Is The GRE Becoming Obsolete In 2025? Expert Opinions
For decades, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) was the gold standard for students applying to master’s and PhD programs across the globe. Whether it was engineering at MIT, economics at LSE, or psychology at NYU, the GRE was seen as the ticket to proving academic readiness.
But in 2025, the story is very different. Universities worldwide are rethinking the role of standardized tests, and the GRE has quietly lost the dominance it once enjoyed.
Why is the GRE losing ground?
- Shift to Holistic Admissions
Universities increasingly prefer to evaluate applicants on a broader range of factors: academic performance, research projects, professional experience, and personal statements. GRE scores no longer hold the same gatekeeping power. - The Rise of the GRE’s Competitors
Many programs now accept (or even prefer) the GMAT, IELTS/TOEFL, or no test at all. Business schools especially have shifted toward more flexible requirements. - Equity and Accessibility
Standardized tests like the GRE have long been criticized for bias and for favoring students with access to expensive test prep. Dropping the GRE is part of a larger movement to create fairer admissions systems. - COVID-19’s Lasting Impact
The pandemic forced universities to rethink admissions criteria when test centers were closed. What started as a temporary waiver has now become a permanent policy for many programs.
What does this mean for Indian students?
- More Flexibility: Students applying abroad can now rely more on their academic transcripts, projects, and statement of purpose (SOP) rather than stressing only about test scores.
- Higher Weight on Profiles: With GRE optional, universities expect stronger profiles—internships, research, leadership, and clarity of career goals.
- Selective Use of GRE: For highly competitive STEM programs, a good GRE score can still act as a differentiator. But it’s no longer “mandatory.”
Why the GRE Still Matters
Before you dismiss the GRE completely, it’s important to note that the exam continues to hold weight in several key ways:
- Selective Programs: Top-tier and competitive universities still strongly prefer or require GRE scores for differentiation.
- Scholarship Opportunities: A high GRE score can strengthen funding applications.
- Global Recognition: Unlike university-specific requirements, the GRE is universally accepted across thousands of programs worldwide.
- Objective Benchmark: In an era where GPA scales vary widely across countries, GRE scores offer a common yardstick.
The Student Perspective
Here’s the truth: while some students may get into great universities without GRE scores, others—especially those applying from India or other competitive applicant pools—can stand out with strong GRE results. For ambitious students aiming at Ivy Leagues, top STEM programs, or PhDs, the GRE is still a valuable ticket.
CLBS’ Take
At CLBS, we guide students through this changing admissions landscape. Our approach is simple: personalized strategy. We evaluate your target programs, profile strengths, and career goals before advising whether to take the GRE. For some, the test may be optional—but for others, it can be the very factor that secures admission and scholarships.
Final Word
The GRE may no longer be the only gateway, but it remains a powerful one. The smart move is not to blindly follow trends, but to make informed, strategic choices.
At CLBS, we’re here to help you do exactly that.
If you’re planning for Fall 2026 admissions, talk to us about how to tailor your application strategy for a post-GRE world.
