Graduate school waivers
Graduate School announces temporary waivers for admissions exam requirements
In response to testing limitations created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Auburn University is temporarily waiving test requirements for admission to most graduate programs that require the Graduate Records Examinations, or GRE, and the Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT, for summer 2020, fall 2020, and spring 2021 admissions periods.
The decision comes as the university continues to address challenges students face as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prospective graduate students, both in the U.S. and internationally, cannot currently complete standardized exams due to either test center closures or inaccessible home exam options.
“We are seeking to simplify the graduate application process to support prospective students hoping to pursue a graduate degree at Auburn, but who cannot sit for the GRE and the GMAT due to the test center closures and travel restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Graduate School Dean George Flowers.
The temporary suspension of test requirements will apply to most programs either offered on-campus or via distance education. Although the waiver supports most of Auburn’s graduate programs, specific departments may not allow test waivers due to accreditation restrictions or state and federal admissions guidelines.
Those students who have already taken or can conveniently take the GRE or the GMAT are encouraged to submit their exam scores as part of their overall application package. As the COVID-19 situation develops in the coming months, individual programs may elect to reinstitute test score requirements.
Instead of strict reliance on standardized test scores, graduate admissions officers will conduct holistic applicant reviews and render individual admissions decisions based on applicants’ academic credentials and accomplishments. A full list of Auburn University graduate programs with contact information for the GPOs can be found on the Graduate School website.
International applicants required to submit a language test score will be offered alternative means of certifying their English proficiency. Available alternatives are also listed on the Graduate School site.
Prospective students should contact the graduate program officer for a program of interest for specific details on required documentation and procedures. Contact the Graduate School at gradadm@auburn.edu with any questions, including application processes and deadlines.