You may have to first request for a waiver at some b-schools by filling up a test waiver application. At other b-schools, you can directly submit your application. In both cases you will need to write a short essay on why you qualify for a waiver. Here are the details of what every b-school wants:
MIT Sloan grants test waivers to applicants who are not able to safely access the exam. Waivers are granted after reviewing the test waiver application and as part of the application, applicants have to submit an essay. The essay prompt is:
Explain why you are not able to access the GMAT or the GRE either in person or virtually (250 words).
If you are able to access either test, explain why you are seeking a waiver (250 words).
Ross: Applicants can submit LSAT, MCAT, PcAT or DAT scores in lieu of GMAT/GRE scores.
Process: Applicants can submit the regular application without a test score. For the test waiver, they have to write a 200-word essay as part of the regular application. The prompt is:
Please demonstrate why you are ready to meet the academic rigor of our program (200 words).
Darden accepts EA (executive assessment), MCAT, LSAT. Darden also considers prior admissions test scores like SAT or ACT.
Process: Applicants have to submit a waiver application atleast 3-4 weeks prior to their targeted deadline and apply only once they have received the test waiver. The essay prompt is:
We encourage you to highlight any other aspects of your background you feel are relevant to our Admissions Committee’s evaluation of your waiver request. (150 words)
Tepper accepts the GMAT, GRE and EA (Executive Assessment) scores: Process: Applicants will submit the waiver application as part of the regular application. They will receive a response on the waiver request within 10 days of their application deadline. The essay question is:
To request the waiver, upload a document that describes your academic readiness for the Tepper MBA program. Be sure to describe how you have prepared academically for the Tepper MBA experience with an emphasis on quantitative or analytical strengths.
Cornell
Process: Cornell requires applicants to submit a regular application. The adcom will then connect with applicants 5-7 days after submission to confirm whether the waiver was accepted. If not approved, the application will remain incomplete until a test score is submitted. At Cornell, the waiver does not impact applicants’ consideration for scholarships.
As part of the application, applicants have to write a 100 word statement. The essay is:
Please prepare a short statement that describes your personal circumstance and provide a clear and compelling argument for why you will flourish in our rigorous academic environment (100 words).
UNC Kenan Flagler
Process: The Admissions Committee requires all applicants seeking a GMAT/GRE waiver to submit requests by the test waiver deadline for each round. Candidates who present a strong profile across several of the above criteria based on submitted materials are more likely to be granted a test waiver.
These deadlines are:
Round 1 (due on Oct 10, 2022): test waiver application by October 3, 2022
Round 2 (due on Jan 9, 2023): test waiver application by January 2, 2022
Round 3 (due on Feb 27, 2023): test waiver application by February 20, 2023
Round 4 (due on Apr 17, 2023): test waiver application by April 10, 2023
The prompt for the essay is:
In 300 words or less, please emphasize academic or professional characteristics of your background that you feel are relevant to the Admissions Committee’s assessment of your waiver request. Please be sure to include what your future career goals are (functional area and/or industry focus).
Foster School of Business will also accept expired GMAT or GRE scores as testament to academic capability. However, they strongly advise international applicants to submit test scores to stay competitive in the application process.
Process: Applicants have to complete the “Test Optional Summary of Qualifications” section of the application and answer two short questions of 75 words each. The questions are:
1. Please detail the specific evidence in your academic experience that supports your analytical and quantitative preparedness for success in the MBA program.
2. Please detail the specific evidence in your professional experience that supports your analytical and quantitative preparedness for success in the MBA program.
Georgia Tech (Scheller College of Business):
Process: Applicants submit the regular application and indicate there that they wish to be considered without a test score. After the application is submitted, an admissions officer will contact the applicant within the two weeks if they require more information to evaluate the application. The essay prompt in the application is as follows:
Highlight the criteria that point to evidence supporting your academic preparedness without a test score. Also include any quantitative experience in your professional and academic history that you believe has equipped you to succeed academically in the MBA program. (2,000 character limit).
Scheller strongly advises international applicants International to submit a test score to strengthen their competitiveness for admission and funding awards.
Kelley:
Process: To request a GMAT/GRE waiver, applicants must complete and submit the online information request form and then submit an email with a statement of less than 300 words stating why they believe they qualify for a waiver. This application should also have a professional resume and undergraduate transcripts
Deadlines for submission of waiver requests:
Round one applicants: October 1
Round two applicants: December 15
Round three applicants: February 15
Round four applicants: April 1
Applicants will receive a response to the waiver request application within one week of submission.
Emory:
Process: Applicants have to submit a test waiver application by certain dates for every single deadline. Decisions on the test score waivers are released in 10-14 business days.
The deadlines for requesting test waivers are:
Round 1 (due on Oct 5, 2022): by September 15, 2022
Round 2 (due on Jan 9, 2023): by December 15, 2022
Round 3 (due on March 22, 2023): by February 15, 2023
The essay prompt is:
Please share details of your academic readiness. Consider demonstrated success in your undergraduate coursework/degree, evidence of work experience requiring analytical and quantitative skills, professional certifications (CPA, CFA) and/or advanced degrees. (150 words maximum)
Carlson accepts GMAT, GRE and the EA.
Process: Applicants have to request a waiver by logging into the application and filling the waiver request form. After submitting, they will hear back on the decision within 1-2 weeks. Applicants can not submit their applications while the waiver request is pending.
There are no essays required.
McDonough: Applicants can submit the GMAT, GRE or the EA.
Process: Applicants have to first apply for a test waiver and can then submit the application once the waiver is awarded. The Test Waiver application deadline is November 28th, 2022
Applicants have to submit an essay of 200 words or less. The question is: Please provide us insight into your academic and quantitative aptitude and readiness. You may include professional and academic experiences that demonstrate grit and the ability to be successful in quantitative coursework.
Mendoza College of Business
Process: Candidates may request a test waiver once they open an application. They will be asked to upload a short statement to explain the request (no more than 150 words).
USC Marshall
Process: Only candidates who have applied to the program can submit a waiver request. The applicants should submit a complete application that includes a résumé, all academic transcripts, and a response to the Test Waiver Essay. They can then email FTtestwaiver@marshall.usc.edu to inform about the submission. Applicants should receive an email within 10 business days to let them know if the test waiver has been granted or not.
Olin Business School, Washington University
If you believe you qualify for a waiver, you only need to submit your application without uploading a test score.
Rice MBA accepts the GMAT, GRE and the EA test scores.
Process: For requesting a GMAT waiver, applicants must fill up and submit the test waiver component of their regular application. They will hear back the result on their waiver application within 10 business days.
Essay: Please provide in the space below a 4-6 sentence statement describing how the criteria you selected above qualify you for a GMAT waiver. Please specifically characterize your quantitative undergraduate and/or graduate coursework and your professional responsibilities that demonstrate applied quantitative and analytical skills.
Simon: Accepts the GMAT, GRE and the EA. For a test waiver, applicants have to fill the relevant sections of the regular application.
W.P. Carey School of Business, ASU:
Process: Applicants should utilize the optional essay within the application to request the test waiver and provide justification. The question is as follows:
Please provide any additional information you would like to bring to the attention of the admission committee. (500 words or less)
Stern: Accepts the EA, MCAT, LSAT and DAT in addition to GMAT and GRE scores. There is no test waiver, but applicants can submit a GMAT score that is between 5 and 10 years old. They must request an exception to submit that score. Exception requests should be sent to admchair@stern.nyu.edu, and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.