Are you a Postgraduate student planning for your next step and wondering if you need GRE for PhD study? This is the right place you have clicked. 

With all the buzz around GRE and its growing importance, read on to break some myths about the Graduate Record Examination, GRE for PhD. GRE is generally a standardized test used for graduate admissions tests and is sometimes considered as a requirement for PhD programmes in North America and Australia.

GRE for PhD in Business and Management is different from GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) in the sense that GMAT is only for Business and Management studies whereas GRE is also held for other subject-specific disciplines. 

How does a GRE for PhD score work?

To attain a GRE score, candidates are supposed to appear for either a computer-delivered version or paper delivered version of the test. 

The computer-delivered version of the test is mostly preferred by most students for convenience. You can preview, edit and tag features in this version and it also allows changing your answers to questions or return later. 

The GRE General Test is divided into three sections: 

• Verbal Reasoning: This section measures your ability to comprehend and critically analyse different kinds of information including the author’s narrative. 
• Quantitative Reasoning: This section requires a demonstration of your problem-solving skills and your ability to interpret and analyse data in a variety of forms with the help of mathematical concepts including algebra and geometry.
• Critical and Analytical Writing: During two 30-minute essays, you are required to analyse an argument and an issue. This section assesses your critical thinking skills. 

Subject-specific GRE for PhD

Apart from a general GRE, there is a subject-specific GRE that assesses your in-depth knowledge and aptitude to the required field. These GRE Subject Tests indicate that you already know the subject at the undergraduate or Masters level. The available subjects are:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• English Literature
• Maths
• Physics
• Psychology

The admission requirements differ from university to university and the type of PhD you choose to pursue. It is advisable to specifically check the requirements for the university and department’s requirement section before applying or opting for a GRE. 

Is the GRE necessary for a PhD?

Whether or not a GRE is for a PhD where and what course you want to study. Some universities do away with the GRE while others make it benchmark criteria. It is important to keep a track of the requirements of the University and the course you apply for. 

What Do You Require for a PhD in Business and Management Course if not GMAT? 

For most universities, GRE is an alternative to GMAT. Universities admit applicants based on their GRE ranking. The other requirements along with GRE for a PhD in Business and Management Course are: 

• Academic Transcript
• Letter of Recommendations
• Work experience if any
• Clear and lucid communication Skills 

Top US Universities Accepting GRE for PhD

Here is a list of US universities that accept GRE scores for admission.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, Massachusetts)	University of California – Berkeley (Berkeley, California)
Stanford University	Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburg, Pennsylvania)
Princeton University (Princeton, New Jersey)	The University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Texas)
Harvard University (Boston, Massachusetts)	Texas A&M University – College Station (College Station, Texas)
The University of Michigan – Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, Michigan)	The University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign (Urbana, Illinois)
The University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth	Boston University
The University of Massachusetts, Lowell	University of Massachusetts, Boston
Michigan State University	Western Michigan University
University of New Hampshire	Dartmouth College
Ohio State University	University of Wisconsin

UK Universities Accepting GRE for PhD

Universities and colleges accepting GRE scores in the UK for admission are mentioned below. 

King’s College, London	Imperial College London	Goldsmiths University of London
Kingston University, London	Lancaster University	Cranfield University
Manchester University	London School of Economics	Newcastle University
University of Birmingham	University of Bristol	University of Cambridge
University of Bradford	University College London	University of East Anglia
Hull University	University of Glasgow	University of Exeter
University of Kent	University of Liverpool	The University of West of England

Universities In Australia Accepting GRE for PhD

Here is a list of universities in Australia that accept the GRE scores for admission. 

Australian National University	Central Queensland University	Deakin University
James Cook University	Monash University	Latrobe University
University of Melbourne	University of Western Australia	University of Adelaide
University of Queensland	University of Sydney	University of New South Wales
Murdoch University	University of Tasmania	University of New England Armidale

German Universities Accepting GRE for PhD

Here is a list of universities in Germany that accept GRE scores.

GISMA Business School	Goethe University Frankfurt
European Business School Germany	Aachen University
Bonn-Cologne Grad School of Physics and Astronomy	DIW  Berlin
Jacobs University Bremen	Ludwig Maximilians University Munchen
Dortmund University	University of Freiburg
Munich Business School	Heidelberg University

Universities In Canada Accepting GRE for PhD

List of universities in Canada that accept GRE scores for shortlisting students.

