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The GRE in 2026 — What First-Gen Applicants Actually Need to Know
Which grad school programs still require the GRE, which have waived it, and whether you should take it when it’s optional.
The Short Answer
Most PhD programs in STEM, social sciences, and humanities permanently waived the GRE requirement after 2020. Economics PhD programs and most MBA programs still require it. For programs that list GRE as optional, submit your score only if it will likely be at or above the program’s median — a weak optional score does not help.
Field-by-Field GRE Requirement Status
| Field | GRE Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Biology / Biochemistry | Largely waived | Most R1 programs waived permanently after 2020 |
| Chemistry | Largely waived | Subject GRE also largely dropped |
| Psychology | Largely waived | Some clinical programs still require it |
| Political Science / Sociology | Largely waived | Waived at most research universities |
| History / English / Humanities | Largely waived | Writing sample carries more weight now |
| Computer Science | Mixed | Top programs often waived; many state schools still require |
| Engineering | Mixed | Varies significantly by program and department |
| Economics (PhD) | Frequently required | Quant score remains a core signal; 165+ expected |
| MBA | Required (GMAT or GRE) | GMAT is still the standard; GRE accepted at most schools |
| Medicine (MD) | MCAT only | GRE is not used for MD admissions |
| Law (JD) | LSAT only | GRE accepted at some schools; LSAT remains standard |
| Public Health (MPH / PhD) | Mixed | Many schools have waived; verify by program |
Verify each specific program’s policy on their admissions page. Policies change annually.
When the GRE Is Optional: Should You Take It?
The decision to take an optional GRE is a risk calculation based on your likely score relative to the program’s median.
Take it if
- Your diagnostic practice score is at or above the program's published median
- You are applying to quantitative fields where a 165+ Quant score is a meaningful positive signal
- You have already taken the test and your score is strong — no additional prep cost
Skip it if
- Your score is likely below 155 Quant or 155 Verbal for most programs
- The program has fully waived the requirement and explicitly states GRE is not considered
- Prep time would come at the expense of your personal statement or research statement quality
Competitive Score Benchmarks by Field
| Field | Quant | Verbal | Analytical Writing |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEM / Engineering | 160–167 | 150–158 | 4.0–5.0 |
| Economics | 163–170 | 155–162 | 4.0–4.5 |
| Social Sciences | 155–163 | 158–165 | 4.0–5.0 |
| Humanities | 150–158 | 161–167 | 4.5–5.0 |
| Public Health | 152–162 | 153–160 | 3.5–4.5 |
Ranges compiled from ETS program data, individual program published medians, and admissions forums. Verify with each target program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take the GRE for graduate school in 2026?+
It depends on the program. Many PhD programs — particularly in STEM, social sciences, and humanities — permanently waived the GRE after 2020. However, some programs in engineering, computer science, and professional fields still require it. Business schools (MBA programs) continue to require the GMAT or GRE. Medical school requires the MCAT, not the GRE. Verify each specific program's policy on their admissions page before registering.
Which fields have largely dropped the GRE requirement?+
Biology, chemistry, psychology, political science, sociology, history, English, and most humanities programs have largely eliminated the GRE requirement at research universities. Engineering and computer science programs at top schools are mixed — MIT CSAIL-adjacent programs often waive it; some state university programs still require it. Economics PhD programs frequently still require GRE Quant scores because quantitative preparation is a core signal for the field.
If the GRE is optional, should I take it?+
Take it if your score will likely be strong relative to the program's averages — a 165+ Quant score helps in quantitative fields, a 161+ Verbal score can strengthen humanities applications. Skip it if you have a low score (below 155 Quant or 155 Verbal for most programs) — an optional low score does not help and may raise questions. If you are uncertain, calculate your target programs' median GRE scores and decide based on your diagnostic performance.
How much does the GRE matter for PhD admissions?+
At programs that still require it, the GRE functions primarily as a screening tool — a low score can screen you out, but a high score alone does not admit you. Research experience, letters of recommendation, and statement quality matter more. At programs where GRE is optional and you submit it, a strong score provides a small positive signal. The shift away from GRE requirement reflects a broader field consensus that scores are a weaker predictor of PhD success than research fit and faculty recommendation.
What is a good GRE score for PhD programs?+
Competitive PhD programs typically see median Quant scores between 158 and 167, depending on field. STEM and economics programs: 160+ Quant is competitive; 165+ is strong. Humanities and social sciences: 158+ Verbal is competitive; 162+ is strong. Analytical Writing: 4.0 to 5.0 is the typical competitive range. Business schools: look at GMAT equivalent scores — GRE 315+ is roughly competitive at programs accepting GRE.
When should I take the GRE if I need it?+
Take the GRE no later than October of your application year to have official scores available for December deadlines. ETS delivers scores in 10 to 15 days. Allow time for one retake if needed — you can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to 5 times in a rolling 12-month period. Start with a diagnostic practice test 4 to 6 months before your target test date to gauge your preparation needs.
Building your full application? See the complete PhD Application Checklist for every document and deadline.
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