Many graduate programs have deceived to waive their GRE requirements for the upcoming 2021 application cycle. I’ve compiled a list of programs a few weeks ago on my Instagram, and I’ve received many questions since then – I wanted to address them here since they’ve been so frequently asked!
Q: How did you find out that a graduate school is waiving the GRE? Where can I access this information?
A: This took quite a bit of time and research to compile this list! I looked up graduate department’s announcement on their website and through CSDCAS. If your schools arenโt on the list, I recommend reaching out to them!
Q: Should I still take the GRE?
A: In my opinion, if a program of your interest is still requiring the GRE, you shouldnโt eliminate that program because you donโt want to take the GRE! It would be a good idea to still take the GRE to keep your options open. The programs that have waived their GRE requirement will most likely receive a higher number of applicants this year opposed to those still requiring the GRE. Don’t limit yourself!
Q: Will not taking the GRE affect my application?
A: Not if they donโt require the GRE! I believe that this change will allow a more holistic approach for application reviews, which is beyond amazing! This will allow the application committee to view the applicant’s true passions and aspirations within the field. But, if you are concerned, I suggest please reach out to your programs of interest to verify this information with them.
Q: Should I still submit my GRE score?
A: If a program states, โGRE not consideredโ – donโt submit your scores, as they stated they will not consider it. If a program states, โGRE not required, but recommended/consideredโ, submit your score to those schools, as they are still considering the GRE.
Tip – With this being said, you get to send out 3 free scores after you take the GRE! So if you already have programs of interest already figured out, and some of them state โGRE not required, but recommendedโ, you can send your 3 scores to those schools and save some $$$. Make sure you send it to the specific program’s GRE code, not the graduate school’s GRE code!
Q: My program of interest arenโt on this list. Can you let me know if they make these changes?
A: I highly suggest reaching out to your program of interest to see if this is a consideration that they will be making! Some programs are still requiring the GRE, regardless the state of the pandemic, as you can take the GRE at home.
Additionally, you can petition to have the GRE waived at some programs – reach out to your programs of interest to see if this is something they are doing!
Q: Do you think that all graduate programs will end up waiving the GRE?
A: I hope many schools will make this change, but I personally don’t think that all graduate programs will end up waiving the GRE as it can still be taken in an accommodating manner (from home). The GRE weighs heavily for some graduate programs, so omitting this may have to be a huge change to their admission’s process.
Q: What online graduate programs are waiving the GRE?
A: From my knowledge, Emerson College, New York University, Nova Southeastern University, Northern Arizona University and University of Nebraska – Kearney have online graduate programs. Whether or not they are waiving the GRE for their online program is dependent on the start of the program. I recommend reaching out to your programs of interest to verify!
If you are still curious about anything, or if there is something I have not yet addressed on my platforms, feel free to reach out at any time!
Since I’ve made my initial post of some graduate programs waiving their GRE requirements, more programs have made the same change.
If you’re interested in seeing all the 100+ schools I’ve compiled, check this out! Additionally, Iโve added some categories that you can consider when selecting a graduate program. I want to make your SLP journey as easy as possible to navigate, as mine was quite challenging.
You got this! Tag me on Instagram @simplespeechie if you utilize this list, Iโd love to know this resource is being put to good use! ๐