Top MBA in 2023 without a GMAT or GRE? Yes!
In continuation to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Business schools and top MBA programs are continuing to offer GMAT waivers to MBA candidates applying to their programs for the 2023 intake. In the 2021-2022 admissions cycle many top business schools and MBA programs such as MIT Sloan, MIT Sloan Fellows, Cornell Johnson, Cornell Tech, NYU Stern, Virginia Darden, Michigan Ross, Indiana Kelley, Texas McCombs, UNC Kenan Flagler, CMU Tepper, Emory Goizueta, Washington Foster and many more top MBA programs were offering GMAT and GRE waivers. Many MBA candidates took advantage of this rare opportunity and got 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 2022-2023 admissions cycle.
As of August 15, here are the current schools that are offering GMAT waivers for the 2022-2023 admission cycle (September 2023 start date):
Michigan Ross
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.
Virginia Darden
Waiver applications should be submitted prior to submitting the overall degree application. Candidates who plan to submit a waiver application should do so 3-4 weeks prior to their target degree application deadline. They will receive a decision from the test waiver application within an average of 10-14 business days. 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.
Texas McCombs
We will waive the testing requirement if General Test Waiver (merit-based) is approved.
NYU Stern
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 Focused MBA programs.
Indiana Kelley
The Kelley School’s Full-Time MBA program admits high-potential applicants into our academically rigorous curriculum. We typically require the GMAT or GRE as one demonstration of quantitative and analytic capability. 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. In evaluating waiver requests, we consider many factors, including rigor and achievement from previous undergraduate and graduate degrees, evidence of work experience requiring analytical and quantitative skills, and post–bachelor’s degree career growth including demonstration of leadership.
To request a GMAT/GRE waiver, you must complete the following two steps:
- Complete and submit our online information request form (to ensure that we have your most current contact information); and
- Submit via email (iumba@indiana.edu) a current professional resume, your unofficial or official undergraduate transcripts (and graduate school transcripts, if applicable), and a brief statement (300 words or less) summarizing why you believe you qualify for a waiver.
You should receive a response to your request within one week of submission.
Toronto 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.
Cornell Johnson MBA & Cornell Tech
In response to continued hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and as we continue to debate the value of a GMAT/GRE score as a predictor of future academic and career success, Cornell Johnson is offering candidates of the Full-Time MBA 2022-2023 application cycle the ability to request a GMAT/GRE test waiver, without negative bias, through the online application. Candidates should indicate their request and be prepared to submit a short statement for why you will flourish in our rigorous academic environment (100 words). The admissions committee will connect with you via email to indicate if a test waiver has been approved. If your test wavier is not approved, your application will remain incomplete until a test score is submitted.
MIT Sloan MBA & Sloan Fellows
Because of the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the MBA program will allow candidates for the 2022-23 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 waiver 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 as soon as possible.
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. Creating an account takes only a few minutes, and you can continue to work on your application as we process your request.
The Admissions Committee requires all applicants seeking a GMAT/GRE waiver to submit requests by the test waiver deadline for each round. Late submissions may be denied or moved to the next round.
Our holistic application process is built to ensure that you’re prepared for our rigorous Full-Time MBA program. 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 with a 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 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 CFA or U.S. CPA professional certificate
- Strong test results from the Executive Assessment, LSAT, PCAT or MCAT
Consortium applicants are eligible to apply directly through the Consortium if you received a test waiver from UNC Kenan-Flagler. Please see the information on the Consortium website as a guide to navigating the test score waiver process.
Important points to consider before requesting a GMAT/GRE waiver:
- Be objective about your strengths and weaknesses in order to put together the strongest application! Consider whether a test score may help supplement your academic achievements.
- Some employers use (or require) test scores during initial screenings, particularly in finance and consulting.
- Receiving a GMAT/GRE waiver does not guarantee admission to the program, and for some applicants, formal offers of admission may be based on the successful completion of Business Foundations prior to the start of the program.
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 (application available August 15) and submit all supporting documents. Decisions are released within approximately 10 to 14 business days.
