Following last year’s COVID pandemic influence, several top MBA programs have already announced a GMAT Waiver option for the MBA 2022 applications. As of July 14, these are the schools that have already announced the GMAT waiver option:

  • Virginia Darden – “We accept a number of standardized tests – GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment (EA), MCAT and LSAT. For some candidates a test score may not be needed for our Admissions Committee to assess their preparedness for Darden. Requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and our Admissions Committee will consider a number of factors when evaluating these requests. Waiver applications should be submitted prior to submitting the overall degree application. Please submit your waiver application 3-4 weeks prior to your target degree application deadline.”
  • Michigan Ross – “You can submit the GMAT, GRE, MCAT, LSAT, PCAT, or DAT. You may self-report your score on the application or upload unofficial score reports. Applicants to the 2020-2021 Full-Time MBA application cycle have the ability to request a waiver for standardized test requirements, in response to hardships caused by the pandemic. We encourage you to carefully consider whether requesting a waiver is right for you, and review all details.”
    Deadlines for submitting the GMAT waiver:

    • Round 1 – August 23, 2021
    • Round 2 – November 29, 2021
    • Round 3 – March 14, 2022
  • MIT Sloan MBA – “Due to the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic, the MBA Program will allow for candidates for the 2021-22 admission cycle to submit a request for a test waiver, should their current situation prevent them from safely being able to access an exam.  If the wavier is approved, and the candidate is admitted, no test will be required. To request a test waiver, please start your application and navigate to the Test Scores section and fill out the test waiver request form; once submitted, you will receive a response in 1-3 business days.”
  • MIT Sloan Fellows – “The SFMBA Program will allow for candidates for the 2021-22 admission cycle to submit their application without the test and review their submitted material as is and without negative inferences. If admitted, candidates will not be required to take a test.”
  • Indiana Kelley – “In light of the recent challenges associated with taking standardized tests, candidates may apply for a waiver of this requirement and submit other evidence of their academic qualifications. We expect to award a limited number of waivers to candidates with otherwise strong qualifications.”
  • NYU Stern – “If the pandemic has impacted your ability to prepare for or take a standardized test, but you feel that you are able to demonstrate academic readiness, you can request a standardized test waiver. The standardized test is a required part of the Full-Time and Focused MBA program application and one of the tools we use to evaluate your academic profile. For most applicants, the standardized test is an essential way to establish academic readiness. To request a standardized test waiver for the Full-Time Two-Year, Andre Koo Tech and Entrepreneurship or Fashion and Luxury MBA, applicants will be asked to submit the request form and upload the required documents. Those who provide strong examples of academic readiness (eg: strong analytical or quantitative undergraduate or graduate majors, professional work experience, certifications etc.) may be more likely to receive a standardized test waiver.”
    For rounds 1-2 – the deadline for submitting the GMAT waiver is August 1, 2021.
    For rounds 3-4 – the deadline for submitting the GMAT waiver is November 15, 2021.
  • Texas McCombs – “If you have not been able to take the GMAT, GRE, EA, or TOEFL exams in-person or online due to reasons related to COVID-19, we are providing the opportunity to petition for a special test score exception. The test waiver petition must be approved by the admissions committee before you submit your application to McCombs. The admissions committee may take up to five business days to review your petition, so please complete the petition 10-15 days prior to your planned application submission date.”
  • Cornell Johnson / Cornell Tech – “Cornell Johnson is offering candidates of the Full-Time MBA 2021-2022 application cycle the ability to request a GMAT/GRE test waiver, without negative bias. Prepare a short statement for why you will flourish in our rigorous academic environment (100 words) and email it to admissions@tech.cornell.edu”
  • UNC Kenan Flagler – Waivers given on case by case basis. While scores from standardized tests such as the GMAT or GRE are a beneficial way for our Admissions Committee to evaluate the likelihood of academic success in our Full-Time MBA program, we recognize that some candidates can build a strong case for admission based on but not limited to the following criteria:
    • Applicants who graduated within the past 10 years (2011 – 2021) with 3.2 GPA or above and coursework in STEM, business, economics or analytical fields from a U.S. institution
    • Earned an advanced or terminal degree from a U.S. institution in JD, MD or a PhD or MS degree within a STEM, business or economics academic field
    • 5+ years of professional experience in a quantitative or analytical field
    • Hold a U.S. CPA or CFA professional certificate
    • Strong test results from the Executive Assessment, LSAT, PCAT or MCAT
  • Carnegie Mellon Tepper – “The Tepper School realizes that ongoing challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic may impact a candidate’s ability to take the test under normal, standard conditions. For this reason, we are offering candidates the option to apply for a GMAT/GRE/EA waiver with their application.”
