Waiver of Standardized Test Scores for MC Graduate Students Continues in Spring 2021

Associate Provost and Graduate School Dean Debbie Norris

Mississippi College leaders will once again waive national test scores for a number of prospective graduate students in Spring 2021.

The policy went into effect at MC for the Summer and Fall semesters to help reduce college costs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision applies to such exams as the GRE, Praxis and GMAT. It is now extended for potential graduate students seeking entrance to classes at the Christian university starting in January. Associate Provost Debbie Norris announced the waiver extensions on Monday.

The waiver of tests and costs that began several months ago for some MC graduate students. New reports show it is a factor making a positive difference with enrollment.

As classes began August 17, MC’s graduate enrollment for Fall 2020 is up from a year ago. “I believe this has to do with several things, not the least of which is the waiving of graduate entrance tests for the Fall,” says Dr. Norris, the Graduate School dean.

“In continuing to waive these tests for the Spring semester, I believe we provide opportunities for people to return to graduate school.”

Given the USA’s troubled economy sparked by the pandemic, many students are exploring graduate schools as an option. By earning advanced degrees at universities, people can strengthen their career skills. “It can provide opportunities for those who have lost their jobs,” Dr. Norris said.

Students typically would pay $205 for a GRE (Graduate Record Exam) fee. The standardized test measures verbal, math and writing skills for admission to graduate schools. The cost was $250 for students to take the GMAT or the Graduate Management Admission Test to enter the School of Business.

School of Education Dean Cindy Melton hopes the waiver of the PRAXIS exam and other tests will make it easier for students to enroll to finish their Mississippi College degrees. The School Leaders Licensure Assessment exam for the education specialist leadership program is also waived.

The Praxis test cost can be as much as $170 in elementary education.

There is an exception to the waivers based on Mississippi Department of Education regulations. That is the Alternate Route Elementary Education program.

For more information, contact Mississippi College Graduate School officials at 601-925-7715.