Top Universities in USA without GRE for 2025-26

Tired of the GRE? A seismic shift is sweeping through graduate admissions, freeing applicants to focus on what truly matters: their unique qualifications. Across the USA, elite universities are aggressively waiving the GRE requirement, signaling a move toward truly holistic admissions that value experience, academic records, and personal statements over a single test score. 

This isn’t a trend for small schools; institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have dropped the test for key programs, including Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science, and the University of California, Berkeley, has made it optional for its Master of Information and Data Science. 

The evidence is clear: studies, including research published in MDPI, show that eliminating the GRE not only reduces the immense financial and time burden on applicants but also does not negatively impact student performance, a monumental win for the next generation of graduate scholars. Here is the comprehensive list of the top-ranked US universities that have removed or made the GRE optional for their graduate programs.

Top Universities in USA Without GRE 

The GRE is becoming less crucial for university admissions. Several top-ranked universities have eliminated the GRE for many graduate programs, focusing on holistic evaluations instead. This shift allows applicants to highlight their academic records, work experience, and personal statements without the pressure of standardized testing.

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According to a 2025 article by the Times of India, leading U.S. universities, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard University, and Stanford University, no longer require the GRE for their graduate programs. This trend reflects a broader move towards more inclusive and comprehensive admission criteria.(The Times of India)

Applying to these institutions without the GRE can save time and reduce stress, allowing you to focus on strengthening other aspects of your application.

Here is a quick overview of the 10 top universities in the USA without the GRE.

(Source: QS World University Rankings 2026: Top global universities)

Check out these masters courses in USA without GRE exam for Indian students if you’re planning to do masters in USA.

The following is a detailed look at the top universities in the USA without the GRE.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), founded in 1861, is renowned globally for its computer science and engineering programs. It also has an impressive roster of 104 Nobel laureates. It does not mandate the submission of GRE scores for some of its graduate programs.

Unlike many institutions, MIT does not mandate GRE scores for several graduate programs. Instead, it places greater emphasis on an applicant’s academic performance, research potential, recommendation letters, and statement of purpose. This highlights that GRE is not always the deciding factor for admissions into top-tier programs.

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2. Harvard University

Founded in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest higher education institution in the United States and a globally recognized Ivy League university. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard has ten academic faculties, operates across three campuses, and boasts a USD 53 billion endowment, making it one of the wealthiest academic institutions worldwide.

Harvard has made the GRE optional for several graduate programs. Instead, it places more weight on academic achievements, research background, work experience, and personal statements, allowing talented applicants to demonstrate their strengths beyond test scores.

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3. Stanford University

Stanford University is a private research institution in Stanford, California, established in 1885. Stanford’s community includes 74 living billionaires, and students and alumni have earned 302 Olympic medals.

Stanford offers several graduate programs where the GRE is optional or waived. Instead, the admissions committee evaluates applicants on academic performance, research capabilities, leadership potential, and industry experience, making it possible to secure admission without test scores.

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4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech), established in 1891, is a private research university in Pasadena, California. It has been integral to breakthroughs in space research, quantum physics, and seismology, managing over USD 423 million in sponsored research in recent years.

Caltech’s six academic divisions, including Engineering & Applied Science, offer several graduate programs that do not require the GRE. Instead, admissions decisions focus on research aptitude, academic excellence, and innovation potential.

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5. University of Chicago

Founded in 1890, the University of Chicago (UChicago) is a private research institution in Chicago, Illinois. The university’s press is the largest in the USA. 

Several graduate programs at the University of Chicago allow applicants to apply to universities in USA without GRE scores. Admissions instead emphasize academic excellence, research engagement, and intellectual curiosity.

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6. University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), founded in 1868, is a prestigious public research institution in Berkeley, California. Recognised for its high research activity, the university manages the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

UC Berkeley offers several graduate programs where GRE scores are optional or waived, allowing talented applicants to focus on academic performance, research experience, and professional achievements instead of standardized test scores.

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7. Yale University

Established in 1701, Yale University is a prestigious private institution in New Haven, Connecticut.  Its alumni include 10 Founding Fathers of the USA. The university comprises 14 academic schools, including the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and Yale Law School.

Yale offers several graduate programs where the GRE is optional, allowing applicants to showcase their academic achievements, research experience, and professional contributions instead of relying solely on standardized test scores.

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8. Princeton University

Princeton University, New Jersey, is a prestigious private Ivy League institution established in 1746 and is the fourth-oldest university in the United States. Its alumni include two USA presidents, James Madison and Woodrow Wilson.

Several graduate programs at Princeton allow applicants to apply to universities in USA without GRE scores, making it an excellent choice for those who want to focus on academic excellence, research experience, and personal achievements instead of standardized tests.

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9. Columbia University

Founded in 1754, Columbia University is the oldest higher education institution in New York. Columbia has pioneered the development of brain-computer interfaces, the creation of lasers and masers, contributions to nuclear magnetic resonance, and the first atomic reactor.

