Resource Guide
Find your path without a GRE or GMAT test score
For those who don’t have the time or financial resources to properly prepare for and take a standardized test before your application deadline, you may be wondering what your options are. Fortunately, tests like the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) don’t have to be part of your to-do list.
There’s a wide range of schools and programs where neither test is necessary for admission. Are they as reputable? Yes. Online graduate schools that don’t require the GRE or GMAT are high-quality educational institutions with rigorous programs and well-established reputations.
GRE tests are standardized exams that are sometimes used for graduate admissions in a wide variety of fields.
There are three sections for the GRE General Test, and each one of them is scored separately:
- The verbal reasoning section is scored from 130 to 170
- The quantitative reasoning section is scored from 130 to 170
- The analytical writing section is scored from 0 to 6
Subject-specific supplemental GRE tests are also required for some programs. Currently in the United States, the GRE General Test costs $205 while subject tests cost $150 each.
The GMAT is a standardized test that is sometimes required for applying to graduate business schools, including some Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. Certain MBA programs choose to accept GRE scores instead of the GMAT, so keep that in mind as you explore programs.
The GMAT consists of four sections, each earning a separate score:
- The analytical writing section is scored from 0 to 6
- The integrated reasoning section is scored from 1 to 8
- The quantitative reasoning section is scored from 6 to 51
- The verbal reasoning section is scored from 6 to 51
A fee is required to take the examination and the baseline cost is currently $275 in the United States.
Many online graduate schools are well aware that their applicants are often employed full time, which is why they may waive their GRE or GMAT requirement to accommodate you. In some situations, you will have to share relevant professional experience or a high undergraduate GPA to receive a waiver. However, you could also skip the tests if you’ve already earned an advanced degree in a related field.
Universities might also bypass these tests because of what was unearthed in the 2019 cheating scandal. This revealed how standardized test scores could be exploited and aren’t always the objective predictors of student ability they’re meant to be.
When you apply to programs that don’t require test scores, make sure the rest of your application speaks to your ability. Here are some ways you can stand out:
- Your work experience: Include an up-to-date resume. Online graduate schools are interested in the professional expertise you bring to the program.
- Your educational experience: Include your transcripts, undergraduate GPA, and any other advanced degrees. This information can help admissions departments determine if you have a history that indicates you’d be successful in their online courses.
- Your personal statement: Outline your goals while making your commitment to academic success apparent. You can highlight any work history and educational experience that demonstrates your potential for further success.
- Your letters of recommendation: Be strategic about who you ask and why. Then, give them plenty of time to write on your behalf and guide them through the process.
Find your next step
Remember, there are many online graduate programs that don’t require you to submit standardized test scores. We can help you find, select, and start an application for the program the best fits you.
