MBA Without GMAT: Where Can I Apply?

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So, you want to earn your MBA, no GMAT required. Finding MBA programs without GMAT requirements certainly isn’t impossible, especially since the pandemic prompted many schools to go test-optional. However, for a full-time MBA, no GMAT scores could be an issue, depending on what types of programs you’re interested in.

In this article, we’ll discuss whether applying for an MBA without GMAT scores is a good idea. Additionally, we’ll discuss what types of MBA programs don’t require GMAT scores. After reading this article, you can be sure that you’re setting yourself up for success during the MBA admissions process.

Here are the topics we’ll cover:

Taking the GRE Instead of the GMAT
Should You Apply to MBA Programs Without GMAT or GRE Scores?
- Some Other Points to Consider
Are There Top MBA Programs Without GMAT Requirements?
Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s Next?

To start, let’s discuss the first path to pursuing an MBA without GMAT scores: taking the GRE instead.

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Taking the GRE Instead of the GMAT

The vast majority of full-time MBA programs in the U.S. now accept either GMAT or GRE scores. So, if for whatever reason you want to avoid taking the GMAT, but you worry that not submitting test scores could put you at a disadvantage, you could take the GRE instead. Just be sure that the programs you’re interested in accept GRE scores and don’t state a preference for the GMAT. (Most schools that accept scores from both tests are agnostic about which test you take.)

That said, I have a feeling that most people reading this article are probably interested in applying to MBA programs without GMAT or GRE scores. In other words, you want to pursue an MBA without standardized tests being part of the admissions process.

KEY FACT:

For most MBA programs, the GRE is a viable alternative to the GMAT.

But is it actually a smart plan to pursue an MBA without GMAT or GRE scores? Before you decide to forgo standardized tests altogether, let’s consider this important question.

Should You Apply to MBA Programs Without GMAT or GRE Scores?

Many schools went test-optional during the pandemic, and some have indeed maintained that policy. So, you may think that it doesn’t really matter whether you apply to MBA programs without GMAT or GRE scores.

Here’s the thing: even if a school is test-optional, by applying for a full-time MBA without GMAT or GRE scores, you miss out on an important opportunity to make your application stand out. Although test scores are just one piece of an application, they represent a chance to show off your skills — and hopefully outshine your peers. You only have so many opportunities to convince admissions committees that you deserve a seat at the table. Why not take advantage of every one of those opportunities?

You should also consider that, even if a school is test-optional, many of your peers will still submit test scores. Like it or not, MBA admissions is a competition, and “keeping up with the Joneses” matters. For example, if 70% of admitted students at your top-choice program submitted test scores, you should strongly consider submitting scores. (You can often find this information on a program’s website.)

Additionally, some test-optional programs state that submitting scores is “recommended” or “encouraged.” In those cases, I would consider the test-optional policy “emergency use only.” After all, if programs “recommend” or “encourage” something, then they probably would prefer that you do it!

TTP PRO TIP:

Even if a program is test-optional, applying for an MBA without GMAT or GRE scores may be a missed opportunity.

Some Other Points to Consider

If the argument that submitting test scores can strengthen your MBA applications does not convince you, consider these key points:

Not submitting test scores with your MBA applications could take you out of the running for some merit-based scholarships.
An impressive GMAT score may make you more competitive for certain post-graduation jobs, such as those at major consulting firms.
With the GMAT, MBA rankings come into play. So, if you’re aiming for schools high in the rankings, consider that they’ll probably want to see high GMAT scores.

Let’s explore that last point further.

Are There Top MBA Programs Without GMAT Requirements?

Of the top 100 full-time MBA programs, only around 30 are not test-optional. So, you may be thinking, 70 top schools don’t require test scores — who needs the GMAT!

Consider, however, that as we climb the rankings, test-optional full-time programs get fewer and farther between. For instance, only around half of the top 25 business schools are test-optional, and no M7 schools are test-optional. (MIT grants test waivers to certain applicants, but we’ll discuss those next). So, if you’re aiming for a highly competitive MBA without GMAT or GRE scores, you may need to rethink your plans.

Now, the good news is that all M7 schools allow you to submit either GMAT or GRE scores. As I mentioned earlier, you’ll find that most MBA programs nowadays allow scores from either test. So, even if your schools of choice require test scores, you’ll most likely have a choice about which test you take.

KEY FACT:

No M7 schools are test-optional, but they all allow you to submit either GMAT or GRE scores.

Now, let’s discuss getting a GMAT exemption for MBA programs.

Getting a GMAT Waiver for MBA Programs

For some business schools, GMAT waivers are available to full-time MBA applicants.

For example, MIT offers test waivers to full-time MBA applicants. That said, MIT puts very serious consideration into whether to grant a waiver. Consider the following statement from the MIT Sloan website (emphasis added):

“the GMAT and GRE are a critical component of the application process and play an important role in our holistic evaluation process. The MIT Sloan Admissions Committee expects that you will submit a GMAT or GRE score … If your current situation prevents you from being able to submit a test score, you may request a test waiver explaining the situation; the Admissions Committee will take your request under advisement … If the waiver is approved, and you are admitted, the Admissions Committee reserves the right to offer conditional admission such as, but not limited to, receiving a certain score on the GMAT or GRE or taking a supplemental class.”

