These 5 universities in the US no longer require GRE
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) was once considered a non-negotiable benchmark for graduate school admissions in the United States. It tested analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative aptitude in a format designed to offer standardised comparisons. In 2025, that standard is no longer universally upheld.Many universities across the USA have moved towards test-optional or test-free policies, removing the GRE requirement for a wide range of master’s and doctoral programmes. While this shift may reduce the pressure to perform on a single exam, it increases the weight of other application components. Universities now expect students to demonstrate academic clarity, domain knowledge, and research alignment in more holistic ways.If you are planning to apply without GRE scores, here are five US universities that no longer require them and how you can build a strong application in their place.
Leading US universities that no longer require the GRE
Why these universities are rethinking GRE
The decision to drop the GRE is not arbitrary. Universities are increasingly questioning its ability to predict graduate success, especially in interdisciplinary fields or among students from non-traditional backgrounds. The shift also reflects a commitment to reducing barriers for international students and applicants from underrepresented communities.At institutions like MIT and UC Berkeley, departments now focus on academic preparation, research experience, and project portfolios rather than a numerical score. Brown and the University of Chicago, with their strong emphasis on social impact and critical thinking, value applicants who can articulate their purpose and demonstrate academic maturity without relying on standardised testing.
What your application must include instead
Skipping the GRE means other components of your application must carry more weight. Here’s what admissions committees are prioritising in 2025:• A clear, well-written statement of purpose that explains your academic interests, long-term goals, and why the university is the right fit.• Strong academic transcripts that show consistent performance in relevant subjects.• Letters of recommendation that go beyond praise and speak to your intellectual potential and research capability.• Work samples or portfolios, especially important for applicants in public policy, engineering, computer science, and the arts.In select cases, universities are also accepting GitHub profiles, coding challenge results, or published research as part of the evaluation process.
What international students must remember
For international applicants, dropping the GRE does not mean a completely test-free application. Most universities still require English proficiency tests such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).In addition, students from academic systems outside the US may need to provide credential evaluations, syllabus breakdowns, or academic writing samples to demonstrate the equivalency of their qualifications.The removal of the GRE requirement reflects a broader shift in graduate admissions: from standardised scores to evidence of intent, readiness, and academic alignment. For students who are confident in their academic preparation and have clarity in their goals, this is an opportunity to apply to top programmes without the constraint of a test score.But the responsibility shifts. Without the GRE, what matters most is how well your application tells your story.
