Is the GRE Required? 📝| Fall 2025 Students 👩‍🎓👨‍🎓

Summary

This video discusses the evolving requirements for the GRE in U.S. university admissions, especially for Fall 2025 applicants. Many universities, particularly in California, continue to make the GRE optional or not required, giving students more flexibility. However, those applying to universities with GRE-optional policies may benefit from submitting a score. The average GRE score has dropped due to pandemic-era cheating issues, so scores between 310-315 are still competitive. Students are encouraged to attempt the GRE at least once for broader options. The speaker invites viewers to join a community for personalized application guidance.

Takeaways

• 📜 Many universities in the US are maintaining their GRE policies for Fall 2025, with several continuing to not require it.
• 🏫 California universities, especially the UC system, are expected to continue their GRE not-required status.
• 😌 Students who have GRE phobia or choose not to take the GRE won't be at a disadvantage in many universities.
• 📅 GRE optional universities may still give preference to candidates with GRE scores, even if it's not mandatory.
• 🎓 For those applying to competitive programs, submitting a GRE score might enhance the application, especially in GRE-optional schools.
• 📉 The average GRE score has been decreasing due to widespread cheating in the at-home GRE tests, making scores between 310-315 competitive.
• 🏆 Gradvine has seen students with scores around 310-315 get admitted to top programs like Cornell, Purdue, and Johns Hopkins.
• 🎯 It's recommended to attempt the GRE at least once to widen your options, especially for GRE-required schools.
• 📝 Even students with exam anxiety or those unable to surpass a 300-305 score can still apply to test-optional schools and have a strong chance.
• 🤝 The Gradvine team is available for in-person meetings and will host sessions to discuss the graduate school application process.

Q & A

What is the current trend regarding GRE requirements for US universities?

Many universities are maintaining their status quo regarding GRE requirements, with several indicating that the GRE will be optional or not required at all.

Is there a specific time frame mentioned for when universities will clarify their GRE requirements for fall 2025?

Applications for fall 2025 are expected to open in mid-August, which is when specific requirements, including GRE policies, will be apparent.

Which universities are particularly noted for continuing their GRE not required status?

Universities in California, especially those within the UC system, are highlighted as continuing with their GRE not required status.

What does it mean for applicants if a university maintains the GRE optional status?

If a university states that the GRE is optional, it suggests that having a GRE score might be advantageous for applicants, as it can enhance their application.

What is the implication of a university requiring the GRE for application eligibility?

If a university requires the GRE, it is a mandatory component for eligibility, and applicants must submit a GRE score to be considered.

What is the advice for applicants who are concerned about their GRE scores due to the cheating issues mentioned?

Applicants are encouraged to take the GRE at least once to have a wider pool of colleges available to them, even if they don't achieve a high score.

How has the average GRE score among candidates been affected by the at-home GRE cheating?

The average GRE score has come down due to widespread cheating in the at-home GRE, leading to a less competitive score requirement among applicants.

What are the potential outcomes for applicants with GRE scores of 310 to 315?

Applicants with scores in the range of 310 to 315 still have a good chance at being admitted to quality universities if their overall profile, including GPA, is strong.

Is there an indication that the current GRE optional trend might change in the future?

The script suggests that the current year might be the last chance for applicants to apply to test-optional universities without a GRE, implying a possible change in trend.

How can applicants interact with the presenter for one-on-one assistance?

Applicants can interact with the presenter through a WhatsApp Community where questions are answered daily, or by attending in-person events like the one mentioned on August 4th in Hyderabad.

What additional resources are available for applicants seeking more information or support?

Applicants can join separate WhatsApp groups for various fields like computer science, MEM, MBA, etc., and are encouraged to like, share, and subscribe to the channel for future videos and updates.

Outlines

00:00

❓ Is the GRE Still Required for Fall 2025?

In recent months, many students have been asking if the GRE is still required by universities in the US. The speaker explains that although it's early for Fall 2025 applications (opening in mid-August), universities have been sending out information about GRE requirements. Many schools, especially in California’s UC system, are maintaining their 'GRE not required' status. This makes it easier for students without a GRE score to compete without a disadvantage.

📅 In-person Meet-up at Gradvine Office

The speaker invites students to a meet-and-greet at Gradvine’s Hyderabad office on Sunday, August 4th, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Attendees can enjoy snacks like samosas while discussing their master’s application process with the Gradvine team. The speaker also assures students in other cities that the team plans to visit them or their universities soon.

