Best Graduate Schools With No GMAT Required

Discover top graduate schools that don't require the GMAT. Explore alternative pathways for business students.

<p><table border="0"> <tr><td><img src="/cimages/multimages/2/adobestock_130247025.jpeg" alt="Schools That Don" /></td></tr> </table> </p> <p>The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized exam often required for admission to graduate <a href="https://learn.org/directory/category/Business_Management.html">business programs</a>. </p> <p>While some students opt to take this test to enhance their application, not all <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Masters_Degree_FAQs.html">master's degree</a> programs require it. </p> <p>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. </p> <h2 id="section---SchoolsWithNoGMATRequirement">Schools with No GMAT Requirement</h2> <p>These schools recognize that standardized tests may not be the sole indicator of a candidate's potential success in a graduate program. </p> <p>By eliminating the GMAT requirement, they aim to attract a diverse pool of applicants with different strengths and backgrounds. </p> <h3 id="section---1.NorthwesternUniversity">1. Northwestern University</h3> <p><a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/Northwestern_University.html">Northwestern University's</a> Kellogg School of Management offers an executive MBA program that doesn't require the GMAT. </p> <p>Instead, the school focuses more on applicable professional experience and references rather than test scores. </p> <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. </p> <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. </p> <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. </p> <p>Ranked highly for its entrepreneurship education, Babson College focuses on practical business skills and cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset. </p> <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. </p> <p>Babson College comes in at #68 in the nation's ranking. The cost of tuition before financial aid is $80,424. </p> <h3 id="section---3.NewYorkUniversity">3. New York University</h3> <p><a href="https://learn.org/browseby/company/New_York_University.html">New York University</a> 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. </p> <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. </p> <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. </p> <p>New York University is ranked nationally at #24 while their part-time MBA program is offered at $164,204. </p> <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. </p> <p>In order to qualify for a GMAT-exempt application, applicants should have at least five-years of work experience on their resume. </p> <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. </p> <p>However, applicants with strong academic resumes that show analytical skills may also be considered. </p> <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. </p> <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. </p> <p>Students typically take the GMAT when applying to graduate business programs, such as MBA programs, to showcase their aptitude for business studies. </p> <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. </p> <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. </p> <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. </p> <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. </p> <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. </p> <p>Each school may have specific criteria, so it's important to research and understand the requirements of individual graduate programs. </p> <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>