Top GRE Waiver Colleges: How to Apply Without the GRE in 2024

Key Takeaways

• GRE waivers are becoming more common: As of 2023, over 50% of top U.S. and European business schools, including institutions like MIT Sloan, Northwestern Kellogg, and INSEAD, offer GRE waivers based on work experience or other qualifications.
• Variety of options: Whether you're applying for an MBA or a specialized master’s degree, over 100 universities across the U.S. and Europe offer GRE waiver programs for applicants who meet specific criteria.
• Eligibility varies: For instance, at some schools like NYU Stern, applicants with 5+ years of work experience or a previous graduate degree may qualify for a GRE waiver, while others might require a strong GPA or managerial experience.
• Maximize your application: Highlighting key achievements, like 3+ years of relevant work experience or exceptional undergraduate performance, can significantly improve your chances of securing a waiver.
• Stay competitive: Even with a GRE waiver, top schools still expect a strong academic record—often looking for a GPA of 3.0 or higher—and substantial professional accomplishments to make your application stand out.

With numerous travel rules and standards defined by countries, Covid-19 caused uncertainty among foreign students. Universities turned to online study, but now that vaccinations are available everywhere, foreign campuses are reopening. GRE Waiver colleges scores are required for MS courses overseas, particularly at colleges in the United States. Some colleges, on the other hand, waive GRE Waiver colleges score requirements. Let’s look at the colleges that have waived the GRE for Spring 2023.

What is a GRE Waiver?

A GRE waiver means you don’t need to submit a GRE score when applying to certain universities. Some schools waive the GRE requirement for specific programs or under special circumstances. This is a great opportunity for students who might not perform well on standardized tests but have strong academic backgrounds, professional experience, or other qualifications that show their potential.

Many universities offer a GRE waiver to make the application process more flexible, especially in response to changing admission trends. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, several schools began to waive the GRE as test centers were closed and students couldn't easily take the exam.

How Does a GRE Waiver Work?

• Universities will list their GRE waiver policies on their admissions pages.
• Some schools automatically grant a waiver based on your undergraduate GPA or work experience.
• Others may require a formal request, where you explain why you should receive a waiver (this is often called a "GRE waiver letter").
• It’s important to carefully review the specific requirements of each university to see if you qualify for a waiver.

Here is a Youtube Video on how to get a GMAT waiver

List of Top Universities Waiving GRE for 2024

Many universities have decided to waive the GRE requirement due to various reasons. The goal is to make the application process more accessible and reduce barriers for students who may not have access to standardized tests. Here's why schools are waiving the GRE:

• Changing Admissions Trends: Universities are focusing more on a candidate’s academic record, work experience, and other skills instead of test scores. They recognize that GRE scores don’t always reflect a student’s potential to succeed in graduate school.
• Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: During the pandemic, many test centers were closed, making it hard for students to take the GRE. This led schools to offer waivers to prevent applicants from being disadvantaged.
• Diversity in Applicant Pool: Some universities waive the GRE to encourage a broader range of applicants, including working professionals or international students, who may not be able to take the GRE easily.
• Reducing Financial Burden: The cost of taking the GRE can be high, and waiving the exam helps reduce the financial strain on students.

Benefits of Applying to Universities Without GRE

Applying to universities that offer GRE waivers can be a significant advantage for students, especially for those who may not have access to standardized testing centers or those who want to save time and money. Here's why it can be beneficial:

• Time-Saving: Preparing for the GRE takes months of study and practice. By opting for universities that waive the GRE, you can focus on strengthening other parts of your application, like your statement of purpose (SOP) and recommendation letters.
• Reduced Costs: The GRE comes with costs that include registration fees, travel, and study materials. Waiving the GRE can save applicants upwards of $200-300, which can be reallocated to application fees or university deposits.
• Focus on Real-World Experience: Many universities prefer to assess applicants based on their professional background, academic records, or relevant coursework, rather than relying solely on a test score.
• Equal Opportunities for International Students: Many international students face logistical challenges when it comes to taking standardized tests like the GRE. By waiving the test, universities can attract a more diverse range of candidates from around the world.

