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February 25, 2025

US Colleges Waiving TOEFL and GRE Requirements for International Applicants

For international students looking to pursue graduate studies in the United States, standardized tests like the TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT have often been significant obstacles. However, many US universities are now making admissions more accessible by waiving or offering alternatives to these tests. This shift is opening doors for more students, particularly international applicants, to explore graduate programs without the stress of standardized testing.

English Proficiency Test Alternatives

Several universities have introduced alternatives for demonstrating English proficiency, helping international students who might struggle to meet TOEFL or IELTS requirements.

• University of Delaware offers a Conditional Admissions Program (CAP) that allows students who meet all other requirements but lack English proficiency to take preparatory courses, bypassing the need for a TOEFL or IELTS score.
• West Texas A&M University has exemptions for students from countries like Ghana and Liberia, allowing them to bypass TOEFL or IELTS. The university also accepts alternative English proficiency proof, such as Duolingo or SAT scores.

GRE and GMAT Waivers for Select Programs

In addition to English proficiency test exemptions, numerous US institutions are waiving GRE and GMAT requirements for certain graduate programs.

• Prestigious universities like Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Johns Hopkins University no longer require GRE scores for specific graduate programs. For example, MIT's Electrical Engineering and Computer Science department does not require the GRE, and Johns Hopkins' engineering school has similar policies.
• DePaul University in Chicago offers over 175 graduate programs that do not require GRE scores. While some programs encourage GRE scores, waivers are available for students with strong academic backgrounds.
• Some MBA programs, including those at the University of Redlands and University of Delaware, offer GMAT waivers for applicants with relevant work experience or a professional degree from a US institution.

Why This Shift Matters

The trend of waiving standardized testing requirements is a game-changer for international applicants. By adopting more flexible admissions policies, US colleges are recognizing that test scores are not the only indicators of a student's potential. This change allows universities to focus more on a student's academic performance, professional experience, and personal achievements, rather than placing undue weight on standardized tests.

As more universities make the move to waive or offer alternatives to TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT exams, international students are finding new opportunities to pursue their academic and professional goals in the US.

This flexible approach not only reduces the financial and mental burden on international applicants but also broadens access to higher education, ensuring that talented students from around the world can pursue their dreams without the traditional testing barriers.

For international students, this is an exciting time to consider studying in the United States, with many universities offering more pathways to success than ever before.