No, you do not have to “pass” the GRE—because there is no official passing score. The GRE is not a pass/fail exam like a licensing test. Instead, it is a standardized assessment used by graduate programs to compare applicants. So, Do you have to pass the GRE? The better question is: Do you have to take it at all?
The Truth About “Passing” the GRE
There is no minimum score set by ETS that qualifies you as “passed.” A score of 260 is as valid as a 340—it’s simply a measure of your performance relative to others. What matters is whether your score meets the expectations of the graduate programs you’re applying to.
When Do You Have to Take the GRE?
You only need to take the GRE if:
- The program you’re applying to requires it
- The program recommends it and you want to strengthen your application
- You’re applying to a country or institution where it’s a common standard (e.g., U.S. or Canada)
Many programs—especially in education, social work, nursing, public policy, and creative arts—have made the GRE optional or completely eliminated the requirement. Some schools no longer consider GRE scores at all.
What If You Don’t Take the GRE?
You can still be admitted to a master’s or PhD program without taking the GRE—if your target schools don’t require it. Admissions committees will then evaluate your:
- Undergraduate GPA
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Resume or CV
- Writing samples or portfolios
- English proficiency (if applicable)
Bottom Line
Do you have to pass the GRE? No—you don’t have to pass it, because there’s no pass/fail.
Do you have to take it? Only if your program requires it.
Many students successfully earn graduate degrees without ever taking the GRE. Focus on the requirements of your specific programs—not on an imaginary passing threshold. If the GRE isn’t required, skip it. If it is, aim for a competitive score—but remember: it’s just one part of your application.