Many top-ranked MBA programs are currently allowing applicants to submit their applications without a GMAT or GRE score. The decision of whether to apply in round one without a test score or to take the test and apply in round two depends on the individual student.

While some schools are offering test waivers to account for the ongoing effects of the pandemic, they still expect a strong justification for not providing scores. Additionally, schools may require substantial evidence of your ability to excel in an academically challenging environment instead of test scores.

As of 2024, only two of the top 10 US schools are waiving the GMAT or GRE. However, schools in the next tier are offering more flexible exam policies for the 2024-25 MBA admissions cycle, including some full-time MBA programs completely waiving test requirements.

It's important to always check for updates or alternative options at the schools you're interested in. In this article, we've listed down all the GRE-waived universities in the USA, UK, Ivy-league universities, Non-Ivy league universities, and more. Keep reading to see if you find the university you're interested in the lists mentioned below.

What is the GRE and Why Do Students Take It?

This is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), a standardized test that is necessary to be admitted to many graduate schools, business schools, and some law schools around the world. It is meant to unearth important skills like verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing required for graduate-level education. The GRE is used by institutions to assess an applicant's potential for success in advanced studies, and it is available in two formats:

  • GRE General Test: It regards competence evaluation in the form of reasoning, critical thinking, and writing general skills.
  • GRE Subject Test: Tests specific knowledge in the areas of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Psychology for students in a specialized program.

Students take the GRE to:

  1. Get in the door and gain admission to a wide range of graduate programs such as master’s, PhD, MBA, specialized business and law programs.
  2. To stand out in competitive exams, top programs don’t penalize low GRE scores, but high GRE scores can bolster an application.
  3. Access scholarships or financial aid: ETS doesn’t give away scholarships, but a high GRE score can help you get funded by the university.

Why Are Universities Waiving GRE Requirements?

Many universities have started to waive the GRE requirement for several reasons:

Pandemic-related disruptions:

  • The standardized testing requirement was waived by most institutions to accommodate student access to test centers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rethinking the role of standardized tests:

  • Standardized tests like the GRE have come under a bit of scrutiny at some universities for their reliability and usefulness in predicting how well a student will do in graduate programs.
  • Critics say that standardized testing may unfairly put disadvantaged groups at a disadvantage — like those from backgrounds that aren’t represented or who lack the means to buy prep materials and pay test fees.

Focus on holistic admissions:

  • The admissions process at universities has become more holistic, and they are taking the undergraduate GPA, work experience, research, and letters of recommendation much more into consideration. It gives those who apply a chance to be judged more fully than they can be based on a test score alone.

Increasing applications and diversity:

  • This allowed for a more diverse pool of applicants and waived the GRE requirement. So some universities have learned that eliminating the GRE enables them to attract a wider range of students, including international students as well as non-traditional students and those with varying academic backgrounds.

Reasons to Choose GRE-Waived Universities

Opting for universities that have waived the GRE requirement can be advantageous for several reasons:

Reduced Stress and Cost:

  • The GRE can be both time-consuming and expensive (it costs approx $220 – $230 USD). Students can save both time and money by applying to GRE-waived programs.

Faster Application Process:

  • By not having to prepare for the GRE, students can spend more time working on their essays, recommendation letters, and portfolio submissions.

Flexibility for Diverse Applicants:

  • Applying to GRE-waived programs enables professionals with a lot of work experience or non-traditional students to highlight practical experience or skills that cannot be measured in a standardized test.

Holistic Evaluation:

  • GRE-waived universities will pay less attention to the applicant’s GRE score and give more weight to the applicant’s overall academic and professional profile. A GRE score isn’t essential for a strong academic performance, relevant work experience, or substantial research.

More Accessible:

  • GRE waiving policies help students who do not have the same access to testing centers or struggle with standardized test taking because they have learning disabilities, test anxiety, or other issues.

To be honest, most students opt for GRE-waived universities because they are more convenient, flexible, and inclusive when it comes to admissions, allowing them to showcase their best selves, rather than on one test.