Bishops University	McGill University
Brandon University	McMaster University
Acadia University	Queens University
Carleton University	Trinity Western University
Concordia Lutheran Seminary	Trent University
Alberta University	University of Montreal

Universities In Ireland Accepting GRE for PhD

A list of universities in Ireland that accept GRE scores is mentioned in the table below:

Queens University Belfast	Trinity College Dublin
University College Dublin	University of Limerick
Royal College Surgeons Ireland	Michael Smurfit Grad Sch Bus

Universities In Switzerland Accepting GRE for PhD

Some of the top Swiss universities that accept GRE scores are:

University of Zurich	University of St Gallen MBA
United International Business School	University of Geneva
University of Bern	The University of Basel (Faculty of Business Economics and PhD)
Business School Lausanne	Taylor Institute
Swiss Fed Institute of Technology Zurich	International University Geneva

Universities In New Zealand Accepting GRE for PhD

A list of New Zealand universities accepting GRE scores.

University Auckland	University of Otago	Massey University
University of Canterbury	Victoria University of Wellington

Universities In China Accepting GRE for PhD

Here is a list of Chinese universities that consider or require GRE scores for graduate admissions.

Dalian Medical University	Nilin University of Technology	Fudan University of International MBA
East China University of Science and Technology	New York University Shanghai	South China University of Technology
Southern University of Science and Technology	Sun Yat-Sen Business School MBA	University of Macau
Tsinghua University MBA Programmes	University of Nottingham Ningbo China	Xiamen University
Xi’an Jiaotong Liverpool University	Zhejiang University MBA	Wuhan University of Economics and Management School

What GRE score do I need for a PhD?

If a doctoral programme includes the GRE in its entry requirements, it won’t usually specify a particular score. Instead, the department will give the average GRE score achieved by previous cohorts so that applicants have an idea of what they should be aiming for.

Most graduate schools view the GRE as just one element of their selection procedure – a lower than average result isn’t necessarily the end of the world, especially if the rest of your application is particularly strong.

Top 8 universities in the US and the average GRE Scores

Let’s look at the top 8 universities in the US and the average GRE Scores expected:

University	Quant Average	Verbal Average
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	164	163
Stanford University	168	165
Georgia Technological University	161	155
University of Michigan Ann Arbor	162	160
University of Maryland College	160	154
Northwestern University	161	154
University of Texas Austin	160	155
University of California Berkeley	161	155

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I take the GRE?

You can apply for GRE from anywhere in the world. There are more than 1000 GRE test centres in over 160 countries.

How much does the GRE cost?

GRE fee is subject to the test location and the kind of exam you are applying for. The general GRE will usually cost between $205 and $255, while the GRE Subject Test costs around $150.

Read more

A PhD without GRE from abroad exposes you to a lot of opportunities, world-class facilities, education imparted by experienced faculty and a global alumni network. The cost of living including the tuition fee might rise comparatively which is why many universities provide funding for bright and meritorious students. This funding acclaims criterion of the scores obtained on a standardized test administered by the Educational Testing Service known as Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

However, considering the number of applicants and the minimal amount of grants released by the universities, providing a GRE scholarship for everyone is not possible. Here we explore what are the requirements for attaining a PhD without a GRE score.

Types of GRE Scholarship

Here is a list of GRE scholarships that might help you get admitted to your dream university abroad:

• Fellowship: The fellowship is given on the basis of your knowledge about your subject. It requires you to have a clear understanding of the subject you wish to pursue your PhD in. 
• Teaching Assistant: The Teaching Assistant or TA-ship is a scholarship that allows scholars to assist the professor in imparting course education. Your tuition fees are waived and you are also provided with a stipend. A mastery over the course is typically expected for availing of this scholarship.
• Research Assistant: The Research Assistant or RA-ship is another type of scholarship where you assist in the research projects of your guide and provide inputs in experiments, simulations, programming, writing research papers, etc.

Now that you know the types of scholarship GRE would provide you, let’s sail through the process of getting your PhD without GRE.  

How Do You Pursue PhD without GRE?

