The GRE, or Graduate Record Examinations, is a common entrance requirement for graduate admissions in the universities of the USA and Canada. Several other countries also opt for a GRE as part of their graduate application process. But what do you do if you cannot clear the GRE?
Clearing a GRE can be difficult for several reasons. Some common reasons are that your application deadline is nearing, you find it difficult to afford the application fee, or you cannot pass the test with the expected test score. Whatever the reasons, there ought to be a solution as well.
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The purpose of the GRE is to prove your academic qualifications and readiness to join a graduate school. But what if you could prove this elsewhere? Although the GRE is a common admission requirement for most universities in the USA, recently, numerous universities have recognised the need for alternatives. A single test cannot determine your potential for success in a graduate degree.
If you are looking for an MS in the USA without a GRE, then it is important to filter out the list of universities that waived off GRE for fall 2024. Most universities provide specific guidelines to allocate a GRE waiver. Let us see how it works.
What is a GRE Waiver?
A GRE waiver is an exception that allows university applicants to get admission to graduate schools without a GRE. Certain universities and colleges in the USA provide a GRE waiver for international students to allow them to get admission without clearing the competitive exam.
The GRE intends to assess the reasoning, analytical and subject-related skills of students in pursuing a graduate degree. However, most universities are addressing the inability of a single exam to assess the potential of students to study and complete a degree successfully. Moreover, your academic history, work experience, and other achievements are a good scale to measure your potential and past performance in the field.
Benefits of a GRE Waiver
The purpose of a GRE waiver is to provide alternate options for students to enter graduate school. It allows students to enter graduate programs without sitting for the long and expensive test.
The major reasons why universities provide a GRE waiver are:
- To Provide an Alternative Admission Window: Instead of a single application test, several universities opt for alternate options to allow students to apply for a graduate program. This allows students more flexibility in their application process.
- To Accommodate Student Diversity: By allowing more than one admission criteria, universities allow students with diverse potential to enter graduate programs.
- To Provide Equal Access: Clearing an entrance test cannot be easy for all. While some struggle to meet the financial requirements for the test, other students from underrepresented categories may find it difficult to sit for the test. By providing a GRE waiver, universities ensure that students with true potential are not excluded from access.
- To Ensure Practical Experience: Certain institutions prioritise practical experience over theory or classroom experience. Certain programs require more on-field experience. Through prioritising students with more work experience, internship or research experience, universities get a chance to admit more students with practical knowledge.
- To Tailor Entry Requirements: Instead of providing a single test for all the programs, universities and departments can individually determine their entry requirements. This allows institutions to provide application processes that can closely align with the program goals.
- To Ease Application Process: Above all, excluding the GRE from the application process allows students to apply more easily and cost-effectively. Instead of spending a lot of time in preparation for the GRE test and taking the test, you can directly apply to universities.
In most cases, a GRE waiver is conditional. You can surpass the need for a GRE if you can meet other eligibility requirements specified by your institution. This can be from either educational requirements or professional requirements. The requirement is decided by the university or department.
Also Read: GRE Scholarship
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Universities in USA without GRE
The USA is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world. The country’s multicultural study environment and innovative teaching methods make it an excellent choice for a graduate program.
Although several top universities in the USA offer a GRE waiver, this differs according to the program you are applying for. So, you must check the specific requirements of your preferred program before starting your application.
We have compiled a list of top universities and their Master’s programs in the USA without GRE.
Check out the list of Universities in USA without GRE:
| University | Courses |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | – Electrical Engineering and Computer Science – MS Aeronautics – MS Astronautics |
| University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) | – MS in Information and Data Science (MIDS) |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | – MS in Computer Science |
| University of Southern California (USC) | – MS in Computer Science – MS in Electrical Engineering |
| University of California, San Diego | – MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering |
| University of Arizona | – MS in Computer Science |
| University of Michigan | – MS in Information program |
| University of Colorado Boulder | – MS in Electrical Engineering |
| Oregon State University | – MS in Business Analytics |
| Northeastern University | – Computer Sciences |
The conditions for a GRE waiver vary across each university and program. Most universities that provide a GRE waiver ask for alternate tests, such as the GMAT. It is essential to learn the requirements beforehand.
Also Read: Is GRE Required For Master’s in Canada?
Conditions for a GRE Waiver in the USA
The universities offering admission without a GRE have certain guidelines to avail of the option. There are certain conditions laid down by each university for a GRE waiver. Students must fulfil these conditions to be eligible for a GRE waiver.
This can vary from educational achievements and alternate test scores to work or other professional experiences. Some of the common conditions for a GRE waiver in the USA are compiled below for your reference.
Check out the general GRE waiver conditions below:
- Excellent Academic Performance: A common condition for a GRE waiver is having a good academic history. Students with excellent academic records from their previous institutions can be eligible for this. Universities specify their minimum score requirements to receive a GRE waiver. On average, a GPA above 3.0 is preferred by most universities in the USA. An outstanding academic performance in fields specific to your graduate program can benefit you better.
- Strong Letter of Recommendation (LoR): Universities frequently ask for letters of recommendation while applying for a foreign university. This is often availed from your previous professors, employers, or anybody else who can attest to your previous performance. This can be either academic or professional performance. Having a strong letter of recommendation that affirms your academic potential, research skills, academic and professional achievements, and work ethic can help you avail of a GRE waiver.
- Portfolio and Writing Sample: Certain universities adopt other measures to assess your academic skills. Since you do not have a GRE score to measure your capabilities, you can submit other proofs, such as writing samples or portfolios.
- Interviews: Your university can ask you to appear for an interview. A virtual or physical interview is a common entry requirement for universities in the USA.