USC Marshall
The Marshall Full Time MBA Program allows for the submission of a request for a standardized test (GMAT or GRE) waiver. Only applicants who have applied to the program may request a waiver. In order to make the request, please use the Test Waiver Request Essay of the application to describe your rationale and make a compelling case for the request. Upon submission of your application, please email FTtestwaiver@marshall.usc.edu to alert us of your request.* The subject line on the email should read: “Request for Test Waiver – Application Submitted.” We will review your case and respond by email to your request for the waiver within 10 business days. Finally, you should review and consider carefully the following guidelines before making the request:
- Applications – with or without test scores – will be reviewed holistically.
- The decision to grant or decline a waiver request should not be viewed as a signal of the ultimate admissions decision.
- Waivers will not be considered if an applicant has not submitted a complete application including uploaded copies of a résumé and all official academic transcripts.
- Test waivers will be granted on a case-by-case basis.
- Decisions on waiver requests are final, and Marshall will not respond to requests for re-consideration.
- Test scores serve as one consideration in merit-based scholarship decisions.
- Some employers may consider test scores in their evaluation of job applicants.
Determination of Test Waivers
Standardized tests provide the Admissions Committee with some evidence of a candidate’s ability (quantitative, verbal, and analytical) to perform academically in the MBA core curriculum. Test scores also serve to provide an indication of English language capability. Therefore, the basis for your waiver request – and your response to the Test Waiver Request Essay – should be grounded in a record of exceptional academic achievement that includes demonstrated mathematical preparedness. While professional experience can be included as a component of the waiver request, the Admissions Committee will most strongly consider two elements: 1) overall academic achievement; and 2) performance in quantitative coursework.
* Please include your First Name, Last Name, and USC CAS ID# (located in the top right corner of your online application) in the email, so that we can easily locate your file. Failure to complete this step may result in a deny decision.
CMU Tepper
All applicants to the Tepper MBA program at the Tepper School are required to submit a GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment (EA) test score with their application as part of our holistic candidate review process. However, 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.
When deciding whether to apply for the waiver, we encourage you to be objective about your academic preparedness. Please consider the following:
- Waivers will be granted on a case-by-case basis.
- Waivers will be evaluated based on mathematical preparedness demonstrated through advanced quantitative classes in undergraduate or graduate work. These classes include, but are not limited to, calculus, linear algebra, and statistics.
- A waiver decision by the admission committee does not signal an admission decision. The admission decision will be based on a holistic review of the application.
- Regardless of prior coursework, candidates admitted without a standardized test will be required to successfully complete the Tepper School “Calculus Fundamentals” course to complete their admission to the program.
- Test scores are considered in the decision to offer merit-based scholarships. In addition, some employers also consider test scores as part of their initial job applicant screening.
When completing your MBA application, please indicate that you are applying for a waiver request and provide additional information to support your request. Upon submission of your application, the waiver request will be reviewed, and you will receive a response to the waiver request within 10 business days of the application deadline.
A GMAT/GRE test waiver request cannot be considered for Full-Time MBA applications after Round 4.
Washington Foster GEMBA
Georgia Tech Scheller
The Full-time MBA program offers a test-optional admissions path for applicants who do not have test scores or do not wish to disclose test scores in the application.
Vanderbilt Owen
Vanderbilt is pleased to offer GMA/GRE/Executive Assessment test waivers for the 2022-23 MBA application cycle. Applicants who are interested in being considered for a test waiver must start an application, complete the test waiver request form and upload supporting documentation.
Candidates interested in a test waiver are encouraged to submit their request three to four weeks prior to the application round deadline to allow time to evaluate your request.
Applicants who demonstrate multiple examples of academic and professional accomplishments 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.
There are some important factors to consider before requesting a GMAT/GRE/EA waiver:
- We are unable to offer a GMAT/GRE/EA waiver if you have already submitted a self-reported or official GMAT, GRE, or EA test scores to Vanderbilt University.
- Applicants are evaluated for a GMAT/GRE/EA test waiver one time per cycle and we are unable to accept appeal requests.
- Ensure you are putting together the strongest application. Consider whether a test score can be used as an additional data point to showcase your academic potential.