Columbia offers several graduate programs where the GRE is optional or waived, enabling applicants to focus on academic excellence, research achievements, and professional experience rather than standardized test scores.

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10. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public research institution in Los Angeles, California, founded in 1881. It is among the top universities in the USA that do not require a GRE.

Applicants can focus on academic performance, research experience, and professional achievements rather than standardized tests.

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Other Universities in the USA That Do Not Require GRE

In addition to the universities listed above, several other institutions in the U.S. have also waived the GRE requirement for certain graduate programs. These include:

• University of California, San Diego
  
• University of California, Irvine
  
• University of Southern California
  
• University of Washington
  
• University of Michigan
  
• University of Pennsylvania
  
• University of California, Davis
  
• University of California, Santa Barbara
  
• University of California, Santa Cruz
  
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  

Note: The GRE waiver policy may vary by program within each university. It's important to verify the specific requirements for your intended program of study. Check out this MBA in USA without GMAT if you’re specifically looking for MBA programs.

Alternatives to GRE for Admission to USA Universities

Several options are accepted by universities in the USA without the GRE, depending on the field of study. 

Here's an elaboration on the main alternatives.

• LSAT (Law School Admission Test) - The LSAT is the primary required test for law-related graduate programs, like an LLM or dual degree programs (e.g., JD/MBA).
• GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) - The GMAT is the key alternative to the GRE for business-related graduate programs like an MBA, MIM, or MS in Finance.
• MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) -The MCAT is generally required for medical school and healthcare-related programs like MD, public health, biomedical sciences, and healthcare administration.
• Subject-Specific Tests - Specialised graduate programs in the humanities or arts may require tests like the MAT (Miller Analogies Test). While engineering and science fields may require biology, chemistry, or physics exams.
• No Exam or GRE Waivers - Universities may waive the GRE if you have a high GPA, a solid academic record, and relevant professional experience, particularly in fields focusing on practical skills.

How to Apply to Universities in the USA Without the GRE?

More universities in the USA are allowing students to apply without the GRE. Approximately 60% of top US universities, including Ivy League institutions, have waived the GRE requirement for specific programs in 2024. 

This change makes it easier for you to focus on your academic achievements and personal strengths rather than the GRE. With this shift, many universities in the USA without the GRE requirement offer you a chance to apply with a more straightforward, more focused approach.

Here is how you can apply to universities in the USA without the GRE.

• Research Programs - Identify universities and programs that do not require the GRE. Check their admission requirements on official websites.
• Prepare Required Documents - Gather essential documents, including transcripts, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, resume, and other specific requirements.
• Check for GRE Waiver Policy - Ensure the program you're applying to explicitly waives the GRE or offers it as optional. Some programs may waive it based on your academic background or professional experience.
• Complete Online Application - Fill out the university's application form, ensuring all personal, academic, and professional information is accurate.
• Submit Transcripts & Documents - Upload your official academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and other required documents.
• Pay Application Fee - Submit the application fee, if required. Some universities may offer fee waivers based on financial need. Check your university’s official website to know the exact fee amount.
• Track Your Application - Monitor the status of your application through the university’s portal and respond to any additional requests for interviews or documents.

You can apply in some of these universities in USA without application fees. You can apply to such universities if you don’t want to spend too much money on university applications.

Why Study in Universities in USA Without GRE?

Studying at universities in the USA without the GRE is becoming an increasingly popular option for students like you pursuing a master's degree. You can also check out the universities without IELTS in USA before finalising the universities. Here’s why you should study in universities in the USA without the GRE.

1. Inclusive Admissions Criteria

Many institutions offer more flexible admissions standards, making it easier for you to apply, regardless of your background, and helping create a more diverse and varied student body.

2. Emphasis on Real-World Skills

Without the GRE, the focus shifts towards evaluating your practical skills, leadership potential, and intellectual curiosity, which are often more indicative of your success in graduate school and future career.

3. Personalised Evaluation

Your application will be assessed more individually, considering your unique academic journey and potential, rather than being limited by a test score.

4. Reduced Test Pressure

You won’t be judged solely by your test performance. This allows you to be considered for admission based on your broader qualifications, reducing stress and allowing a more accurate reflection of your abilities.

Conclusion

Studying in the USA without the GRE is no longer a limitation. With top-ranked universities like MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and UCLA offering programs that waive the GRE, you can focus on showcasing your academic achievements, research experience, and professional skills. This shift allows you to apply with less stress, highlighting your strengths beyond standardized test scores.

Other excellent options, such as the University of Michigan, University of Southern California, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, also offer GRE waivers for select programs, providing diverse opportunities across engineering, business, public health, and more.

Check your eligibility, explore universities, and apply now after having a personalised counseling with LeapScholar to make your dream of studying in the USA a reality.

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