MBA Admission Without GMAT: 2016 Guide

Not too long ago, taking the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) was the first step toward getting an MBA. Today, many of the top business schools accept applicants for admission without requiring GMAT scores. While admissions requirements vary quite a bit based on individual achievements and credentials, the GMAT remains an important indicator of an applicant’s interest and the likelihood of success.

What is the GMAT and why does it matter?

For over 60 years, the GMAT has served as a standardized way for Admissions Directors to assess the readiness of candidates applying for graduate level business programs. It began when nine Admission Officers collaborated to find a better way to evaluate a growing number of applicants, particularly in terms of their quantitative skills. The original group included Columbia, Harvard, Northwestern, Rutgers, Seton Hall, University of Chicago, University of Michigan, University of Pennsylvania and Washington University in St. Louis. Today, the GMAT is relied upon by hundreds of admissions officers around the world.

Known for its critical thinking and quantitative orientation, the GMAT remains the gold standard among MBA programs. However, the growth in graduate business programs over the last ten years has increased the number of options for applicants and, in some cases, eliminated the GMAT requirement altogether. Ironically, many of the original nine schools no longer require GMAT scores for candidates with proven business records.

In an effort to broaden its appeal to admissions officers, the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC), replaced one of the GMAT’s two writing sections with an integrated reasoning section in 2012. In that year, the dominant test provider for all non-business and science programs, Graduate Record Examination (GRE), added a second quantitative section to broaden its potential use by business schools. Today, it is not uncommon for business programs to accept either GRE or GMAT scores. However, the GRE exam is preferred for admission to most non-business graduate programs.

How important is the GMAT score?

For MBA applicants with undergraduate GPAs below 3.0 and little work experience, a strong test score can be the difference between an acceptance and rejection. This is true even if you are applying to a program that does not require submission of a GMAT score.

According to research by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the scores of those who do well in the GMAT are fairly accurate in predicting who will excel at MBA coursework. Candidates who are applying for scholarships should be aware that many programs use GMAT scores in evaluating applicants. In addition, programs are often ranked on criteria that include average GMAT scores.

Test scores also send a powerful message about an applicant’s interest. In the last 10 years, GMAT test score have averaged between 530-550.

Investing the amount time and effort to do well – many test takers say it requires at least 50 hours of preparation – speaks volumes about a candidate’s commitment to graduate learning. Even a disappointing test score can be overlooked if the rest of the candidate’s accomplishments are stellar. Furthermore, the test score provides a candidate with a powerful benchmark regarding what is required to compete.

Most Admissions Directors take a holistic approach when reviewing each applicant and may be swayed by strong letters of recommendation, a candidate’s overall aptitude, levels of maturity, communication and collaboration skills – the soft skills that are so vital for success in today’s marketplace. This is especially true for applicants with a meaningful level of work experience. An otherwise strong candidate with a poor GMAT score may be just as likely to gain acceptance as those with strong test scores.

Who qualifies for a GMAT waiver?

Most every MBA program has a GMAT waiver policy. GMAT scores are typically not required for candidates with an existing PhD, JD, MA, or Master’s degree. Waivers are generally granted for applicants with significant work experience and levels of responsibility, and/or strong academic performance in quantitative subjects, e.g., statistics, calculus and finance.

Waivers are generally made on a case-by-case basis and, in some instances, an interview or separate form may be required.

The waiver policy is typically found alongside the application requirements. If you are unsure about your qualifications, make sure you speak with an Admissions Counselor.

GMAT Requirements at Ramapo College

GMAT scores are not required as part of the MBA application requirement. However, upon review of a completed application, the Admissions Committee may request the submission of a GMAT or GRE score for applicants not meeting the requirements outlined on our website.

Categories: MBA