With the Covid-19 pandemic playing havoc around the world, top global MBA programs have been trying to adopt new ways to encourage applicants. The latest Poets & Quants update mentions 65 of the top 100 MBA programs (as per PQ ranking) as having gone fully test optional or waiving GMAT/GRE requirement based on certain conditions being met. Many European schools such as ESADE, Warwick etc. have also offered alternatives. Find below examples of relevant schools:
- Schools having gone completely test optional: MIT Sloan, Babson (Olin), Brigham (Marriott), U. Miami (Herbert), Alabama (Henderson)
- Schools offering conditional waivers: Virginia (Darden), Michigan (Ross), Carnegie Mellon (Tepper), U.North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler), Indiana (Kelley)
- Schools willing to work with candidates on case to case basis: Stanford GSB, NYU Stern, ESADE (they have their own test), Warwick (own test), Emory (Goizueta), IE (own test), Maryland (Smith)
How will schools evaluate applications in absence of GMAT or GRE?
The standardized tests such as GMAT or GRE are useful to the admissions committees as one of the evidence that applicant has to convince them that s/he is ready for the academic rigor of an MBA program. B Schools desire applicants who have shown strong evidence of quantitative and analytical skills. As Soojin-Kwon of U. Michigan (Ross) says - “We are not waiving the requirement that an applicant has demonstrated analytical and quantitative skills,”
To provide a test waivers, different schools look for different evidence. Many schools are looking for a minimum undergrad GPA and performance in quantitative courses, whereas others look for certain number of years of experience, a professional certification such as CA or CFA.
Implications for applicants
For schools offering conditional waivers or those offering waivers on a case to case basis, applicants should reach out to admissions committees stating evidence as to why they qualify for a waiver. Mention your quantitative skills, courses, GPA, online certifications in quantitative subjects and quant heavy certifications such as ACA or CFA. If you work in a quant heavy role such as financial analyst, consultant etc. - you can bring out the work you've performed over number of years or in your internships. Reach out to the admissions committees well in advance of the deadlines so that you receive their response in time.
Table of schools offering non-conditional, conditional and case to case waivers for GMAT/GRE:
Good luck and please comment.
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