Can you get an MBA without taking the GMAT exam? This is one of the most frequently asked questions about MBA programs in recent years. While most MBA programs require students to provide a Graduate Management Admission Test scores GMAT, some are willing to waive the GMAT requirement for, especially experienced or accomplished students.
Before you begin looking for a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) anywhere in the world, you will want to know the standard application and admission requirements for the programs you are enrolling in. Typically, students who are applying to MBAs are aware that most business schools will require them to take the GMAT as part of their application requirements.
Do you think the GMAT is the smarter choice for you? Would you rather explore other options? Read through and learn more about GMAT, the alternatives, and what is obtainable in the MBA.
Table of contents
What Is GMAT
GMAT stands for, the Graduate Management Admission Test; It is an important part of the business school application process. The GMAT is a multiple-choice, computer-based, and computer-adaptive standardized exam that is often required for admission to graduate business programs (MBA) globally.
You can also learn about the GMAT Exam Pattern: What To Know & How To Prepare
Why Do MBA Programs Require GMAT?
Actually, most institutions require GMAT scores and place them as a basis for admission because the exam is standardized. This means that the content of the exam is fair, and it is taken in the same format by all students.
In general, the GMAT doesn’t matter as much for executive MBA programs. Executive MBA programs are designed for individuals with at least 5-10 years of professional, relevant work experience. They usually feature a more hands-on and accelerated curriculum than traditional MBAs.
What Can I Do If I Don’t Want To Take A GMAT?
Taking the GMAT isn’t the only way to be admitted to an MBA program. There are other testing alternatives to the GMAT exam. Some may opt to take the GRE instead of the GMAT. Others may be better suited for an EMBA program.
If you decide not to take the GMAT, you have to consider the GMAT alternative if you plan to apply to business school. Let’s go over the alternatives to the GMAT. Below are a few other options available.
1. GRE
If you are seeking an MBA with no GMAT requirement, you may consider taking the GRE exam instead. The GRE exam is an alternative to GMAT and is widely accepted by many graduate programs.
The GRE is similar to the GMAT, but it is structured differently and focuses more on reasoning skills instead of analytical skills. The GRE is recommended because of the lower registration fee.
2. EMBA
Another great alternative to GMAT is an executive MBA. EMBAs are ideal for individuals who have been working in the business world for some time. These applicants generally have at least five to 10 years of work experience in mid-level or senior roles. Executive MBA admission without GMAT scores stresses previous work experience over GMAT scores.
Programs That Doesn’t Require GMAT
MBA programs that do not require GMAT scores are becoming more common. Many universities examine other factors during the admissions process. They look at past academic performance and work experience instead of GMAT test scores.
Some graduate programs that don’t require GMAT (or even GRE) scores may ask that you complete specific math modules in place of a standardized exam.
How Can I Apply For An Executive MBA Programs Without GMAT Scores?
There are many EMBA programs without GMAT requirements. Some programs waive the GMAT requirement entirely if the applicant has enough relevant work experience and satisfactory academic performance. Other programs accept a GMAT alternative such as the GRE score in place of the GMAT.
However, Executive MBA programs are designed for professionals who have several years of managerial experience and therefore may not require a GMAT score.
Furthermore, Executive MBA programs with no GMAT required appeal specifically to individuals who have recorded past work experience, hence, the GMAT requirement is often waived. If transcripts from previous studies indicate any reason for concern, some institutions may still require that the GMAT or another exam be taken prior to admittance.
GRE is a GMAT alternative. Learn How To Prepare For GRE Exam In Less Than 3 Weeks
What Are The MBA Programs That Don’t Require the GMAT?
There are two categories of MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT for admission.
Traditional MBA program
There are a few MBA programs that don’t require any GRE or GMAT scores for admissions. These are mostly international or smaller schools, but there are few relatively popular and prestigious business schools, like Rutgers and Texas A&M, that don’t require the exam. With the exception of UNC, all of the top-25 business schools require the GMAT.
Some of the MBA programs without GMAT requirements don’t expect test scores from any applicant, while others may only waive the testing requirement under certain circumstances.
Here is the list of Full-Time U.S. MBA Programs That Don’t Require the GMAT.
