Is GRE Mandatory to Study Masters in the USA?

Hellon, not every university requires the GRE but having a good GRE score adds to your profile and helps you get a great admission.

Trends in GRE and GMAT Requirements

Till 2019, GRE/GMAT was mandatory for studying masters in the United States. However, with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, most universities waived off the GRE/GMAT requirement for every program. By late 2022 to fall 2024, many universities, particularly those for technical programs, are once again asking for GRE/GMAT scores. This is a common requirement for programs such as:

Computer Science Data Science Information Systems Information Technology Information Systems Management Management Information Technology Management MBA (Master of Business Administration)

Currently, universities are not mentioning the specific score requirements in their official websites. Instead, they are recommending that applicants submit GRE/GMAT scores for all STEM programs. These scores need to be valid for at least 5 years.

Options for GRE/GMAT Waiver

Students have the option to get GRE/GMAT waiver or to directly apply to universities. Here are a few criteria for obtaining a waiver:

Good Academics or GPA: If the student has strong academic performance or a high GPA. Work Experience: At least 3 years or more of relevant work experience in the field of interest. Accredited Certificates: Well-accredited certificates related to the field the student wishes to apply for.

Some universities are providing GRE/GMAT waivers for the Spring 2025 intake. These include:

The University of Arizona Rice University University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Florida State University New York Institute of Technology

Benefits of Applying with GRE/GMAT Scores

Applying with GRE/GMAT scores can significantly enhance your application, especially in case of any academic or professional loopholes. For instance, a student with a 3-year bachelor's degree is highly recommended to apply with GRE/GMAT scores to secure admissions to top universities. Here are a few of the top-ranking schools:

Harvard Business School MIT Swan School of Management Duke University - Fuqua School of Business Dartmouth College - Tuck School of Business Columbia Business School

Some universities offer guaranteed scholarships if you apply with GRE/GMAT scores. For example:

University of Texas - Dallas Stevens Institute of Technology Rochester Institute of Technology

Having strong GRE/GMAT scores can significantly increase your chances of securing scholarships up to 50% of the tuition fee. This is a compelling reason to consider taking the test, especially if you are interested in financial assistance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while not all universities in the US require the GRE/GMAT for master's programs, submitting these scores can greatly enhance your application, especially for technical and STEM programs. Universities highly recommend including these scores, and a waiver is often available for those meeting certain academic or work experience criteria.