Do I have to take the GRE or MAT?

  Yes. Applicants sometimes ask us whether the requirement for GRE or MAT scores can be waived if they took the test more than five years ago (ETS will only report GRE scores for five years after the test is taken), or if they have already completed a graduate degree elsewhere. We consider all the application materials to assess applicants’ current abilities and to help compare them against each other when making decisions about scholarships and Graduate Instructorships. The more assessment tools available to us, the better we are able to do this. Our policy, therefore, is to require all applicants to submit recent GRE scores, rather than petitioning the Graduate School to waive the requirement for current GRE/MAT scores for individuals. Although we accept scores from the MAT in lieu of those from the GRE, we encourage applicants, especially those with aspirations for a future PhD, to take the GRE General Test (which has Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical sections). The GRE Subject Test in English is not required.

How much do testing scores weigh in the admission decisions?
Although the English Department considers testing scores as only one of several factors in admission decisions, it is important that you aim for the best scores possible. Whether you take the GRE or MAT, USU’s Office of the School of Graduate Studies (which governs all the campus graduate programs) has a blanket requirement that the test scores for students in any graduate program be at or above the 40th percentile in all areas (For GREs, this includes Quantitative). However, if students fall below the 40th percentile in one or more of the areas (for instance, in the Quantitative section), there is still possibility for admission through a petition process. If other factors, such as your GPA, letters of recommendation, letter of intent, and writing samples are strong, the department’s admission committee may request an admission petition be submitted by the DGS to the School of Graduate Studies. If the admission committee chooses to accept in such cases, this process is initiated by English Dept DGS, and she will inform you of the results. In such cases, applicants need do nothing, although be aware that this may delay your admission decision.