Best Graduate Schools With No GMAT Required
Discover top graduate schools that don't require the GMAT. Explore alternative pathways for business students.
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized exam often required for admission to graduate business programs.
While some students opt to take this test to enhance their application, not all master's degree programs require it.
There are several great graduate schools that do not mandate the GMAT, providing alternative options for prospective students seeking admission to business programs without the pressure of standardized testing.
Schools with No GMAT Requirement
<p>These schools recognize that standardized tests may not be the sole indicator of a candidate's potential success in a graduate program.
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<p>By eliminating the GMAT requirement, they aim to attract a diverse pool of applicants with different strengths and backgrounds.
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<h3 id="section---1.NorthwesternUniversity">1. Northwestern University</h3>
<p>Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management offers an executive MBA program that doesn't require the GMAT.
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<p>Instead, the school focuses more on applicable professional experience and references rather than test scores.
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<p>The program emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and experiential learning, making it an attractive choice for business students seeking a GMAT-free path to a quality MBA education.
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<p>Northwestern University is at #26 in the national ranking system. The cost of tuition for the two years the executive MBA program requires is $231,174.00.
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<h3 id="section---2.BabsonCollege">2. Babson College</h3>
<p>Babson College, renowned for its entrepreneurship programs, is another institution that does not mandate the GMAT for its MBA applicants.
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<p>Ranked highly for its entrepreneurship education, Babson College focuses on practical business skills and cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset.
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<p>By waiving the GMAT requirement, Babson College provides a welcoming environment for aspiring entrepreneurs who wish to pursue an MBA without the pressure of standardized testing.
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<p>Babson College comes in at #68 in the nation's ranking. The cost of tuition before financial aid is $80,424.
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<h3 id="section---3.NewYorkUniversity">3. New York University</h3>
<p>New York University offers a part-time MBA program through their Langone school. In an effort to build a more inclusive environment, the school has decided to make the standardized test requirements for this program optional.
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<p>While it's still strongly suggested that applicants provide GMAT scores along with their application, it isn't the largest determining factor when deciding on admissions.
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<p>Applicants are encouraged to develop their application as a whole, focusing as well on professional experience, prior GPA, professional references, and a well-developed essay.
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<p>New York University is ranked nationally at #24 while their part-time MBA program is offered at $164,204.
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<h3 id="section---4.UniversityOfNorthCarolina">4. University of North Carolina</h3>
<p>The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a GMAT-optional MBA program entirely online. This program is ideal for working professionals who already have applicable experience in the workforce.
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<p>In order to qualify for a GMAT-exempt application, applicants should have at least five-years of work experience on their resume.
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<p>This experience can show the admissions team the student's goals and trajectory, as well as their ability to adapt into the MBA program.
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<p>However, applicants with strong academic resumes that show analytical skills may also be considered.
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<h2 id="section---WhatIsTheGMAT">What Is the GMAT?</h2>
<p>The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test that assesses analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning skills.
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<p>Unlike other standardized tests like the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examination), the GMAT specifically focuses on assessing skills relevant to business and management education.
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<p>Students typically take the GMAT when applying to graduate business programs, such as MBA programs, to showcase their aptitude for business studies.
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<h2 id="section---WhoNeedsToTakeTheGMAT">Who Needs to Take the GMAT?</h2>
<p>Business students pursuing graduate programs, particularly MBA programs, are the primary candidates for taking the GMAT.
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<p>While some <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Top_U.S._Schools_By_Degree_Level.html">top universities</a> also accept the GRE, the GMAT is specifically tailored to assess skills applicable to the field of business and management.
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<p>On the other hand, the LSAT is designed for law school admissions, and the GRE is a more general test accepted by various graduate programs across disciplines.
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<h2 id="section---RequirementsForBeingAdmittedToAGraduateSchool">Requirements for Being Admitted to a Graduate School</h2>
<p>Apart from standardized tests, graduate schools have additional requirements for admission.
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<p>These typically include a completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, submission of official transcripts, letters of recommendation from professors or professionals, a statement of purpose, and, in some cases, relevant work experience.
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<p>Each school may have specific criteria, so it's important to research and understand the requirements of individual graduate programs.
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<h2 id="section---LearnMoreAboutSchoolsWithoutAGMATRequirement">Learn More About Schools Without a GMAT Requirement</h2>
<p>For students seeking admission to graduate business programs, the option of attending schools that waive the GMAT requirement can provide a welcome opportunity.</p>