Universities Waiving Off GRE for Fall 2024 Intake

In 2024, many universities are adopting a flexible approach toward GRE requirements for international students applying for graduate programs, especially in light of the ongoing global challenges. Some institutions are making GRE submission optional, while others are waiving the test entirely. This is great news for students who may not have easy access to testing centers or who want to emphasize other aspects of their applications.

List of Ivy-League Universities that Waived Off GRE for Fall 2024

Among the Ivy League institutions, several renowned universities have adopted a flexible stance towards GRE scores. Columbia University, Cornell University, and the University of Pennsylvania have made the GRE optional, while Harvard University has gone a step further by not requiring it at all.

Down Below are the Ivy League colleges and their GRE requirement details:

  1. Columbia University: GRE optional 
  2. Cornell University: GRE optional 
  3. Harvard University: GRE Not required 
  4. University of Pennsylvania: GRE optional 

List of Non-Ivy League Universities that Waived Off GRE for Fall 2024

Outside the Ivy League, other esteemed universities have also joined this trend. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Stanford University, both highly regarded for their academic excellence, have opted not to require the GRE for the Fall 2023 intake. Similarly, the University of California Berkeley, renowned for its research contributions, has taken the same approach.

While there isn't a set minimum GRE test score at the University of Texas Austin, candidates accepted into the Computer Science graduate program typically exhibit strong quantitative GRE scores and possess a background in mathematics that encompasses at least some discrete math coursework.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Computer Science does not require applicants to submit GRE scores. If you would like to submit scores, we recommend that you scan your official score report as a PDF file and attach it to your application. You do not need to submit official scores through ETS.

Listed here are the Non-Ivy League universities along with their GRE score requirements

  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology: GRE Not required
  2. Stanford University: GRE Not required 
  3. University of California Berkeley: GRE Not required 
  4. The University of Texas at Austin: GRE optional 
  5. Purdue University: GRE Not required 
  6. University of Massachusetts, Amherst: GRE optional 
  7. University of Southern California: GRE Not required 
  8. University of California LA: GRE optional 
  9. University of California, Santa Barbara: GRE Not required
  10. Northeastern University: GRE Not required 
  11. University of Michigan, Dearborn: GRE Not required 
  12. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor: GRE Not required  
  13. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: GRE optional 
  14. University of California, San Diego: GRE optional 
  15. New York University: GRE optional 
  16. University of California, Davis: GRE Not required 
  17. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities: GRE Not required 
  18. University of Wisconsin, Madison: GRE optional 
  19. University of Maryland, College Park: GRE optional 
  20. Northwestern University: GRE Not required 
  21. University of Colorado, Boulder: GRE Not required

State-wise List of GRE-Waived Universities for International Students (Fall 2024)

Some of the most prestigious universities in the U.S. are now notoriously GRE-waiving for the 2024 admissions cycle. Below is a state-wise list of top preferred universities by international students, that have waived the GRE or made it optional for some programs.

1. California

Several world-renowned universities are in California that offer flexibility in GRE requirements.

2. New York

Many universities in New York are waiving GRE for Fall 2024 (and are a hub for international students)

3. Illinois

Now they are offering GRE waivers to the leading research institutions in Illinois.

4. Texas

There are a lot of good Texas institutions for graduate studies with flexible GRE policies.

5. Massachusetts

There are top universities in Massachusetts providing a selection of graduate programs with GRE waivers.

6. Florida

Also, Florida’s universities are flexible with their GRE requirements for graduate programs.

7. Georgia

Prominent universities in Georgia have made GRE requirements easy.

8. Washington

At the top universities in Washington State, graduate programs have waived the GRE.

9. Pennsylvania

GRE waivers are available in programs of prestigious universities in Pennsylvania.

10. North Carolina

North Carolina's leading universities have adopted GRE-waiving policies

11. Connecticut

Connecticut’s universities are being flexible with their GRE requirements, too.

12. Colorado

Universities in Colorado provide graduate programs without GRE requirements for Fall 2024

13. Alabama

Alabama’s universities are also welcoming international students with waived GRE requirements.

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Impact of GRE Waivers for International Students

Being GRE waiving policies is a true flexibility given to international students, especially in the case of travel restrictions or testing centers' lack of access. Schools that are offering these waivers still expect a robust application in other areas, including:

  • Strong academic background
  • Experience (professional or research)
  • Personal statements are written well
  • Letters of recommendation

Some universities may also offer alternative assessments, such as interviews, project submissions, etc. that can be used to measure a student’s eligibility for admission.

