The pandemic’s impact is in every corner of the world and every sector. However, a few sectors had to go through a radical transformation in light of the adverse impact it created globally. Education is one such sector that almost came to a standstill during the pandemic. Schools and colleges had to quickly adapt to the online mode of instruction. And come up with innovative ideas for tests, projects, and even admissions.
GMAT has been a staple requirement for admissions for business schools worldwide for a few decades now. However, conducting this test with strict lockdowns and social distancing norms was difficult. And it was not easy for all the aspirants to take the test.
This resulted in a few prominent business schools have waived the requirement of a GMAT score for admission. As of June 2021, here are a few MBA colleges that waived GMAT for their 2022 intake:
Darden:
This business school located in Virginia. It generally accepts various standardized tests such as GRE, GMAT, Executive Assessment (EA), MCAT, and LSAT. However, for its 2022 MBA intake, Darden has decided that not all candidates require a test score; for the Admissions Committee to evaluate their preparedness for the Darden. Instead, admission requests would be assessed on a case-by-case basis while considering several factors.
Michigan Ross:
GMAT, GRE, MCAT, and other standardized tests are accepted at this school. But aspirants can self-report their score while filling in the application or upload their unofficial scorecards. Then, after a thorough evaluation (of the impact caused by pandemic), eligible candidates can request the school for a waiver for standardized test requirements for the full-time MBA application cycle of 2020-2021.
Cornell:
For the full-Time MBA applicants of the 2021-2022 cycle, Cornell is offering to waive the requirement for a GMAT/GRE score without negative bias. Instead, applicants need to write a short statement about ‘why you will flourish in Cornell’s rigorous academic environment’. And email the same to ‘admissions@tech.cornell.edu.’
MIT Sloan:
Following the suite of other premium business schools, MIT’s Sloan School of Management has also announced a waiver for GMAT, and GRE score requirements. Though this esteemed business school still gives importance to the standardized test to evaluate a candidate. It had decided to forego this rule given the circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, this college would accept results of MITx, CORe, MBAMath, or your non-degree coursework grades as an alternative. Candidates can also submit CPA or CFA certifications to validate their proficiency in quantitative skills for the admissions.
NYU Stern:
NYU Stern’s communication has acknowledged that the pandemic has impacted the aspirants’ ability to prepare for and take a standardized test like GMAT or GRE. Hence, the school has provided the students who can show their academic readiness the option to request a standardized test waiver. It also mentioned that standardized test is one of the tools the school uses. And assess the academic profile and is required for the Full-time and Focused MBA program application. Suppose you are interested in Full-time Two-year Andre Koo Tech and Entrepreneurship or Fashion and Luxury MBA. In that case, you can request a standardized test waiver by submitting the request form and uploading the required documents. In addition, applicants who can provide strong examples of academic readiness. i.e. quantitative background or analytical skillset, work experience, educational background) would have a higher probability of receiving a standardized test waiver.
With the pandemic not going away entirely for a while. We can expect more business schools to follow the same path. And announce waivers for standardized tests for Full-time MBA admissions.
First, however, make sure you are entirely aware of the eligibility. And how to get such a waiver and request for the same.