GRE Requirement Waived for 2021 & 2022 Admissions Cycles

October 1, 2020
by Dr. Arameh Anvarizadeh

I am writing today to share an important update to our holistic admission criteria for all students applying to begin one of our graduate degree programs in occupational therapy in 2021 or 2022. USC understands that graduate program applicants’ ability to complete the GRE examination may have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic. As a result, the university has temporarily suspended the GRE requirement for all applicants during the 2021 and 2022 admissions cycles. At this time, you will no longer need to submit a GRE score to be considered for admission to USC Chan, and any scores submitted will not be considered when making any admissions decisions.

We understand that many of our applicants have already taken the GRE, with the understanding that it is an admissions requirement. However, we have also received numerous inquiries from applicants who have been unable to take the GRE for a number of reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our holistic admissions process aims to increase access and decrease barriers to higher education. Due to the challenges related to GRE scheduling, we believe that removing the GRE from our admission requirements allows us to more equitably consider all applicants for the 2021 and 2022 cohorts.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.  The entire USC Chan Admissions Team and our Student Ambassadors are all available to support you throughout this year’s admissions process. We thank you for your understanding during these unprecedented times.