Who Takes the GRE? Programs and Schools That Accept GRE Scores

Table of Contents

1. GRE Test-Taker Demographics

2. Traditional Graduate Programs

3. Business Schools Accepting GRE

4. Law Schools Embracing GRE

5. International Programs and Recognition

6. Professional and Certificate Programs

7. Fellowship and Scholarship Programs

8. Emerging Trends and Future Acceptance

GRE Test-Taker Demographics

Statistical Overview of GRE Test-Takers

The GRE serves a diverse population of over 500,000 annual test-takers worldwide, representing various academic backgrounds, career stages, and educational goals. Understanding who takes the GRE provides insight into the test's broad applicability and the evolving landscape of graduate education.

Age Distribution (2023 Data)

• 22-27 years: 45% (traditional graduate students)

• 28-32 years: 25% (early career professionals)

• 33-40 years: 18% (mid-career changers)

• Over 40: 12% (mature students and career shifters)

This distribution reflects the GRE's appeal to both traditional students entering graduate school immediately after undergraduate education and non-traditional students seeking career advancement or change later in life.

Educational Background

• Recent college graduates (within 2 years): 55%

• Working professionals (3-10 years post-graduation): 30%

• Career changers (10+ years experience): 15%

Geographic Distribution

• United States test-takers: 40%

• International test-takers: 60%

  • Asia-Pacific: 35%

  • Europe: 15%

  • Americas (excluding US): 5%

  • Middle East/Africa: 5%

Field of Study Intentions

Most Popular Intended Graduate Fields

1. Engineering: 22% of test-takers

2. Business Administration: 18% of test-takers

3. Life Sciences: 15% of test-takers

4. Social Sciences: 12% of test-takers

5. Physical Sciences: 10% of test-takers

6. Arts and Humanities: 8% of test-takers

7. Education: 7% of test-takers

8. Other fields: 8% of test-takers

Degree Level Aspirations

• Master's degree programs: 65%

• Doctoral programs: 25%

• Professional programs (MBA, JD, etc.): 10%

Socioeconomic and Cultural Factors

First-Generation College Students

Approximately 30% of GRE test-takers are first-generation college graduates, highlighting the test's role in providing opportunities for social mobility through graduate education.

International Student Motivations

• Study in English-speaking countries: 70%

• Access to research opportunities: 60%

• Career advancement in home country: 45%

• Immigration pathway: 30%

• Academic prestige: 85%

Traditional Graduate Programs

STEM Graduate Programs

Engineering and Technology

The engineering field represents the largest segment of GRE test-takers, with virtually all graduate engineering programs requiring or accepting GRE scores.

Top Engineering Schools Requiring GRE:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

• Stanford University

• University of California, Berkeley

• Georgia Institute of Technology

• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

• Carnegie Mellon University

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Typical Score Expectations:

• Quantitative Reasoning: 160-170 (80th-95th percentile)

• Verbal Reasoning: 150-160 (50th-85th percentile)

• Analytical Writing: 3.5-4.5

Physical and Life Sciences

Graduate programs in sciences heavily rely on GRE scores for admissions decisions, particularly for PhD programs with competitive funding.

High-Demand Science Fields:

• Biology and Biomedical Sciences: 95% of PhD programs require GRE

• Chemistry: 90% of graduate programs require GRE

• Physics: 85% require GRE General Test, 60% require Physics Subject Test

• Mathematics: 80% require GRE, 40% require Math Subject Test

• Environmental Sciences: 95% of programs accept GRE

• Computer Science: 90% of programs require GRE

Research-Focused Expectations: PhD programs in sciences typically expect higher scores than master's programs:

• Quantitative: 155-165 for competitive programs

• Verbal: 150-160 for well-rounded candidates

• Writing: 4.0+ for programs emphasizing research communication

Social Sciences and Humanities

Psychology Programs

Psychology represents one of the largest graduate program categories accepting GRE scores, with additional requirements often including the Psychology Subject Test.