The competition or your quest for a scholarship does not end with a GRE score. The requirements of a PhD without GRE are listed below:

• Academic Career: If you wish to apply for PhD without GRE in universities overseas, a good and impressive academic career is a must. Your candidature must reflect your overall colourful academic performance. A Master’s degree is the minimum requirement for a PhD without GRE.
• Letter of Recommendation: Along with a decent CGPA, A few words of mouth do not harm. Get yourself a few letters of recommendation from the people who have witnessed your work to give feedback on your dedication to the subject. This works great in your favour of getting admission to PhD without GRE.  
• Professional Work Experience: Course relevant internships and work experience works in alignment with your dedication and passion for your chosen field. This further highlights your candidature and helps you stand out.
• Statement of Purpose: A clear statement of purpose about why you want to pursue PhD without a GRE and how you will be a good fit for the institute is one area where you can increase your chances of getting selected. It should be around 2000 words. 
• Language Proficiency Tests: A PhD without GRE would require you to have cleared at least one language proficiency test. Some of the tests available are TOEFL and IELTS. 

Universities for PhD in the USA without GRE

Here is a list of Universities offering PhD in the USA without considering a GRE score:

Walden University	Purdue University	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Nova Southeastern University	Cal Southern’s School of Behavioral Sciences	Argosy University
Northwestern University	University of Wisconsin	University of Oregon
Oregon State University	University of Idaho	Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Washington State University	Smith College	Georgetown University
Andrew University	Sacred Heart University	Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Courses offering PhD without GRE

Check out some of the exciting courses offered by Universities where you can pursue a PhD without GRE: 

Doctor of Business Administration	PhD in Chemistry	PhD in Media Arts and SciencePhD in Linguistics
PhD in Psychology	PhD in Family Therapy	PsyD in Clinical Psychology
PhD in Philosophy	PhD in Counselling	PhD in Physics
PhD in Civil Engineering	PhD in History	PhD in Clinical Psychology
PhD in Biological and Agricultural Engineering	PhD in Social Work	Doctor of Nursing

List of GRE waiver Universities in the USA 2021-22

North Carolina State University	Stanford University	University of California San Diego
Princeton University	New York University	University of Michigan Ann-Arbor
University of Maryland	University of Washington	Yale University
The University of Texas at Dallas	University of South Florida	Iowa State University
University of Huddersfield	Florida State University	University at Buffalo
Rice University	University of Minnesota	The University of California Irvine

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How important is a GRE score for availing of a scholarship from abroad for an Indian student?

As an Indian student, your GRE score plays a crucial role if you wish to get admitted to an M.S. or PhD course abroad. A high score increases your chances of achieving financial aid. A good GRE percentile is an indication of how better you have performed comparatively. However, GRE is not your last hope. There are a few universities that accept your candidature based on other aspects of your achievement including:

• A good academic record
• CGPAs matter in such a case
• Professional work experience
• Letter of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose

Can Indian students get a GRE scholarship?

There is no particular official GRE or TOEFL scholarship for Indian students. However, high percentiles in your GRE exam added with other criteria set by the university of your choice might help you get a scholarship to study in Universities abroad. Either a GRE, GMAT or TOEFL is one aspect of your application process that might increase your chances of getting a GRE Scholarship. 

Read more

The Ivy League, also known as The Ancient Eight, is an American collegiate athletic conference comprising eight private research universities in the Northeastern United States. As we go along the article, we explore the process of applying for the GRE for the Ivy League. 

The term Ivy League stands for the eight schools as a group of elite colleges with connotations of academic excellence, selectivity in admissions, and social elitism. Its members are:

• Brown University
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Dartmouth College
• Harvard University
• The University of Pennsylvania
• Princeton University
• Yale University.

GRE for Ivy League: Admission Process 

If studying at an Ivy League university in the USA has been a dream you affectionately hold on to, then you know your Master’s degree application is the gateway to your dream. Like every great thing and a big dream, this application process might make you anxious as well. 

Ivy League Universities are the prestigious higher education institutions that bring you one step closer to your dream. Getting admitted into one of the colleges might be a competitive bet. You have a way out with the proper guidance and information. You might be the next great personality to join the line of the great scientists, politicians, lawyers, humanists and businessmen that Ivy League Universities have produced. 

