The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardised test that measures a student’s academic readiness for graduate school. Individuals hoping to complete a master’s or doctoral degree in several countries must complete the test to secure admission. The GRE is known as one of the most difficult tests to crack, and many colleges now offer seats to students even if they haven’t attempted or cleared the exam.

US  universities that don’t require GRE
Let’s look at the Master of Science (MS) courses certain American universities offer where you do not require GRE test scores:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Known as one of the best institutions in America, MIT allows students to complete MS Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MS Aeronautics and Astronautics, and MS Computational Science and Engineering without the GRE.

Purdue University
Consistently ranked in the top 20 universities in the country, Purdue in Indiana offers MS Computer Science, MS Environmental and Ecological Engineering, MS Electrical and Computer Engineering, and MS Ecological Science and Engineering to individuals without GRE scores.

California State University
A hub of education in California that houses Silicon Valley, the university allows students to complete three degrees – MS Civil Engineering, MS Chemistry, and MS Mechanical Engineering, without requiring a GRE score.

Other universities that offer similar courses without requiring GRE test scores include:

• Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey
• University of Dayton in Ohio
• Wichita State University in Kansas
• University of Bridgeport in Connecticut
• Boston University in Massachusetts
• University of Cincinnati in Ohio
• University of North Texas
• Northeastern University in Massachusetts
• San Jose University in California
• Oklahoma City University
• George Mason University in Virginia
• New Mexico State University.

Some students who choose to study abroad want more than just a postgraduation degree. They hope to truly master their subject and earn a doctorate or PhD. Some colleges facilitate this by providing doctorate courses without asking for GRE results. The courses and institutions are:

University	Course
CalSouthern’s School of Behavioral Sciences	PhD in Psychology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	PhD in Media Arts and Sciences, and Linguistics
Northwestern University	PhD in History
Nova Southeastern University	PhD in Family Therapy
Oregon State University	PhD in Physics
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine	PhD in Clinical Psychology
Purdue University	PhD in Chemistry
Smith College	PhD in Social Work
University of Idaho	PhD in Civil Engineering
University of Oregon	PhD in Counselling
Walden University	Doctor of Business Administration

If you want to complete your PhD without GRE, the USA offers several options and opportunities. Before you pick a course and apply, it’s best to check the eligibility criteria and whether GRE scores are mandatory.

Applying for higher education courses without GRE
The American institutions that do not ask for GRE scores often have other methods to measure a student’s ability to complete the chosen course successfully. While you complete your study abroad applications, ensure you check all the eligibility criteria for a smooth application process. You will likely have to furnish:

• Transcripts from your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
• A personal statement or 2000-word essay detailing your interest and proposed topic of research
• Results from your language test, either IELTS or TOEFL
• Letters of recommendation from professional academicians
• A Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 or 4.0

Securing your seat in the course of your choice
While applying for your preferred postgraduate degree abroad, you need to provide various documents, including proof of funds. Colleges and visa officials must verify whether you have the finances to pay your tuition fee and other living expenses. If you do not have all the money upfront, don’t worry. Financial institutions offer loans for students that make the process smoother. Your loan provider will help you with the funds and the Proof of Funds certificate you need to attach to your visa application.

Choosing to move abroad for your higher education can open several doors for you. Before you even apply for a course, ensure you have all the information required to make an informed choice. Check each university’s website to browse their eligibility criteria. For universities where you don’t require a GRE, check if there’s other paperwork you must carry with you. Please remember loans for students are available so that you can focus on your studies better and leave finance-related worries behind.