- Babson College (Wellesley, MA)
- DePaul University
- Kellstadt Graduate School of Business (Chicago, IL)
- Lake Forest Graduate School of Management (Lake Forest, IL)
- Suffolk University
- Sawyer School of Business (Boston, MA)
- Pace University
- Lubin School of Business
- Rutgers Business School (New Brunswick, NJ)
- La Salle University (Philadelphia, PA)
- The University of Delaware
- Lerner College of Business
- Golden Gate University
- Edward S. Ageno School of Business (San Francisco, CA)
- Texas A&M (College Station, TX)
- Florida International University (Miami, FL)
- Howard University (Washington, D.C.)
Executive MBA Programs
Executive MBA programs are aimed at working professional students who have already achieved mid-to-senior-level manager status. They usually feature a more hands-on, interactive, and accelerated curriculum than a traditional MBA program.
Many executive MBA programs waive the GMAT requirement for students who can demonstrate their prior relevant work experience. Others accept the Executive Assessment in place of the GMAT. The Executive Assessment is a 40-question test authored by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC), the makers of the GMAT. It requires far less preparation than the GMAT and consists of only three 30-minute sections.
MBA programs, both U.S.-based and international, that don’t necessarily require the GMAT or GRE for admission, including1) full-time U.S. MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT.
Ashridge Business SchoolBaruch College, Zicklin School of BusinessBoston University School of ManagementCEIBS (China) No, but requires Executive AssessmentCambridge-JudgeColumbia Business SchoolCornell Executive MBA AmericasDrexel University, LeBow College of BusinessFoster- WashingtonGeorgetown University, McDonough School of BusinessHKU Business School (Hong Kong)Hofstra University, Zarb School of Business.
Online MBA Programs That Don’t Require the GMAT
Below are online MBA programs for individuals who prefer distance learning alternatives.
- Ashridge Business School (UK)
- Baruch College
- Zicklin School of Business (NY, NY)
- Boston University School of Management
- CEIBS (China)
- Cambridge-Judge (UK)
- Columbia Business School (NY, NY)
- Cornell Executive MBA Americas (Ithaca, NY)
- Drexel University
- LeBow College of Business (Philadelphia, PA)
- Foster- Washington (Seattle, WA)
- Georgetown University
- McDonough School of Business (Washington, D.C.)
- HKU Business School (Hong Kong)
- Hofstra University
- Zarb School of Business (East Garden City, NY)
What Are The Pros And Cons of the GMAT?
Below are the pros and cons of taking the GMAT.
Pros
Standardized GMAT tests may not have some notable critics but there are several reasons why a school may be in favor of using GMAT scores during the admissions process. A few benefits of the GMAT are:
Every candidate takes the test in the same format and within the same time frame. The GMAT accurately assesses candidates’ comprehension and analytical skills. Completion of the GMAT proves that a candidate is committed to a career in business
Many Institutions recognize some of the limitations of the GMAT exam and therefore will accept GMAT alternatives or even waive the requirement for professionals. Let’s look at some of the limitations of the GMAT!
High test scores do not necessarily indicate a student will be successful in business. The prioritization of test scores over relevant work experience and previous academic success hampers the admissions process. Many test-takers receive scores that differ significantly from one attempt to another.
Conclusion
Understanding the benefits and limitations of the GMAT and its alternatives is important when beginning the admissions process for an MBA program. Now that you know the GMAT is not required by all universities, it’s time for you to determine your next step.
FAQs On
It is one of the major universities you can opt for an MBA in the USA without a GMAT. For the alternatives for GMAT, the candidate must have 2-year work experience, a strong academic GPA score of 3.25 and above in an undergraduate business or related degree can receive a GMAT waiver.
In fact, a GMAT waiver allows an MBA program applicant to forgo a test score submission, particularly when he or she has met certain criteria in terms of work experience, degrees or achievements, or other conditions.
Here is the list of top MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT.
- Ashridge Business School
- Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business
- Boston University School of Management
- CEIBS (China) requires Executive Assessment
- Cambridge-Judge
The GMAT has a very well-defined syllabus and question types, thus it is easier to prepare for GMAT than the CAT. It is possible to score 700+ on the GMAT with 90 – 120 hours of dedicated preparation
Reference
- CAN YOU GET AN MBA WITHOUT TAKING THE GMAT EXAM?: augsburg.edu
- Can You Get Into an MBA Without GMAT Scores?: prepscholar.com
- 7 MBA Programmes in the U.S. that Don’t Require the GMAT Exam: mastersportal.com
- Is the GMAT required for MBA Programs? prepscholar.com
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