Which Types of Grad Programs Require a GRE Score?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test widely used by graduate schools to assess applicants’ readiness for advanced study. While many programs still require a GRE score as part of the admissions process, there is increasing flexibility across different fields.

Some programs view the GRE as an essential factor in evaluating academic potential, while others have dropped the requirement altogether. This article will explore the graduate programs that typically require GRE scores and those that do not.

STEM Programs  

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) graduate programs commonly require a GRE score as part of their admissions process. These fields use the GRE to assess essential skills like quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving, all of which are crucial for success in advanced studies. 

Programs such as engineering, computer science, physics, and mathematics often rely on GRE scores to help determine candidates’ academic readiness. For instance, top-tier engineering schools may use the GRE to evaluate an applicant’s analytical abilities and potential for graduate-level work. 

However, some STEM programs, especially in more specialized areas, are becoming increasingly flexible about the GRE requirement, with some schools offering waivers or alternative assessments.

Business and MBA Programs  

Many business schools and MBA programs require GRE scores as part of the application process. The GRE is often accepted as an alternative to the GMAT, the traditional entrance exam for business school applicants. While top business schools, such as those offering MBA programs, continue to use the GRE to assess analytical and quantitative skills, there is a growing trend of schools providing flexibility in their admissions criteria. 

Some schools allow applicants to submit either the GRE or GMAT score, while others may waive the GRE requirement based on professional experience or academic achievements. Prospective students should check individual program requirements because the GRE’s necessity can vary between schools and specific MBA specializations.

Social Sciences and Humanities  

Graduate programs in the social sciences and humanities often require GRE scores, though the necessity can depend on the specific discipline. Fields like psychology, sociology, political science, and economics commonly use GRE results to evaluate applicants’ critical thinking, verbal reasoning, and writing abilities. 

These programs value the GRE as a tool for measuring academic potential and readiness for rigorous graduate-level coursework. In the humanities, such as history, literature, and philosophy, some programs may also require the GRE, though many others have moved away from this requirement in favor of other factors like writing samples or portfolios. 

Applicants should carefully research their program’s admissions criteria to understand the specific requirements.

Health and Medical Sciences  

While many health and medical sciences programs do not require the GRE, certain fields still consider it as part of their admissions process. Graduate programs in public health, epidemiology, healthcare administration, and biomedical sciences may ask for GRE scores to assess applicants’ critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and research capabilities. 

However, the trend is shifting, and more health-related programs are making the GRE optional or eliminating it altogether. For example, public health programs at many universities no longer require the GRE, reflecting a broader move toward a more holistic admissions process that considers experience and other qualifications alongside standardized test scores.

Which Graduate Programs Don’t Require the GRE?

Increasingly, many graduate programs are moving away from requiring the GRE. Fields such as education, creative arts, law, and some social sciences have embraced a more holistic admissions approach, focusing on experience, recommendations, and portfolios instead of standardized test scores. 

Programs in fields like fine arts, music, and education often do not require the GRE at all. Even within traditionally test-heavy disciplines, more universities are waiving GRE requirements for applicants with strong academic backgrounds or relevant work experience. Students interested in these programs can check specific university websites for up-to-date admissions policies, as the trend of GRE-optional programs continues to grow.

How Can You Determine Whether To Take the GRE?

To decide whether to take the GRE, prospective graduate students should start by researching the specific requirements of their chosen programs. Most universities list admissions criteria on their websites, including whether the GRE is required, optional, or waived based on certain conditions. 

It’s also important to consider whether the program values GRE scores, even if optional. Students should reach out to admissions offices if the information is unclear or if there’s an opportunity for a GRE waiver based on professional experience or academic qualifications. 

Finally, financial considerations can affect a student’s decision to take the GRE, as the test does require students to pay for a proctored exam. For graduate students studying abroad in the U.S., financial resources such as MPOWER Financing, can help cover the cost of tuition and associated expenses for grad schools in the U.S., alleviating the burden that may come with paying for application components like the GRE.

Make Your Grad School Journey GREat

Understanding whether to take the GRE is crucial when applying to graduate programs. By researching specific program requirements and considering the benefits of submitting a score, students can make informed decisions and optimize their chances for admission. Get prepared and make your grad school goals a reality!

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