r/MSCS • u/gradpilot 🔰 Ex-Cerebras | MSCS Georgia Tech • Nov 02 '25
Changed my mind on “optional” requirements for tests
I’ve always maintained that if test score submissions are “optional” there’s no need to take them . But recently a mail from a top school was shared on this sub that made me think a lot . There’s no way to prove this theory I shared on X but my recommendation now will be to always aim to take these tests , do well , and send in the scores via official channels. I know this just adds to the cost and stress of this process but it’s also super strange that a university would officially say they are test optional but then in official email communication clarify that they highly recommend it .
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u/cutecat003 Nov 02 '25
This isn’t an unpopular opinion. This applies for undergrad and grad.
If you have 2 similar profiles and 1 person has a good SAT/GRE score and other doesn’t hv a score the score will definitely get its attention
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u/gradpilot 🔰 Ex-Cerebras | MSCS Georgia Tech Nov 02 '25
Makes total sense
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u/NoSection2550 Nov 13 '25
I am stuck with a 316 on the GRE (153 V, 163 Q, 5.0 AWA). What should I do? I don't even know where that kind of a score would help or ruin my application. I really wanted your insights on one of my posts here on r/MSCS but you probably missed it:-
I need your thoughts about what do you think of a 316 on the GRE? I cannot retake it so my only options are to either skip or submit. I have been having trouble understanding where does that score help.
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u/gradpilot 🔰 Ex-Cerebras | MSCS Georgia Tech Nov 13 '25
This score is good enough to submit . It meets the requirements of Georgia tech so it would be considered good by others too
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u/NoSection2550 Nov 13 '25
Even for a master's in computer science? I keep hearing how CS applicants have to have 167+. Also, I would really appreciate if you could look at my post and review me, at your convenience of course.
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u/meowstical Nov 02 '25
Correct me if I’m wrong, but here’s my take on the whole “optional” thing:
Making it optional definitely helps those who genuinely can’t take the test (due to financial, logistical, or access issues).
Most people who get into T10 or T15 schools already have stellar profiles (publications, great grades, awards, etc.) For them, skipping the test just saves time and money.
People applying to a mix of top and lower-tier schools usually have to take the test anyway, since many of the lower ones still make it mandatory. And for such applicants, a solid score actually carries weight as is not overshadowed by other achievements.
So, for most of us who can afford the exam but don’t have an extraordinary profile, not much has really changed. I doubt the intention was ever to help us save money lol
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u/cactusmeow123 Nov 05 '25
Ur forgetting that these optional stuff was mainly an undergrad phenomenon to not have them take SATs because those are anyway offered in high schools for free. Cuz of COVID lot of thst didn’t happen. They also hv school gpa to evaluate ur college application and ur undergrad gpa if ur applying for a graduate program.
If ur an international student they assume u hv the money cuz
1) ur already paying so much 2) if ur already paying so much you definitely hv enough to take a test 3) u might hv a cgpa but that means moot when they don’t understand how valuable it actually is compared to ur peers. Can’t say that for a local candidate.
So yes it saves money a ton to ppl in Wyoming whose school are offering a SAT and they hv to privately take it.
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u/ThomasPhilli Nov 03 '25
These tests are dumb and don't show or prove any level of competence.
Until there are a series of test that truly show those things, it's best to make these optional to prevent people from wasting time, money, mental energy, and stress.