GRE for Ivy League Admission: Apply to the 8 Elite Universities in the USA

In the following section, you know about the process of applying to the 8 Elite Universities. Ivy League schools are private universities. For your Graduate Studies, you are applying for one of the University’s graduate schools, not the university itself. Graduate schools are part of the university. 

Some of the subjects offered by Harvard Graduate Schools are:

• Harvard Business School
• Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
• Harvard Graduate School of Education
• Harvard Law School
• Harvard Kennedy School  

The same is applicable for other Ivy League schools like Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, or Yale University.

GRE for Ivy League Universities: Is the Application Process to all Ivy League Universities Similar? 

Because of the absence of a centralised system of graduate studies, the Ivy League University’s application procedure and requirements might vary.  Therefore it is advisable to always check the details of the program and the college you are applying for.

GRE for Ivy League Universities: Application requirements for Ivy League schools

To put it simply, there isn’t a single magic formula to apply to an elite American school.  Students who get accepted come from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, but it is ultimately up to each Admissions Committee to evaluate if there’s a right mix between your goals, academic record, and experience and what the university has to offer.

Although subject to change for different schools of Ivy League Universities, some common criteria you need to meet are:

• The equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate academic institutions you have attended (GPA included)
• Proof of English proficiency either your TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score
• Standardised test scores like your GMAT, GRE or LSAT score
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Personal statement
• Resume/ CV

One important noticeable feature about Ivy League Universities: Although most Universities in the USA accept one letter of recommendation, either from individuals in academia or other professional sectors who can tell about your qualifications for the programs you apply for, Ivy League Universities ask for 3 letters of recommendations. 

Here are the requirements for the average scores for students to get accepted in one of the 8 Elite Universities with GRE for Ivy League Universities: 

• Average GPA: 3.71 on a 4.0 scale
• TOEFL: 100 or higher on the Internet-based TOEFL test
• 7.5 or higher on the IELTS test
• GRE average scores ranges: 155- 170 for all subjects
• LSAT: 173 and higher
• MCAT: 36.6 and higher

Apply for a Master’s degree at Harvard

Apart from the general requirements mentioned above for GRE for Ivy League Universities, the special requirements for Harvard include:  

• Essays: Graduate School of Humanities, Social Sciences, Journalism and the like requires an essay which answers a specific question. Some grad schools also ask for both a personal history essay and an optional statement to talk about your study and career goals and how they match the programme you are applying to. 
• Professional experience and portfolio: A professional work experience related your field of at least 2 years is necessary especially for graduate schools in Business, Engineering, Design and Architecture. 
• Interview and post-interview reflection: Depending on your previous requirements and performance, you might be called for an interview. Harvard also has a post-interview reflection which requires you to submit a written reflection within 24 hours of the interview.

Apply for a Master’s Degree at Cornell University 

Most, not necessarily all the graduate fields of Cornell University require applicants to submit Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores. Other fields also accept Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) instead of GRE scores. Also, the GRE requirements vary by field. 

Check the application requirements for your desired field for details on which tests are required.

The Graduate School must receive all scores prior to the field’s application deadline. One key point to remember is to use the exact spelling of your name on both your application and test score report and the details you filled in the form.

The fields of hotel administration, real estate, management, industrial and labour relations, and the Sloan program in the field of policy analysis and management accept either the GRE or the GMAT.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What do we require for a Master’s degree at Harvard University?

Apart from the list of requirements similar to all other Ivy League schools, Harvard University specifically admits students on the basis of:

• Personal Essays
• Professional work experience and Portfolio
• Interview and Post interview reflection

What are the requirements to get admission to Ivy League Universities?

The equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate academic institutions you have attended (GPA included)

• Proof of English proficiency either your TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score
• Proof of English proficiency either your TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score
• Standardised test scores like your GMAT, GRE or LSAT score
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Personal statement
• Resume/ CV

Read more

GRE Test

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is a standardized test administered by the Educational Testing Service, designed to measure the overall academic readiness of a student for graduate school. Different grad programs or PhD require applicants to take the general test as well as Subject Test that assesses technical knowledge related to a specific discipline like physics, psychology or mathematics.

GRE Scholarship

A GRE scholarship is an award that a university provides to its students based on a few criteria which might include academic record, financial condition or any other achievement. The GRE is not solely an indicator of admissions to top colleges abroad. 

