Is GRE mandatory for MS in Computer Science in USA?

Question

Ashish Yadav · Accepted Answer

Hope you are doing good!
Well, we are here to help you through this! 
The GRE requirement for these programs can vary depending on the university and program. While some of top universities in usa for ms in computer science may require the GRE as part of their admission criteria, others may not. 
It's crucial for students to thoroughly research the admission requirements of each university they're interested in to determine whether the GRE is mandatory for their desired program. 
Additionally, we work closely with students to prepare for the GRE if it's required, providing resources and support to help them achieve a competitive score that strengthens their application.
For more clarification or any information, feel free write to us or Book a Session with our Experts for FREE Assistance.

Sonali Bisht · Answer

The necessity of the GRE for an MS in Computer Science in the USA largely depends on the university you're aiming to attend. When I was applying, I found that most top-tier institutions required GRE scores as part of the admissions process. However, the trend has been shifting lately, with an increasing number of programs either making the GRE optional or not requiring it at all.
To ensure you meet the application requirements, it's essential to visit each university's official website and check their current admissions criteria. Some universities might still consider GRE scores to assess the quantitative abilities of applicants, especially if their undergraduate program isn't well-known or is in a non-technical field. Always verify the latest requirements or reach out to the admissions office directly for the most accurate information.

Prateeksha Manral · Answer

It depends on the university and its specific requirements. Traditionally, many U.S. universities required the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) for admission into their graduate programs. However, in recent years, there's been a noticeable shift.
Universities Waiving the GRE Requirement
A growing number of institutions have made the GRE optional or have removed it entirely from their admission criteria. For instance, the University of Minnesota's Department of Computer Science & Engineering announced that their MS and Ph.D. programs no longer require or accept GRE scores as part of their application process. 
Similarly, other universities have followed suit, especially in light of challenges posed by the global pandemic and a broader recognition of diverse evaluation metrics. This trend aims to provide broader access and opportunity to a larger community of prospective students.
Universities Still Requiring the GRE
On the other hand, several institutions continue to require GRE scores for admission. For example, Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) specifies that applicants should have minimum scores of 153 in Verbal and 155 in Quantitative sections.
The impact on your application is that iIf a university lists the GRE as optional, submitting a strong score can enhance your application, especially if other areas are less competitive. Conversely, if the GRE is not required, you can focus on strengthening other components of your application, such as your statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and relevant experience.
To determine whether you need to take the GRE:
1. Research Specific Programs: Visit the official websites of the universities you're interested in to check their current admission requirements.2. Contact Admissions Offices: If the information isn't clear, reach out directly to the admissions office for clarification.3. Consider Your Overall Profile: If your academic record or experience isn't as strong, a good GRE score might bolster your application, even if it's optional.
Well, the GRE is not universally mandatory for MS in Computer Science programs in the USA, it's essential to verify the specific requirements of each university you're considering. This approach ensures that you meet all criteria and can present the strongest application possible.

Nitin Chauhan · Answer

The short answer is no, the GRE is not mandatory for all universities in the USA offering MS in Computer Science. While many universities used to require the GRE as part of their admissions process, this has changed over the past few years. In fact, a growing number of universities have made the GRE optional or even completely waived it.
For example, the University of Minnesota no longer requires or accepts GRE scores for its Computer Science graduate programs. Similarly, top universities like MIT and Purdue University have removed the GRE requirement for some of their MS programs. This shift became more common during and after the COVID-19 pandemic when many institutions re-evaluated their admission criteria.
However, some universities still require the GRE or strongly recommend submitting your scores. This is especially true for highly competitive programs where a strong GRE score can boost your application. Schools like Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, or UC Berkeley may still expect GRE scores, depending on the specific department or program.
Even if a university has made the GRE optional, submitting a high score can be an advantage. It can help showcase your quantitative and analytical skills, especially if your GPA is average or if you&rsquo;re from a lesser-known university.
So, Basically Always check the official website of the university you&rsquo;re applying to. Admission requirements can change every year, and it&rsquo;s important to have the latest information.
The GRE is no longer a strict requirement at many U.S. universities, it can still add value to your application. It&rsquo;s best to review each program&rsquo;s specific requirements before deciding whether to take the GRE.