It's already late November—how are you holding up if your GRE scores haven't come in yet?
We've been receiving many messages from students lately, crying about how tough the GRE is and worrying about how high everyone else's scores seem to be this year... If you can't achieve your ideal GRE score, is there still hope for this year's applications?
Don't panic. Even without ideal standardized test scores, there are still programs you can apply to, including many from Top 30 universities.
In previous years, there were many programs that did not require GRE scores, and those waiver policies are still in effect this year. Due to the pandemic, some programs are also offering the option to waive the GRE.
Degree Programs That Do Not Require GRE
Social Work
This major does not have strict requirements for students' academic backgrounds. If you are looking to work in community service in the future, you may want to learn more about it.
Social Work programs at institutions like Columbia University, New York University, and the University of Chicago generally do not require GRE scores.
Columbia University MSW Program Website
LLM Programs
LLM is a one-year Master of Laws degree, which is more similar to an advanced legal studies program. Compared to JD, LLM is more practice-oriented. LLM programs not only do not require the LSAT exam, but they also generally do not require the GRE.
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Master of Fine Arts programs commonly include visual arts, film production, theater, creative writing, design, animation, and more. MFA programs often do not require GRE scores because the core evaluation is based on the applicant's portfolio.
Programs That Do Not Require GRE
Executive Programs
Executive programs were originally designed for professionals with some work experience. These programs place more emphasis on the applicant's past work experience, so they usually do not require GRE scores. In other words, these programs are more suitable for applicants with work experience.
Online Master's Programs
Many online master's programs do not require GRE scores. For example, the currently popular fields like DS and BA may not require GRE if the school offers online delivery. However, the recognition of such online programs is currently not very high.
Some 21Fall Programs Affected by the Special Situation
Due to the pandemic this year, some schools' 21Fall programs are also making exceptions and offering the option to waive the GRE. For example, USC's BA, UC Berkeley's MIMS, Duke's MPP, and others all allow applicants to choose not to submit GRE scores this year.
USC BA Program Website
In addition, compared to the strict GRE requirements for U.S. graduate programs, countries/regions like the UK, Canada, Hong Kong, and Australia generally have more relaxed GRE requirements, and there are also some programs that do not require GRE scores.
It must be said that these GRE waiver policies have provided many students with the opportunity to apply to better schools. In the final sprint of applications, don't be discouraged—there is still a last train for you to catch!
Next, let's take a look at specific programs that do not require GRE scores for the 2021 application season.
Columbia University
Under Columbia University's School of Professional Studies (SPS), the following programs do not require GRE scores for the 2021 application season and allow applicants to waive the GRE:
MS in Applied Analytics
MA in Sports Management
MS in Construction Administration
Enterprise Risk Management
MS in Strategic Communication
MS in Technology Management
MS in Non-profit Management
In addition, the following programs in Columbia's School of Engineering also allow applicants to choose not to submit GRE scores:
MS in Business Analytics
MS in Management Science & Engineering
MS in Applied Physics & Applied Mathematics
MS in Biomedical Engineering
MS in Computer Engineering
MS in Computer Science
MS in Data Science
MS in Electrical Engineering
MS in Industrial Engineering & Operations Research
MS in Mechanical Engineering
For other Columbia schools, such as the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, applicants can also choose not to provide GRE scores:
MA in Statistics
MA in Mathematics with Specialization in the Mathematics of Finance
Johns Hopkins University
For the 2021 application season, the following programs in Johns Hopkins University's Whiting School of Engineering allow applicants to choose not to submit GRE scores, and the school explicitly states that submitting GRE scores will not give applicants any advantage:
MSE in Data Science
MA in Applied Mathematics and Statistics
Master of Science in Engineering Financial Mathematics
MA in Engineering Management
Washington University in St. Louis
For the 2021 Fall application season, all graduate programs in Washington University in St. Louis' School of Engineering & Applied Science allow applicants to choose not to submit GRE scores.
MS in Computer Science
MS in Computer Engineering
MS in Data Analytics & Statistics
MS in Electrical Engineering
MS in Materials Science & Engineering
Other programs like Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health do not require GRE scores.
University of Chicago
The following programs at the University of Chicago do not require GRE scores for application:
MA in Public Policy
MS in Computational Analysis & Public Policy
MS in Financial Mathematics
MS in Analytics
Duke University
For the 2021 application season, the following programs at Duke University's Graduate School have also joined the list of programs that do not require GRE scores:
Interdisciplinary Data Science
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Material Science & Engineering
Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science
Cornell University
For the 2021 application season, the following programs at Cornell University's SC Johnson College of Business do not require GRE scores:
Hospitality Management (M.M.H.)
MPS in Management
MPS in Accounting
The following two programs in Cornell's College of Engineering do not require GRE scores:
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Systems Engineering
New York University
NYU's School of Professional Studies (SPS) does not require GRE scores for any of its graduate programs.
MS in Construction Management
MS in Event Management
MS in Global Affairs
MS in Global Security, Conflict, and Cybercrime (STEM)
MS in Global Sport
MS in Hospitality Industry Studies
MS in Integrated Marketing
MS in Management and Systems (STEM)
MS in Professional Writing
MS in Project Management (STEM), etc.
In addition, almost all programs at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts do not require GRE scores, including fields such as dance, design, film, game design, acting, and music.
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To Submit GRE Scores or Not?
Currently, most programs say GRE scores are not required, but in reality, applicants can still choose to submit them.
For example, Cornell University's MPS-AEM program, although applicants can apply without GMAT/GRE scores this year, the admissions office will conduct a more comprehensive evaluation of other aspects of the applicant's background.
This also means that if you do not submit GRE scores, most programs will have higher expectations for other application materials. The importance of GPA, essays, resumes, recommendation letters, and other materials will increase.
Not requiring GRE does not mean that the application process has become easier. In the application process, you must still not let your guard down.
Mindset is also a key factor in success. The later it gets, the less you should panic. First of all, we still recommend that you try your best to get a GRE score, as it will provide more options and security for your application.
If you ultimately cannot achieve a satisfactory score, you don't need to be too stubborn, as the GRE is only one part of the application. Adjust your strategy in time, actively prepare your materials, and sprint effectively—this will help you better achieve your dream school admission.
Finally, CheersYou（清柚教育） wishes everyone a smooth application season and success in obtaining your dream school offer!
