Throughout the 2020-2021 application season, many universities have felt compelled to respond to the challenges applicants faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some schools have granted conditional GMAT/GRE waivers, while others waived test score requirements altogether.
While the waiving of test scores certainly comes as a relief to those who were unable to access test centers and those who fear or struggle with test-taking – these changes have stimulated a flurry of difficult to answer questions about how schools will evaluate applications, whether this might make it more or less difficult to be admitted, and whether schools might consider waiving GMAT and other standardized test scores across the board in the future (which we will discuss in our next blog post).
Here is a list of MBA programs that are waiving or providing conditional GMAT/GRE waivers for Fall 2021, and we have provided supplementary notes where relevant. Rather than attempting to adhere to any kind of ranking system, the list is presented in alphabetical order.
Schools waiving the GMAT/GRE
Carnegie Mellon (Tepper): Instead of test scores, candidates must submit evidence of advanced math skills, including results from classes such as calculus and statistics.
Fordham (Gabelli) – Applicants are welcome to submit ‘Other’ supporting evidence to bolster their application, such as proof of prior knowledge/experience in a subject matter deemed relevant (e.g., computer programming languages [Python, R], statistics, etc.), industry certifications such as CFA, CPA, etc., other exam scores like MCAT or LSAT, non-degree coursework such as completed MOOC certificates (e.g., Coursera, edX), MBAMath, micro-masters/nanodegrees, or advanced certificates.
Georgia Tech (Scheller): Those wishing to apply without a test score will be asked to submit an essay that highlights criteria that point to evidence supporting academic preparedness without a test score, including any quantitative experience. International applicants are strongly recommended to submit a test score to strengthen their competitiveness for admission.
Maryland (R.H. Smith): GMAT/GRE waivers are available in the Full-Time MBA program. To learn if you qualify for a waiver based on your work experience and academic record (waiver request form).
Southern Methodist University (Cox)
Programs offering conditional waivers
Michigan (Ross): Those applying after Round 1 can request a test waiver which would have to be approved depending on individual circumstances.
Northwestern (Kellogg): Kellogg has begun to require a GMAT/GRE score again but has stated that it will be flexible and allow applicants to submit tests scores beyond the deadline. Applicants should explain the situation in the Additional Information section of the application.
Vanderbilt (Owen): Waiver requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and require an application and completed test waiver request form. Applicants who demonstrate multiple examples of academic and professional accomplishment are more likely to receive a waiver.
Virginia (Darden): Waiver requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and our Admissions Committee will consider a number of factors when evaluating these requests. Particular regard will be given for indicators of academic and professional accomplishment.