Program Types:

• Clinical Psychology PhD: Highly competitive, often requiring 160+ in all sections

• Research Psychology PhD: Emphasis on quantitative scores (155+) and writing (4.0+)

• Counseling Psychology: More holistic admissions, GRE scores one factor among many

• Industrial/Organizational Psychology: Business-oriented, values balanced scores

Subject Test Usage:

• Required: 40% of PhD programs

• Recommended: 30% of PhD programs

• Optional: 30% of programs

Political Science and International Relations

These fields heavily emphasize verbal reasoning and analytical writing capabilities.

Competitive Score Ranges:

• Verbal Reasoning: 160+ for top programs

• Quantitative Reasoning: 150+ (increasingly important for quantitative methods)

• Analytical Writing: 4.5+ essential for research-focused programs

Notable Programs:

• Harvard Kennedy School

• Princeton School of Public and International Affairs

• Georgetown School of Foreign Service

• Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies

• Columbia School of International and Public Affairs

English and Literature

Humanities programs typically place strongest emphasis on verbal reasoning and analytical writing scores.

Typical Requirements:

• Verbal Reasoning: 160+ for competitive programs

• Analytical Writing: 5.0+ for most PhD programs

• Quantitative Reasoning: Less emphasis, but 145+ generally expected

Education Graduate Programs

Types of Education Programs

• Master of Education (MEd): Professional development for current teachers

• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Initial teacher preparation

• Educational Leadership: Administration and policy focus

• Educational Psychology: Research-oriented programs

• Curriculum and Instruction: Specialized teaching focus

Score Expectations by Program Type:

• Professional programs (MEd, MAT): More flexible scoring, holistic review

• Research programs (PhD): Higher expectations, particularly in writing

• Leadership programs: Balanced scores across all sections

Business Schools Accepting GRE

The MBA Revolution

The acceptance of GRE scores by MBA programs represents one of the most significant changes in graduate business education admissions. Over 1,200 business schools worldwide now accept GRE scores, including the vast majority of top-ranked programs.

Timeline of MBA GRE Acceptance

2006: Wake Forest becomes first top MBA program to accept GRE 2009-2012: Early adopters include Tuck, Tepper, and other forward-thinking programs 2013-2016: Rapid expansion as top schools see successful outcomes 2017-2020: Mass adoption across all program tiers 2021-Present: GRE acceptance becomes standard rather than exceptional

Top MBA Programs Accepting GRE

US News Top 10 MBA Programs (All Accept GRE):

1. Stanford Graduate School of Business

   • Average GRE: Verbal 163, Quantitative 165

   • Acceptance rate with GRE similar to GMAT applicants

2. Harvard Business School

   • No stated preference between GRE and GMAT

   • 15% of recent class submitted GRE scores

3. University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)

   • Strong encouragement for both tests

   • GRE test-takers perform equally well in program

4. Northwestern University (Kellogg)

   • Explicit statement that GRE and GMAT are treated equally

   • Growing GRE submission rate

5. University of Chicago (Booth)

   • Quantitative focus aligns well with strong GRE Quant scores

   • Research-oriented culture appreciates analytical writing component

GRE Advantages for MBA Applicants

Skill Alignment Benefits

Broader Vocabulary Focus: MBA programs increasingly value communication skills, and the GRE's emphasis on sophisticated vocabulary aligns with business communication needs.

Analytical Writing Component: The 30-minute analytical writing task demonstrates the type of business reasoning and communication expected in MBA programs.

Quantitative Flexibility: GRE quantitative questions often involve real-world scenarios that translate well to business contexts.

Strategic Application Advantages

Dual-Purpose Testing: Students can apply to both MBA programs and other graduate programs (MA in Economics, MS in Analytics, etc.) with a single test score.

ScoreSelect Flexibility: The ability to choose which scores to send provides strategic advantages not available with GMAT score reporting.

Test Format Preference: Some students perform better on the GRE format, particularly those with strong vocabulary and reading skills.