- There are some employers who may request a GMAT/GRE/EA score as part of their MBA hiring screening process. This is particularly true in industries such as consulting or finance.
An approved GMAT/GRE/EA waiver is not an admissions decision or an indication of an admissions decision.
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:
- 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
Must have one of the following additional requirements:
- 5+ years of full-time post-baccalaureate professional work experience
Note: 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
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 or call +1 412-648-1506.
UT Dallas Jindal
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 waiver, 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.
To be considered for an entrance exam waiver:
- Submit entire application including all supporting documents.
- Submit your official entrance exam waiver request using this form.
Please contact Jeff Taylor at jeff.taylor1@utdallas.edu with any questions.
A waiver candidate’s file will be presented to the committee who then may:
- require a test
- deny admission
- accept admission
A waiver in no way guarantees admission to the MBA program.
Notre Dame Mendoza
The Two-Year Notre Dame MBA program is offering a GMAT/GRE test waiver for the 2022-2023 recruiting cycle. Prospective students can find answers to questions in this FAQ.
UC Davis
You may be eligible for a GMAT/GRE waiver for our MBA programs. We recognize the unprecedented times we are now facing and the testing challenges many have encountered due to COVID-19. Thus, for fall 2022, we have modified our language to allow applicants to request and be considered for a waiver IF meeting at least one of the following criteria:
- Undergraduate degree from a U.S. institution with a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher (or the equivalent if another grading scale is used) in a quantitative area including: business administration, economics, engineering, biological sciences, information and computer science, health sciences or physical sciences.
- Graduate (master’s or doctoral) degree or professional credential such as Certified Public Accountant or Certified Financial Analyst.
- Five or more years of professional work experience after completing undergraduate degree.
- Four or more years of military experience.
- Hardship due to COVID19 pandemic where BOTH of the following criteria below are met:
(i) unable to take the GMAT/GRE test in-person due at a designated testing center because of the lack of availability in the designated region or you and/or someone in your household is immunocompromised AND
(ii) unable to take the exam online due to lack of test or technology availability in your region or impacts due to unavailability of other test-taking requirements, including device availability or compatibility issues, internet connectivity issues, or poor testing requirements or environments.
Request for a GMAT Waiver should be submitted in your MBA application and indicate one of the above reasons supporting your request.
PLEASE NOTE: Applicants who believe their GMAT score might add value to their overall application are encouraged to include their score with the application. Please note that not having a standardized test score will NOT affect your application adversely.
Texas A&M Mays
We offer a test waiver request process. Waivers are competitive and not guaranteed.
- To be considered for a test waiver you MUST:
- Attend a virtual or in-person event. You can find our upcoming events here.
- Start your application on BusinessCAS and upload your professional resume and unofficial transcript. You only need to start, you do not have to submit to request a waiver.
- Submit your official test waiver request using this form here.
Test scores serve as one predictor of academic success and although submitting a strong test score is always recommended, students applying to the Spring 2023 or Fall 2023 entry terms have the option as to whether to submit a GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment or TOEFL/IELTS score as a part of their application.
For applications without a test score, we assess your application based on a holistic review process that considers all your application components. We evaluate the overall strength of your candidacy, including academic readiness, career goals, leadership potential, and through your ability to demonstrate why Cox is the ideal business school for you.
By removing one component from your application, your other components will carry more importance in the committee’s final decision.
As part of our continuing efforts to identify and meet the needs of all future leaders who are committed to improving their lives through graduate education, the Full-Time MBA program at Fisher College of Business is now offering GMAT/GRE test waivers for applicants. MBA applicants seeking a test waiver will have additional weight placed on remaining application components and will be asked to submit a supplemental essay.
Our waiver review process is a holistic one, designed to identify and attract students whose talent, dedication and diverse perspectives will further enhance the Fisher community. Other qualities that may distinguish you as a candidate for a test waiver include work experience, professional certifications, undergraduate GPA, awards, military experience, LSAT/MCAT scores, analytical expertise or quantitative ability.
