Since 2020, GRE-optional and GRE-not-accepted policies have proliferated, especially in engineering MS programs. This is the 2026 list, with admissions notes per program. Always confirm on the official program page — policy shifts year to year. For broader masters context see our MS Programs Guide.
GRE not accepted (2026)
MIT EECS (since 2020), UC Berkeley EECS (most MS tracks), Caltech CMS, Princeton COS, Brown CS — these programs do not consider GRE scores even if submitted.
GRE optional (2026)
Stanford EE / ME / Aero (optional, some departments), CMU SCS (varies by program), University of Michigan ECE/CSE, UCLA Engineering, Cornell Tech, Georgia Tech College of Computing (optional for most MS programs).
Should you submit if optional?
Submit only if your Quant score is 167+. Below 165, the score is more likely to hurt than help in highly competitive admissions pools.
Frequently asked questions
Why have so many engineering MS programs dropped the GRE?
Faculty research has shown weak correlation between GRE scores and graduate-school success in engineering, and the application barrier has been seen as inequitable.
Does dropping GRE make admission easier?
No. Programs simply weight other factors (research experience, recommendation letters, GPA) more heavily. Admit rates have not increased materially.
Should I still take the GRE?
Take it only if at least one of your target programs requires or strongly recommends it.