GRE not required, should I still send scores?
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If the GRE is not required, what difference does it make to still go ahead and take it? What would be the impact of submitting an average GRE score even if it is not required?
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Post-COVID, many universities have made the GRE optional, so it's essential to check program requirements in advance. The decision to take the GRE is highly context-dependent. It provides a uniform scale for universities to assess candidates' basic math and verbal skills. For universities with fewer instances of students getting into graduate programs abroad without the GRE, taking the test can be advantageous.
The GRE is not a very challenging test in my view. Starting early and practicing strategically can lead to a decent score within two months. For engineering and CS programs, a good score generally means achieving above the 90th percentile in quant and between the 60th and 70th percentile in verbal.