Admissions Advice
For GRE-optional MSCS/MSAI programs, does not submitting GRE scores hurt applicants from lesser-known universities, even if they have a strong research profile?
Keeping details vague for privacy, but my profile is roughly:
- International CS student from a non-top university
- 9.5+ GPA
- AI/ML-focused research profile
- Multiple papers/publications (with some citations)
- Research internships + industry work experience
- Likely 2+ years of full-time work experience by Fall 2027
Would strong research output, GPA, LORs, internships, and work experience generally compensate for not submitting GRE scores at GRE-optional schools?
Or does GRE still significantly help applicants from lesser-known universities demonstrate academic strength?
I’m not asking about GRE-blind or GRE-required schools only GRE-optional ones.
I mainly want to understand how much importance GRE is given at GRE-optional schools. I know every university evaluates applications differently, but I’d appreciate a general overview or even a rough ranking of factors from most important to least important.
Would especially appreciate insights from recent applicants/admits, particularly international students with research-heavy profiles.