Is GRE Mandatory For MS In USA? Applying With Or Without GRE

Key Takeaways

Is GRE mandatory for MS in USA? Not always—many top universities have waived the GRE requirement for Fall 2025, making applications more accessible.
Is GRE mandatory for MS in USA? Several programs now accept students without GRE scores, focusing on GPA, SOP, and letters of recommendation.
Is GRE mandatory for MS in USA? A growing number of US universities offer MS admissions without GRE, especially in fields like Computer Science.

Planning to study MS in the USA in 2025? Shocking news here! The majority of the best colleges in the USA are dropping GRE as a requirement! The question on everyone’s mind – is GRE mandatory for M.S in USA?

While most institutions still accept GRE scores, increasingly, best universities are eliminating it as an option or making it optional. Indians, this translates to USA master’s without GRE, which is less stressful, time-consuming, and costly. Here, everything is provided from the best universities in USA with no GRE requirements to GRE-requiring and GRE-waiving comparison of a university.

No matter if MS in Computer Science or something else is bothering you, we have it all for you – documents, eligibility, college list, and how to crack your GRE if needed. Come along and find out how you can pursue your MS in the USA without drenching yourself in sweat through the GRE.

Why Study MS in the USA in Fall 2025?

Fun fact: Over 200,000 Indian students opted to study in the USA in 2024, and it’s only going to rise in Fall 2025!

This is why Fall 2025 is the golden chance to begin your new life in the USA:

Easy GRE requirements: Most US universities are opting out of requiring the GRE, which will allow more international students to apply easily.
Range of courses: From MS in Computer Science to specialization, American universities offer a broad range of courses without GRE scores.
Global career prospects: With a degree from highly ranked American universities, your career in the US as well as globally can be significantly boosted.
World-class research facilities: Study in the USA and experience state-of-the-art labs, professors, and internships.
Cultural diversity: USA Masters offers multicultural exposure, networking, and a lifetime of personal growth.

What is the Significance of Universities in USA Without GRE Score?

Interesting fact: The GRE exam was created in 1949, but over 70 years on, the majority of universities may no longer require it!

M.S in the USA without GRE is not a shortcut; it’s a paradigm shift towards how education is attained:

Increased access: Colleges are now more likely to consider applicants holistically with equal weightage attached to GPA, resume, statement of purpose, and personal statement compared to a test score.
Cost-saving: Skipping the GRE saves the cost of examination fees, study guides, and coaching classes.
Time-efficient: Standing for the GRE means never having to spend the time to study or score high on it and never having to lose precious time studying and scoring high for it.
Focus on academic work: US schools put more weight on research experience and academic work in determining a student’s promise.
Open admission policy: By removing the prerequisite of GRE scores, it is more open in the sense that students belonging to poor families are not discriminated against unjustly.

How Many MS Universities in USA Offer MS Without GRE?

Interesting fact: According to figures available up to 2025, approximately 50% of US universities offering MS courses do not accept GRE scores or have gone ahead with making GRE scores optional!

What this means for Indian students:

Dozens of choices: From Ivy League to state universities in USA, numerous universities in USA for MS now do not ask for GRE.
Field-based adaptability: Especially in areas like MS in Computer Science, public health, data science, and engineering, the universities are allowed to waive GRE.
Trend likely to go viral: The number of US universities that do not require the GRE has been rising annually since the COVID-19 virus pandemic.
Not limited to low-performing schools: World top-ranked schools and highly ranked schools have adopted GRE-optional labels.
Streamlined application process: GRE-free program application streamlines your master’s in USA experience.

Is GRE Mandatory for MS in USA for Indian Students?

Surprising fact: Only 40% of students globally mention their GRE scores when applying to US graduate school, as found by ETS.

So, is GRE required for M.S in USA? It depends from university to university and from program to program:

No, not always required: Majority of the leading universities in the USA today offer M.S in USA without GRE scores.
Program-specific: While some STEM courses such as MS in Computer Science still need GRE scores, others do not require it.
Optional GRE score submission is allowed by some MS-granting institutions if the candidate feels it strengthens their application.
Holistic reviews: US universities are shifting towards a new review system including GPA, letters of recommendation, and personal statement.
GRE waivers provided: Most universities are able to waive GRE if you have experience, high GPA, or other considerations.

GRE Requirement Summary Table:

University/Program	GRE Required	GRE Optional	GRE Waived
MIT (CS)	No	Yes	Yes
Stanford University	No	Yes	Yes
Columbia University	No	Yes	Yes
UC Berkeley	Depends	Yes	Yes
Purdue University	Yes	No	No

Top Universities for MS in USA Without GRE for Indian Students

Surprising fact: It is now possible to apply to the top institutions in USA without GRE – some of them do not even have it in the list of admission requirements!

Several Universities like MIT offer programs without needing to submit GRE scores.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT makes decisions on letters of recommendation, personal statement, research experience, and academic record. GRE score is not mandatory for most MS programs in 2025.

2. Stanford University

They have waived the GRE requirement for Stanford grad courses like MS in Computer Science. They must have a strong resume, GPA, TOEFL/IELTS, and nice statement of purpose.

3. University of California, Berkeley

Although UC Berkeley classes recommend GRE, they are largely test-optional. The applicants need to provide transcripts, resume, and a minimum of two LORs.

