Top global MBA programs with GMAT and GRE waivers to watch out this year

The coronavirus pandemic has affected every nook and cranny of the world, and the education sector is no exception. Due to the spread of the Covid-19 virus, many B-Schools around the world are waiving the GMAT and GRE scores that were earlier required to be taken for an MBA program. The closure of centers and the need to maintain social distancing has made them arrive at making policies to keep it optional for the student to take the test. GMAT and GRE waivers were much needed in these testing times. Instead, they are focusing more this year on other attributes of the candidate to ensure that the academic qualifications required for admission are not compromised. 

GMAT and GRE have shifted to online mode, thus, can only be taken at home. This has also put a lot of students at a disadvantage, given the region-wise constraints on internet facilities, and other required infrastructure. Without a shadow of a doubt, these GMAT and GRE waiver policies might work for the better for MBA aspirants which would otherwise have required months to prepare for these tests.

Work experience & other factors gain weightage

GMAT and GRE, although difficult to take during the current scenario, is also a way of improving the chances of many students who have not had a very impressive record in the past with reference to their course, academic scores, and work experience. With GMAT and GRE waiver options, more weight will be attached to the above factors. This is to ensure that the students have the required analytical and quantitative skills for a rigorous MBA program. Texas A&M University, for instance, required students to take the GMAT only if they do not meet the required GPA while Colorado State University has opened waivers for students with 8+ years of work experience.

The criteria for a waiver also differs from school to school. In some, waivers can be applied by anyone who wishes to do so, with more importance given to the no. of years they’ve worked for, the GPA during their undergraduate studies, and other professional certifications. In the others, however, waivers are only applicable to students directly affected by the pandemic. Many schools are also offering to conduct standardized tests for the students to judge their suitability for the course. For example, SDA Bocconi, offering the full-time MBA program, has allowed students to take SDA tests instead of GMAT and GRE that judges their logical, verbal, and quantitative skills. CEIBS, China is also offering the students to take the CEIBS Admission test instead of GMAT for their full-time MBA program.

Top B-Schools join the list of offerers of GMAT and GRE waivers

Some of the major players around the world are now offering waivers of GMAT and GRE tests. These names include MIT Sloan, Carnegie Mellon, UVA Darden, Michigan Ross, UNC at Chapel Hill. Even then, there’s a reluctance shown with regard to waivers by the top Universities. Only 9 of the best in the world have instituted the option of waivers yet. Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business, Case Western Reserve’s Weatherhead School, and Boston University’s Questrom School, like MIT Sloan and UVA Darden, are giving test options to students. 

Here’s a list of B-Schools and the details regarding their test waiver policies:

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