For example, Wichita State University and California State University waive the GRE for several engineering programs, which makes it easier for international students to apply without the burden of a standardized test​(Yocket Study Abroad. Additionally, Boston University offers GRE waivers for programs like MS in Artificial Intelligence and Applied Data Analytics​, enabling students to focus on more meaningful aspects of their applications, like project portfolios or research work.

How to Apply for a GRE Waiver

Applying for a GRE waiver can vary depending on the university and program, but the general process involves demonstrating your qualifications through academic performance, work experience, or other relevant factors. Below are the steps to apply for a GRE waiver:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Visit the university’s admissions page to verify if they offer GRE waivers for the program you’re applying to. Many universities will waive the GRE for students with strong academic records (such as a GPA of 3.5 or higher), significant work experience, or those applying to specific programs.

For instance, Boston University waives the GRE for its Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics programs, provided that applicants meet their GPA or experience requirements​ Similarly, Rice University waives the GRE for some business programs if applicants have relevant work experience​(

Step 2: Submit a Waiver Request

Some universities require students to submit a formal request to waive the GRE. This usually involves writing a "GRE waiver letter" explaining why you should receive the waiver. In this letter, you’ll need to justify your academic and professional background, and highlight other strengths in your application. For example, Wichita State University requires a waiver request letter for certain programs​(

Step 3: Provide Supporting Documents

Be prepared to provide transcripts, proof of work experience, recommendation letters, and any other documents that strengthen your case. These documents help the admissions committee evaluate your readiness for graduate study without a GRE score.

Step 4: Track Application Status

Once you’ve submitted the waiver request and your supporting documents, track your application status through the university’s portal. Keep in contact with the admissions office for updates.

Alternative Tests and Criteria Accepted Instead of GRE

While some universities are waiving the GRE entirely, others offer alternative pathways to demonstrate your eligibility. Here are some common alternatives:

GMAT: For business and management-related programs, many schools accept the GMAT as an alternative to the GRE. For instance, Rice University offers GMAT as an option for certain business programs​(

Work Experience: Professional experience is often considered as an alternative to standardized test scores. Universities like California State University and Wichita State University will waive the GRE requirement for students with 3+ years of work experience in a related field​(

Undergraduate GPA: Many universities, such as University of Dayton and University of Bridgeport, waive the GRE for students who have achieved a high GPA during their undergraduate studies​. A GPA of 3.5 or above is commonly accepted as a substitute for the GRE score.

Other Tests (TOEFL, IELTS): Some universities accept other standardized tests like the TOEFL or IELTS, especially for international students. For example, San Jose State University allows IELTS scores in place of GRE for certain programs​(

Portfolio/Research Work: In specialized fields such as engineering or computer science, universities may consider your project portfolio or research work in place of GRE scores. Boston University considers relevant project work in programs like Bioinformatics

Is a GRE Waiver Right for You?

Deciding whether to apply for a GRE waiver depends on several factors. While it may seem like an easy way to avoid the stress and costs associated with the GRE, there are situations where it might be more beneficial to submit a GRE score.

Here are some things to consider:

• Your Academic Strengths: If you have a strong academic record (high GPA, honors, or awards), a GRE waiver might be the best option for you. Universities like University of Dayton and University of Bridgeport waive GRE requirements for students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher​. This allows you to focus more on other aspects of your application.
• Professional Experience: For applicants with significant work experience, such as those with 3+ years in a relevant industry, a GRE waiver can work in your favor. Universities like Rice University and California State University offer waivers for candidates with considerable professional experience in business and engineering fields​
• Program Requirements: Some graduate programs require a GRE score to assess quantitative and analytical skills. If your program places heavy emphasis on these areas, submitting a GRE score could boost your chances of admission. However, for less technical programs, a waiver might be enough to show your readiness.
• Future Plans: If you're considering applying for scholarships or fellowships, note that some require GRE scores even if the university itself doesn't. For example, certain funding bodies in the U.S. may ask for GRE scores as part of their selection process. It’s worth checking both the university's and scholarship requirements before deciding.

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Conclusion

GRE scores are not required for admission to several colleges’ MS programmes. If you want to get into an MS programme without taking the GRE, you must examine other essential elements that will strengthen your profile. If you want to get into an MS programme without GRE results, you must have a solid profile. In certain situations, having GRE results, particularly strong GRE scores, can help you get into a reputable institution. Aside from that, with strong GRE results, you may also be eligible for GRE scholarships.