Do You Really Need a GRE Score for a Master’s Degree?

Although GRE scores are considered one of the main aspects of the student admission process, a few universities and colleges do not ask for them as part of their admissions requirements. Some schools have waived them in the last two years due to the pandemic, while others waive the score requirement against specific criteria — such as a high Grade Point Average (GPA) and/or a few years of work experience. Master’s degree holders applying to graduate school for another graduate-level program may not be required to submit their GRE scores too. Each university has a process explaining how to waive your score, which includes the following few steps and petitioning your school to waive the exam for your application. 

How to Get Your Score Waived

Most graduate programs are designed with GRE scores as a mandate. However, there can be some scenarios where the college or university can waive your scores, such as: 

1. Academic History: The universities’ admission committee will look into your Grade Point Average (GPA), which for many top universities should be at least on the scale of 3.0–4.0 in undergraduate studies. 
2. Experience: For some of the master’s programs, the university will look into your work experience. Fieldwork or internships will make a difference in the admission process, and the GRE score will be waived. 
3. Awards/Recognitions: Any previous awards, recognitions, citations, and accolades could be considered for a GRE score waiver. 
4. Statement of Purpose: A well-written statement of purpose (SoP) clearly stating where and how you stand out is another factor that helps in score waiving. Your SoP should showcase your writing and grammar skills. 
5. Letter of Recommendation: A good letter of recommendation from the previous employer(s) or teachers that reflects upon your candidature also helps.

The steps to apply for a GRE score waiver are as follows: 

1. Step 1: Check with the university’s admission office for a waiver petition form. 
2. Step 2: Prepare and keep all the required documentation ready, including the letter(s) of recommendation and personal statement or statement of purpose. 
3. Step 3: Submit your papers along with the application form. 

Universities that consider waiving GRE scores will accept the reasons and your application if you meet all the criteria. You will be asked to write the GRE if your request is rejected. 

While master’s programs in some disciplines would almost always require GRE scores to be submitted at the time of admission, waivers are more frequent in a few other disciplines. There are top universities that offer no GRE programs, and the most common subjects without GRE requirements or may have score waivers are in the fields of: 

1. Advertising 
2. Business Administration 
3. Computer Science 
4. Data Analytics 
5. Finance 
6. Healthcare Administration 
7. Human Resources 
8. Accounting 
9. Criminal Justice 
10. Information technology 

A master’s degree is arguably the most crucial step to career advancement or change. Therefore, it is essential to be informed of what graduate-level study is all about to make good choices and the right decisions. Here are some informative reads to help you in that endeavor: 

1. Cost of a Master’s – Find out how much your master’s degree will cost, the factors influencing the cost of a degree, and how you can fund your education.  
2. Why Online Masters – Learn about the advantages and benefits of an online master’s program and everything you need to know about why they can help you obtain a degree quicker and save you money.  
3. Accreditation Guide – Being one of the more essential aspects of college education, learn all about accreditation, why it is important, and why you should care.  
4. The GRE Guide – Check out this comprehensive guide on the Graduate Records Examination or GRE. Find out what it entails, fees, format, structure, how to apply, and more.  
5. The GMAT Guide – If you are applying for business school, this Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) resource will provide you with all the information you need to apply for the test and score well.  
6. GMAT vs. GRE – Confused about which exam to take and the differences between the Graduate Records Examination and Graduate Management Admission Test? Read this comprehensive guide for a complete picture. 
7. Résumé for Grad School – Discover what universities look for in a résumé and get some tips on how you can write a stellar one. 
8. Transferring Colleges – Learn how to transfer colleges and universities and how to use your credits to shorten your time in college.