💡 Understanding GRE Requirements and Their Nuances

The speaker clarifies the nuances of GRE requirements: 'GRE optional' means students can submit a GRE score if they believe it will strengthen their application, and typically, universities give preference to students who submit one. For 'GRE required' universities, a score is mandatory for eligibility. Thus, students aiming for a broad range of universities may find it beneficial to attempt the GRE.

📉 Falling Average GRE Scores

The speaker reveals that the average GRE score has been decreasing, largely due to cheating incidents in at-home tests. As a result, the typical high scores (320-330) are less common now. This trend benefits applicants with scores in the 310-315 range, who still have strong chances at top universities if their GPA and overall profile are solid.

✅ Importance of Taking the GRE

Despite the test-optional trend, the speaker recommends taking the GRE at least once, especially as it gives students a wider range of university options. Even without an exceptionally high score, a GRE score of 310-315 can still provide access to prestigious programs at top schools like Cornell, Purdue, and Johns Hopkins.

🚫 Test Optional and Your Last Chance

The speaker advises that if students have 'exam phobia' or struggle to score above 300-305, they can still apply to test-optional universities and have a good shot at acceptance. However, this year might be the last opportunity to apply without a GRE score, so students should weigh their options carefully.

💬 Connect with Gradvine's WhatsApp Community

To conclude, the speaker encourages viewers to connect with him and the Gradvine team via their WhatsApp community for personalized guidance. There are different groups for various programs like Computer Science, MEM, and MBA. Links to join these groups are provided in the video description. The speaker also invites viewers to like, share, and subscribe to the channel for future updates.

Keywords

💡GRE

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test required by many graduate schools in the US for admissions. In the video, the speaker explains how many universities, particularly in California and the UC system, are making the GRE optional or not required. This reflects a shift due to the pandemic and growing trends in admissions policies.

💡Optional

In the context of the GRE, 'optional' refers to universities allowing applicants to submit GRE scores if they feel it will enhance their application but not requiring it for admission. The video discusses how students who submit a GRE score might have an advantage over those who don't, even when the test is labeled 'optional.'

💡Not Required

Some universities, especially in the UC system, have a 'GRE not required' policy, meaning applicants don't need to submit GRE scores at all. The video highlights how this provides opportunities for students who may have test anxiety or lower GRE scores to apply without being disadvantaged.

💡Fall 2025

The term 'Fall 2025' refers to the admissions cycle for students applying to start their graduate studies in the fall semester of 2025. The speaker notes that while it's still early for these applications, universities are starting to indicate their GRE requirements for this term.

💡Pandemic Impact

The pandemic has affected many universities' admissions policies, including the shift toward GRE-optional or not-required statuses. The speaker explains how this shift occurred during the pandemic and continues to influence current application processes, benefiting students who may not have strong GRE scores.

💡University of California (UC) System

The UC system refers to public universities in California. The video mentions that several UC campuses will continue with the GRE not required policy for the Fall 2025 admission cycle, reflecting a broader trend among universities in the region.

💡Test Optional

'Test optional' is a policy where submitting standardized test scores is not mandatory for admissions. The video discusses how some universities that label the GRE as 'optional' still tend to favor applicants who submit scores, as it may provide a competitive edge in admissions.

💡Cheating in At-Home GRE

The speaker mentions that widespread cheating occurred during at-home versions of the GRE, which led to inflated scores in recent years. As a result, the average GRE score has been decreasing, returning to pre-pandemic levels. This trend can benefit students with lower scores.

💡Application Pool

The 'application pool' refers to the group of applicants competing for admission to a program. The speaker notes that as the average GRE scores decrease, students with scores around 310 to 315 have a better chance of standing out in this year's application pool, especially at prestigious universities.

💡Profile Strength

In graduate applications, 'profile strength' refers to the overall qualifications of an applicant, including GPA, experience, recommendations, and GRE scores. The video emphasizes the importance of a strong profile beyond just the GRE score, advising students to focus on GPA and other factors to increase their chances of admission.

Highlights

GRE requirements for US universities are becoming more lenient, with many maintaining status quo or making it optional.

For fall 2025, GRE requirements will be clear when applications open in mid-August.

Universities in California, particularly the UC system, are likely to continue without requiring the GRE.

The GRE not being required means applicants without a score will not be at a disadvantage compared to those submitting scores.

Students with 'GRE phobia' have options as many universities make the test optional or not required.

Gradvine is hosting an in-person meet-up on August 4th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. in Hyderabad.

The meaning of 'GRE optional' and 'GRE not required' varies and should be understood by applicants.

