It’s important to understand that the policies are ever evolving, so always check the latest requirement needed to get admitted in the course as mentioned on university’s official website. Some of the examples of top Global universities which have adopted test-optional or GRE-waived policies for some of their graduate programs are:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): The departments like Computer Science and Engineering have adopted test optional policies, while others still recommend the GRE.
- Stanford University: Stanford too has made GRE optional for some programs, where the other factors can provide better assessment regarding the students’ suitability.
- University of Oxford and University of Cambridge (UK): The courses which are associated with humanities, and social sciences, do not require GRE score. On the other side, a few programs do recommend it, so particularly it depends on the course on which the applicant is targeting
- ETH Zurich (Switzerland): Though traditional methods are still adopted, but many departments have started with more holistic review.
- University of Toronto and University of British Columbia (Canada): At these top Canadian universities, there are many departments that do not require the GRE, instead the focus is more on academic records and other supporting documents.
- Many Universities in the Nordic Countries, France, Spain, and Italy: In these areas, GRE is not considered mandatory to get admitted in top tier universities.
How to build a Strong Application Without GRE Score?
The universities where GRE is considered optional or not required, it becomes quite important to strengthen other aspects of your application process.
- Good Academic Record: The coursework which you have practised till date, will be examined carefully- it may carry your undergraduate or previous graduate coursework. Maintain a strong GPA, and also a consistent record in relevant subjects is required.
- Captivating Statement of Purpose: Its important to explain why you are the best fit for this program, so list out your passion and motivation. It’s a high end opportunity to showcase your academic and career goals.
- Strong Testimonial: list out the professors or seniors who know about your academic abilities, the research potential you carry, and also about the work ethic.
- Work Experience: as per the requirement of the program mention about your research or practical experience, accentuate your contribution in relevant projects, internships, or be it jobs.
- Comprehensive CV: Your CV is a real picture of your personality, make sure you present it in a very clear and concise manner; list out your academic achievements, research experience, publication if any, about presentations, and other appropriate achievements.
- Showcase your skill set: with respect to certain programs, showcase your skills through portfolios designed, writing samples, and also through coding examples.
Now you can admission in top Global universities without GRE, and it is absolutely possible. The possible ways are:
- Thorough research is required, related to the course you wish to target in the university, as specific requirements to get admission in any program varies. Make sure you check them properly and accordingly pursue as per the requirements. Do not rely on general assumptions about the particular country or university.
- In case GRE score is optional in particular university, analyse proper if submitting a strong GRE score can actually enhance the overall application. In case you feel that GRE score could provide benefit in order to proven your abilities, it can be strongly beneficial.
- Build an overall application that accentuates your strengths, the experience you hold with respect to the program you are targeting and your potential to proven your success in graduate programs.
Emphasis of GRE has been evaporated at many top global universities, which showcase a broader shift towards holistic evaluation of the applicants. With the thorough understanding of current landscape of admission procedure, one can increase his chance to get admitted in world’s leading academic institution, with or without the GRE score. Do not forget to go through the official university website in order to get most accurate and abreast information