Which US universities have waived off GRE?

Many top US universities, including MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, Columbia, and NYU, have waived the GRE for many or all graduate programs, with requirements varying significantly by department, allowing for GRE-optional or fully waived applications for 2025-2026 admissions cycles, relying more on holistic review of GPA, SOP, and LORs. Major universities like Purdue, Northeastern, George Mason, UC San Diego, and University of Michigan also feature many GRE-flexible options, with specific waivers common in Engineering, CS, Business, and Health fields, so always check the specific program's requirements.

Which universities waived off GRE?

Top 9 Universities in the USA That Don't Require GRE (2025 Admissions)

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) ...
• Purdue University. ...
• University of Dayton. ...
• 4. California State University (CSU) ...
• Wichita State University. ...
• Boston University (BU) ...
• San Jose State University (SJSU) ...
• Northeastern University.

Is GRE waived off for fall 2026?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for the 2026 admission cycle. This includes Spring 2026 and Fall 2026. If you have taken the exam and would like to provide your scores, you may, but it is not required.

Will GRE be waived for fall 2025?

As of 2025, 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.

Can GRE be waived?

Some graduate schools also offer GRE waivers for graduate students should you meet their conditions. They may ask that you include it to provide them with a holistic sense of new candidates.

Can you still rely on the GRE/GMAT Waivers?

Which university does not need GRE?

List of Universities in the USA Without GRE

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
• Purdue University.
• Stevens Institute of Technology.
• The University of Dayton.
• California State University.
• Wichita State University.
• University of Bridgeport.
• Boston University.

What score is a 70% on the GRE?

A 70% on the GRE means you scored better than 70% of other test-takers, translating roughly to a 156 in Verbal Reasoning or a lower score like 150-152 in Quantitative Reasoning, as Quant is typically harder and has higher scores for the same percentile, with recent data showing 156 Verbal as ~70th percentile and 160 Quant as ~70th percentile, so it varies by section, but a 70% generally means a solid score in the mid-150s or higher. 

Why is the GRE being phased out?

The GRE is being phased out by many graduate programs due to concerns that it's a costly barrier that disadvantages underrepresented groups, doesn't reliably predict success in grad school, and that other application materials (like GPA, essays, letters) offer better insight into a student's potential. The "GRExit" movement gained momentum as schools sought more diverse student bodies and realized the test was a significant financial burden and potential source of bias. 

How to get GRE fee waived?

You may apply for a GRE waiver/fee reduction with ETS directly, by submitting to them a copy of your most recent Student Aid Report (SAR) from studentaid.gov, as well as a completed copy of the GRE Fee Reduction Request Form.

Should I give GRE in 2025?

If you're a current student aiming for Fall 2025 enrollment, taking the GRE in the spring or summer of 2025 allows for sufficient time to study, potentially retake the test, and meet application deadlines, which are typically in December or January. This also gives you ample time to research and shortlist universities.

Is GRE changing in 2026?

ETS has not announced any change in GRE test format for the year 2026. Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning are three sections of GRE. Duration of GRE General Test is 1 hour and 58 minutes.

What is the alternative to the GRE?

Scoring: The GMAT is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, with point increments of 10, while the GRE is scored on a scale of 130 to 170, with 1-point increments. Business School: The GMAT is required for admission to most business schools, while the GRE is accepted by some business schools as an alternative.

Does Yale offer a GMAT waiver?

Can I obtain a waiver for the GRE or GMAT? No. Applications must include a GRE or GMAT score to be considered complete. What is the typical GMAT or GRE score for accepted applicants?

Does MIT waive GRE?

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Please check the Degree Programs directory for more information about the program's specific requirements for the GRE exam. If the program that interests you requires the GRE General Test or GRE Subject Test, waivers for that requirement are unlikely to be approved.

How to qualify for a GRE waiver?

ETS offers GRE Fee Reduction Vouchers for individuals who can demonstrate financial need, for those who are unemployed and receiving unemployment compensation, and for national programs that work with underrepresented groups. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for a voucher.

Is GRE waived off for Northeastern University?

Northeastern University is GRE test-optional and does not require applicants to submit standardized testing to be considered for admission. Northeastern is committed to partnering with you, your family, and your educational institution to support your individual needs.

Is getting a 300 on GRE hard?

Getting a 300 on the GRE is a challenging but achievable goal that requires consistent, focused study, often 3-6 months, focusing on weak areas and mastering strategies like time management, rather than being naturally gifted. It's considered an average score, so while not "easy," it's within reach for dedicated individuals who put in the work with a solid plan, practice tests, and strategic learning, says a YouTube video and a Quora post. 

Is GRE waived off for 2025?

For a 2025 GRE fee waiver (reduction), you typically apply through ETS by proving financial need with your FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI) or demonstrating unemployment, with potential vouchers reducing the cost to about $100 for the General Test and offering free prep materials. You must complete the GRE Fee Reduction Voucher Request Form and submit supporting documents via email to [email protected]. 

Can I score 330 in GRE in 1 month?

Yes, scoring 330 on the GRE in one month is possible but extremely challenging, requiring a strong baseline, intense focus (many suggest 4-8+ hours/day), a strategic plan, and excellent time management, especially if your starting score is much lower. Success hinges on mastering official materials, identifying weaknesses quickly (especially in Verbal), practicing extensively under timed conditions, and building strong vocabulary, focusing heavily on quant if aiming for STEM programs. 

Is GRE harder than SAT?

Yes, the GRE is generally considered harder than the SAT because it's designed for college graduates applying to graduate school, featuring more advanced vocabulary, higher-level math concepts, and critical thinking questions, whereas the SAT targets high schoolers for undergraduate admissions with a focus on core subjects. Difficulty is subjective, but the GRE demands greater analytical reasoning and specialized knowledge, making it a tougher challenge for many, according to several sources.
 

Is the new GRE tougher?

Is the new shorter GRE easier than the old format? The content difficulty remains the same—the same question types, topics, and scoring scales apply. However, reduced cognitive fatigue may help you perform closer to your actual ability level.

Will GRE expire?

GRE scores remain valid for 5 years from the test date. Expired GRE scores cannot be reinstated or reported to schools. Universities do not accept cancelled GRE Scores.

What is the top 1% score on the GRE?

A top 1% GRE score requires near-perfect performance, typically a 170 in Verbal Reasoning, a score that hits the 99th percentile, while a perfect 170 in Quantitative Reasoning is often around the 97th-99th percentile, showing it's harder to get in the top 1% on Quant. For Analytical Writing, a score of 5.0 or higher places you in the top 10%, with 6.0 being the 99th percentile.
 

How rare is 340 GRE?

Although securing a perfect GRE score is rare, a few candidates are able to achieve it. As per the data of ETS, only 1% of the candidates worldwide score more than 330, making securing 340 an extraordinary achievement.