International MBA Programs

European Business Schools

Leading European MBA Programs Accepting GRE:

• INSEAD (France/Singapore)

• London Business School (UK)

• IE Business School (Spain)

• ESADE (Spain)

• HEC Paris (France)

• Oxford Saïd Business School (UK)

• Cambridge Judge Business School (UK)

Asia-Pacific Programs

Top Asian MBA Programs:

• INSEAD Singapore

• China Europe International Business School (CEIBS)

• Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)

• National University of Singapore (NUS)

• Indian School of Business (ISB)

Law Schools Embracing GRE

The JD Admission Evolution

The legal education landscape has experienced a dramatic shift with over 200 law schools now accepting GRE scores as an alternative to the LSAT. This change reflects law schools' desire to attract diverse candidates and their recognition that the skills measured by the GRE are relevant to legal education success.

Timeline of Law School GRE Acceptance

2017: University of Arizona becomes first ABA-accredited law school to accept GRE 2018-2019: Early adopters include Northwestern, Georgetown, and Wake Forest 2020-2021: Rapid expansion during COVID-19 as schools seek flexibility 2022-Present: Over 200 schools accept GRE, representing institutional mainstream

Top Law Schools Accepting GRE

T14 Law Schools Accepting GRE:

1. Harvard Law School

   • Accepts GRE for all JD applicants

   • No stated preference between GRE and LSAT

   • Reports successful outcomes for GRE admits

2. Columbia Law School

   • GRE accepted alongside LSAT

   • Holistic review process considers both equally

3. Northwestern Pritzker School of Law

   • Pioneer in GRE acceptance among elite schools

   • Strong preference for work experience aligns with GRE test-taker demographics

4. Georgetown University Law Center

   • Accepts GRE for all JD programs

   • Large class size allows for diverse admission criteria

Other Notable Acceptances:

• Wake Forest University School of Law

• Boston University School of Law

• George Washington University Law School

• Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law

• University of Southern California Gould School of Law

GRE Advantages for Law School Applicants

Skill Transferability

Reading Comprehension: The GRE's emphasis on complex text analysis aligns well with legal education demands for case analysis and statutory interpretation.

Analytical Writing: The issue task format parallels legal brief writing and argumentation skills essential in law school.

Vocabulary Emphasis: Legal education requires mastery of sophisticated vocabulary, making the GRE's verbal emphasis relevant.

Demographic Advantages

Career Changers: Many GRE test-takers are working professionals considering career changes, a demographic law schools actively recruit.

Diverse Backgrounds: GRE test-takers come from varied academic fields, bringing interdisciplinary perspectives valuable in legal education.

International Students: The GRE's global recognition helps law schools attract international candidates.

Specialized JD Programs

Joint Degree Programs

Many law schools now accept GRE scores specifically for combined JD programs:

• JD/MBA: Business schools already accepting GRE makes this natural

• JD/PhD: Academic doctoral programs traditionally use GRE

• JD/MPP: Public policy programs commonly accept GRE

• JD/MA: Various master's programs use GRE for admissions

International Programs and Recognition

Global GRE Acceptance Patterns

English-Speaking Countries

United Kingdom:

• Universities Accepting GRE: 200+ institutions

• Popular Programs: Business, Economics, International Relations, STEM fields

• Conversion Requirements: Some programs provide GRE-to-UK qualification conversions

• Notable Schools: Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial College, UCL

Canada:

• Acceptance Rate: 90% of graduate programs

• Provincial Variations: Ontario and British Columbia lead in GRE acceptance

• Immigration Benefits: GRE scores may contribute to immigration points systems

• Top Schools: University of Toronto, McGill, UBC, University of Waterloo

Australia:

• Primary Use: International student admissions

• Group of Eight: All leading research universities accept GRE

• Program Focus: Engineering, Business, Sciences particularly welcoming

• Immigration Pathway: Graduate programs serving as immigration routes

Continental Europe

Netherlands:

• Research Universities: All accept GRE for English-taught programs

• Popular Fields: Engineering, Economics, International Business

• Language Requirements: GRE often combined with TOEFL/IELTS requirements

Germany:

• English-Taught Programs: Growing acceptance for international programs

• DAAD Recognition: German Academic Exchange Service recognizes GRE

• Technical Focus: Particularly strong in engineering and sciences

Nordic Countries:

• Sweden: Strong acceptance for research programs

• Denmark: Business and engineering programs lead acceptance

• Norway: Oil/energy programs particularly welcome GRE scores

Emerging Markets

Singapore:

