Which schools offer GMAT waivers for MBA programs?

Question

Divakshi Arora · Accepted Answer

Several well-known MBA programs offer GMAT waivers, especially for applicants with strong academic records or significant work experience. Here are a few schools to check out:

IE Business School (Spain) &ndash; Offers waivers if you have over 5 years of experience or opt for their in-house admissions test.
Warwick Business School (UK) &ndash; May waive GMAT for candidates with a first-class degree or strong professional history.
ESMT Berlin (Germany) &ndash; Provides GMAT waivers on a case-by-case basis, especially for applicants with STEM degrees or analytical roles.
University of Edinburgh &ndash; Doesn&rsquo;t require GMAT if your undergrad degree and work experience show strong analytical skills.

Each school has its own conditions, so it&rsquo;s important to check the waiver criteria and apply early.

Harshal G · Answer

Yes, several top MBA programs in Europe and the UK offer GMAT waivers, particularly for applicants with strong academics or relevant professional experience. For example, Imperial College Business School may waive the GMAT if your undergraduate degree is in a quantitative field like engineering, economics, or mathematics.
SDA Bocconi also grants waivers to candidates with excellent academic records or a solid track record in managerial roles. Similarly, the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management often waives the GMAT for applicants who already hold a master&rsquo;s degree or work in analytical roles like consulting or finance.
Vlerick Business School takes a flexible approach and considers waivers if you&rsquo;ve shown strong problem-solving or numerical ability through academics or work. If you&rsquo;re unsure whether your profile qualifies, book a free profile evaluation session to get expert guidance on which schools may waive the GMAT for you.

Harshpreet Seera · Answer

Several top MBA programs offer GMAT waivers for applicants with strong work experience or advanced degrees. Here are some of the key schools that provide GMAT waivers:
1. Harvard Business School

Waiver Criteria: Available for applicants with significant work experience or a strong academic background. Waivers can be requested during the application process.

2. Columbia Business School

Waiver Criteria: Granted to candidates with substantial professional experience or a master's degree. Each case is assessed individually.

3. Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania)

Waiver Criteria: Available for applicants with professional certifications or those applying to the Executive MBA program.

4. MIT Sloan School of Management

Waiver Criteria: Offered for applicants with advanced degrees or strong quantitative work experience.

5. Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University)

Waiver Criteria: Available for candidates with 5+ years of professional experience or a graduate degree in a quantitative field.

6. Booth School of Business (University of Chicago)

Waiver Criteria: Offered for applicants to the Executive MBA program or those with significant work experience and strong academic credentials.

7. Stanford Graduate School of Business

Waiver Criteria: While Stanford doesn&rsquo;t officially offer GMAT waivers, strong professional and academic qualifications may replace the GMAT.

8. INSEAD

Waiver Criteria: May waive the GMAT requirement for applicants with significant professional experience or an advanced degree.

If you have a solid academic record or relevant work experience, you might be eligible for a GMAT waiver. Be sure to check each school&rsquo;s specific criteria and prepare your application accordingly. Having a backup plan is always good, in case a waiver is not granted. "

Yash Mothia · Answer

If you're looking into MvBA programs but are concerned about taking the GMAT then there's a piece of good news for you.Several top business schools offer waivers or don't require the test at all.
Below I have mentioned some B-schools that don't consider a GMAT or give a waiver over your GMAT scores. 
Schools Offering GMAT Waivers:

MIT Sloan School of Management: You can request a waiver if you're unable to take the test due to specific circumstances.
NYU Stern School of Business: They offer waivers for applicants who can show strong academic readiness without a test score. 
Dartmouth Tuck School of Business: If you have at least two years of professional experience and can demonstrate quantitative skills, you might qualify for a waiver
University of Michigan Ross School of Business: They don't require a GMAT score but ask for a Statement of Academic Readiness to show your quantitative abilities.
University of Virginia Darden School of Business: Test waivers are available based on your academic and professional background.

Schools Not Requiring GMAT Scores:

University of Washington Foster School of Business: Their Full-Time MBA program doesn't require test scores.
Washington University in St. Louis Olin Business School: No test scores are needed for their Full-Time MBA program.
Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business: They don't require standardized test scores for their Full-Time MBA program.

There&rsquo;s one thing you need to keep in mind, even if a school offers a waiver or doesn't require the GMAT, you'll still need to showcase your academic and professional strengths in other parts of your application. So you need to work hard anyway if you want to an admitted for these reputed B-schools.