US Universities that Waive GRE: As an international student aspiring for a full scholarship in the United States, it’s essential to satisfy the requirements specified by the university you intend to join. One of the requirements is to pass English language proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS, and the GRE exam.
Although obtaining a scholarship without performing well on these tests may seem challenging, a few universities in the USA provide an opportunity for international students to skip these tests and still qualify for a scholarship.
GRE (Graduate Record Examinations)
GRE is a test that measures a student’s ability to do well in graduate school, just like the SAT or ACT measures their ability to do well in college. The GRE tests three skills: analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative analysis.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
TOEFL is a test that measures the English language skills of non-native speakers who want to study at universities where English is the main language. More than 11,000 universities and other institutions in over 190 countries accept the test. This is the sole examination that assesses proficiency in all four essential academic English skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Many top schools use it to see if international students are good at English.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
IELTS is the most popular English language test for work, higher education, and moving to another country. It helps you work, study, or move to a country where English is the main language. This includes countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA. It’s important to learn about how to prepare for the IELTS before you take it.
Universities that waive IELTS for International Students
Some universities in the United States waive the IELTS requirement for international students who have completed their secondary education or university where English is the main language of communication.
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- California State University
- Rice University
- University of Texas
- University of Iowa
- University of Dayton
- University of New Orleans
- Drexel State University
- University of Delaware
- University of Colorado
- State University of New York
- University of Arkansas
Universities that waive GRE for International Students
The GRE is a common requirement for master’s or doctoral-level courses in the US. However, some universities waive the GRE requirement for international students. Here is a list of some universities that offer this waiver:
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- New York University
- University of Minnesota
- Purdue University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Northeastern University
- Florida State University
- University of Washington – Seattle
- University of Southern Mississippi
- University of Wisconsin
- University of North Carolina
- Auburn University
- Texas A&M University
- University of New Hampshire
- University of Illinois
- George Mason University School of Business
- UC Davis Graduate School of Management
- Kent State University
- Loyola University of Business
- University of Memphis School of Public Health
- Carnegie Mellon University
How to Get a Waiver for GRE
The GRE is a test that measures your critical thinking, writing, verbal, and math skills. It helps schools compare applicants and evaluate their grades and recommendations.
Most graduate programs require the GRE, but some don’t. In some cases, you can ask the school to waive the GRE for you. Here’s how to do it:
1. Get your application materials ready
This includes your transcripts, resume, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, and essays.
2. Contact the admissions department
Call or email the admissions department at the school you want to attend. Ask about their GRE requirements. If they require the GRE, ask for a form to request a waiver.
3. Fill out the form
Fill out the form and send it back with your other application materials. If the school doesn’t offer a waiver option, contact the head of the department you’re applying to.
4. Explain why you want a waiver
Tell them why you want to waive the GRE and show them your other qualifications, like your grades and work experience. Ask for a form to request a waiver.
5. Send in your form
Send one copy of the form with your application to the admissions office and another copy to the department.
6. Wait for a response
If your request is denied, your application won’t be rejected. Instead, the school will ask you to take the GRE and send in your scores.
How to Get a Waiver for IELTS
If you’re good at English, you can write a letter asking for an IELTS waiver. This means you won’t have to take the test or show your scores. Each school has its own rules for who can get a waiver.
Some common reasons for getting an IELTS waiver are:
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- You’re from a country where English is the main language, like Canada, Singapore, USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland.
- English isn’t your first language, but you got an undergraduate or graduate degree in a country where English is the main language and all your classes were in English.
Tips for Writing an IELTS Waiver Letter
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- Plan it out: Outline what you want to say in your letter.
- Be clear and complete: Include all the important information.
- Address it correctly: Find out who to send your letter to.
- Proofread it: Have someone else check your letter for mistakes.
- Put important things first: Start your letter with your request and why you’re making it.