Is GRE/GMAT mandatory for MS Data Science USA?

Question

Ojas Jha · Accepted Answer

Hello! Wondering about GRE/GMAT for a top university in USA for MS in data science Here's what you need to know:
Depends on the School: The requirement for GRE/GMAT scores changes depending on the university.Scores Can Help: These tests assess important skills for data science. Some programs really value them.Increasing Flexibility: More schools now focus on your background, like work experience or undergrad grades, instead of just test scores.Waivers Available: If you have strong work experience or academic records, some programs might let you skip these tests.Check Each Program: Always look at the admission requirements of the programs you like.Extra Effort: Submitting these scores when not required can still make your application stand out.All set? Reach out if you need more guidance. Best wishes!

Neha Shah · Answer

Well it&rsquo;s kind of mandatory, yeah. You can get admission without a GRE/GMAT score for sure. But in most cases, you will need either a GRE or a GMAT. Because, until you become sure of your options you have to have a general opinion.
Besides, the reason why I&rsquo;m focusing so much on its importance is because it&rsquo;ll give you options. For example, there are universities in the USA and some other countries that have waived off the GRE/GMAT requirements. In those universities you can apply without a GRE or GMAT. And if your application is strong enough you can get in as well. If you want to know what are these universities, take a look -

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Purdue University
Steven Institute of Technology
California State University
Wichita State University
Boston University
University of North Texas

You can see that the universities that have waived off their GRE/GMAT requirements are not just any ones. So you have good universities available, but they are not too many. Of-course there are more than I just mentioned but still they are not much in number. Plus, don&rsquo;t forget that you can&rsquo;t just select any university. Your academic and curricular records are needed to see which schools and colleges fit your profile.
Therefore, it&rsquo;s better if you have a better score than average. Because universities like UC Berkeley or LBS will not admit any average candidates. Now, having a GRE/GMAT by your side will be good because through this you can explore your options. Without it, you will only have access to a few universities. And as you know, selecting a university for masters is not a walk in the park.
In general, a GRE score of 320 and GMAT score of 700 is considered good. Now, to get into top schools and colleges, you will need a screen above this. Because the university might not ask, but other applicants will submit their top scorer. This way you will be washed out merit wise if you do not have a score. You can always check the average GRE/GMAT score for a program at the official program page.
If you want more details on the universities or application process kind of things, you can always ask me. Or else, you can just contact the experts here and have a professional opinion on your problems. You can ask about GRE/GMAT, language tests, documents like SOP, LORs and Essays and many others as well. 
Let me know if this helps and if you need any other information from my end.

Harshpreet Seera · Answer

Understanding the admissions landscape is crucial for prospective students aiming to pursue a Master&rsquo;s in Data Science in the U.S.

Admission requirements for a Master&rsquo;s in Data Science in the U.S. depend on the individual institution.
Some universities have waived GRE or GMAT requirements in recent years, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other institutions continue to require these tests as a key component of the admissions process.
It is crucial to visit the program's official website or contact the admissions office for the most current and specific requirements, ensuring a complete and competitive application.

Preet J · Answer

To pursue an MS in Data Science in the USA, the requirement of GRE or GMAT scores is depends from university to university. Currently, most of the schools have stepped into the test-optional stance, meaning that students do not necessarily need to submit those scores. A program at institutions like Columbia and the University of Washington no longer requires GRE scores, which opens up options for a person without strong standardized test results.
With that aside, however, if anyone has particularly high scores, it may be worth sending them anyway. This could strengthen the application, and if the individual has not done well in math or statistics on an academic level, then this might be the one benefit to their application. Most programs will place heavy emphasis on work experience, recommendation letters, and personal statements, so making sure each of these pieces is strong is key.
Ultimately, it's a great plan to look at the specific admissions criteria for each program of interest. Most universities are clear online about their guidelines, but contacting the admissions office can offer even more insight. In this manner, the application would be tailored to meet each specific program's requirements!

B.K Sharma · Answer

No, the GRE or GMAT is not mandatory for all MS in Data Science programs in the USA. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools have waived or made these tests optional.
Top universities like Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Columbia, USC, and University of Washington do not require GRE scores. Some, like NYU, list it as optional.
Instead of test scores, schools usually look for:

A strong academic background, especially in math, stats, or computer science
Relevant coursework (like calculus, linear algebra, or programming)
Coding skills in Python, R, or similar languages
A good undergraduate GPA

Check each program&rsquo;s official site for current requirements, as policies vary by school and may change each year.