Study in USA Without GRE

Studying abroad in the USA is a dream for many international students. Traditionally, the GRE, aka Graduate Record Examinations, was considered compulsory for admission to Master’s and PhD programs.

However, in recent years, several universities have started offering admission without GRE scores. This blog will teach us how to study in the USA without GRE scores.

Table of Contents:

1. Study Masters in USA without GRE
2. Top Universities in the USA without GRE
3. Alternative Admission Requirements for Study in USA without GRE
4. How to Apply in the USA Without GRE
5. Frequently Asked Questions

Study Masters in USA without GRE

Studying Masters in USA without a GRE is possible, as several universities have started focusing on students’ academic records, work experience, and other qualifications. Here’s why some universities are waiving the exam requirement for studying Masters in USA without GRE:

• Holistic Admissions: Universities have started accepting that standardized test scores may not fully capture a student’s potential. By evaluating other criteria, universities can gain a more clear picture of the student.
• Diversity: Waiving the GRE requirements lowers the barriers for international students, making students from all over the world apply. This leads to a more diverse & inclusive student body.
• Attracting Students: Top US universities are removing the GRE requirement to stay competitive. Removing the GRE requirement for Master’s or PhD in the USA can easily attract a larger and more diverse pool of students from around the world.

Top Universities in the USA without GRE

Several top universities in the USA have started offering admission to students without GRE scores. Here are some of the top universities in the USA without GRE requirements:

University	Programs without GRE
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Civil and Environmental Engineering Chemical Engineering Aeronautics and Astronautics
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)	Architecture & City Planning Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Civil and Environmental Engineering Computer Science Information & Data Science
San Jose State University	Aerospace Engineering Chemical Engineering Data Analytics Biological Sciences Applied Mathematics
University of Iowa	Mechanical Engineering Chemistry Electrical and Computer Engineering Mathematics
Purdue University	Computer Science Ecological Sciences and Engineering Environmental and Ecological Engineering
Princeton University	Computer Science Mathematics Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Quantitative and Computational Biology
University of Pennsylvania	Bioengineering Biotechnology Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Data Science Electrical Engineering
Northwestern University	Machine Learning & Data Science Artificial Intelligence Biotechnology Information Technology
New York University (NYU)	Business Analytics & AI Data Analytics & Business Computing Data Science Cybersecurity Risk & Strategy
Duke University	Biomedical Engineering Civil and Environmental Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Applied Ethics & Policy Medical Physics

Alternative Admission Requirements for Study in USA without GRE

While universities waive the GRE requirements, students must meet other admission criteria. If you are planning to pursue your Masters in the USA without the GRE or PhD in USA without the GRE, you must fulfill the following requirements:

Admission Requirement	Details
Strong Academic Record	GPA of 3.0 or higher
Work Experience	Work experience in related field
Letters of Recommendation	A strong letter of recommendation (2-3)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	Strong SOP highlighting everything about you
English Language Proficiency Score	TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson, or Duolingo
Test Scores	GMAT / MCAT / LSAT

How to Apply in the USA Without GRE

Several universities in the USA offer admission without the GRE, making it easy for international students to enroll. Applying without a GRE score involves research, strong application, and the necessary documents. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying in the USA without the GRE:

1. Research universities that do not require the GRE for admission.
2. Check the eligibility requirements thoroughly, some universities and programs may ask for work experience, a higher GPA, or more.
3. Prepare essential documents such as SOPs, LORs, resumes, academic transcripts, and English language proficiency scores.
4. Prepare for English tests (if you haven’t) such as TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson, or Duolingo.
5. Apply online on the official website and pay the application fee.
6. Get your I-20 Form and SEVIS fee and prepare for your visa interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study in the USA without a GRE?

Yes, it is possible to study in the USA without the GRE, as many universities either do not require or waive the GRE under specific circumstances. Several master’s programs have moved away from making the GRE mandatory.

Is the GRE waived in the USA for fall 2025?

Yes, for the Fall 2025 admission cycle, several top universities in the USA have waived off the GRE requirements. However, GRE requirements can vary between programs within the same university.

Is the GRE required for MS in the USA in 2025?

As of 2025, the GRE requirements for MS in the USA vary by university & specific program. Several universities have waived the requirements, while several have made it optional.

What are the alternatives for the GRE in the USA?

You must have a strong application with a strong academic record or GPA, statement of purpose (SOP), letters of recommendation (LORs), work experience and internships, and good English language skills.

Should I still take IELTS/TOEFL if the GRE is waived?

Yes, IELTS/TOEFL are English language proficiency tests, while the GRE is a standardized test for graduate and doctoral admissions. Even if the GRE is waived, most universities still require you to prove your English language proficiency.