Grad Schools that don't ask for GRE scores
 

I'm graduating in December and I've been studying my butt off for the GRE's (so I can enroll in grad school in January). Well I found out yesterday that not all grad schools ask for GRE scores.

I was wondering if any of yall attended a grad school that did or did not ask for a GRE score. I still think that I am going to take the GRE's just to see where I stand but I would much rather go to a university that doesn't ask for one (it reduces a LOT of pressure) oh ps - I am a Sociology major if that helps any

thanks :)

GRE scores
 

I wish they hadn't required them but they did! ( I went to App State)

I think it also depends on the program. I'm applying to Grad programs in Higher Ed and Univ. of Vermont and Michigan State don't require them. However, some programs require it if you want an assistantship.

Some departments (like mine -- Poli Sci & Public Admin) at the University of Hawaii don't require scores, but they're encouraged.

I was admitted into the program based on my application, essays, interviews, and transcripts.

I took them, did VERY well, and then found out my program does not require them. The school allows the programs to decide, some do, some don't. BTW - Towson U. (Baltimore).

Johns Hopkins has two divisions that don't require GRE or GMAT scores. The school of business and Advanced Academic Programs don't require you to take tests to get in.

Master's in Social Work
 

I don't know what you're trying to go into, but I'm doing a dual degree MSW/JD and the following MSW programs that I applied to did not require the GREs:

Washington University in St. Louis
Columbia University
University of Pennsylvania
Boston College
University of Michigan
Loyola University Chicago

Hope that helps!

Most Canadian schools don't ask for GREs if you're interested in coming north of the border.

If you're doing a performance-based degree, like architecture, film, or fine arts--some programs do not require GREs. Keep in mind--if you're applying to the top program in your field, they require GRE because it's an easy way to rank students.

yall please read before posting ;) i said i was a Sociology major and i'll be heading into a Masters program for that

the only reason i ask this is because i've heard from people that if you have good grades, some schools will let you bypass the GRE's

which hopefully is something the schools i am looking at will let me do (unless they dont require them). i've been studying for the GRE's everyday and i have never felt sooooo stupid before. they say it's stuff i should remember but when they're asking me to recall 10th grade geometry, something i havent done 6 years ago, it gets kind of tough

keep em coming! :)

You will probably need to just ask the schools that you are considering. If you're not sure which schools you are considering yet, check out a bunch of different ones and see what they say.

I'm guessing that the answers will be as varied as the schools/programs. Be aware that although the university's graduate school office says they require GRE scores, the actual PROGRAM may not. You need to find out from both parties and ask them which one overrules the other.

Good Luck on your search!

PsychTau

yeah i've been sending out emails to the grad admissions people about it......but from what i have been told, most colleges in NC don't ask for GRE scores unless you're going for your PhD

D*MN!!!! I knew I shoulda gone out of state for grad school!!!!
:p

Actually I took the GRE after a night of drinks at the bar (and on a dare between me and this other guy.....to see who could score higher....) and did quite well. I had just barely started studying, but definitely hadn't learned everything in the book.

Don't stress too much over it. When you take it on the computer, if you get the question wrong it asks a question slightly easier, then when you get that one right it bumps the next question up a level. That way it will pretty much keep you at the level of questions that you can handle.

Have you been practicing on the computer?

PsychTau

Often, schools require the General GRE but not the GRE Subject Test. Now that was a killer! I did very well in English as an undergrad, even better in my Masters program, but I really flopped on the GRE in Literature:o Fortunately, most of the Ph.D. programs that I applied to didn't require the Literature test. In fact, the one in which I finally decided to enroll isn't even in the English department, so all of my cramming and stressing was for nothing :p

Erica

yes but when you answer a question wrong, they take away points. if you answer an easier question, you don't get as many points as you would if you answered a harder question right. so technically, you want to get more harder questions right than easier questions.

i took one of the practice tests and it was HORRIBLE. i am just not a good test taker. i think i made like a 440 on the practice test. i feel like i've wasted 4 years of my college career because i don't ever remember learning some of this stuff and i'm a good student.

Typically UA asks for it, but not in all departments. Luckily mine was one of them! If your field tends to be more "hands on" then it's not likely they'll require it but instead request evidence of your prior work and abilities. If it's more of an academic field (i.e. English) then they will probably need it.

I work in the MBA office at Tennessee and I know that GMAT scores are very important. It is especially important because the Director of Admissions looks at it if you don't have much work experience (because most MBA programs require or highly recommend at least a few years of work experience). So it can set you apart...but here unless it is really low it won't hurt your admissions status (at worst they'll ask you to take it again, but it probably won't be a deal breaker). I know this isn't the GRE, but many people view them as similar although a program will usually prefer (or mandate) one over the other.

see i've heard people saying that with some majors, they wont even look at the scores and just want to see if you would take them. then i've heard that depending on your major, some schools will look at one section only.

Does the program require or allow a different test?

When my mom went back for her masters in education, she took the Miller's Analogy Test (MAT). Great if you can do them (like me, who taught mommie who did awesome on them) bad if you don't have an good vocab base. Good news, analogies are very easily coached. Just make a sentence and see what sentence in the choices match.

I'm applying to grad schools for Library Science right now and I know that one of my top choices Simmons doesn't even require the GRE...... provided that you have a high g.p.a. I think one other school is like that, but can't remember which one. My g.p.a. isn't all that stellar, so I'm probably going to be taking the GRE in December.

*whine* I don't waaaaana take the GRE! */whine*

yeah well that doesnt help, i still dont understand the word half the time :p

and i'm wondering what a school considers a "high" gpa. the school i am looking at requires students to have at least a 2.75 culmulative to apply. well i have over a 3.0 culm and a 3.5 within my major......i'm wondering (and hoping) this is high enough to swing me by

also i'll still be in the UNC system (i attend UNC-Wilmington now and hoping to attend UNC-Charlotte in the spring) so i'm wondering if that gives me a leg up

i've called the school today but of course the admissions counselor isn't in.....grrrrrr i feel like i'm going through the whole transferring process all over again. :mad:

A lot of schools will say they dont need the GRE and then when they reject you they will say 'oh may be you should try doing the GRE for a better chance next time!!' That was my experience with JHU's AAP, and that was after I had been in touch with the folks there and reassured that I dont need to do it. So unless you call and ask and speak and confirm that it is not required, there is really no way to know...

Try Penn State
 

I'm at Penn State Harrisburg for Graduate School. I wanted to move back home-so, I didn't apply to University Park...but, I'm sure many of the same rules apply.... I graduated from Penn State-University Park (some call it main campus) with a degree in History and a degree in Sociology. In fact, Penn State has an AWESOME top-rated Sociology program. You could check it out. I didn't take the GREs. In my program, I only had to have a good GPA.


In some majors if you have a 3.5 or higher from undergraduate(which you said you have)-you don't have to take the GREs. Also, Kutztown in Pennsyvlania doesn't necessarily make you take the GREs, either. One of the girls I work with is going for her Master's in Family Counseling or Sociology and she didn't take the GREs. Also....you can try doing a conditional admittance program at some places. Some places will allow you to "prove" yourself by taking the first 9 credits and doing REALLY well in them....so, ask about that. The only thing is-if you do this...you won't get any financial aid for those first few 9 credits...so, you might have to pay out of pocket.

If you go for a degree in Social Work-MANY schools don't ask for the GREs...they just want decent grades and some pertinent work experience. If you have any questions-especially about my Alma Mater (PSU), please PM me. I would more than happy to help. Good Luck!