All AnswersWhich top MBA programs currently offer GMAT waivers, and how do their policies differ?
Asked by R Sandhya 5 months ago
Several top MBA programs have introduced GMAT waiver policies, allowing applicants to apply without submitting GMAT scores under specific conditions. Here's an overview of some prominent programs and their waiver criteria:
MIT Sloan School of Management
MIT Sloan offers GMAT waivers for applicants facing challenges in accessing the test. Candidates must submit a formal waiver request explaining their circumstances. The admissions committee reviews these requests individually.
University of Michigan - Ross School of Business
Michigan Ross allows applicants to request a GMAT waiver if they can demonstrate academic readiness through:
- Advanced degrees in analytical or quantitative disciplines.
- Professional certifications like CPA or CFA.
- Strong undergraduate or graduate academic records, especially in quantitative courses.
- Relevant work experience in analytical or quantitative roles.
Applicants must submit an essay detailing their qualifications for the waiver.
NYU Stern School of Business
NYU Stern provides GMAT waivers for candidates who:
- Demonstrate academic readiness through strong analytical or quantitative undergraduate or graduate majors.
- Possess relevant professional work experience.
- Hold certifications that showcase their quantitative abilities.
Applicants must request the waiver and provide supporting evidence of their academic preparedness.
University of Virginia (UVA) - Darden School of Business
UVA Darden considers GMAT waiver requests on a case-by-case basis, focusing on:
- Academic achievements.
- Professional accomplishments.
- Indicators of readiness for the program's rigor.
Applicants should provide detailed information supporting their waiver request.
Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management
Cornell Johnson allows all applicants to request a GMAT waiver. Candidates should prepare a concise statement (up to 100 words) explaining their circumstances and how they are prepared for the program's academic challenges.
Carnegie Mellon University - Tepper School of Business
CMU Tepper offers GMAT waivers on a case-by-case basis, evaluating:
- Academic readiness for the MBA program.
- Undergraduate or graduate coursework.
- Professional experience.
Applicants may need to complete additional academic preparation if granted a waiver.
Dartmouth Tuck School of Business
Dartmouth Tuck may offer GMAT waivers to applicants who:
- Align with Tuck’s values and admissions criteria.
- Have a minimum of two years of post-graduate professional work experience.
- Qualify for an English Language Proficiency test waiver if they are non-native English speakers.
Waiver requests must be submitted before the application and are reviewed individually.
Emory University - Goizueta Business School
Emory Goizueta provides GMAT waivers for applicants who can demonstrate preparedness for graduate-level business coursework through:
- Academic background.
- Work experience.
- Professional certifications.
Each waiver request is evaluated individually.
Boston University - Questrom School of Business
BU Questrom allows Full-Time MBA applicants to request a GMAT waiver if they meet at least one of the following qualifications:
- Three or more years of full-time work experience.
- A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Possession of a terminal degree (JD, MD, or PhD).
- Professional certifications like CPA or CFA.
Waiver requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.
University of North Carolina (UNC) - Kenan-Flagler Business School
UNC Kenan-Flagler offers GMAT waivers for applicants who can demonstrate academic and professional readiness through:
- Undergraduate GPA and course rigor.
- Advanced degrees.
- Professional experience in analytical or quantitative fields.
Each waiver request is reviewed individually.
While GMAT waivers provide flexibility, it's essential to assess whether applying without a GMAT score strengthens your application. A strong GMAT score can enhance your profile, especially if other areas are less competitive. Additionally, some employers may request GMAT scores during recruitment, particularly in consulting and finance sectors.
Before applying for a waiver, review each program's specific criteria and consider how your academic background, work experience, and professional certifications align with their requirements. Submitting a well-prepared waiver request that clearly articulates your qualifications can improve your chances of approval.
Several top MBA programs now offer GMAT waivers, each with distinct criteria:
Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business: Tepper evaluates waiver requests individually, focusing on academic readiness. Applicants may need to demonstrate preparedness through prior coursework or professional experience.
Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management: All full-time MBA applicants can request a GMAT/GRE waiver. Candidates must submit a concise statement (100 words) detailing their analytical and quantitative capabilities, highlighting how their background equips them for the program's rigor.
Dartmouth Tuck School of Business: Tuck considers waivers for applicants with at least two years of post-graduate work experience and strong quantitative skills demonstrated through academics or professional roles. Non-native English speakers must meet specific language proficiency criteria. Waiver requests should be submitted before the application, with responses typically within 10-12 business days.
Emory Goizueta Business School: Applicants can seek waivers if their academic background and work experience indicate readiness for graduate-level business coursework. A bachelor's degree and full-time professional experience are prerequisites. Decisions are usually communicated within 10-14 business days.
MIT Sloan School of Management: Sloan has offered GMAT/GRE waivers, encouraging applicants to provide alternative evidence of academic readiness, such as online course certificates or industry certifications like the CFA.
University of Virginia Darden School of Business: Darden accepts various standardized tests and allows candidates to request a waiver, especially those with strong academic records or extensive work experience in analytical fields.
University of Michigan Ross School of Business: Ross permits waiver requests for applicants with over four years of full-time professional experience, advanced degrees, or high grades in quantitative courses.
Georgetown University McDonough School of Business: McDonough offers waivers for applicants facing challenges accessing exams, provided they haven't taken the GMAT, GRE, or EA in the past five years.
Indiana University Kelley School of Business: Kelley considers waivers for candidates who can demonstrate academic readiness through previous degrees or relevant work experience.
Babson College: Babson has adopted a test-optional policy, evaluating applicants based on past academic performance and other materials without requiring GMAT/GRE scores.
You can also check out this for more MBA GMAT Waiver schools
Policies are subject to change; always consult the latest admissions information from each school. Submitting a strong GMAT/GRE scorenhance your application, especially for candidates with limited quantitative backgrounds.
Dynamic Business Analyst | Data-Driven Decision Maker | Strategic Thinker
Well, several prestigious schools offer GMAT waivers, and their policies vary depending on your background. For instance, Columbia Business School, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and INSEAD offer waivers, but each has different criteria.
For example, Columbia waives the GMAT if you’ve already earned a graduate degree or have extensive work experience in a relevant field. Meanwhile, INSEAD and Chicago Booth offer flexibility if you meet certain academic or professional qualifications. So, it’s worth checking each school’s specific requirements to see if you qualify for a waiver!
Learn more- GMAT Waiver Schools
Exam Prep Expert
Yes, some top MBA programs still offer GMAT waivers, especially if you have strong work experience, good academics, or a master’s degree in a related field. Schools understand that not everyone is great at standardized tests, so they’ve made their policies more flexible in recent years.
For example, MIT Sloan, Kellogg, Michigan Ross, and Duke Fuqua offer waivers—but you usually have to request them and explain why you’re a good fit without the test. Some schools ask you to show your past academic records or job roles that prove you can handle the MBA course load.
Each school has its own rules. Some schools make the waiver easy to get, while others review each case more carefully. You may need to submit extra documents like your CV, transcripts, or even write a short essay to request the waiver.
So yes, GMAT waivers are still out there—but it’s super important to check each school’s website to understand how their policy works. And if you’re confident in your experience and background, go ahead and apply for one!
“Waiver or score—don’t guess at all, ask a GMAT expert, just book a call!”
Test preparation Expert
Yes, several top MBA programs currently offer GMAT waivers, but their policies and criteria can vary. Schools like MIT Sloan, NYU Stern, Michigan Ross, UVA Darden, and Cornell Johnson allow applicants to request waivers, typically requiring strong academic records, quantitative coursework, or significant professional experience.
It's important to note that while these waivers are available, they are often granted on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must usually demonstrate their readiness through alternative qualifications, such as advanced degrees or certifications like CPA or CFA. Be sure to check each school's specific requirements and consider whether submitting a test score might strengthen your application.