Is GMAT Required for Columbia MSBA?

Question

Mansih K · Accepted Answer

Technically, you can apply to Columbia MSBA without a GMAT score &mdash; but skipping it works best for certain profiles.
&bull; Accepts GMAT or GRE; waiver requests considered if you have strong quantitative academics or relevant work. &bull; Typical admitted students who skip the test have degrees in STEM fields, GPAs above 3.5/4.0, and hands-on projects in analytics or machine learning. &bull; Those with professional analytics experience at firms like Deloitte, IBM, or Goldman Sachs have also secured waivers. &bull; Applicants without such backgrounds often benefit from submitting a score &mdash; many admits report 700+ GMAT or 325+ GRE, especially with Quant scores in the 90th percentile. &bull; A strong score can also improve chances for merit scholarships, which waivers alone may not help with.
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T Mehta · Answer

The Columbia MSBA does not strictly require the GMAT ,  applicants can submit either GMAT, GRE, or even request a test waiver if they have strong quantitative backgrounds. According to recent admitted student profiles, most successful candidates still submit a test score, and competitive ranges are 325+ on the GRE or 700+ on the GMAT, with high Quant sections.
Waivers are usually granted to those with significant quantitative coursework or professional experience, such as degrees in engineering, mathematics, or computer science, or roles in data analytics or finance. If applying straight after undergrad without heavy quant experience, a strong score can help offset that gap. Columbia&rsquo;s admissions team has noted that submitting a good test score can strengthen the application even when it&rsquo;s optional.

Jayant M · Answer

No, the GMAT is not strictly required for Columbia MSBA. Applicants can apply with a GMAT, GRE, or even request a test waiver if they have a strong quantitative background shown through academics or professional work. That said, most admitted students still submit scores because it helps demonstrate readiness for a program that&rsquo;s math-heavy.
Recent class data shows competitive admits often report 320+ GRE or 650&ndash;700 GMAT. A waiver works best for candidates with degrees in engineering, math, or economics, or for those with analytics-heavy work experience. For international students especially, submitting a solid GMAT or GRE score can improve scholarship chances and offset less familiar grading systems. While Columbia MSBA gives flexibility, aiming for a strong test score is still one of the clearest ways to strengthen an application.

V Ritik · Answer

A lot of applicants assume Columbia MSBA requires the GMAT, but that isn&rsquo;t the case.
&bull; The program accepts either GMAT or GRE, and it also allows test waiver requests for applicants with strong quantitative preparation. &bull; Waivers are granted more easily when transcripts include advanced math or programming, or when professional experience clearly shows analytical expertise. &bull; Still, most successful candidates do submit scores&mdash;usually in the 650&ndash;700 GMAT range or GRE equivalent&mdash;because it adds weight to the profile. &bull; For international students, submitting a test score also helps reassure the admissions team of academic readiness. &bull; Those aiming for scholarships or competitive consulting/tech roles after the program usually benefit from having a strong score on record.
So while Columbia MSBA doesn&rsquo;t require the GMAT, presenting one makes the application stronger in most cases.