan (School of Education)
8. University of Oregon (Department of Psychology)
9. Wake Forest University (School of Business)
10. University of Wisconsin-Madison (Department of Sociology)
11. Harvard University is GRE blind for all its online Master’s programs in the Graduate School of Arts and Science.

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.

No GRE program and how are aspirants responding to it?

The Master's program without the GRE has become very popular recently. Even though taking the GRE is a tried-and-true method of getting into graduate programs, the "No GRE" option is taken into consideration as a replacement. There are many reasons behind this particular choice, but some of the most common ones are listed here.

1. To acclimatize to the altering demand of the students: Most candidates for master's degrees are already employed, making it challenging for persons who are currently employed to take the GRE with enough preparation.
2. Fascinating bundle of varied applicants: For individuals who did poorly on the GRE but are talented enough in their respective fields, there is no GRE program that can be a good option. In this manner, institutions are able to draw students from all over the world.
3. Diversity inclusion and enrichment: Eliminating the GRE is a workable strategy for institutions to remove the bias of standardized tests.

The demand for "No GRE" master's degree programs is anticipated to rise overall, most likely as a result of the advantages that result from this choice being accepted by more colleges. But, a few things must be taken into account, particularly for admittance to the highly inclined topics with a limited number of seats. In those circumstances, taking the GRE test should assure admission.

Do you think GRE will remain relevant in the next 5 years?

Although it is impossible to make a definite forecast about the future, the GRE will likely continue to be used as a standard test for graduate school admissions in the next five years. Whilst it may be difficult to foresee the future with accuracy, the likelihood that GRE test scores will continue to be used as a criterion for admission over the next five years or so appears to be unaffected.

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. Due to the GRE's propensity for inequity, which blocks access to higher education, there has been a rise in opposition to the test. As a result, there have been concerns raised about the GRE's use as an admissions criterion, which has prompted the adoption of a different method of evaluating applicants.

In conclusion, even though the admissions process may undergo changes, there is a likelihood that the GRE will remain unchanged for graduate school admissions during the next few years, if not for at least five years, at least for highly regarded programs at selective universities. The preference for the GRE may change in favor of other entrance requirements, which is a possibility.

Can I get admission to a Master's without a GRE or GMAT score?

Yes, you can get admission to a Master’s degree without GRE or GMAT score although it completely depends on the course one chooses to pursue and the university.

Top university's master's programs like the Master of Science (SM) in Data Science from Harvard University, Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science from Boston University, Master of Laws (LLM) from Cornell University, the Department of Psychology from Northwestern University, and Master of Health Science - Physician Assistant (PA) from Drexel University doesn’t require GRE or GMAT scores for admission. The importance is given to other requirements like transcripts, resumes, recommendations, etc., in place of the GRE and GMAT.

Are the master’s degree programs that do not require GRE scores accredited?

Accredited universities are the once that have recognition from the U.S. Department of Education that maintains a certain level of educational standards. The post-covid era has introduced the concept of a No-GRE master’s and that opened opportunities for many brilliant minds across the globe to dive into the highly regarded institutes and their courses.

Are master’s degree programs that do not require GRE scores expensive?

A bunch of institutes that select students without GRE consider other requirements, like a good GPA throughout the undergraduate degree, a personal statement that shows a greater commitment towards the program, valid letters of recommendation, etc. Thus, there is a decent chance for a candidate to avail scholarship based on that and pay for their tuition fees.

Why are universities getting rid of the GRE?

The first and foremost reason universities started waiving the GRE is because of the pandemic situation. Since then universities are considering No-GRE as a part of their evaluation criteria. Also, institutes felt that some courses have nothing to do with the GRE test and so they just moved ahead with No-GRE.

What does ‘GRE is Optional’ mean?

It means either one can opt to write the GRE or may skip it. If the GRE score is not there also, it would not affect the selection process as long as you meet the other selection criteria. It is confusing from college sites if you should take the GRE and send your scores or not but look at Northwestern  School of professional studies Graduate program mentions that GRE is optional for the School of Professional Studies. It mentioned that GRE scores are not required, but strong scores bolster the chances of admission for any applicants possessing weak academic credentials.

Now if you have a good GPA, solid work experience and get some good letters of recommendation, you can skip the GRE.

Some of the universities that have made the GRE optional include the MPP program at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, the Microbiology Graduate Program Admission at Miami University-Oxford, and the MS in Neuroscience at the University of Hartford.

If the university says ‘GMAT is not required’, does this mean GRE is also not required?

GRE and GMAT are the standardized test scores required to get admission to graduate programs at US universities. Both tests are different. If the university mentions ‘GMAT is not required’, it needn’t be the GRE is also not required. The university clearly mentions that ‘GRE/GMAT scores are not required’ if both standardized test scores are not accepted. To get the right answer, you have to check the university website and their GRE policy before assuming anything. 

For example, the Stevens Institute of Technology clearly says that GRE/GMAT scores are not required for Machine Learning Online Master's Program, and Lawrence Technological University’s Online M.S. in Information Technology says only that the GMAT scores are not required for the program.

Even though GRE is optional, some top-ranked schools still based their admission criteria on GRE scores. Is it true?

Yes, that is correct. Although many graduate schools have made the GRE optional or removed it from the admissions process, some top-ranked schools still consider GRE scores as an important factor in the admissions decision. For these schools, a high GRE score can still be a significant advantage for applicants, especially in highly competitive fields or programs. However, it's important to note that even at these schools, GRE scores are just one of several factors that are considered in the admissions decision. Other factors such as undergraduate grades, letters of recommendation, work experience, and personal statements may also be given significant weight. Therefore, it's always a good idea for applicants to research the specific admissions criteria and requirements of each school they are interested in applying to, even if the school has made the GRE optional or no longer requires it.

Do IVY League universities offer No GRE Master's programs?

Few would be surprised to learn that several IVY League universities do not require the GRE for admission. a significant time and money savings.

Some of the Ivy League universities that have waived off GRE scores include the Data Science

program at Brown University, the Master’s in Law program at Columbia University, Agriculture and Life Sciences M.P.S.  program at Cornell University, and many more.

For more details, see IVY League No GRE Masters Programs