Stanford University Acceptance GRE in USA — Complete Guide 2026

Admissions to Stanford’s graduate programs remain intensely competitive in 2026. One of the most common application questions is: Do I need a GRE to get into Stanford? The short answer: it depends on the program — many Stanford departments have moved to GRE-optional or GRE-waived policies for the 2025–2026 cycle, while others still accept or consider GRE scores if submitted. Below I unpack department policies, realistic score ranges (where available), exact deadlines, reporting logistics, and practical strategy for applicants targeting Stanford in 2026.

Quick summary — the headline facts

• GRE policy varies by department: some programs are GRE-optional, some do not accept/consider GRE for specific cycles, and a few still accept scores and may use them if submitted.

• Stanford’s institutional ETS code: 4704 (use this when sending official GRE scores).

• Typical application deadlines for Autumn 2026 entry (examples by program): Dec 1–Dec 2, 2025 (many engineering / CS / biosciences MS/PhD); Jan 7, 2026 (GSB MBA Round 2); MBA Round 1 was Sep 9, 2025 — see table below for department-specific dates.

• Average GRE ranges for admitted applicants (where reported historically): Quantitative scores in the mid-to-high 160s for many STEM programs; Verbal typically in the 160+ range for competitive programs — but GRE is only one piece among GPA, research, recommendations, and fit.

Table — Selected Stanford graduate programs, 2026 GRE stance & deadlines

Program / School	GRE policy (2025–2026 cycle)	Application deadline (Autumn 2026 entry)
Stanford Graduate Admissions (general guidance)	GRE accepted if required by program; send official scores to ETS code 4704. Programs set own policy.	Varies by program (see rows).
Computer Science (CS)	GRE not required for many CS coterm applicants; department checklist notes GRE guidance — check program page for updates.	Dec 2, 2025 (typical dept deadline).
Management Science & Engineering (MS&E)	GRE data shown in admission stats; department posts deadlines. GRE may be optional/varies.	Dec 1, 2025 (11:59pm PST).
Biosciences (PhD programs)	GRE policy varies by program; many recent cycles have been GRE-optional/waived. Check program page.	Dec 2, 2025 (11:59:59 pm PST).
Graduate School of Education (GSE)	GRE waived for 2025–2026 academic year; applicants may submit scores voluntarily but not required.	PhD: Nov 17, 2025; Master’s: Jan 8, 2026.
Stanford GSB (MBA)	GRE accepted; GSB accepts GMAT or GRE. No single minimum; wide range of scores accepted.	MBA Rounds (2025–26): Round 1 Sep 9, 2025; Round 2 Jan 7, 2026; Round 3 Apr 7, 2026.

Notes: Policies can change by program and year. Always verify the department page for the program you’re applying to before sending scores. Official Stanford guidance: test score acceptance windows and program-specific enforcement are on the Graduate Admissions pages.

How Stanford committees treat GRE scores in 2026

1. Contextual tool — When considered, GRE scores are used to complement (not replace) transcripts, letters, research experience, and fit. Competitive GREs can help borderline applicants; weak GREs rarely improve a weak application

   
   

2. Program discretion — Some departments (especially in humanities, education, certain social sciences) are actively not using GRE scores for the 2025–2026 cycle; others (STEM, GSB) still accept and consider them. Check the program’s FAQ.

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What GRE score should you aim for (realistic ranges)

• STEM / CS / Engineering (competitive) — Aim for Quant 165+ to 170; many admitted students have Quant in the high-160s. Historical program averages (e.g., MS programs) show Quant averages near 168 for admitted applicants in recent years.

• Interdisciplinary / Social Sciences / Education — If GRE accepted, Verbal 160+ is competitive; however, several departments have made GRE submissions optional or waived.

• Business (GSB MBA) — Stanford accepts GRE; class profiles vary and there is no published minimum — treat the GRE like one part of a holistic MBA profile.

Remember: there is no universal cutoff; excellent research record, publications, strong recommendations, and clear fit can outweigh a slightly lower GRE.

