GMAT/GRE Waivers for 2024-2025 MBA Applications[#permalink]23 Jul 2024, 15:43
GMAT/GRE Waivers for 2024-2025 MBA Applications
Standardized Tests scores are an important part of top MBA applications. Most business schools ask candidates to submit a GMAT/GRE score with their MBA applications. However, in the past years several top MBA programs allow MBA candidates to ask for a Standardized Tests waiver and submit the MBA application without GMAT/GRE score. Here is a list of top MBA programs that offer GMAT waivers for 2024-2025 applications and some info on the waiver process:
1. CARNEGIE MELLON TEPPER
Tepper MBA program is focused on the success of its students in the classroom and in employment outcomes. The application process allows them to assess readiness of candidates and provide guidance in improving future academic and career outcomes.
Here is some guidance on their 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.
2. CORNELL JOHNSON
Cornell Johnson is offering candidates of the Full-Time MBA 2024-2025 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.
The admissions committee will connect with you via email to indicate if a test waiver has been approved within 5 – 7 business days after submission. If your test waiver is not approved, your application will remain incomplete until a test score is submitted.
3. 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 quantitative rigors of the Tuck MBA.
To be eligible for a GMAT/GRE test waiver, you must:
• Currently have at least two years of post-graduate professional work experience.
• Be a native English speaker or qualify for our English Language Proficiency test waiver.
• Demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical competency through your academic and/or professional experience.
• Have an open, unsubmitted application while we process your request. Those applying through the Consortium do not have to open a Tuck application but must confirm that they are applying through the Consortium on the GMAT/GRE test waiver request form.
• Submit the test waiver request no fewer than 12 business days before your desired application deadline to be guaranteed a response by that application deadline.
To ensure you receive a response by your desired deadline, submit by:
For Round 1/Consortium 1 Guaranteed Interview: Wednesday, August 14, 2024
For Round 1: Monday, September 9, 2024
For Consortium 1: Thursday, September 26, 2024
For Round 2/Consortium 2 Guaranteed Interview: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
For Round 2/Consortium 2: Friday, December 6, 2024 [Note that Dartmouth College is closed from December 23, 2024, through January 1, 2025.]
For Round 3: Friday, March 7, 2025
To request a GMAT/GRE test waiver, please complete this form. Note: GMAT/GRE test waivers are not renewable and must be requested each admissions cycle.
They will ask for your resume, unofficial copies of your undergraduate and graduate transcripts, proof of professional certifications, designations, or non-degree coursework, and additional context to evaluate your readiness for the quantitative rigors of the Tuck MBA. Candidates who present a strong profile through both academic and professional experience are more likely to be granted a GMAT/GRE test waiver.
GMAT/GRE test waiver requests will be reviewed as they are received, and you will receive a response via email within 12 business days from the date you submitted your request. We will not guarantee processing of requests made within 12 business days of an application deadline.
The waiver form includes this question:
In the box below, provide additional context for your academic and professional quantitative and analytical experience. This may include a description of your quantitative and analytical job duties and/or details regarding your relevant coursework. Please do not include information that is not related to your quantitative/analytical competency. (150 word limit)
4. 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.
A conferred bachelor’s degree and full-time, professional work experience, post undergraduate studies, are required to submit the Test Waiver Application.
They 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.
5. GEORGETOWN MCDONOUGH
A standardized test (GMAT, GRE, or EA) is required as part of the Full-time MBA application process. The test is one component of the application that allows us to gain insight into and assess your academic and quantitative aptitude and readiness. However, if you believe that other components of your application demonstrate an above average level of quantitative aptitude which will make the admissions committee confident of your success in the rigorous quantitative coursework, then you may choose to submit a test waiver application.
Candidates who are most likely to be successful in the quantitative rigor of the classroom have one or more of the following as part of their profile.
Academic Grades: Undergraduate or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.1 or greater in one of the following degrees or majors: business administration, science, engineering, technology, or math. Undergraduate or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.3 in degrees or majors other than what is listed above. You must have your bachelor’s degree transcript evaluated via World Education Services (WES) if the degree was earned from a non-United States institution. The rigor and ranking of your institution and major will be considered along with your GPA.