• National University of Singapore: Accepts GRE for most graduate programs

• Nanyang Technological University: Strong STEM program acceptance

• Business Schools: MBA and specialized master's programs

Hong Kong:

• University of Hong Kong: Comprehensive GRE acceptance

• Hong Kong University of Science and Technology: Particularly strong in STEM

• Chinese University of Hong Kong: Research-oriented programs

Program-Specific International Patterns

Master's in Management (MiM) Programs

European MiM programs increasingly accept GRE scores:

• HEC Paris: Top-ranked program accepting GRE

• London Business School: Masters in Management

• ESADE: International focus attracts GRE test-takers

• IE Business School: Flexible admissions approach

International Relations and Policy

Top Global Programs:

• London School of Economics: Various IR master's programs

• Sciences Po Paris: International focus

• Graduate Institute Geneva: Diplomatic studies

• University of Oxford: International relations programs

Professional and Certificate Programs

Health-Related Programs

Public Health Programs

Master of Public Health (MPH) programs universally accept GRE scores, recognizing the interdisciplinary nature of public health education.

Top MPH Programs:

• Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

• University of North Carolina Gillings School

• Columbia Mailman School of Public Health

• University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health

Typical Score Expectations:

• Quantitative: 150+ (epidemiology and biostatistics emphasis)

• Verbal: 155+ (policy and communication focus)

• Writing: 4.0+ (grant writing and research communication)

Allied Health Programs

• Physical Therapy (DPT): 70% of programs accept GRE

• Occupational Therapy: 85% of programs require GRE

• Speech-Language Pathology: 90% of programs use GRE

• Clinical Psychology: Nearly universal GRE requirement

Professional Master's Programs

Technology and Data Science

Growing Fields Accepting GRE:

• Master's in Data Science: Quantitative emphasis aligns with GRE Quant section

• Cybersecurity Programs: Interdisciplinary approach values broad GRE assessment

• Information Systems: Business-technology intersection

• Digital Marketing: Communication and analytical skills combination

Policy and Administration

Public Administration Programs:

• Master of Public Administration (MPA): 95% accept GRE

• Public Policy Programs: Nearly universal acceptance

• Nonprofit Management: Growing field with GRE preference

• Urban Planning: 90% of programs accept GRE

Certificate and Non-Degree Programs

Post-Baccalaureate Programs

Pre-Health Programs:

• Post-Bacc Pre-Med: Some competitive programs require GRE

• Career Changer Programs: GRE demonstrates academic readiness

• Research Experience Programs: Graduate school preparation focus

Teaching Certification:

• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Alternative certification route

• Educational Specialist Programs: Post-master's certification

• Principal Preparation Programs: Educational leadership focus

Fellowship and Scholarship Programs

Major Fellowship Programs Requiring GRE

National Science Foundation (NSF)

Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP):

• Most prestigious STEM fellowship in United States

• GRE scores required for application

• ~2,000 awards annually across all STEM fields

• Provides 3 years of graduate school funding

Fellowship for International Science and Engineering (FISE):

• Support for international research experiences

• GRE requirement for competitiveness assessment

Ford Foundation Fellowship Program

Diversity Focus:

• Supports underrepresented minorities in graduate education

• GRE scores required for application

• Pre-doctoral, doctoral, and post-doctoral awards

• Emphasis on social justice and diversity

Jacob K. Javits Fellowship Program

Arts and Humanities Focus:

• Federal fellowship for arts, humanities, and social sciences

• GRE requirement for academic capability demonstration

• Supports PhD study in designated fields

University-Specific Fellowship Programs

Graduate School Fellowships

Merit-Based Awards:

• Most universities use GRE scores for internal fellowship competition

• Higher scores correlate with larger award amounts

• Multi-year funding often tied to GRE performance

Research Assistantships:

• GRE scores influence RA selection in competitive programs

• Quantitative scores particularly important for STEM RA positions

• Analytical writing scores relevant for humanities RA roles

International Fellowship Programs

Fulbright Program:

• Some Fulbright categories require GRE scores

• Particularly relevant for research-focused grants

• Country-specific requirements vary

Rhodes Scholarship:

• While not requiring GRE, strong scores support academic credentials

• Competitive applicants often submit GRE scores voluntarily

Emerging Trends and Future Acceptance

Technology Sector Graduate Programs

Industry-Academia Partnerships

Professional Master's Programs:

• Tech companies increasingly partnering with universities

• GRE acceptance growing for industry-focused programs

• Emphasis on practical application over traditional research

Executive Education:

• Senior professionals returning to education

• GRE provides standardized assessment for diverse backgrounds

• Flexible scheduling aligns with working professional needs

Interdisciplinary Program Growth

Cross-Disciplinary Fields

Emerging Programs Accepting GRE:

• Computational Biology: Combines life sciences and computer science

• Digital Humanities: Technology and traditional humanities intersection

• Environmental Economics: Policy and economic analysis combination

• Health Informatics: Healthcare and information technology integration

Global Studies Programs

International Focus:

• Programs designed for globally mobile students

• GRE's international recognition valuable for diverse cohorts

• Cultural competency emphasis aligns with GRE test-taker diversity

Future Predictions

Expansion Patterns

Continued Growth Areas:

• Professional Programs: Expect continued expansion in career-focused degrees

• International Programs: Growing global mobility increases GRE value

• Online Programs: Distance learning programs find GRE useful for remote assessment

• Interdisciplinary Fields: New field combinations will likely adopt GRE standards

Potential Challenges

Test-Optional Movement:

• Some programs eliminating standardized test requirements

• COVID-19 accelerated test-optional policies

• Balance between accessibility and assessment rigor

Alternative Assessment Methods:

• Portfolio-based admissions gaining traction

• Work experience emphasis over test scores

• Skills-based assessment innovations

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do schools prefer applicants who take the GRE over those who take field-specific tests like the GMAT or LSAT? 

A: No, schools that accept multiple tests generally treat them equally in admissions decisions. The key is achieving competitive scores for your target programs, regardless of which test you take. Some schools may have slight preferences based on their experience with different tests, but official policies typically treat all accepted tests equally.

Q: Are international programs more likely to accept GRE scores than domestic programs? 

A: International programs, particularly those taught in English, often prefer the GRE due to its global recognition and the fact that many international students take it. However, domestic programs in countries like the US, Canada, and Australia also widely accept GRE scores. The trend is toward broader acceptance globally.

Q: How do I find out if a specific program accepts GRE scores? 

A: Check the program's official admissions website or contact their admissions office directly. Many programs clearly state their testing requirements on their admissions pages. You can also use ETS's official school search tool, which lists institutions that accept GRE scores by location and field of study.

Q: Do competitive programs have higher GRE score expectations than less selective programs? 

A: Yes, more competitive programs typically expect higher GRE scores. Top-tier programs often expect scores in the 80th percentile or higher, while less competitive programs may accept scores in the 50th percentile range. However, GRE scores are just one factor in holistic admissions processes.

Q: Can I use my GRE scores for programs in different fields? 

A: Yes, this is one of the GRE's major advantages. You can use the same GRE scores to apply to programs in completely different fields, such as using one set of scores for both MBA and PhD applications. This flexibility makes the GRE particularly valuable for students exploring multiple career paths.

Q: Do fellowship programs have different GRE requirements than regular admissions? 

A: Fellowship programs often have higher GRE score expectations than regular admissions because they're more competitive and provide significant financial support. However, the specific requirements vary by program. Some fellowships consider GRE scores alongside other factors like research experience and personal statements.

Q: Are there any fields where the GRE is not widely accepted? 

A: Most academic fields widely accept GRE scores. The main exceptions are some medical programs (which require the MCAT) and some specialized professional programs that have their own entrance exams. However, even in these fields, some programs are beginning to accept GRE scores for certain tracks or combined degree programs.

Q: How do schools convert GRE scores when they also accept other tests? 

A: Schools that accept multiple tests usually evaluate each on its own merit rather than converting scores. They understand the different scales and expectations for each test. However, some schools may use official concordance tables (like GRE-to-GMAT conversions) for internal comparisons, though this varies by institution.