How to Apply for a GRE Waiver

If you are applying to a university that has a GRE waiver, read the application carefully. Many schools will require you to:

  • In your application, you need to submit a formal waiver request.
  • submit supporting documents to substantiate why you should not submit GRE scores.
  • Academic records or work experience (or any other achievement) demonstrating readiness for graduate study.
  • Be sure to check in with admissions offices to see up-to-date information on GRE waiver policies, as these can change by program and institution.

With GRE-waiving universities, international students can strategize their application for graduate programs with GRE-waiving universities and concentrate on other parts of their profiles to gain admission into renowned programs around the world.

FAQ

1. What is a GRE waiver, and how does it work?

If a student’s scores on the GRE are unsatisfactory, they may apply to graduate programs without submitting GRE scores using a GRE waiver. Universities that provide waivers either exempt the GRE or require no GRE at all. These waivers tend to be granted to students who are academically shoddy, have work experience, or other such skills that serve to show a student's readiness for graduate-level coursework. Students who want to apply without GRE scores must meet the university's alternative criteria including a strong GPA, compelling research or professional experience. Standardized testing is waived for a more holistic application process for students who excel in areas outside of test performance, but this lightens the burden of standardized testing.

2. Why are some universities waiving the GRE requirement?

Several reasons are being given for why universities are waiving GRE requirements. The pandemic made standardized testing difficult for many students, one key factor. And, of course, schools understand that GRE scores may not adequately capture the potential or academic competence of a student, especially for students with strong professional or academic backgrounds. Universities, too, are switching towards a more rounded admissions process that looks at work experience, research, and academic performance. Another reason to relax the GRE is to draw a wider pool of applicants, especially in subject matter fields that have historically been less represented. The objective of this trend is to remove barriers and increase the inclusivity of graduate education.

3. Do all universities in the USA offer GRE waivers?

GRE waivers are not offered at all universities in the USA. While GRE scores are no longer required for some programs at many institutions and even some academic cycles, GRE scores are still required for admission at some institutions. Depending on the university, program, and sometimes the field of study, the decision to waive the GRE will be made. Though competitive programs (such as STEM, business, etc.) may still require GRE scores, nothing else actually requires them. Applicants should research each program they are interested in because policies vary greatly. Conditional waivers may also be available from some schools on grounds unrelated to the requirement token program, for example on the basis of work experience or academic achievements.

4. Will applying without a GRE score affect my chances of admission?

If your school offers GRE waivers or allows you to opt out of the test, not submitting scores likely won’t hurt your application at all if you have other impressive qualifications, like a high GPA, research, or work experience. For competitive programs, you don’t want to submit a low GRE score, but a high GRE score could help boost your application. Applicants should weigh their overall strength of profile as this will help to determine if a GRE score should be submitted or not. Even if the program places great emphasis on other factors, you may still have a good chance without a GRE score.

5. Do international students benefit from GRE waivers?

Indeed, GRE waivers are extremely beneficial to international students. While the GRE is a difficult and expensive hill to climb for people in countries where testing centers are limited. Waivers enable international students to put more effort into other important parts of their application such as academic records, research experience, or professional achievements. Let's take away the GRE requirement, then, as it makes universities' admissions process better for international students. This also lightens the load on their pockets, as they won’t have to spend to prepare and pay for tests any longer. Without standardized testing, international students can better show their qualifications.

6. What factors do schools consider if GRE scores are not required?

If schools don’t need GRE scores, they look beyond the test results to determine whether an applicant is likely to do well in graduate programs. Undergraduate GPA, academic transcripts, Letters of recommendation, relevant work experience, research or professional accomplishments, and personal statements are some of these factors. Other programs will also check portfolios, past publications, and/or positions of leadership. Professional achievements and managerial experience may carry a lot of weight for MBA or business-related programs. Rather, they seek to assess whether the candidate is ready for demanding academic work and whether the candidate might make significant contributions to the program, by means of a more holistic review process than just test performance.