Sending GRE Scores if they are waived...

[Aminta Greene]

Hi All, I took the GRE online and my scores were above the averages for some programs I am applying to, so I feel it would benefit my application if the scores were considered. However, for some of the programs, they say this: **Due to difficulties with test taking during the COVID-19 pandemic, the GRE score requirement is temporarily waived for applications submitted for fall 2021 admission.**


My question is: Should I send the scores anyway to these schools? Will they even look at them? Or are they just saying that the scores are not required, but they will still be considered?

[La Cosmopolitan]

I think it depends. It seems like some schools say explicitly that they will not even consider GRE scores while others are simply saying they are not required. For the latter, I am also not sure whether to send scores.

[justacigar]

You might need to get clarification if it is waived meaning they aren't accepting scores, or if it is waived meaning it's not required but they are accepting scores.

Personally if schools are still accepting scores but they are optional, I'm sending mine 

[RyanS]

If they are waived, then they are not using them for admissions criteria. If they are not using them for admissions criteria, then it does not benefit you to send them. They will be set aside.

[Mickey26]

17 hours ago, justacigar said:

You might need to get clarification if it is waived meaning they aren't accepting scores, or if it is waived meaning it's not required but they are accepting scores.

THIS.

You can also email the specific school and ask for clarification! Good luck

[justacigar]

14 hours ago, RyanS said:

If they are waived, then they are not using them for admissions criteria. If they are not using them for admissions criteria, then it does not benefit you to send them. They will be set aside.

I don't know if this will always be the case, though. Some programs very explicitly say they are not accepting scores vs waived vs optional. I would rather be careful and get clarification before assuming for each individual program, personally