The GRE is required for many graduate schools in the US and Canada, but some programs use specialized tests or waive the requirement. Outside of North America, the GRE is rarely required, but taking it may make candidates eligible for funding and scholarships. Candidates should verify requirements before applying.
Taking the graduate registration exam (GRE) is required for entry to many graduate schools in the United States and Canada, but taking the GRE is not always necessary for graduate school. Some graduate programs use specialized tests other than the GRE. Others are willing to accept any of several alternatives to the GRE for graduate school admission.
Many graduate programs use specialized tests to assess applicants for admission. Business schools often require applicants to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), although some will accept the GRE as an alternative. The Medical School Admission Test (MCAT) is used for admission to medical schools, while the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is used by law school applicants and the Dental Admission Test (DAT) is used by students applying to medical school.
Some universities do not require the GRE for graduate school. Even at some universities that commonly use the GRE, some departments may not use the test or may encourage it but not require it. Some departments may waive the requirement for students with a sufficient grade point average (GPA). Prospective students should verify the requirements of their chosen departments when applying.
Outside the United States, the GRE is less required. Some Canadian universities also recommend, but do not require, that students take the GRE. One advantage of taking the test, however, is that candidates with available GRE scores may be eligible for funding and scholarships that are not available to candidates who have not taken the test.
Outside of North America, the GRE is rarely required. In the UK, the GRE is not required by all university departments. Some universities require the GRE from non-UK applicants when applying to certain programs but not others. British universities do not require the GRE for postgraduate applicants who are British students. Universities outside the English-speaking world are very unlikely to require applicants to take the test.
Students in the US and Canada should plan to take the GRE – or an equivalent undergraduate admissions test – before submitting graduate applications. Students outside of North America will likely only have to take the exam if they intend to study in the US or Canada. In all cases, potential candidates must confirm the requirements of their chosen universities and departments prior to the test to ensure they meet the admissions requirements.
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