What are some tips for writing a strong GMAT waiver letter?

Question

Aarushi S · Accepted Answer

The first and most important tip for your GMAT waiver letter is that you should clearly prove that you don&rsquo;t need the GMAT to succeed in the program. Schools like Georgetown McDonough, for example, mention that strong academic performance or years of work experience can qualify applicants for a waiver.
Start your letter by stating that you are formally requesting a GMAT waiver and mention the program by name. Then explain your academic background especially if you have done well in quantitative subjects like economics, statistics, or engineering. That shows the admissions team you can handle the academic pressure without a GMAT.
Next, highlight your work experience. If you&rsquo;ve worked for more than 5 years in roles that required analytical thinking, leadership, or decision-making, mention that clearly. Some schools like MIT Sloan also accept alternative proof like CFA, CPA, or executive training programs, so include any certifications you have.
End your letter politely. Thank them for reviewing your request and mention that you're happy to provide more documents if needed. Keep the tone formal but respectful, and make sure it&rsquo;s clear, concise, and honest.

Jayant M · Answer

Don&rsquo;t treat the waiver letter like a general essay, it&rsquo;s more like a professional memo that makes your case in clear, specific terms.
&bull; Open with your eligibility, mention if you hold a top-ranked MiM or a relevant master&rsquo;s degree.
&bull; List your strongest academic credentials first. Include course names, grades, and school rankings if relevant.
&bull; Highlight professional experience that proves analytical strength, projects involving KPIs, budgets, models, or metrics.
&bull; Show verbal ability too, point to leadership in meetings, report writing, or roles that required persuasive communication.
&bull; If you hold certifications like CFA Level II or PMP, include them.
End the letter by summarizing how these examples cover the GMAT&rsquo;s quant and verbal components. Keep the tone confident but not overly formal.
For more details , you can read this blog on "How to Write a Strong GMAT Waiver Request"

P Sinha · Answer

A strong GMAT waiver letter should directly show that your academic and professional background makes the test unnecessary. Start with your highest degree mention the university, program name, GPA, and graduation year. Then list at least two quant-heavy courses like statistics, calculus, or finance where you scored well (ideally 75% or higher).
Next, move to your work experience. Focus on roles involving data analysis, forecasting, strategic planning, or financial modeling. Be specific about tools or methods used Excel, SQL, Power BI, etc. If you&rsquo;ve managed teams or led presentations, include that too, it helps show verbal reasoning.
Keep it short (around 300 words), structured, and factual. Schools don&rsquo;t want stories, they want proof that you already meet the skills the GMAT measures.