At Menlo Coaching, we’ve had strong results working with Indian applicants from elite backgrounds—particularly those at large family businesses, private equity and venture capital firms, or other high-end employers.
But we want to be upfront:
We’re not the best fit for every Indian applicant.
Our pricing is significantly higher than local firms—and may be out of reach based on typical Indian salaries.
We focus on a small subset of Indian applicants and do not have broad admissions data across the entire applicant pool.
If you’re currently working for a top-tier family business, PE/VC fund, or similar organization…
…and you think you may be a fit for our services, feel free to reach out directly at [email protected].
Looking for a Great Local Option?
We often recommend MBA Crystal Ball, one of the most established and trusted MBA admissions consulting firms in India.
They’ve helped a wide range of applicants succeed at the M7, T10, and T25 programs—even those with challenges like low test scores, GPA issues, or career gaps.
“MCB made me fall in love with the application process.”
— Apoorva: 10 applications, 9 interviews, 6 admits, $350K in scholarships
Whether you’re considering the GMAT or the GRE in preparation for business school, you may have heard of MBA programs waiving their test score requirements. And if you’re super swamped at work right now or just struggling to reach your target score, a standardized test waiver might seem like the perfect solution.
A select number of top MBA programs give some or all applicants the option not to submit test scores.
Even though skipping the exam might be convenient in the moment, if you’re applying to top business schools, it’s likely not in your best interest to submit your MBA applications without a GMAT or GRE score.
Let’s look at why these waivers exist, what conditions apply, and why you should probably still take the test.
Why Did MBA Programs Start Waiving Test Scores?
The short answer: COVID.
In early 2020, many standardized testing centers were closed, prompting several graduate programs to change their application deadlines and begin waiving testing requirements.
After the pandemic ended, many online MBA programs continued waiving scores, but most highly ranked business schools discontinued the practice, or at least placed much tighter restrictions on eligibility.
Obviously, standardized test scores should not be the only factor in determining an applicant’s potential for success in an MBA program—but there is an undeniable correlation between high GMAT scores and MBA success.
Which Programs Still Offer Waivers?
Highly ranked business schools have different policies regarding test waivers. Below, you can find up-to-date information on the top 25 US MBA programs in terms of whether or not they offer test waivers and, if they do, under what conditions applicants can apply for these waivers.
Case by case, with 3+ years’ work and STEM/quant background
As you can see from this table, the top-ranked MBA programs are the least likely to offer test waivers. Five of the seven prestigious M7 programs strictly require all applicants to submit test scores, as do Yale and Duke—if you’re targeting any of these schools, you will have no choice but to take the GMAT or GRE.
Why Do Some Programs Still Offer Exam Waivers?
Now that testing centers have reopened and online testing options have become popular, you might assume business schools would stop offering GMAT and GRE waivers.
However, some AdComs argue that these test scores have been given excessive importance in the admissions process, and that they alone cannot accurately represent prospective students. The option of skipping the test is intended to give greater weight to strong academic performance and professional experience in the MBA admissions process.
On the other hand, some full-time, in-person MBA programs still require standardized test scores and offer no waivers (though all top programs now allow applicants to submit either a GRE or GMAT score).
Who Can Apply for GMAT/GRE Test Waivers?
Full-time MBA applicants can apply for a test waiver if they can demonstrate academic readiness in other ways on the MBA application, such as
Strong undergraduate performance
Analytical and quantitative coursework
Relevant work experience
Advanced degrees, especially graduate degrees in quantitative or analytical disciplines
Professional certifications (CPA or CFA designation)
MBA test waivers are typically granted on a case-by-case basis. So even if you (for example) have a master’s degree from an accredited college with a strong performance in analytical coursework, you are never guaranteed to receive a GMAT/GRE waiver.
Why Should I Still Take the Test?
Although test scores are not the only way to measure your academic and professional accomplishments, you shouldn’t discount the value of an impressive GRE or GMAT test score. An applicant for a top full-time MBA should usually aim to submit their application with a test score—even if a waiver is possible.
This is simply because admission to these programs is extremely competitive, and a strong test score is an advantage you can’t afford to pass up. A high GMAT score is a powerful differentiator: It not only signals your intellectual aptitude and ability to perform under pressure, but can also help offset other weaknesses in your application, such as a below-average GPA.
Moreover, many business schools still use test scores as a key metric for scholarship decisions, meaning a strong score could make you eligible for substantial financial aid.
And test scores are not only important for assessing academic readiness, but also as a measure of the a candidate’s commitment. Preparing for the GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment (for Executive MBAs) is a rigorous and time-consuming process. If you put in the work to get a strong test score, it shows your dedication to pursuing an MBA, as well as an impressive work ethic and time-management skills.
Admissions committees know that candidates who have invested significant time in test prep are better prepared for the academic rigor of business school and more likely to succeed once enrolled.
A strong GMAT or GRE score shows you’ve put some real time and effort into studying and that you are a serious candidate.
Who Should Get a Waiver?
Waiving the testing requirement can be attractive for applicants with otherwise impressive academic achievements and professional backgrounds, but who struggle to perform well on standardized tests.
Test waivers can also be beneficial for the following:
Busy full-time working professionals with little time for test prep
Non-native English speakers who may struggle with verbal questions
Those without strong math backgrounds who may struggle with quant
A GRE or GMAT waiver can be useful if your test score is below your target school’s average. Given the importance of test scores to school rankings, all other things being equal, admissions committees would rather admit an applicant without a test score than one with a below-average test score.
However, even in these cases, you should consider the impact a test waiver could have on your application. While waivers can be the right choice in certain situations, submitting a strong test score remains one of the most effective ways to strengthen your candidacy and demonstrate your readiness for the academic rigor of an MBA program.
If you’re looking at waivers because you assume you’ll perform poorly on the test, it’s worth exploring options for expert GMAT or GRE tutoring before deciding on a waiver.
Test-Optional vs. Test-Free
It’s important to note the difference between MBA programs that offer test waivers (test-optional programs, which we’ve discussed so far) and programs with no GMAT or GRE exam requirements at all (test-free programs).
Test-Optional Programs
As seen above, numerous full-time MBA programs offer test waivers, which allow applicants to submit their application without a GMAT or GRE test score. Test-optional MBA programs make it easier for otherwise well-qualified candidates to apply.
Candidates applying to such programs with a test waiver are often asked to submit a supplemental application essay describing their personal circumstances and alternative evidence for why they will succeed in business school, including academic and professional experiences. The admissions committee will use this optional essay to decide whether or not to grant the waiver.
Test-Free (Online) MBA Programs
There is a secondary stream of programs that don’t require test scores. Specifically, many online MBA programs have test-free policies. Unlike the more competitive business schools, you don’t have to worry about taking the GMAT or GRE if you’re applying to only online, test-free programs.
Further, several well-regarded in-person programs, including the MBA program at Olin School of Business at Washington University, do not require applicants to submit GMAT, GRE, or EA scores.
Key Takeaways
If you’re struggling, rather than jumping straight to getting a waiver, you should consider other options first, such as getting a GMAT or GRE tutor.
Ultimately, the decision to apply for a test waiver or submit test scores depends on your individual circumstances and goals, but we urge you to weigh up your options carefully before deciding.
Better yet, consult an expert who can advise you on whether a test waiver makes sense in your position.
Hailey is a 99th-percentile performer and a self-proclaimed standardized test nerd. Drawing from her years of experience as an instructor, she knows how to assess students’ main obstacles and strategize accordingly, maximizing efficiency in short study windows. Plus, her enthusiasm is infections, and most students find studying with Hailey actually becomes—dare we say—fun.