  • Emory Goizueta – “Recognizing the continued burden of the COVID-19 pandemic, Goizueta Business School will provide a means for applicants to request a waiver from the standardized test requirement for applications to the Full-Time MBA programs. This waiver is reserved for those who cannot access a test or have extenuating circumstances they would like to share with the Admission Committee.”
  • Washington Foster – “Applicants also have the option to apply with no test score. For Autumn 2022 and 2023 entry, applicants can apply “Test Optional” to the Full-time MBA Program without a standardized test score.”
  • Georgia Tech (Scheller) – Candidates who meet several of the criteria below could consider applying without a test score:
    • Demonstration of success and strong record in undergraduate coursework and degree
    • Three or more years of professional work experience
    • Quantitative or analytical educational and/or professional experience
    • Professional certifications (CPA, CFA, PE)
    • Advanced degree (Graduate, masters, or professional degrees)
    • Georgia Tech undergrad with a strong academic record
    • These criteria will be considered along with other factors (transcripts, resume, interview) when assessing a candidate for admission.
  • Owen – Waivers given on case by case basis. Applicants who demonstrate multiple examples of academic and professional accomplishment are more likely to receive a waiver. Examples of relevant quantitative success include, but are not limited to:
    • strong performance in previous quantitative and analytical coursework at the undergraduate or graduate level,
    • five or more years of professional work experience with proven analytical experience, and
      earning a CPA or CFA certification or additional professional certification.
  • Carlson – Waivers given on case by case basis. Candidates applying for admission to the Carlson Part-Time MBA program may be eligible for a GMAT/GRE waiver if they meet the following criteria:
    • (Previous bachelors degree with 3.2+ cumulative GPA at an accredited institution using a 4.0 scale or better (domestic or international)/Demonstrates quantitative ability through coursework (ex: Statistics,
    • Engineering, Accounting, etc)/Previous bachelors degree with a major in a STEM field with a 3.0+ cumulative GPA at an accredited institution using a 4.0 scale or better (domestic or international))
      – AND –
    • (5+ years of full-time professional work experience/4+ years of full-time military experience/
      Graduate (masters or doctoral) degree/Professional credential of CPA or CFA)
    • Please note that a candidate must meet both areas requirements of the waiver process in order to be granted a waiver.
  • Penn State Smeal – Waivers given on case by case basis. GRE/GMAT waivers may be available for highly qualified candidates with focus on one or more of the following criteria:
    • Advanced degrees (M.D., D.O. and Ph.D. automatically waived)
    • Have at least 5 years of relevant and progressive post-undergraduate work experience
    • Significant leadership experience, particularly in the armed forces
    • Able to demonstrate a readiness to complete graduate education, quantitative ability, and advanced analytical reasoning skills.
  • Terry – Waivers given on case by case basis. The Full-Time MBA program considers select applicants for test score waivers. We will evaluate waiver requests on a case-by-case basis for applicants with more than 3 years of relevant and progressive full-time work experience or applicants who are current active duty U.S. Military personnel with more than 2 years of service. In addition, applicants must also meet at least one of the following criteria to qualify:
    • A strong record of academic performance from an accredited U.S. institution
    • An advanced degree (Graduate, masters, professional degrees)
    • Professional certifications with a quantitative focus (CPA, CFA, or other certification)
    • Strong performance in previous analytical or quantitative coursework
    • Applicants may request a test waiver by starting an application. Please review the application instructions for more information.
  • Katz – Waivers given on case by case basis. Applicants who can demonstrate the following two criteria may be considered for a GMAT/GRE waiver:
    • exceptional quantitative and qualitative skills through a prior graduate or undergraduate degree from an accredited U.S. institution, and
    • extensive post-bachelor’s professional experience
    • To determine if you are eligible for a GMAT/GRE waive, contact the director of Admissions at mba@katz.pitt.edu
  • UT Dallas Jindal – Waivers given on case by case basis. Any candidate who has already obtained a PhD or a U.S.-based MD, JD or PharmD, or through other aspects of their admission record indicate a strong level of quantitative readiness may request a GMAT/GRE exam wavier; please email copies of your official transcripts and professional résumé to mba@utdallas.edu. Also, be sure to identify the specific MBA program in which you are interested.Waivers are not guaranteed. Candidates receiving an entrance exam waiver are ineligible for scholarship.
  • MSU Broad – Waivers given on case by case basis. The Broad Full-Time MBA program accepts candidates with strong work experience and other admission criteria in lieu of the standardized test score.
    Michigan State’s Full-Time MBA is seeking high-caliber individuals with strong communication and interpersonal skills. The Broad MBA is looking to build an MBA class with diverse experiences, talents, and perspectives. MBA candidates will be considered for admission without a GMAT or GRE score.
  • UC Irvine – Waivers given on case by case basis. Eligibility for an Academic Test (GMAT/GRE) Waiver
    We will evaluate waiver requests on a case-by-case basis for those who have 4+ years of full-time professional work experience and a strong record of academic performance from an accredited U.S. institution. Other criteria that can strengthen your case for GMAT/GRE waiver eligibility:

    • An advanced degree (Graduate or professional degree)
    • Professional certifications with a quantitative focus (CPA, CFA, or other certification)
    • Strong performance in previous analytical or quantitative coursework
    • U.S military personnel
  • Alabama – Waivers given on case by case basis. If a student has over 5 years of work experience, they are eligible to have their GMAT/GRE requirement waived.  Please note, for students meeting this criteria, the admissions committee reserves the right to still request a GMAT/GRE score if there is a concern on any area of the application.
  • North Carolina State (Poole) – Waivers given on case by case basis. Full-time applicants who fit one or more of the following criteria are encouraged to apply for a waiver:
    • Undergraduate cumulative GPA of a 3.6 or higher from the degree-granting institution (GPA must be on a US degree with a 4.0 scale)
    • Completed graduate degree or US graduate degree equivalent
    • Ten or more years of full-time, professional post-baccalaureate work experience
    • Nine or more credit hours in an AACSB-accredited MBA program with a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher
    • US military service
  • Eller – Waivers given on case by case basis. Due to these unprecedented times, dependent on your academic or professional background, you may be eligible to have your GMAT/GRE waived. Contact mba_admissions@eller.arizona.edu for more information.
  • Southern Connecticut State University – Waivers given on case by case basis. The GMAT requirement could be waived for any student with an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with a graduate degree may also be exempted from the GMAT.
  • SUNY Buffalo – Waivers given on case by case basis. To be eligible for exemption from the requirement to provide a GMAT/GRE score as part of your application for the MBA Program, you must have:

    • a minimum of two years full-time professional post-bachelor’s work experience by the time of the fall cohort start
      AND one of the following:
    • Quantitative Bachelor of Science degree in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), finance or accounting with a US GPA of 2.75 or higher
    • An accredited bachelor’s degree with a US GPA of 3.25 or higher
    • A doctorate degree such as a JD, MD, or PhD.
    • Professional certifications such as CPA or Six Sigma Black Belt.
  • Isenberg – Waivers given on case by case basis. While a strong GMAT or GRE score enhances any application, candidates are able make a case for admission without a GMAT or GRE score by submitting application materials which demonstrate strong professional experience and/or academic accomplishments, such as:
    • Doctorate Degree, including a JD, PhD, PharmD, MD/DO, or international medical graduate with an ECFMG or Fifth Pathway
    • Master’s Degree and 2+ years of professional work experience
    • Bachelor’s Degree with a 3.2 or higher cumulative GPA and 5+ years of professional work experience 
  • Rotman – GMAT requirement is waived for applicants who have passed all 3 Levels of the CFA designation. Please request from the CFA confirmation of your CFA level 3 pass, which can be sent via email to mba@rotman.utoronto.ca.
  • Richard Ivey – The GMAT requirement is waived only for applicants who have passed all three levels of the CFA designation, or have a valid and competitive LSAT score.
  • USC IBEAR
  • Rice (Jones)
  • Notre Dame (Mendoza)
  • Brigham Young (Marriott)
  • Rochester (Simon)
  • Wisconsin
  • Ohio State (Fisher)
  • SMU (Cox)
  • Boston University (Questrom)
  • Maryland (Smith)
  • Texas A&M (Mays)
  • UC-Davis
  • Tennessee (Haslam)
  • George Washington
  • University of Miami (Herbert)
  • Northeastern (D’Amore-McKim)
  • Babson (Olin)

Following the full-time MBA programs, several Online MBA programs started to offer GMAT waviers as well:

  • Michigan Ross Online MBA – For a small pool of experienced, academically and professionally high-performing candidates, a standardized test waiver may be requested. The test waiver is limited to candidates who meet the following criteria, with no exceptions.
    • Hold a completed JD, MD, PhD, or other terminal degree.

    OR

    • Hold a completed master’s degree from an AACSB-, AMBA-, or EQUIS-accredited business school with a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher.

    OR

    • Hold a completed undergraduate or graduate degree from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Flint) with a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher.

    If you meet one of the above criteria and are eligible for the waiver, please select that you are applying for a test waiver, under the testing section of the application. You will submit transcripts as part of the application process so the committee can verify you meet the eligibility requirement. Once your application has been submitted, the waiver request and transcripts will be reviewed, and a member of the admissions team will contact you via email within 10 business days to verify the waiver was accepted.

  • Kelley Direct Online – You may request a GMAT/GRE test waiver when you submit your Phase 1 application. You will receive an email with our test score decision during Phase 1.
  • UF Warrington – NOTE: In light of possible continued testing difficulties, the UF Graduate School temporarily adjusted the GMAT and GRE testing policy. Through Summer 2022, applicants to one of the UF MBA Professional or Online program formats will no longer be required to submit a GMAT or GRE score as part of the admissions process. Full-time applicants are still required to submit a test score.
  • ASU Carey Online MBA – Dependent on your academic and/or professional background, you may be eligible to request to have this requirement waived. Prior to submitting any request for a test waiver, applicants are encouraged to review the class profile and discuss their application with their enrollment advisor. Requests for GMAT/GRE waivers are submitted via the admission essay.
  • UT Dallas Professional MBA Online – Any candidate who has already obtained a PhD or a U.S.-based MD, JD or PharmD may request a GMAT/GRE exam wavier; please email copies of your official transcripts and professional résumé to mba@utdallas.edu. Also, be sure to identify the specific MBA program in which you are interested. High-achieving Professional MBA candidates may request a GMAT/GRE waiver if they have obtained:
    • Their undergraduate degree from UT Dallas (regardless of their major) and achieved a cumulative GPA at or above 3.500.
    • Their undergraduate degree from a university with an AACSB-accredited business school (regardless of their major) and achieved a cumulative GPA at or above 3.600.
    • Their graduate degree from a university with an AACSB-accredited business school (regardless of their degree’s area of focus) and achieved a cumulative GPA at or above 3.600.
    • Waivers are not guaranteed. To apply for the waiver, please email your request to mba@utdallas.edu with your applicable criteria and application ID number. Applications must be complete except for entrance exam (GMAT/GRE score) for consideration.
  • Auburn University (Harbert) online MBA -We will waive the GMAT or GRE requirement for Spring & Fall Semester 2022 applicants who meet established criteria. Please visit our admissions page to learn more.
  • Mississippi State University online MBA – GMAT/GRE Requirement waived for the Summer and Fall 2021.

We will continue to update you on our blog on any application news and on more schools offering GMAT waivers, so stay tuned!