Not all universities offer scholarships to every course but there are a few specific courses that provide grants to international students. A GRE scholarship might reduce your tuition fee and the cost of living abroad to a great extent. 

Scholarship for GRE 

Getting admitted to a University in the US is considered a big thing for most Indian students and parents. This is mostly because moving from a developing country to a developed country provides a lot of global opportunities. 

The global exposure, world-class facilities, education imparted by experienced faculty, is what embellishes the process of choosing to study overseas. However, the cost of living in a progressive country might be high. In such a case, a reduction in the tuition fee is a great relief.

You heard it right, a high score in your GRE might help you get a full scholarship in your dream university overseas. 

GRE Scholarships for Indian Students Criteria

There is no particular official GRE or TOEFL scholarship for Indian students. However, high percentiles in your GRE exam added with other criteria set by the university of your choice might help you get a scholarship to study in Universities abroad.

To check your scholarship availability, check the financial aid office of the university you want to get admission to. These GRE, GMAT, TOEFL are one aspect of your application process that increases your chances of getting an Indian Scholarship. 

Types of GRE Scholarship

Here is a list of GRE scholarships that might help you with your admission process to your dream university abroad:

Fellowship

The fellowship does not require additional work. It only requires you to have a good grip on your subject and a holistic understanding of it. Your application should seem promising to the universities you are applying for. The competition for this fellowship is tough as the universities only provide a limited number of fellowships.

• Teaching Assistant: The Teaching Assistant or TA-ship asks for 20 hour of work per week. The tuition fee is completely waived and there’s scope for a stipend as well. The job role usually consists of assisting the faculty imparting the course education. A complete mastery over the course is typically expected for this role as you would be subject to students’ doubt or questions. As a Teaching Assistant, you are also expected to help the professor in any administrative help related to the course.

• Research Assistant: The Research Assistant or RA-ship is another type of scholarship that requires work based on the projects you are working in. This is similar to the Teaching Assistant in terms of waivement of tuition fee and inclusion of stipend. As a Research Assistant you are required to help the students understand the course material under the guidance of a professor. You will also be assisting in doing experiments, simulations, programming, writing research papers, etc.

These are few types of funding available for students wishing to study abroad.   

Importance of GRE Score Required for Scholarship

As an Indian student, your GRE score plays a crucial role if you wish to get admitted to an M.S. or PhD course abroad. A high score increases your chances of achieving financial aid. A good GRE percentile is an indication of how better you have performed comparatively.

Make Proper Use of GRE Scores to Get Scholarship

The competition for a scholarship does not end with a GRE score. Besides a decently high GRE score, there are other requirements that are to be satisfied for assurance of your scholarship. 

• You must equip yourself with a good graduate or undergraduate score. A good overall academic performance.
• Along with a decent CGPA from the previous institute you attended last, a few letters of recommendation work in your favour.  
• A clear statement of purpose of why you want to avail the scholarship and how you will be a good fit for the institute.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the GRE only applicable for universities in the US?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that assesses a student’s readiness to grad schools. It is used to assess a few basic as well as technical skills of international students. It is not limited to the US only.

How much of a GRE score is a good score to get admission to Universities?

A good score in the GRE always keeps you on the safe side. The percentile exposes how better you have performed comparatively.

Is the GRE scholarship available for Indian students?

Indian students can avail fellowships with the help of a good GRE score. There are three types of scholarships Indian students can avail of with the help of a good GRE score:

• Fellowship
• Teaching Assistant
• Research Assistant

Read more

A PhD in the USA is a great achievement for anyone in any course. Be it Management, Humanities, Sciences or other technical subjects, there is a big rush. One milestone you need to get along the way to your PhD in your dream university is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). getting admitted to a PhD in the USA without GRE might be a little difficult. However, there is a way out. In this blog, we explore how we get a way to PhD in the USA without GRE. 

GRE for PhD: What is GRE? Why is it Important?

The GRE General Test is a standardized test administered by the Educational Testing Service structured to measure an applicant’s readiness for graduate school or research programs. Different grad programs or PhD require applicants to appear for a subject-specific GRE test on the basis of which scholarship is granted. A GRE scholarship might reduce your tuition fee and the cost of living abroad to a great extent.