Coursework: In our experience, the rigor of your quantitative coursework, the number of quantitative courses and your performance in those courses indicates probability of success in the MBA classroom. Applicants who have successfully received undergraduate or graduate-level quantitative coursework with a minimum grade of “B” or better in at least two rigorous (not introductory) quantitative classes (e.g. finance, accounting, statistics, calculus, advanced math, engineering, or physics) are preferred.
Certifications: CPA or CFA (or international equivalent) or other quantitatively rigorous certificates.
Work Experience: Significant post-undergraduate full-time work experience in a quantitative, mathematical, or analytical field where the majority of your job responsibilities require rigorous quantitative analysis. Please note that working in Excel and pivot tables for simple analysis does not qualify.
Demonstrated Grit: Professional and academic experiences that demonstrate grit and the ability to be successful in quantitative coursework.
Based on our review of your standardized test waiver, we could require additional proof of quantitative acumen, course syllabi, or request that you complete additional quantitative coursework, which could include requiring a standardized test score.
Process Overview: For those applying to the Full-time MBA program, there is a separate application for a test waiver. You must start (but not submit) an MBA application, then submit the test waiver application for review. You will be notified if you are awarded a waiver and then you may proceed with submitting your MBA application.
6. INDIANA KELLEY
The Kelley School’s Full-Time MBA program admits high-potential applicants into our academically rigorous curriculum. They 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. They expect to award a limited number of waivers to candidates with otherwise strong qualifications. In evaluating waiver requests, they 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.
7. 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. Instead, you must submit an essay that supports your case and provides alternative evidence of your readiness. Please note that you will either submit your application with test scores or with the Statement of Academic Readiness, no separate application or pre-approval is required for the Statement of Academic Readiness. 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. Please note that this is not a waiver request and you will not receive feedback on whether your test was waived. You either submit your score results OR a Statement of Academic Readiness.
School 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 the Executive Assessment
Candidates demonstrating multiple academic and/or professional accomplishments as listed above are more likely to be granted admission.
Candidates who want to apply without test score must submit Statement of Academic Readiness:
Please demonstrate why you are ready to meet the academic rigor of our program (200 words).
In support of your answer, please upload evidence of accredited academic study, relevant work experience or other relevant accomplishments.
8. MINNESOTA CARLSON
You may be eligible for a GMAT/GRE waiver if you meet the following minimum academic criteria:
Have a four-year undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited university in the U.S. or its international equivalent
Have a 3.2 GPA or higher (3.0 GPA or higher in STEM majors) in the most recent degree earned
In addition to the above, you must also demonstrate program readiness based on, but not limited to at least one of the following criteria:
Progressively responsible professional, full-time work experience
Completed graduate degree (Master’s or Doctoral)
Professional certifications of CPA or CFA
U.S. military service of 4 years, full-time
All test waivers are granted at the admissions committee’s discretion based on a holistic review of academic and professional accomplishments at the time of test waiver request submission.
9. 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 later 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. The test waiver request form is not intended to be a Statement of Academic Readiness and should focus only on the circumstances surrounding your inability to take a GMAT or GRE.
In the “test scores” section of the application, you need to request a test waiver. Then you get the waiver form, where you need to answer the question:
Please explain why you are not able to submit a test score. This should NOT be a Statement of Academic Readiness and should focus only on the circumstances surrounding your inability to take a GMAT (Focus Edition) or GRE. (250 words)
10. NYU STERN
If you feel that you are able to demonstrate academic readiness without a standardized test score, you may submit a request for a standardized test waiver for the Full-Time and Luxury & Retail MBA programs. Those who provide strong examples of academic readiness (e.g.: strong analytical or quantitative undergraduate or graduate majors, professional work experience, certifications, etc.) may receive a standardized test waiver.
Please ensure that you submit your standardized test waiver request at least three weeks prior to when you plan to submit your MBA application. You can start your Standardized Test Waiver Request by clicking “Start New Application” and selecting 2025 MBA Test Waiver Application.
