So, you’re looking at Carnegie Mellon. The big one. The School of Computer Science (SCS) at CMU is basically the North Star for anyone who wants to build the next generation of AI or dive deep into systems architecture. But then you hit the admissions page and things get murky. You’re wondering, does CMU require GRE for MS in CS applications this year?
The short answer is: it’s complicated.
Honestly, if you were looking for a simple "yes" or "no" across the board, you won’t find it. Carnegie Mellon isn't one giant monolith where every department follows the same rulebook. Each program—from the standard Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) to specialized tracks like Machine Learning or Language Technologies—sets its own bar.
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The Shift Away from Standardized Testing
In recent years, the vibe in Pittsburgh has shifted. CMU was one of the first major institutions to realize that a three-hour math and vocab test might not actually predict if someone can handle a grueling Distributed Systems course. During the pandemic, almost every program dropped the requirement. Now? Some have kept it optional, some have made it "recommended," and others have basically told applicants not to bother sending their scores at all because they won't even look at them.
For the flagship MS in Computer Science, the GRE is currently optional.
Wait. "Optional" is a scary word in grad school apps, right? It usually feels like a trap. You think, if I don't send it, will they think I'm hiding a bad score? Here is how the admissions committee actually looks at it. If you have a 3.9 GPA from a top-tier engineering school and a couple of internships at places like Nvidia or Google, they really don't care about your GRE score. You've already proven you're smart. However, if your GPA is a bit "meh" or you come from a school that the admissions team might not be familiar with, a high GRE score can act as a safety net. It’s evidence that you have the quantitative chops to survive.
Does CMU Require GRE for MS in CS? Breaking Down the SCS Programs
Carnegie Mellon's School of Computer Science is home to seven different departments. Because of that, the answer to does CMU require GRE for MS in CS changes depending on which door you're knocking on.
The MSCS (Master of Science in Computer Science)
This is the "pure" CS degree. For the most recent cycles, the GRE has been optional. The admissions committee explicitly states that they take a holistic approach. They want to see your research potential and your coding skills. If you decide to submit a score, it becomes part of the pile. If you don't, they focus more heavily on your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and your letters of recommendation.
The Specialized Programs
Things get weird here. Take the Master of Science in Machine Learning (MSML). They often view the GRE as optional but highly recommended if your background isn't strictly in CS or Math. Then you have the Language Technologies Institute (LTI). They have historically been more flexible, but they change their stance based on how many applications they're drowning in.
Then there is the MCDS (Master of Computational Data Science). This program is famously competitive and often leans more toward seeing those quantitative scores.
Check the specific department's "Deadlines and Requirements" page. I know that sounds like homework, but CMU updates these rules every August. A program that was "GRE Optional" in 2024 might become "GRE Not Accepted" in 2026.
What Does "Not Accepted" Even Mean?
If a program says "Not Accepted," they mean it. Don't waste your money sending the scores through ETS. They will literally filter them out of your digital file before the professors even see your name. It’s a waste of $200.
Why the GRE Matters Less Than You Think
Let’s be real for a second. CMU is a research powerhouse. When a professor sits down to look at your application, they aren't looking for someone who can memorize vocabulary words like "gossamer" or "ebullient."
They want to know:
- Can you write efficient C++ code?
- Do you understand the math behind backpropagation?
- Have you contributed to an open-source project?
- Does your letter of recommendation from a former professor say you're the next Alan Turing?
The GRE is a "filter" for some schools, but for CMU, it’s more of a "supplement." If you are an international student from a university where the grading system is notoriously harsh or non-standard, a 170 on the Quantitative section of the GRE is a universal signal. It says, "I know my math."
But if you’re choosing between spending 40 hours studying for the GRE or 40 hours finishing a killer research project, choose the project. Every time. CMU rewards builders and thinkers, not test-takers.
The TOEFL/IELTS Factor
Don't confuse the GRE with English proficiency. While the answer to does CMU require GRE for MS in CS might be "no," the answer for TOEFL or IELTS is almost always "yes" for international students. CMU is strict about this. They need to know you can participate in high-level technical discussions in English without a struggle.
Strategizing Your Application Without a GRE Score
If you decide to skip the test, you have to over-deliver everywhere else. You can't just leave a hole in your application.
First, your Statement of Purpose needs to be surgical. Don't tell a story about how you liked computers as a kid. Boring. Tell them about a specific problem you solved in your Operating Systems class. Talk about the "why" behind your research interests. Mention specific CMU labs like the Robotics Institute or the CyLab.
Second, look at your Letters of Recommendation. These carry more weight than a GRE score ever could. A letter from a professor who can vouch for your ability to handle "CMU-level rigor" is the golden ticket.
Third, your GPA. If the GRE is gone, the GPA is the only quantitative metric left. If your GPA is below a 3.5, you might actually want to take the GRE to prove the GPA was a fluke or the result of a single bad semester.
Common Misconceptions
A lot of people think that if they don't submit a GRE score, they’ll be at a disadvantage compared to someone who did. Honestly? Not really. If the department says it's optional, they mean it. They use a rubric. If the GRE box is empty, that section of the rubric is just weighted differently across your other achievements.
One thing that is true: CMU likes to see a high level of mathematical maturity. If you aren't submitting a GRE, make sure your transcript shows high grades in Linear Algebra, Discrete Math, and Probability.
Actionable Steps for CMU Hopefuls
Don't let the GRE debate paralyze you. The application deadline for the fall semester is usually in early December (with an early deadline in late November).
- Audit the specific program: Go to the SCS Graduate Admissions page. Click on the "Programs" link. Check the specific GRE status for the MSCS, MSAII, MCDS, or whatever your target is.
- Evaluate your "Quant" profile: If you don't have an A in Calculus or Linear Algebra, go take the GRE. Focus entirely on the Quantitative section. Aim for a 167 or higher. Anything lower for CMU is basically irrelevant.
- Prep your GitHub: Since they care about your technical skills, make sure your code is clean. If you're skipping the GRE, your portfolio is your new resume.
- Connect with current students: Find people on LinkedIn who are currently in the CMU MSCS program. Ask them if they submitted their scores. You'll find a massive mix of answers, which should give you some peace of mind.
- Check for fee waivers: If the cost of the application or the GRE is a barrier, CMU has a process for fee waivers. Look into this early, as it takes time to process.
Ultimately, getting into Carnegie Mellon for Computer Science is about your "fit" with their culture of intense, high-level problem solving. Whether you have a GRE score or not is just one tiny piece of a very large, very complex puzzle. Focus on showing them you can do the work. The rest is just noise.