The GRE test consists of three sections, verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. The GRE score is valid for 5 years and is a way to almost any university in the US. However, there are a few universities that focus more on your work experience and overall academic performance. 

Scholarships With GRE scores

With a good GRE score, you can avail the following scholarships in universities overseas. 

• Teaching Assistant: The Teaching Assistant or TA-ship eliminates your tuition fee and asks for 20 hours of work per week. Your role as a TA consists of assisting the faculty in imparting the course education. Complete mastery over the course is expected for this role as you might also engage in clearing students’ doubts
• Research Assistant: The Research Assistant or RA-ship is another type of scholarship where you are supposed to assist a professor in projects, experiments, simulations, programming, writing research papers, etc. As a Research Assistant, you are also expected to help the students understand the course material under the guidance of a professor. 

However, it is important to know that students or Research Scholar getting grants is a tough call and thousands of students apply for the test and seek a scholarship. GRE should not be your sole indicator to study abroad, neither should it stand in your way to your dream. 

What would you require for PhD admission in the USA without GRE?

The Universities offering PhD in the USA without GRE scores might set other criteria for admission. Not only is meeting the criteria required but also you are expected to excel in your field for a better chance to stand out among the many students that apply. Some other criteria that you need to keep in mind while applying for a PhD in the USA without GRE are:

• A Good Academic Career: Universities offering PhD would scan through your academic reports. A decent score in your colleges and undergrads might pave way for your admission.
• Professional Work Experience if any: In case you were engaged in any subject-related work prior to the PhD, the experience might work in our favour. 
• Letter of Recommendation:  A letter of recommendation from the institute you attended last or from your internship mentor increases your chance drastically.

These are some of the basics you need to maintain for a PhD admission in the USA without GRE. Although, it is advisable that you thoroughly go through the criteria section of the university you are applying for. Along with these basics, your communication skills in the interview always has an upper hand. 

US universities without GRE for PhD

An MS or PhD in US universities is a great deal and calculating the number of students who apply every year, it is a tough nut to crack. Not all US universities provide admission on the basis of GRE scores. Some of the US universities without GRE for PhD are listed for your reference:

• Chicago School of Professional Psychology: If your interest in Psychology is booming and your dream destination of doing a PhD in the USA and GRE has not been your strength area, Chicago School of Professional Psychology is the right choice for you. It is a three-year full-time course that offers PhD in organisational leadership. 
• Walden University: From all the hustles you went through for your degree in Business Management and Administration, with GMAT or other tests, how about a Doctorate in Business Administration from one of the world’s top universities with all of your business knowledge and skills? Imagine the return on investment!    
• Colorado Technical University: A Doctorate in Computer Science without a GRE and that too from the comfort of your home. How cool is that! Along with an in-depth knowledge of specialized subjects related to computer science you are prepared to predict trends and make contributions in your area of expertise.  
• Smith College: A PhD from Smith College without a GRE provides opportunities to explore your interested field and get in-depth knowledge and hands-on learning. However, it requires a lot of professional work experience to get admitted to the PhD program. 
• Simmons College: Simmons College provide a Doctorate in Nursing Practice without GRE. It is a 33 credit course with the flexibility to customize and learn at the Scholar’s pace. Simmons College is located in Boston, MA. 

These are some of the alternatives you can explore for your dream of completing PhD in the USA without GRE. This degree would be your gateway to a lot of global opportunities in your career. Research well and all the best!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is PhD in the USA without GRE possible?

GRE being the gateway for most courses in the US, there are a few exceptions. Some of the Universities in the USA that offer PhD without GRE are:

• Chicago School of Professional Psychology
• Walden University
• Colorado Technical University
• Smith College
• Simmons College

What are the other requirements for PhD in the USA without GRE?

For most universities, GRE is the minimum criteria for a Doctorate degree. In case you are applying for a PhD without GRE you need to ensure the following:

• A good academic career
• Work experience
• Letter of recommendation
• A good written and spoken English proficiency.

Read more

GRE vs CAT

The GRE, GMAT or CAT, XAT, CMAT, SNAP, CET or MAT are ability testing standardized tests used for assessing an applicant’s ability to pursue an MBA degree either in India or abroad. These popular MBA entrance examination scores are used as crucial eligibility criteria by many business colleges and universities. Know more about two of the MBA entrance examinations, GRE and CAT and all you need to ponder before choosing GRE vs CAT. 

