Short answer. It depends. Many biology graduate programs in the United States and elsewhere no longer require the GRE General Test, and the GRE Biology Subject Test was discontinued by ETS in 2021. Whether you need to take the GRE for a biology application depends on the specific program, the degree level, your background, and how competitive the program is.
Why the answer varies
Graduate programs set their own admissions requirements. Over the last several years a sizable number of biology departments have removed the GRE from their application checklists. Programs may label the GRE as required, recommended, optional, or not considered at all. The decision often reflects admissions philosophy, equity goals, and departmental norms. Because policies vary widely between universities and can change from year to year, verifying each program’s official requirements is essential.
Quick guide: when you probably do or do not need the GRE
- Most PhD programs in biology at major research universities: many have made the GRE optional or eliminated it, but some still accept or recommend it. Competitive programs with large applicant pools may consider GRE scores if submitted.
- Master’s programs (coursework-focused): many do not require the GRE, especially professional or terminal master’s. Some selective research-based M.S. programs may request scores.
- Professional tracks (biotech, clinical research, industry-oriented): GRE is often not required.
- International programs outside the U.S.: GRE is less commonly required in the UK and much of Europe. Some programs in Canada and the U.S. still request it for certain applicants, including international students, but trends are moving away from routine use of the GRE.
- Programs that fund students: funded PhD programs often emphasize research, letters of recommendation, and fit over GRE scores. However, a few programs still use the GRE for screening international applicants.
Important details to know
GRE Subject Test in Biology
The GRE Biology Subject Test was discontinued by Educational Testing Service. That means you cannot take an official GRE Biology Subject Test now. If a program explicitly asks for a biology subject score, contact the program to confirm what they accept instead.
GRE General Test
The GRE General Test is still available and covers Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Some programs accept General Test scores, some recommend them, and others ignore them. Check each program’s admissions page for current policy and for any minimum score expectations if listed.
Why some programs dropped the GRE
- Concerns about test access and equity across socioeconomic groups.
- Evidence that undergraduate GPA, research experience, and letters of recommendation are better predictors of graduate success in research programs.
- Administrative and applicant feedback suggesting the GRE creates barriers without clear benefit.
How to check whether you need the GRE for a specific biology program
- Visit the program’s official admissions page and read the “How to Apply” or “Application Requirements” section.
- Look for statements labeled “required,” “recommended,” or “optional” regarding the GRE General Test.
- If the site is unclear, email the graduate program coordinator or admissions contact. Ask whether the GRE is required for your applicant type (domestic versus international, PhD versus M.S.).
- Check recent admitted student profiles or FAQs; these sometimes state whether admitted students submitted GRE scores.
- When in doubt, follow any explicit instruction from the program. An informal policy on a forum or third-party site is not authoritative.
Strategies when the GRE is optional
If a program lists the GRE as optional, you must decide whether submitting scores helps your application. Consider these points:
- Submit if your scores strengthen your file. A strong GRE score can help applicants with weaker GPAs or less research experience, especially for highly competitive programs.
- Skip if your other credentials are strong. If you have a high GPA, substantial research experience, strong letters, and publications or conference presentations, leaving the GRE out often will not hurt you.
- International applicants. If you are an international applicant with nonstandard coursework, some programs may still value a GRE score as a common metric. Verify with the program.
- Use scores strategically. If you do take the GRE and get an average or low score, you may prefer not to submit it. Many programs allow applicants to choose which scores to include.
Alternatives programs use instead of the GRE
When departments do not require the GRE, they typically place more weight on other elements of the application. Common alternatives include:
- Undergraduate GPA and transcripts, including course rigor and grades in upper-level biology and quantitative courses.
- Research experience, such as laboratory projects, internships, independent studies, and paid research positions.
- Letters of recommendation from research supervisors who can speak to your experimental skills and potential as a scientist.
- Publications, posters, and conference talks that demonstrate research productivity.
- Personal statement or research statement that explains fit with faculty and research programs.
- Supplemental materials like writing samples, reproducible code, or portfolios for computational biology applicants.
Practical checklist for applicants
- Make a list of target programs and note each program’s GRE policy explicitly.
- For programs that strongly recommend or require the GRE, schedule and prepare to take the test at a time that allows scores to be reported before application deadlines.
- If the GRE is optional and you are considering submitting scores, plan a diagnostic test or practice attempt well before the application window so you can decide whether to include the score.
- Strengthen research credentials by seeking additional lab experience, an independent project, or a manuscript in preparation if possible.
- Prepare recommenders to emphasize the qualities admissions committees value: independence, technical competence, critical thinking, and potential for research success.
Special cases and additional considerations
International applicants
International applicants should check whether programs expect the GRE for visa-era screening or for fellowship eligibility. Many programs that drop the GRE still require standardized proof of English ability, such as TOEFL or IELTS, unless exempted.
Applicants with nontraditional backgrounds
If you come from a nontraditional background or attended a school with a grading system unfamiliar to U.S. admissions committees, a strong GRE General Test score might help provide a standardized comparison point. Discuss your background in your statement and ask your recommenders to emphasize preparedness for graduate coursework and research.
Applying to multiple types of programs
If you are applying to a mix of PhD and M.S. programs, or to programs in multiple countries, you may need to decide whether to take the GRE at all. If several of your top choices require or recommend it, plan to take it once and use the score across applications.
Timeline and test planning
Apply the same planning principles you would for other parts of your application:
- Take a diagnostic practice test early to assess whether taking the GRE will likely benefit your application.
- If you decide to take the GRE, schedule it at least 6 to 8 weeks before the earliest application deadline to allow time for score reporting and for a retake, if necessary.
- Consider test preparation resources targeted at the GRE General Test, such as practice tests, targeted review in quantitative and verbal reasoning, and writing practice.
Comparison table: Typical GRE policies by program type
| Program type | Typical GRE policy | When to consider submitting scores |
|---|---|---|
| Research PhD (major U.S. university) | Often optional or not required; some programs accept scores | When GPA or research record is weak; for international applicants with nontraditional backgrounds |
| Research M.S. | Mixed: some require, some optional, many not required | If program lists as recommended or if you want an additional metric |
| Professional/master’s (coursework) | Usually not required | Rarely useful; submit only if strong and requested |
| Programs outside U.S. | Often not required, vary by country and institution | Only if explicitly requested or if it improves competitiveness |
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can I submit a GRE score if a program says it is optional?
A. Yes. If a program lists the GRE as optional you can usually submit scores. Submit only if the score strengthens your application. Low or borderline scores can sometimes harm perceived competitiveness.
Q. What should I do if a program still requests a subject test score?
A. Contact the program. Because the GRE Biology Subject Test is discontinued, programs that still list it may accept alternative evidence of biology preparation, or they may update their requirements. Ask for guidance on acceptable substitutes.
Q. Will not having a GRE hurt my admission chances?
A. If the program states the GRE is not required, omitting it will not typically harm your application. Admissions committees focus more on research potential, coursework, and recommendations, especially for PhD applicants.
Q. Should international students take the GRE even when optional?
A. In some cases yes. For applicants whose transcripts are hard to evaluate or who want an extra standardized data point, a strong GRE score can help. Ask the program how they view GRE scores for international applicants.
Final thoughts
Do not assume a universal policy. The best course is practical: check each program’s current admissions page, clarify ambiguous policies with the graduate coordinator, and make a deliberate decision about testing based on how much a GRE score would strengthen your overall profile. Emphasize research experience, strong letters, and a clear research statement, since these elements matter most in biology admissions.