4. University of Chicago

The institution has chosen to be test-optional for most programs. It emphasizes research experience, GPA, SOP, and letters of recommendation, without the GRE.

5. Northeastern University

Northeastern also offers alternative MS programs to study in USA which don’t require taking the GRE. They look at their choice on the basis of GPA, individual achievements, and statement of purpose.

6. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

UCLA does not require GRE scores for all master’s programs. Your academic record, TOEFL/IELTS scores, and professional experience are considered for admission.

7. New York University (NYU)

NYU permits skipping GRE for certain programs like technology and data science. GPA and personal statement are highly valued.

8. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon‘s School of Computer Science does not accept GRE for most of their master’s degree programs. More importance is assigned to work experience, letters of recommendation, and SOP.

9. University of Southern California (USC)

USC offers a number of MS programs where GRE is not necessary. Your GPA, resume, TOEFL scores, and recommendations are considered by the admission committee.

10. Boston University

Boston University encourages waiving the requirement for GRE. Students are required to provide their SOP, resume, transcripts, and two or more references.

What are the Pros and Cons of US Universities Without GRE in the USA?

Fascinating fact: GRE scores once were the one-size-fits-all norm, but now many universities waive the GRE in the interest of enhancing access!

Let us give a summary of the pros and cons of pursuing a program in the USA without GRE:

Pros:

Saves time and cost
Reduces admission anxiety
Encourages holistic review
Opens doors to more applicants
Removes testing bias

Cons:

Some programs still prefer high GRE score
Competitive programs may need GRE to stand out
Limited to select universities
GRE can boost weak GPA
Scholarships may need GRE

Comparison Table:

Criteria	With GRE	Without GRE
Cost	High	Low
Preparation time	3-6 months	None
Scholarships	More likely	Less likely
Admission competition	Higher	Moderate
Accessibility	Moderate	High

GRE Requirement of Top Universities in USA for MS in Computer Science and Other Programs

Did you know: MS in Computer Science remains one of the most competitive USA courses, but most universities now allow you to waive GRE!

Some of the best USA universities still require GRE for CS, but others waive it or make it optional:

MIT: GRE not required for MS in CS
Stanford: GRE optional for most MS programs
Harvard: GRE optional depending on department
UC Berkeley: GRE waived in 2025 for most graduate programs
Columbia University: GRE not mandatory for CS

GRE Comparison Table:

University	MS in CS	GRE Required
MIT	Yes	No
Stanford	Yes	Optional
Harvard	Yes	Optional
UC Berkeley	Yes	Waived
Columbia University	Yes	No

How to Ace Your GRE and Get Into the Top Universities in the USA?

Interesting tidbit: Practice one hour a day for three months and your GRE score can be 20% improved!

Some tips on scoring high on your GRE if your course is compulsory:

Plan in advance: Plan 3-6 months before the date of your exam.
Authoritative sources: Adhere to ETS guides, GRE study guides, and web tests.
Weaker areas focus: Spend more time in Quant or Verbal based on diagnosis tests.
Practice complete-length tests: Under reproduce test conditions to build endurance.
Be consistent: 1 hour daily is better than last minute weekend cramming.

Conclusion

Is GRE required for M.S in USA for Indian students? No more. Since numerous US universities and several universities in the world no longer require GRE as a necessity for MS programs in 2025, your journey to the best colleges of today is easier.

Whether it’s skipping taking the GRE or taking it and doing a great job at it, the USA is still one of the best places to follow your master’s aspirations.

Just plan wisely, be clever, and get going early with Ambitio!

FAQs

Is GRE mandatory for MS in USA at all universities?

Not really— is GRE mandatory for MS in USA is a question with more than one answer. While some universities still require the test, others have moved on, proving that is GRE mandatory for MS in USA is no longer a one-size-fits-all rule.

Is GRE mandatory for MS in USA in Fall 2025?

Admissions in Fall 2025 are changing fast— is GRE mandatory for MS in USA is becoming less common as more schools adopt test-optional policies. Still, it’s smart to check program-wise, because is GRE mandatory for MS in USA might still apply in specific cases.

Is GRE mandatory for MS in USA for Computer Science aspirants?

When it comes to Computer Science, is GRE mandatory for MS in USA depends heavily on the university. While many tech schools are dropping the requirement, some still want scores—so is GRE mandatory for MS in USA remains a program-specific detail.

Is GRE mandatory for MS in USA if you’re applying from India?

No special rules apply— is GRE mandatory for MS in USA works the same for Indian students as for others. Whether or not is GRE mandatory for MS in USA applies comes down to the school, not the passport.

Is GRE mandatory for MS in USA if your academics are solid?

With a high GPA and a polished application, is GRE mandatory for MS in USA might not even come up. Universities that value holistic profiles often skip the test, proving that is GRE mandatory for MS in USA isn’t a dealbreaker anymore.

Is GRE mandatory for MS in USA at Ivy League schools?

Even in the Ivy League, is GRE mandatory for MS in USA is slowly becoming outdated. While a few departments still ask for it, many elite schools now say that is GRE mandatory for MS in USA is completely optional.

Is GRE mandatory for MS in USA when it comes to scholarships?

Sometimes yes— is GRE mandatory for MS in USA might show up if you’re aiming for merit-based financial aid. But often, scholarships weigh your academics and achievements more than test scores, making is GRE mandatory for MS in USA less relevant than you’d think.