Universities that have 'GRE optional' may prefer applicants with a score over those without.

Having a GRE score can be advantageous even if the university states it's optional.

Universities where the GRE is required represent a significant portion of institutions.

It's suggested to take the GRE at least once to have a wider pool of colleges available.

The average GRE score among candidates has been decreasing due to widespread cheating in the at-home GRE.

Applicants with scores as low as 310 to 315 have been accepted into top universities.

This year, even a score of 310 to 315 can be competitive at good universities if the rest of the profile is strong.

The presenter suggests that this might be the last year to apply without a GRE score.

The presenter is available on Gradvine's WhatsApp Community to answer questions daily.

The channel encourages likes, shares, and subscriptions for future valuable content.

Transcripts

so one of the most common questions

we've been receiving at grad over the

last couple of months is whether the gr

is going to be required by a lot of

universities in the US well I think we

are sort of getting a definitive answer

at this point in time and I have a

feeling that a lot of you will like this

answer so stay

[Music]

[Music]

tuned so look for fall 2025 it's still

early days the applications are not yet

open they likely open only in the middle

of August and that's when the specific

requirements will be apparent however a

lot of our students have been receiving

promotional emails and communication

from universities with the indication

about the GRE it seems like several

universities are maintaining status quo

with respect to the GRE requirement what

I mean by that is that they're

continuing the previous requirements

therefore you're going to have a lot of

options where the GRE is either optional

or not required whatsoever in fact it

seems like a lot of universities in

California especially the UC system will

be continuing with their GRE not

required status this will make everybody

even without a gr score have no

disadvantage over somebody who is

submitting a score therefore if you're

somebody who has a little bit of gr

phobia you're going to find universities

where it is optional or not required hey

everyone if you're tired of seeing my

face through a computer screen or on

your phone and want to meet me in person

we're making that happen on Sunday 4th

of August anywhere from 1: to 4:00 p.m.

come by the gradvine office in Hyderabad

we love to host you give you some

samosas and also talk about all your

Master's applications Journey right come

see me streer and the rest of the

gradine team come talk to us in person

um again Sunday 1: to 400 p.m. in the

grad by Hyderabad office for all of

those guys that are not in hyad we

promise to come to your city as well or

to your universities so tag us call us

invite us we'd love to come and solve

all of your queries thank you see you no

of course like with any piece of

information given by gradine or any

YouTube video that we prod there is a

bit of nuance you'll have to understand

what GRE optional means what GRE not

required means and of course what G

required means is very obvious in recent

years since the pandemic we've seen that

universities that have GRE optional have

been preferring students with a GRE

score as opposed to somebody not

submitting a GRE therefore if the

university states that the GRE is

optional or you can choose to submit a

GRE score if you believe it enhances

your application then most likely

somebody with a GRE score has an

advantage so if you the colleges which

have GRE as optional where having a

score is advantageous and the

universities where the GRE is required

for you to be eligible that is a

significant chunk of universities so it

might be in your best interest to give a

GRE at least a single attempt so that

you have a wider pool of colleges that

are available to you here is another

important piece of information which

also has a little bit of Masala which I

know a lot of you guys would enjoy the

average GRE score among candidates has

been coming down the only reason being

the widespread cheating that has been

happen happening with the at home GRE

has come down therefore the days of

every other candidate having a 320 and a

325 and a 330 has ended therefore the

average or median GRE scores among the

competing applicant pool this year is

going to be lower this was always the

case pre pandemic and therefore even if

you have a 310 to a 315 you will have a

good shot at some really good

universities provided your GPA and the

rest of your profile is strong just this

year at gradin we've seen people with

scores of 310 and 312 and 3 14 make it

to the finest Cs and mem programs in the

world including the likes of a Corell

perdu Johns Hopkins Virginia Tech

Georgia Tech and the likes hence give

the G at least one attempt and even if

you don't have a sky high score it

should stand you in good State

irrespective even if you don't want to

give the G or you have exam phobia or

you're not able to cross a 300 or a 305

you can still apply test optional to a

lot of universities and you will stand a

good shot this might well be the last

year and your last chance to do so

without a g so think about it wisely so

I hope you found this video useful and

if you are looking to interact with me

one-on-one I am available on our

WhatsApp Community answering questions

every day pretty much you can join the

communities which have separate groups

or a computer science an mem an MBA You

Name It We have a group you can use the

links in the description to join apart

from that please do like share and

subscribe to our channel so that you'll

be notified of future videos which will

be the biggest asset for you in your

application process and also your

friends can gain access to the valuable

content as well