While a test waiver may benefit some MBA candidates, individuals should consider personal circumstances when applying. The GMAT and GRE exams are standard benchmarks for applicants wishing to signal their suitability for a rigorous MBA program.
We offer standardized test waivers to candidates whose academic record, work experience, or other credentials are well rounded and competitive. Here are examples of the metrics we consider:
- Rigor of your undergraduate studies
- Proficiency in quantitative courses
- Certifications such as CFA or CPA
- Relevant work experience
- Undergraduate GPA and major
Please note that being granted a standardized test waiver does not automatically signal that you will be admitted. The Admissions Committee will do a holistic review of your complete application to determine if you will be extended an offer of admission.
If you are requesting a waiver:
Do not add a GMAT/GRE/Executive Assessment on the Test Scores page in the application.
You will provide supporting documentation throughout your application (e.g., résumé, transcripts, certifications). Please make sure you’re following all instructions to ensure our team has the information they need to review your waiver request. If you submit an incomplete application, you may experience a delay in the review of your request.
You will be contacted after your application has been reviewed if it would be in your best interest to provide a standardized test score to boost the competitiveness of your application.
Send us your résumé to get feedback on your overall candidacy before you apply. (Please note that this feedback will not necessarily be able to confirm the receipt of a waiver.)
Rice Jones
Full-Time MBA and Professional MBA candidates may be eligible for a standardized test waiver. For more information, please review the Standardized Test Waiver Request webpage. Please note that you need to start a Full-Time or Professional MBA application to gain access to the test waiver request form.
Western Ontario Ivey
The GMAT requirement is waived for applications who have passed all 3 Levels of the CFA designation or, possess a CPA designation (CPA Canada), possess a P.Eng designation (P.Eng Canada), or those who have a valid and competitive LSAT or MCAT score.
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.
UC Irvine Merage
We will evaluate waiver requests on a case-by-case basis for those who have 2+ 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
Receiving a GMAT/GRE waiver does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants should consider a number of factors before submitting a GMAT/GRE waiver request including their overall candidate profile. Test scores are often a beneficial data point considered by the Admissions Committee when determining merit-based scholarships. There are some employers who may request a GMAT/GRE score as part of their MBA hiring screening process. This is particularly true in industries such as consulting or finance. Candidates are encouraged to consider all factors before submitting a GMAT/GRE test waiver request.
Candidates who do request a GMAT/GRE waiver will be required to submit an additional essay outlining your qualification for the waiver.
Michigan State Broad
MBA candidates will be considered for admission without a GMAT, GRE or EA score. In the supplemental questions section of the application, select the GMAT/GRE waiver option.
GRE/GMAT waivers may be available for highly qualified candidates who meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Advanced degrees (M.D., D.O. and Ph.D. automatically waived)
- Have at least 7 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, strong quantitative ability, and advanced analytical reasoning skills.
To request a waiver:
- Complete both your Smeal MBA Program application and Video Responses.
- In the optional essay portion of the application, add your request and discuss your eligibility for a GMAT waiver.
- All requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Here is a list of the current business schools and MBA programs that are offering GMAT and GRE alternatives such as the Executive Assessment (EA) score or an internal business school test:
- Amsterdam Business School
- Baruch College Zicklin School of Business
- Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business
- Case Western University, Weatherhead School of Management
- Columbia Business School
- Duke University Fuqua School of Business
- EGADE Business School, Tecnológico de Monterrey
- Reutlingen University ESB Business School
- Fordham University Gabelli School of Business
- Georgetown University McDonough School of Business
- HULT Business School
- IE Business School
- MIT Sloan School of Management (SF MBA)
- New York University Leonard N. Stern School of Business
- Quantic School of Business & Technology
- Rice University Jones Graduate School of Business
- Rutgers Business School
- SDA Bocconi
- Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business
- S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research
- Stanford Graduate School of Business (MSx)
- University of Nevada, Reno
- University of Rochester Simon Business School
- The University of Toledo College of Business and Innovation
- University of Victoria Peter B. Gustavson School of Business
- The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business
- University of Virginia Darden School of Business
- Valparaiso University College of Business
- Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management
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