Practical checklist — what to do (timeline + logistics)

1. Decide program-specific policy now. Visit your department’s admissions page and FAQ (example: CS checklist, MS&E, GSE). If GRE is optional, ask whether scores will be considered if submitted.

2. If you’ll submit GRE scores: register early (ETS can take days to send official scores), and use Stanford’s ETS institutional code 4704.

3. Plan test dates to fall within Stanford’s validity window. Stanford’s admissions pages list the earliest valid test date for each entry term; scores expire after five years.

4. Prioritize other materials (SOP, research statement, publication, letters) — especially if GRE is optional or waived. Departments often emphasize research fit and letters over standardized tests.

Sample timeline (for Autumn 2026 applicants)

• Aug–Oct 2025: finalize programs, take GRE if required/beneficial.

• Sep 2025: most Stanford graduate applications open (varies by program).

• Dec 1–Dec 2, 2025: major engineering / CS / MS deadlines.

• Jan 7, 2026: Stanford GSB Round 2 deadline (if applying to MBA).

  
  

Evidence & sources (selection of official pages)

• Stanford Graduate Admissions — Test Scores & ETS code 4704.

• Stanford Computer Science — Graduate application checklist & deadlines.

• MS (Management Science & Engineering) admission statistics & deadline.

• Stanford Graduate School of Education — GRE waiver notice for 2025–2026.

• Stanford GSB — GRE/GMAT guidance & deadlines.

FAQ — (must include the focus keyword Stanford University Acceptance GRE in at least one Q/A)

Q1: Is the GRE required for Stanford University Acceptance GRE in 2026?

A1: There is no single answer — GRE requirements are program-specific. Several Stanford departments (for 2025–2026) have waived or made the GRE optional (for example, the Graduate School of Education and several analytics/interdisciplinary units). Other programs, particularly some STEM and business programs, still accept and may consider GRE scores if submitted. Always verify the department page for the program you plan to apply to.

Q2: What GRE score increases my chance of admission to Stanford?A2: Competitive STEM applicants typically have Quant scores in the mid-to-high 160s. But GRE is just one component — outstanding research, publications, a strong SOP, and excellent recommendations often matter more for PhD and research-focused programs.

Q3: Where do I send official GRE scores for Stanford?

A3: Send official GRE scores from ETS to Stanford’s institutional code 4704. Confirm program-specific department code only if requested by the department; institutional code ensures delivery.

Q4: If my program is GRE-optional, should I still submit scores?

A4: Submit GRE scores only if they strengthen your application (e.g., you have a high Quant for a STEM program or a strong Verbal for humanities/social sciences). If your other application components are stronger, you can usually skip the test for optional programs — departments often state that not submitting will not negatively affect review.

Final tips — maximize your chance (short checklist)

• Confirm your program’s GRE policy on its official Stanford page (don’t rely solely on third-party blogs).

• If taking GRE, schedule it early enough to allow ETS to transmit official scores before deadlines.

• Strengthen non-test parts: research experience, SOP tailored to faculty, and 2–3 strong recommendation letters. Many Stanford admits succeed primarily on these aspects.

Call to Action (CTA) — apply with confidence

• Ready to start your application? Visit Stanford Graduate Admissions – How to Apply to begin.

• If you’re applying to CS or engineering, check the department application deadlines and checklists (example: CS checklist and deadlines).

• Planning to submit GRE scores? Send official scores via ETS to institutional code 4704.

If you want, I can now:

• Build a personalised timeline for your target Stanford program (with exact dates and reminders for required materials), or

• Draft a powerful Statement of Purpose outline targeted to a specific Stanford department (research-fit focused).

Tell me which program (e.g., CS, MS&E, GSE, GSB) and I’ll produce a tailored checklist and sample SOP outline with word/section guidance.

Sources cited above (official Stanford pages & program pages): Graduate Admissions test-scores (ETS code), CS checklists & deadlines, MS&E admission stats, GSE GRE policy, GSB admissions pages, and selected department deadline pages.

Would you like me to create a downloadable 1-page checklist (PDF) with your chosen department’s exact deadlines and what to submit? If so, tell me the program name and whether you plan to submit GRE scores.