If your request for a standardized test waiver has been approved, you are not required to complete this page of the application. Standardized test waiver requests must be submitted prior to submitting your 2024-25 application to the Full-time Two-year or Luxury & Retail MBA program. Test waiver requests submitted after your MBA application will not be reviewed.
Please note, the Andre Koo Tech MBA is test optional for 2024-25 application. Candidates are not required to submit a standardized test waiver request.
To apply for the standardized test waiver, you must:
• Have received a bachelor’s degree prior to submitting a request. Students who have not received their undergraduate degrees are not eligible to submit a waiver request.
• Be planning to apply to the Full-Time MBA or Luxury & Retail MBA program in the 2024-2025 admissions cycle. Those applying through the Consortium are eligible to request a standardized test waiver. Dual degrees are not eligible to request a standardized test waiver.
• Submit a completed test waiver request by Tuesday, April 1, 2025, 11:59 EST.
Applicants may only submit one standardized test waiver request per admissions cycle and must select one MBA program when submitting the request. If you were approved for a standardized test waiver during a prior admissions cycle, you will be required to resubmit a standardized test waiver request for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle.
The following items must be submitted with the request:
• Request form
• Resume
• Transcript(s) for all undergraduate and any graduate programs/degrees. Transcripts must indicate all classes taken, grades received, credits earned, final cumulative GPA(s) and degree conferral(s). Self-reported transcripts will not be accepted for review. If your transcript is not in English, you must provide a certified translation along with a copy of the original transcript. If you have attended more than one undergraduate institution, you must provide a separate transcript from the host institution(s) unless all course titles and grades are listed on your primary transcript.
• If applicable:
• Graduate transcript
• Post-graduate coursework transcripts
• Professional Certifications (e.g., CFA, CPA, etc.)
•Brief essay response to the prompt: Please list the coursework completed, certifications held, and professional experience you have that demonstrates academic readiness for an MBA program. You may use bullet points. (300 word limit)
If the information provided in your test waiver request differs from the information provided in your MBA application, your waiver may be rescinded and your application made incomplete.
If you are approved for a standardized test waiver, you will receive further instructions to submit your application. Applicants who are not approved for the waiver will need to complete the standardized test score requirement to complete their application.
11. TEXAS MCCOMBS
All Full-Time MBA applicants are required to submit a GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, or EA score. The school will waive the testing requirement if:
• An expired (taken 5+ years ago) GMAT, GRE, or EA score is submitted or
• General Test Waiver (merit-based) is approved
The MBA Admissions Committee does not have a preference on which test you take, and there is no minimum score. You can review our Full-Time MBA class profile for test score averages. Learn more about the different test options. More details on how to submit test scores can be found below.
General Test Waiver (merit-based)
A merit-based test waiver is available by request prior to submitting your application. Waivers/Exceptions are not available for applicants who have already sent scores to UT.
More information on criteria, instructions on how to submit, and other details can be found on our merit-based test waiver .
12. 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. For an idea of the typical test score range of admitted students, see our latest class profile.
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.
13. VIRGINIA DARDEN
For some candidates, a test score may not be needed for our Admissions Committee to assess their preparedness for 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.
Particular regard will be given to indicators of academic and professional accomplishment, including but not limited to:
• At least three years of professional work experience
• A strong undergraduate and/or graduate record, including performance in analytical coursework or disciplines
• CPA or CFA designation or other quantitative, professional certification
• Master’s or advanced degree in an analytical discipline
These factors will be considered across several criteria, in combination with resume and transcripts for all degree-related coursework. Candidates who present a strong profile across several criteria (including supporting materials) are more likely to be granted a test waiver than candidates who meet only one criterion.
*Please note that a test waiver applies for the GMAT, GRE, EA, LSAT or MCAT. International students who are granted a test waiver are still required to submit an English language proficiency test score if they meet the criteria.
Candidates who believe they may qualify for a test waiver on the basis of the above criteria should submit a test waiver application.
If you are unsure about waiver eligibility or interested in applying for one? Feel free to connect with us.
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