I have been looking at grad programs whose GRE requirement is optional, but I want to hear if GRE optional is really…‘optional’, as in if having one won’t significantly help me get in when I already have good academic stats.
What are your thoughts?
I’m not 100% sure - I’m betting it varies depending on the program. Some programs may say that the GRE is optional, but that they will consider it if you submit GRE scores. And other programs may say that they don’t consider the GRE at all when making a decision. At the former type of school, having high GRE scores may help a little if you are a borderline applicant. At the latter type, they won’t help because they won’t be looked at.
What I will say, though, is don’t choose or limit yourself to program simply because they are GRE optional. Graduate programs can have a significant impact on the course of your career in some fields, and you don’t want avoiding a four-hour test to determine how your career begins.