GMAT Waiver for mba application

Just like in recent years, business schools and top MBA programs are continuing to offer GMAT waivers to MBA candidates applying to their programs for the 2024 intake. Many MBA candidates can take advantage of this rare opportunity and get accepted to top MBA programs without a GMAT score.

ARINGO MBA Admissions Consulting will continue to update this list of top-ranked MBA programs that offer GMAT waivers for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle.

Schools that are offering GMAT waivers for 2023-24:

UCLA Anderson

While test scores provide an additional, relevant data point for the admissions committee to consider, a test score is not required. Applicants are given the option to apply for the Full-Time MBA program without submitting a GMAT, GRE, or EA. It is up to the applicant to decide if they want to apply with or without test scores. Please note that for some candidates without a quantitative background, a strong test score can strengthen their candidacy.

If you choose not to submit a test score,you will need to adequately demonstrate how your academic and professional experiences have properly prepared you for the rigors of the program. You must submit an essay that provides evidence of your MBA readiness to support your case of applying without a test score. We will look closely at your past accomplishments, including but not limited to:

  • Undergraduate or graduate record, especially in analytical or quantitative courses
  • Post-undergraduate, full-time work experience in an analytical or quantitative function
  • Professional certifications, such as CPA, CFA, or international equivalent
  • Performance on an expired GMAT or GRE

Candidates demonstrating multiple academic and/or professional accomplishments as listed above are more likely to be granted admission without a test score.

NYU Stern

The standardized test is a required part of the Full-Time and Fashion & Luxury MBA program application and one way we assess your academic readiness. For most applicants, the standardized test is an essential way to establish academic readiness. If you feel that you are not able to prepare for or take a standardized test and are able to demonstrate academic readiness without a standardized test score, you may request a standardized test waiver for the Full-Time and Fashion & Luxury MBA programs. 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.

2024 Andre Koo Tech MBA Test Optional Policy – The 2024 Andre Koo Tech MBA program is test optional. Applicants will not be required to submit a standardized test score with their application, but may still do so if they feel it aids their candidacy. For applicants who have or submit a standardized test score (submitted with their application or previously sent to Stern), we will consider the standardized test score if it aids your candidacy.

Cornell Johnson

Cornell Johnson is offering candidates of the Full-Time MBA 2023-2024 application cycle the ability to request a GMAT/GRE test waiver, without negative bias. All applicants for the Full-Time MBA program are eligible to request a GMAT/GRE waiver. Who should? Candidates who have demonstrated analytical and/or quantitative abilities through their academics, work experience, etc.
Please prepare a short statement that describes your personal circumstance and provide a clear and compelling argument for why you will flourish in our rigorous academic environment (100 words). Please note you will submit this statement as part of your admissions application.

Dartmouth Tuck

Upon request, Tuck may offer GMAT/GRE test waivers to applicants who demonstrate that their academic background and/or the nature of their professional work has sufficiently prepared them for the academic rigors of the Tuck MBA.

To be eligible to submit a GMAT/GRE test waiver request, you must:

  • Be aligned with Tuck’s values and admissions criteria,
  • Have a minimum of two years post-graduate professional work experience, and,
  • Qualify for our English Language Proficiency test waiver if you are a non-native English speaker.
  • To request a GMAT/GRE test waiver, please fill out this form. Note: GMAT/GRE test waiver requests are due before submitting the application and by the appropriate deadline indicated in the GMAT/GRE test waiver request deadlines table below. GMAT/GRE test waivers are not renewable and must be requested each admissions cycle.

We will ask for your resume, an unofficial copy of your degree-granting undergraduate transcript, and, as applicable, an unofficial copy of your degree-granting graduate transcript and/or any proof of professional certifications, designations, or non-degree coursework to evaluate your academic readiness for the rigors of the Tuck MBA.

GMAT/GRE test waiver requests will be reviewed as they are received, and you will receive a response via email within 10-12 business days from the date you submitted your request.

Virginia Darden

Standardized Test Waiver Application – For some candidates a test score may not be needed for our Admissions Committee to assess their preparedness for Darden. Waiver applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and our Admissions Committee will consider a number of factors when evaluating these applications. Particular regard will be given for indicators of academic and professional accomplishment.

