If you are applying to MBA programs in the coming year, you have likely heard about GMAT or GRE test requirements, and you might be wondering whether you absolutely have to take an admissions exam to apply. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although most top MBA programs do require a standardized test score as part of their application, some exceptions do exist, with certain schools offering test waivers. A candidate who is granted a test waiver will not be required to take an exam. In this post, we offer an overview of the current GMAT\/GRE test waiver opportunities for candidates applying to U.S. full-time MBA programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Standardized test waiver offerings are fluid, so the best way to stay up-to-date on current policies and requirements of the MBA programs you are considering is to regularly check the schools\u2019 websites and applications. However, as a starting point for candidates interested in this option, we have collected the latest test policies for the top 25 U.S. full-time MBA programs here<\/a> (Google Sheet). As of the writing of this post, 16 of the top 25 business schools offer test waivers, including NYU Stern, Michigan Ross, UVA Darden, and Cornell Johnson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n *Data are subject to change; please verify the latest policies on each program\u2019s website.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Typically, to be eligible for a GMAT\/GRE test waiver, you will need to show extensive evidence of academic achievement and readiness as alternative proof of your ability to succeed in business school. The specific requirements can vary from one MBA program to the next, but generally, schools seek candidates who have strong undergraduate grades, especially in quantitative and analytical subjects; a certification or designation, such as CPA or the CFA charter; a graduate degree in a quantitative area; and\/or a professional role that requires the regular use of quantitative and analytical skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you meet a school\u2019s eligibility requirements, or if you are struggling to take the exam or to sufficiently demonstrate your abilities via the exam, you might want to consider the test waiver option. If you feel confident in your evidence and<\/em> you either cannot take the test or score below your target school\u2019s average, the option to request a waiver is worth exploring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have achieved a test score that is higher than your target MBA program\u2019s average for the exam in question\u2014or if you anticipate earning such a score\u2014you would not be an ideal candidate for a waiver. Scoring above a program\u2019s average would be a strength of your candidacy, so you should go ahead and submit your results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, if you have a weak academic record, including a lack of quantitative coursework and\/or poor grades either in quantitative subjects or across the board, applying for a test waiver would not be a strategic choice. You are unlikely to have your waiver request approved, and more importantly, you need to show the admissions committee that you can handle the school\u2019s challenging academic program. So, you should aim to take an exam, whether that is the GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment (if your program accepts it), and earn the strongest score you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some business schools request that you apply for a waiver before<\/em> you submit your application, and if your waiver request is not granted, you will then need to take the required admissions exam before finalizing your application. Other programs include the waiver request within<\/em> the application, which means that you can submit your application before determining whether you need to take a test. Always read the instructions fully<\/em> for your chosen schools, and do your research well in advance, because some waiver requests must be submitted weeks ahead of the application deadline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Steps to Apply for a GMAT\/GRE Waiver<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Be assured that applying for a test waiver will not<\/em> have a negative effect on your chances of being accepted to your target school. Every MBA program that offers GMAT\/GRE test waivers is very clear on this point. And being granted<\/em> a waiver likewise will not affect your chances of acceptance. Schools make their admissions decisions holistically, taking into account all aspects of a candidate\u2019s profile and application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When deciding whether to apply for a test waiver, determine first whether you will have sufficient time to take an exam\u2014and perform well on it\u2014before your target MBA program\u2019s application deadline. Then, think about what alternative evidence you might be able to provide that would effectively demonstrate your quantitative and analytical skills. In addition, if you have taken an exam in the past but were not happy with the result, consider whether taking a different exam that might better showcase your abilities would be worthwhile. For example, you could take the GRE if you have already taken the GMAT, or perhaps the Executive Assessment, if your chosen program accepts it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, keep in mind that some top MBA programs\u2014including UW Foster, Texas McCombs, UVA Darden, and Carnegie Mellon Tepper\u2014state that a strong test score will increase your chances of success in pursuing scholarship and fellowship opportunities. So the waiver option would not be ideal in giving you the best possible chance of financial rewards at those programs. Other schools, such as USC Marshall, indicate that waivers do not<\/em> influence an applicant\u2019s scholarship chances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ultimately, to make the best decision for your personal situation, you must determine whether you feel an exam score would appropriately showcase your abilities and demonstrate your potential to excel in an MBA program. If not, a GMAT\/GRE test waiver might be a fitting option, given the policies of the programs that interest you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To discuss your personal testing situation in more detail, feel free to book a free 30-minute consultation<\/strong><\/a> with one of our experienced MBA Admissions Consultants at your convenience.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"MBA Programs with GMAT\/GRE Test Waiver Options, 2026\u20132027\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\t CMU Tepper<\/td> UGA Terry<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t Cornell Johnson<\/td> UNC Kenan-Flagler<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t Dartmouth Tuck<\/td> USC Marshall<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t Emory Goizueta<\/td> UT Dallas Jindall<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t Indiana Kelley<\/td> Texas McCombs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t Michigan Ross<\/td> UVA Darden<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t NYU Stern<\/td> Vanderbilt Owen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t UCLA Anderson<\/td> Washington Foster<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n Who Is Eligible for a GMAT\/GRE Test Waiver?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Typical Test Waiver Considerations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Who Should <\/strong>Not<\/em><\/strong> Consider a GMAT\/GRE Test Waiver?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Do You Apply for a GMAT\/GRE Test Waiver?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Will Applying for a GMAT\/GRE Test Waiver Negatively Affect My Admissions Chances? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Other Factors Should You Consider When Deciding Whether to Apply for a GMAT\/GRE Test Waiver? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n