Which business schools can you apply to without a GRE or GMAT test score?
See the list of schools for the 2020-2021 business school admissions cycle.
Author: Yorm
There’s never been a better time to apply to business school to get your MBA. With COVID-19 impacting the ability of students to take standardized tests in-person, several top MBA schools are responding to these changes by allowing you to apply without a GRE or GMAT, or adding special accommodations to meet the needs of MBA applicants in the 2020-2021 admissions cycle.
Listed below are a current list of test requirements for top business schools in the US.
Note: Be sure to verify standardized test requirements on school websites as schools may continue to make adjustments.
| Business School | 2020-2021 Standardized Test Requirements | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cornell University Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management | Adjusted deadlines for official test scores | ||
| Duke University, Fuqua School of Business | New Round 4 application deadline (May 19). Round 4 candidates to submit the Executive Assessment without prior approval, instead of GMAT/GRE. | ||
| Emory University, Goizueta Business School | Waiver process for candidates with extenuating circumstances | ||
| Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business | Accepting Executive Assessment, LSAT and MCAT, expired GMAT/GRE scores | ||
| Harvard Business School | Required, extended timeline for those facing testing limitations | ||
| Indiana University-Bloomington, Kelley School of Business | Waiver application process | ||
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT Sloan School of Management | Not required, will accept valid or expired scores | ||
| New York University, Leonard N. Stern School of Business | Waivers for part-time MBA with conditions | ||
| Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management | Test scores required, explain extenuating COVID-19 circumstances in optional essay | ||
| Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Business | Waiver application process | ||
| Stanford University, Graduate School of Business | Accepting official online versions of the GMAT, GRE, TOEFL and IELTS until further notice | ||
| The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan-Flagler Business School | GMAT/GRE waiver for certain candidates | ||
| The University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business | Waiver process for candidates with extenuating circumstances | ||
| University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business | Test extensions provided for Round 1 candidates | ||
| University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA Anderson School of Management | Test extensions for 2020 cycle | ||
| University of Chicago, Booth School of Business | Candidates can apply without a test score, official test scores required by July 1 (2020 cycle) | ||
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Michigan Ross School of Business | Waiver application process | ||
| University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School | Accepting official online GMAT & GRE scores | ||
| University of Rochester, Simon Business School | Waiver application process | ||
| University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business | Not required, candidates are encouraged to take online alternatives for GMAT, GRE & Executive Assessments | ||
| University of Virginia, Darden School of Business | GMAT/GRE Test Optional | ||
| University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin School of Business | GMAT/GRE Test Optional | ||
| Vanderbilt University, Owen Graduate School of Management | Executive Assessment |
A few top schools still require the GMAT or GRE as part of your application. These include:
- Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business
- Columbia Business School
- Dartmouth College, Tuck School of Business
- University of Washington, Foster School of Business
- Washington University in St. Louis, Olin Business School
- Yale University, Yale School of Management
An MBA from a top business school offers candidates the opportunity to pivot careers, expand professional networks, and be equipped to take on impactful leadership roles in the world of business. With MBA graduates earning significantly more than their peers, an investment in a business education will always be worth it. It’s also a great time to apply to several top schools without the burden of taking a test.
Looking for help on your business school applications? Learn more about how we can help by scheduling your Quick Call with our team today.