Now, not all schools offering test waivers have guidelines as stringent as MIT’s. After all, MIT is a top-ranked school. However, you should expect that if you’re going to request a GMAT waiver, you’ll need a very good reason for doing so. It should be one that you can clearly articulate to the admissions committee.

Alternatively, you may need to meet narrow requirements to receive an exemption. For example, Chicago Booth grants GMAT/GRE waivers only to certain University of Chicago students or alumni with a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher.

So, the decision to request a GMAT exemption for MBA programs should not be taken lightly. You can bet that schools won’t take the decision to grant one lightly!

TTP PRO TIP:

You generally should not request a GMAT exemption for MBA programs unless you truly cannot take the exam.

Non-Traditional MBA Programs

So far we’ve been discussing applying to regular, full-time MBA programs without GMAT (or GRE) scores. As we’ve seen, taking the GMAT is most strategic, if not required, in many cases. This is particularly true if you’re interested in top programs.

However, if you’re not aiming for a “traditional” MBA program, there may be alternative MBA admissions criteria that don’t include test scores. For example, even at some schools that require the GMAT or GRE for full-time MBA applicants, you may be able to apply for an Executive MBA without GMAT scores, for a part-time MBA without GMAT scores, or for online MBA programs without GMAT scores. (Also keep in mind that if you’re applying to EMBA programs, you’ll often have the option to take the Executive Assessment instead of the GMAT or GRE.)

Additionally, some weekend and evening MBA programs do not require GMAT scores. Likewise, for an accelerated MBA, no GMAT may be necessary.

Again, if you’re aiming for the top of the top, even for “non-traditional” MBA programs, you may still face a test requirement. For example, while you can certainly apply for an Executive MBA without GMAT scores at Chicago Booth, you will still need to take an entrance exam. So, if you want to avoid the GMAT, you’ll still have to take the Executive Assessment or the GRE.

Of course, you should check the admissions requirements of the specific programs you’re interested in to see what their testing policies are. Don’t assume that you can apply for an MBA without standardized tests simply because you’re applying to “non-traditional” programs, particularly if you’re targeting top schools.

TTP PRO TIP:

“Non-traditional” MBA programs, such as part-time or online programs, may have more flexible test requirements.

Non-U.S. MBA Programs

As with non-traditional MBA programs, don’t assume that for an international MBA, no GMAT will be required. For example, as in the U.S., many top programs outside the U.S. require test scores. Take INSEAD and Oxford Saïd, which both mandate that all applicants to its full-time MBA programs submit either a GMAT or GRE score. In addition, both schools do not offer test waivers.

Similarly, HKUST requires either a GMAT or GRE score for full-time MBAs, but may grant GMAT waivers to part-time MBA applicants (including online MBAs) with more than 7 years of full-time work experience — still a fairly strict requirement.

Of course, just as in the U.S., policies vary from school to school. You can generally expect that programs with less rigorous requirements overall may also have less rigorous testing requirements.

KEY FACT:

Like top programs in the U.S., many top programs abroad require either GMAT or GRE scores for full-time MBA programs and often for other types of MBA programs.

Key Takeaways

The vast majority of full-time MBA programs in the U.S. accept either GMAT or GRE scores.
No M7 schools are test-optional, but they all allow you to submit either GMAT or GRE scores.
Around half of the top 25 business schools are test-optional.
Even if a program is test-optional, applying for an MBA without GMAT or GRE scores may be a missed opportunity.
Not having a GMAT score could take you out of the running for some merit-based scholarships and certain post-MBA jobs.
You generally should not request a GMAT exemption for MBA programs unless you truly cannot take the exam or you meet specific exceptions set forth by a program.
If you request a test exemption, be prepared to explain to admissions why you’re unable to submit test scores.
“Non-traditional” MBA programs, such as part-time or online programs, may have more flexible test requirements that don’t require submitting GMAT scores.
Like top programs in the U.S., many top programs abroad require either GMAT or GRE scores for full-time MBA programs and often for other types of MBA programs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Let’s answer some common questions about where you can apply to MBA programs without GMAT scores.

Can I do an MBA in the USA without GMAT scores?

You can apply for an MBA without the GMAT in the USA. Be aware that you may be significantly limiting your options if you’re interested in business schools ranked in the top 25.

Can I do an MBA in Canada without GMAT scores?

As in the U.S., there are MBA programs that do require test scores and MBA programs that don’t. Check individual program websites to determine testing requirements and be aware that there may be more opportunities to apply to part-time, online, and EMBA programs without GMAT scores than to regular, full-time MBA programs, particularly at highly ranked schools.

Can I do an MBA in Europe without GMAT scores?

Applying for an MBA without a GMAT in Europe is certainly possible. However, if you’re targeting top schools such as London Business School, INSEAD, Oxford Saïd, Cambridge Judge, and HEC Paris, you’ll need either a GMAT or GRE score to apply to the full-time MBA program.

Can I do an MBA in the UK without GMAT scores?

There are plenty of options for students looking to earn an MBA in the UK without taking the GMAT, particularly if you’re interested in part-time or online programs. However, be aware that some “non-traditional” programs may still prefer that you submit GMAT scores, even if they don’t require scores.

For example, the University of Liverpool Online MBA program does not require GMAT scores but “encourages” them. So, taking the GMAT may still be your best bet.

Be aware also that the highest-ranked schools in the UK tend to have stricter GMAT requirements.