- Work Experience: Having a longer record of work experience can be a good reason to receive a GRE waiver. Especially for courses such as the MBA or MCom, having professional experience can be a good addition. You can submit a work experience certificate as proof of this.
- Subject-specific Tests: Instead of a general test, completing a subject-specific test can be a good reason to avail of a GRE waiver. GRE also provides subject-specific tests. But you can take any alternate tests that are credible. Some of the common subject-specific tests that are accepted in the USA are:
- LSAT: The LSAT, or Law School Admission Test, is the standard test in the USA for students applying for a law school in the country. It assesses your reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and verbal reasoning skills.
- MCAT: The Medical College Admission Test is a computerised test to enter medical colleges and associated medical programs.
- GRE Subject: Instead of taking the general GRE, you can take the subject-specific GRE to provide proof of your subject-specific knowledge and skills.
- Program Specific Requirements: Some programs require specific requirements to enter their program. For example, with a degree in Fine Arts, you cannot assess your potential through a general GRE test. In this case, the department of your university will specify you submit other qualifications such as professional experience, training and workshops, or research experience.
- Alternate Tests: The GRE is not the only entrance test for a graduate school. There are other study abroad exams that you can take to prove your academic abilities and readiness to join a graduate degree. One of the frequently opted tests is the GMAT.
The conditions for a GRE waiver are determined by your university or department. It can either ask for one or more than one of the common conditions mentioned above. You can visit your department’s official website to learn more about the eligibility requirements for a GRE waiver.
Also Read: What is a good GRE score out of 340?
Also Read: Apply for GRE Exam Now!
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Conclusion
If you are planning to join a graduate school without a GRE, then it is important to start your application process early. Since very few top universities offer a GRE waiver in the USA, it is vital that you do proper research and find the best institutes for your graduate degree.
Moreover, you might need some time to fulfil their requirements for the GRE waiver. If you plan to apply for an MS in the USA without a GRE, start your preparations early and draft your complete plan before the application opens.
Finding your best institute and keeping track of its application timeline can be tricky. Leap’s study-abroad consultants are a call away to guide you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Can I study in the USA without a GRE?
A. Yes, it is possible to study in the USA without a GRE. Recently more universities are scrapping their GRE requirements. Instead, they provide other conditions to enter a graduate degree. Some of the general conditions are work experience and a good academic record.
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Q. What is a GRE waiver?
A. A GRE waiver is an exception for students who cannot clear or do not wish to take a GRE test to join a graduate school. Certain universities in the USA provide alternate entry requirements to ensure that students from diverse backgrounds and skills can join the program.
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Q. What are the conditions for a GRE waiver?
A. The conditions laid down for a GRE waiver can vary depending on your university and program. Some of the general conditions are:
– Excellent academic record
– Work experience
– Portfolio or writing sample
– Strong LoR -
Q. Give me a list of universities that waived off GRE for fall 2024.
A. List of universities that waived off GRE for fall 2024 are:
– Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
– University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
– University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
– University of Southern California (USC)
– University of California, San Diego -
Q. What are some alternate tests to the GRE in the USA?
A. Some of the alternate exams in the USA instead of taking the GRE are:
– GMAT
– MCAT
– LSAT -
Q. Why do I need a GRE to study in the USA?
A. A GRE is a common entry requirement for most graduate schools in the USA to ensure students’ readiness to join the graduate course. GRE general assesses your reasoning and analytical skills, while the GRE Subject analyses your subject knowledge.
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Q. What are the benefits of a GRE waiver?
A. By availing of a GRE waiver, you do not need to take the GRE test. The GRE is a 3-hour and 45-minute test, which requires an average preparation time of 2-3 months. It also cost INR 22,550. A GRE waiver will save you time and expense in taking the test.
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Q. Can I study MS in USA without GRE?
A. Yes, you can study MS in USA without GRE. Some of the universities you can opt for are:
– Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
– University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
– University of Southern California (USC)
– University of Arizona
– Northeastern University -
Q. Can I take a GMAT instead of a GRE to study in the USA?
A. Yes, a GMAT can be a good alternative to a GRE to study in the USA. The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is a common entrance test to enter business and management schools. It assesses your reasoning and analytical skills. However, make sure your preferred university prefers a GMAT over a GRE.
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Q. What is the application fee for the GRE?
A. The application fee for the GRE is INR 22,550 in India. The fee for the GRE subject test is INR 14,500 in India. If you wish to reschedule your GRE test, you must pay INR 5000 for the service. The charge for changing your test centre and subject also remains INR 5000 in India.
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Q. Is GRE difficult to crack?
A. Clearing the GRE can be difficult if you do not prepare enough for the test. Plan your test early and start preparing. The average preparation time for the GRE test is 2-3 months. With proper preparation and performance, you can crack your GRE on time.
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Q. Which are the GRE waiver universities in USA?
A. Many universities in the USA offer GRE waivers for their graduate programs, especially for applicants with relevant work experience or high GPAs. Some of the popular universities that offer GRE waivers include MIT, Stanford University, University of Chicago, and Carnegie Mellon University. However, the criteria for GRE waiver eligibility vary depending on the university and program, so it’s best to check with individual universities for their specific requirements.
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Q. Is the GRE tougher than the GMAT?
A. Determining the toughest exam for you depends upon your academic performance and skills. You can check the individual test sections of each test and choose the best for you. In general, the quantitative questions on the GMAT are considered more difficult than on the GRE. On the other hand, the GRE verbal tests are considered tougher than that of the GMAT.
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Q. Is GRE required for MS in USA for fall 2024?
The GRE requirement for MS programs in the USA for fall 2024 depends on the specific university and program you are applying to. Some universities and programs require GRE scores, while others may waive the requirement or offer test-optional policies. It’s best to check with each individual university and program to determine their specific admission requirements for fall 2024.
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