Note: This article was first published in March 2021 and later updated for the 2022-2023 cycle. For the most recent updates on the GMAT Focus, check out the latest updates:

“Will Your 730 GMAT Fall to a Mere 675?”

“The new GRE: Should you prepare differently”

GMAT waivers are here to stay for the 2022-2023 admissions cycle. But there is still plenty of confusion and worry about how they impact a candidate’s odds. Some candidates are encouraged that waivers are still available, others are worried if that is the best path for them.

Should candidates pursuing an MBA be glad the opportunity to waive the test exists – and more importantly, should you apply for a GMAT or GRE test waiver?

First of all, the most important part for MBA candidates is to understand the role of GMAT scores in the business school application process and that a waiver is not a blank check. Every candidate who is hoping to be successful will still need to demonstrate to the MBA admissions committee their quantitative and analytical ability. Test scores are also an important part of class profiles and therefore rankings. A strong test score that brings the GMAT average up can help make a candidate more competitive.

As you are evaluating how you can offer evidence of academic preparedness, it’s important to make an informed decision, which will not negatively impact your chances of admissions. In order to do this, there is no better place to go to for details than the source itself.

University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business is one of the schools that continues to offer waivers, although the process has changed. While in previous years, the waiver request had to be submitted and reviewed prior to applying, this year Ross allows you to submit your MBA application without a test score. Instead, candidates can provide “Alternative Demonstration of Academic Readiness”. Here is how Ross advises prospective students regarding their approach to the test:

“Some candidates may be able to adequately demonstrate their readiness for the rigor of the program without the need to submit a test score. This may include candidates whose ability to demonstrate their readiness via a test continues to be impacted by the pandemic or other circumstance. These candidates may submit a complete application without a test score. Instead, you must submit an essay that supports your case and alternative evidence of your readiness. We will look closely at your academic and professional accomplishments, including but not limited to: 

• Master's degree in an analytical or quantitative discipline

• CPA, CFA, or international equivalent

• Undergraduate or graduate record, especially in analytical or quantitative courses

• Post-undergraduate, full-time work experience in an analytical or quantitative function

• Performance on an expired GMAT or GRE

• Performance on the Executive Assessment

Candidates demonstrating multiple academic and/or professional accomplishments as listed above are more likely to be granted admission.”

Notice the key change Ross has made this year - instead of making a test waiver request prior to applying, MBA candidates now submit their complete application without a test but with the alternative evidence of readiness. Their applications are then reviewed and an admissions decision rendered (Admit, Deny or Waitlist). This is different than previous years when test waiver requests were submitted and approved or denied prior to completing the rest of the application process.

The University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business is continuing with a test waiver process similar to last year. Here is what Darden shares with MBA candidates to the full-time MBA program:

“Standardized Test Waiver Application

For some candidates a test score may not be needed for our Admissions Committee to assess their preparedness for Darden. Waiver applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and our Admissions Committee will consider a number of factors when evaluating these applications. Particular regard will be given for indicators of academic and professional accomplishment Please refer to our Admissions FAQ page for further details on this request process, under the 'Standardized Tests' tab, for further details on this test waiver application process.

Remember: Standardized tests are just one piece of information in a much broader, holistic evaluation.”

As you can see, Darden’s policy clearly points to the need to have a solid proof of your ability to handle the academic rigor the program is famous for. 

Among the schools that are continuing their test waiver policy this year is MIT Sloan. Here is Sloan’s policy as it relates to standardized testing in their MBA admissions process: 

“Because of the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the MBA program will allow candidates for the 2022-23 admission cycle to submit a request for a test waiver, should their current situation prevent them from safely being able to access an exam. If the waiver is approved, and the candidate is admitted, no test will be required. To request a test waiver, please start your application and navigate to the Test Scores section and fill out the test waiver request form; once submitted, you will receive a response as soon as possible.”

Again, notice the nuances - MIT Sloan specifically mentions test waivers are for candidates whose situation prevents them from safely being able to access the test.

These three examples don’t exhaust the list of schools that have made test waivers part of their MBA admissions policy for the 2022-2023 MBA admissions cycle. Candidates should check the published policy of each school they are applying to.

Most importantly, the decision to pursue a test waiver should not be made without considering all its implications on your competitiveness in the MBA admissions process. A test waiver is not a a Get Out of Jail Free card. Every time I speak with a head of MBA admissions, I hear about examples of candidates who would have benefited from having taken the test and whose competitive standing in the applicant pool was adversely impacted by their decision to pursue a waiver. Of course, there are plenty of stories of stellar candidates who simply are not stellar standardized test takers.

Over the past couple of years, test waivers have helped many candidates who otherwise would not have been able to fulfil their dream of applying to business school. After introducing test waivers at the beginning of the pandemic, many schools saw an increase in applications for graduate degrees but even more importantly – an increase in the diversity of qualified candidates.  Test waivers can be an opportunity for otherwise strong MBA applicants who know they struggle with standardized tests or who are still impacted by the challenges of getting access to testing due to COVID-19. But this opportunity should not be taken without having a comprehensive plan for demonstrating the indicators of academic ability schools continue to look for in each candidate they consider for admission. If you are hoping to have a strong chance of admission, you will need the right application strategies and this includes the right approach to the admissions test.

The Round 1 application deadline for many schools is only weeks away. The smartest candidates are lining up their allies as they embark on the admissions process. I can be one of those allies for you. Let's have a conversation.

Onwards and upwards,

Petia

P.S. Did you know that in MBA APPLICATION BOOST CAMP, you can work with me in a group setting at a fraction of the cost? Come join the driven community I am building to confidently walk the road to submitting your application.

Onwards and upwards,

Petia