Will MIT and UC Berkeley require me to submit GRE scores for their MS in Computer Science and EECS programs?
MIT does not accept GRE scores for its MS in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, and UC Berkeley does not accept them for EECS or Data Science either. Both universities instead evaluate your GPA, statement of purpose, and recommendation letters closely when reviewing your graduate application for admission.
Neither MIT nor UC Berkeley accepts GRE scores for their computer science graduate programs, so you can leave that test off your preparation list for these two schools. Several other well known universities have also moved to optional or waived GRE policies for similar courses. Your GPA, statement of purpose, and recommendations carry the weight instead.
GRE Policy at Leading US Universities for MS Computer Science
| University | Courses Without GRE | GRE Rule |
|---|---|---|
| MIT | Computer Science, Electrical Engineering | Not Accepted |
| Stanford University | MS Computer Science | Not Needed |
| UC Berkeley | EECS, Data Science | Not Accepted |
| Northeastern University | Computer Science, Data Analytics | Optional |
| Boston University | Software Development, Computer Science | Optional |
Other Schools With Flexible GRE Rules
- Purdue University offers a waiver for select engineering courses
- Stevens Institute of Technology treats the GRE as optional for Information Systems and Computer Science
- University of Utah has waived it for Computing and Biomedical Engineering
My Advice
If MIT or UC Berkeley are on your list, put your energy into a strong SOP, solid recommendation letters, and a well documented project portfolio instead of GRE prep. For other schools where the policy is only optional, a good score can still work in your favor if the rest of your profile needs a boost.
Low percentage, study gap or no work experience?
Find out which US universities you still qualify for.
More Universities & admissions questions
- When are the spring and fall application deadlines for South Korean universities that I should plan for?
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- What are some effective online German language classes for Indian students preparing to study in Germany?
- Is there a minimum percentage and IELTS score I must meet to apply for a Masters in Thailand?
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- If I apply to two courses at the same university, do I need separate letters of recommendation for each course or can I use the same letter for both?
- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
- Is January 2027 intake possible for masters in business analytics in UK/UAE?
More USA questions
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?
- Which is more suitable for my son's master's education: Dubai or the USA, considering cost, location, program variety, post-study work options, and pathways to permanent residency?
- How much extra should I keep aside for unexpected costs during my MS in the USA?
- By when do I need to submit my application for most UG and PG courses at UCLA?
- Can you track an Employment Pass application on the MOM portal when your employer files it?
- Can I apply for an education loan up to 30 to 35 lakhs or 30 to 40 lakhs budget?
- What are the visa application chances and procedures for USA compared to Australia?
- Is my daughter planning to settle down abroad with permanent residency or just study in Singapore/USA for a Master's?