What is GRE?

The Graduate Record Examination(GRE), owned and administered by Educational Testing Service, is one of the standardized tests that is an admission requirement for many graduate schools in the United States and Canada and few in other countries.

What is CAT 

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a standardized test used in the assessment of applicants wishing to get admission to postgraduate management programs. It is conducted by the Indian Institute of Management which means it is only applicable for Indian business schools. However, a few universities abroad also accept CAT scores for admission into their MBA or MIM Business Management program. The Universities abroad that do not differentiate GRE vs CAT are:

• Asian Institute of Management-Washington Sycip Graduate school of Business, Manila-Philippines
• EDHEC Business School, Paris, France

GRE vs CAT: Differences

GRE vs CAT is one of the hot topics of discussion among students aspiring for an MBA. Here we break some common myths about GRE and CAT. 

• While both GRE and CAT have a similar course structure and both assess an applicant’s suitability for business, GRE focuses on testing abilities of students for admission in MBA anywhere across the globe and CAT limits itself to business schools in India only. Many universities accept GRE scores instead of GMAT. Therefore, go through the criteria and eligibility section carefully. 
• There GRE is conducted for 340 marks for 3 hours 45 minutes and CAT is for 300 marks for 3 hours. 
• The validity of the GRE is 5 years whereas the validity of the CAT is only 1 year. 
• GRE is conducted all round the year and CAT is conducted once a year. 

Difficulty level: GRE vs CAT

The Grade Record Examinations (GRE) and Common Admission Tests (CAT) are the two most popular tests for admission into business and management institutions. The syllabus for both tests is almost similar. What differentiates the tests are their difficulty level in different sections. 

The tests are divided into three sections:

• Verbal ability / Reasoning
•  Quantitative Aptitude
• Data interpretation / Analytical writing

While GRE vs CAT is not obvious in the verbal ability section, it becomes distinct in the quantitative reasoning section. The CAT asks tricky questions in this section as it tests the candidate’s problem-solving skills in some given environment.

GRE vs CAT: Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for GRE is quite liberal and does not require any specific qualification. However, the CAT requires a minimum of 50% in the undergrads. 

GRE vs CAT: Syllabus

The CAT exam syllabus is conducted based on three main sections, i.e.

1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

3. Quantitative Aptitude

Whereas the three sections of the GRE syllabus include: 

1. Verbal Reasoning

2. Quantitative Aptitude

3. Analytical Writing

GRE vs CAT: Top business schools in India

Top business schools in India accepting CAT as one of the criteria include central Indian institutes like India Institute of Management (IIM), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi University and some other public and private business schools. 

Business schools accepting CAT score

Here is a list of Business schools accepting CAT scores: 

Institute	Place	Fees (in lakhs)
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (IIM)	Ahmedabad	23
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (IIM)	Bangalore	23.20
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT	Lucknow	19.25
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (IIM)	Indore	16.50
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (IIM)	Kozhikode	19
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (IIM)	Ranchi	15.30
RAJIV GANDHI INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (IIM)	Shillong	15
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (IIM)	Trichy	16.5
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (IIM)	Udaipur	17.59
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (IIM)	Raipur	14.21
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (IIM)	Kashipur	14.75
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (IIM)	Visakhapatnam	13.65
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (IIM)	Nagpur	13.75
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (IIM)	Sirmaur	11.75
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (IIM)	Amritsar	12
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (IIM)	Rohtak	16.65
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (IIM)	Bodhgaya	11
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (IIM)	Jammu	13.80

FAQs 

Is GRE tough?

While the syllabus for GRE and are almost similar, the difficulty level for the verbal reasoning of both GRE and CAT are at par with each other. However, there is a difference in the quantitative reasoning section and CAT asks tricky questions as it assesses an applicant’s problem-solving skills in a given environment. 

How is GRE different from CAT?

The GRE is a standardized test used for MBA entrance to get admission to any business school around the globe whereas CAT is a standardized test used for MBA entrance in India only. 

For how many years is GRE and CAT score valid?

The GRE score is valid for 5 years and the CAT score is valid for only a year.

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