Michigan Ross

The Michigan Ross Full-Time MBA program is a rigorous program. We offer candidates many ways to demonstrate that they are ready to meet its demands.
Test scores provide an additional, relevant data point for the admissions committee to consider in reviewing your application holistically. For some candidates, a strong test score can strengthen their candidacy.
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. If accepted, official reports will be required. If you take a test more than once, we will use your highest total score and the corresponding breakout scores in evaluating your application. We do not mix and match scores. All test scores must be active and not expired at the time of application. Students who are currently enrolled at U-M Medical, Law, Pharmacy, and Dental do not need to submit a test score.
Alternative Demonstrations of Academic Readiness
Some candidates may be able to adequately demonstrate their readiness for the rigor of the program without the need to submit a test score. This may include candidates whose ability to demonstrate their readiness via a test continues to be impacted by the pandemic or other circumstance. These candidates may submit a complete application without a test score. Instead, you must submit an essay that supports your case and alternative evidence of your readiness. We will look closely at your academic and professional accomplishments, including but not limited to:

• Master’s degree in an analytical or quantitative discipline
• CPA, CFA, or international equivalent
• Undergraduate or graduate record, especially in analytical or quantitative courses
• Post-undergraduate, full-time work experience in an analytical or quantitative function
• Performance on an expired GMAT or GRE
• Performance on the Executive Assessment

Candidates demonstrating multiple academic and/or professional accomplishments as listed above are more likely to be granted admission.

MIT Sloan

If your current situation prevents you from being able to submit a test score, you may request a test waiver explaining the situation; the Admissions Committee will take your request under advisement and let you know if the waiver has been approved. If the waiver is approved, and you are admitted, the Admissions Committee reserves the right to offer conditional admission such as, but not limited to, receiving a certain score on the GMAT or GRE or taking a supplemental class. To request a test waiver, please start your application and navigate to the Test Scores section; you can submit your request there. Once submitted, you will receive a response by email as soon as possible.

CMU Tepper

We believe standardized exams are one way that business programs gauge academic readiness; however, while many Tepper MBA applicants will submit a GMAT/GRE/EA score, we also recognize there are multiple ways to demonstrate academic readiness. This is the reason we offer a test waiver option.

Here is some guidance on our test waiver option:

  • Waivers will be granted on a case-by-case basis.
  • Waivers are evaluated on the basis of academic readiness for the Tepper MBA.
  • If you are granted a waiver by the Admission Committee, it does not signal admission to the Tepper MBA.
  • The admission decision will be based on a holistic review of the application.
  • Even if you are granted a waiver, the admissions committee may require or recommend additional academic preparation prior to the start of the program that will improve your academic outcomes.
  • Applying with a test waiver will not affect your eligibility for scholarship.

Upon submission of your application, the waiver request will be reviewed, and you will receive a response to the waiver request via email within 10 business days of the application deadline.

Emory Goizueta

Goizueta Business School provides applicants the opportunity to request a waiver from the standardized test requirement for applications to the Full-Time MBA programs. The test waiver is for candidates who can show evidence they are prepared for graduate-level business coursework based on their academic background and work experience. We encourage applicants to be thoughtful about requesting a waiver. A standardized test score can help candidates present their best application.
To apply for a test waiver, complete the Test Waiver Application and submit all supporting documents. Decisions are released within approximately 10 to 14 business days.

UNC Kenan Flagler

GMAT/GRE waivers are available for new applicants to the UNC Kenan-Flagler Full-Time MBA program. You can access the GMAT/GRE waiver request form from within your application, and we encourage you to submit your waiver request early to allow for processing time.

Texas Mccombs

The Texas McCombs MBA Admissions Team is excited to share that Full-Time MBA candidates have more options than ever before when considering how to complete the standardized test requirement in their application. All applicants are required to submit a GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, or Executive Assessment (EA) score.

We will waive the testing requirement if:

• Expired (taken 5+ years ago) GMAT, GRE, or EA score is submitted

or

• General Test Waiver (merit-based) is submitted and approved by the Admissions Committee

Indiana Kelley

HULT

The MBA requirement for GMAT will be waived if the applicant has proven to have more than 5 years of managerial work experience

Foster GEMBA

The GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment are optional and not required for admission consideration. However, applicants with scores may submit them as supplemental information.

Toronto Rotman

GMAT requirement is waived for applicants who have passed Level 2 of the CFA designation. Please request from the CFA confirmation of your CFA Level 2 pass, which can be sent via email to mba@rotman.utoronto.ca.

Minnesota Carlson

Candidates applying for admission to the Carlson Full-Time MBA program may be eligible for a GMAT/GRE waiver if they meet the following criteria:

Must have one of the following: Must have one of the following additional requirements:

  • 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 (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, etc) 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 post-baccalaureate professional work experience
  • Note: undergraduate internships or co-ops cannot be included. Graduate assistantships and fellowships can be included.
  • 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.