GRE Requirement

GRE Requirement

Admission to the graduate programs in Computer Science at Iowa State University is highly competitive, and GRE test scores are an important part of our application evaluation process. Our holistic process considers multiple sources of information to determine an applicant’s ability to manage the academic rigors of our graduate program, especially quantitative coursework. 

GRE test scores provide the admissions committee with an additional objective means of evaluating an applicant’s qualifications. However, some applicants have highly strong qualifications, which are evident from their application materials. For these applicants, GRE test scores offer minimal additional information. For other applicants, including GRE test scores can help strengthen an application. This can mean independently demonstrating their academic capabilities on the GRE test if they have graduated from a university with very different academic standards. For other applicants, it can mean using GRE test scores to offset lower areas of an application, such as a lower cumulative GPA or core Computer Science or Math grades. 

The intent of the GRE requirement is to build the strongest application possible.

Admitted students are required to send official GRE scores, unless a waiver has been approved. The ETS institution code for Iowa State University is 6306.

GRE Waiver Criteria

Applicants may request a waiver if they meet one of the following waiver criteria. Documents will be reviewed case-by-case and a decision will be made for each individual applicant. Submitting a request based on the criteria does not guarantee a waiver.

1. Qualifying Iowa State University Education 

  • Current Iowa State University undergraduate students or recent graduate (within the past five years) or current graduate student.
  • Major in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or other rigorous mathematical/STEM area. 
  • 3.2 or higher CGPA 
  • Quality grades (B or higher) in COM S 227, 311, 331, 363
  • No more than two C grades in undergraduate Computer Science/Math courses; no C grades in graduate level courses.

2. Qualifying Academic Background 

  • Undergraduate and/or Graduate Degree(s) in one of the following areas: Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or other rigorous mathematical/STEM area. 
  • 3.5 or higher equivalent CGPA 
  • All Computer Science/Math coursework with quality grades (A or B equivalent) 
  • No retakes

3. Qualifying Research Background or Relevant Professional Career Experience

  • Research-based MS or PhD degree(s) with thesis in one of the following areas: Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or other rigorous mathematical/STEM area, and
  • Substantial number of papers published in high quality journals, or 
    • 3 or more years of relevant professional University teaching experience

4. Significant Challenge – For applicants with a significant challenge preventing the inclusion of official GRE scores with their application. 

  • We understand that significant challenges may prevent applicants from taking the GRE exam. In these rare instances, the Admissions Committee can consider final applications without the required official GRE scores. They will make the admission decision based on the other elements of the application (Statement of Purpose, transcripts, Letters of Recommendation, etc.). However, we would be remiss if we didn’t let you know that omission of official GRE scores will have an impact on the admission decision, as the application may not be as strong as other applicants. We receive many applications each term, and only the strongest ones are admitted. 
  • Applicants are strongly encouraged to make every effort to submit official GRE scores. ETS, who administers the GRE, offers an at-home version of the GRE which may be an option for students who cannot travel to a testing center. Visit the ETS website for additional details (click here). 

Process to Request a GRE Waiver

If you meet one of the GRE waiver criter listed above, use this link to submit your GRE waiver request: https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0pN2zRPkwo1ZknY 

  • The graduate program will review your request and determine if you qualify for a waiver.
  • The graduate program will email the waiver decision (approved or denied) to the email address entered into the GRE waiver request form.
  • If approved for a GRE waiver, please upload a PDF copy of your GRE waiver email in place of the GRE test taker report for the unofficial GRE exam results task in the application portal.

Do not submit a second request for a different waiver criteria if your first request was denied.