Preparing for the standardised tests required by MBA programs can be expensive and time-consuming. So, in this blog post, we’ll explore options for those who wish to bypass the GMAT to dive into the exciting world of an MBA abroad. Whether you’re looking for an adventure, a world-class education, or a career boost, this guide will show you that you can indeed make your global MBA aspirations a reality without the GMAT hurdle.
In this blog:
- Are there any MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT?
- MIT Sloan
- NYU Stern
- Johnson Graduate School of Management
- Anderson School of Management
- Simon School of Business
- Broad School of Business
- Gabelli School
- Is studying for the GMAT worth the effort?
Are there any MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT?
We have compiled a list of the best MBA programs in 2023 that do not require the GMAT or GRE. This list serves as a tool for those looking for degree program options that do not require submission of test scores to apply.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)
Cambridge, MA
MIT Sloan looks for full-time MBA hopefuls to provide GMAT or GRE scores. They do offer waivers in certain cases. For the class that entered in 2022, the typical GMAT score landed at 724. To even be considered for admission, you’ll need to come up with a single letter of recommendation. And when it comes to the post-MBA paycheck, the median base salary for MIT Sloan graduates settles at around $165,000.
Suggested Read: How to get into the MIT Sloan Fellows MBA program?
New York University (Stern)
New York, NY
NYU Stern sets a few options on the table for applicants to its full-time MBA program. To join the club, you can submit scores from the GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment, LSAT, MCAT, or DAT, but they do offer waivers in some cases. As for the class that started last year, they kicked things off with an average GMAT score of 733. Stern made room for about 27% of applicants in their ranks. Getting your foot in the door requires a single recommendation letter, and if you’re coming from abroad, you’ll need to prove your English skills. On top of all that, there are loads of different areas of focus to choose from. Once you graduate from Stern’s MBA program, the median base salary typically lands at around $170,000.
Cornell University (Johnson)
Ithaca, NY
The Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University mandates that prospective full-time MBA students furnish a GMAT or GRE score as part of their admission requirements. However, for the 2023—2024 application cycle, candidates had the option to request a test waiver. This waiver involved penning a brief statement explaining how they would excel in the demanding academic environment. The incoming class at Cornell generally boasted an average GMAT score of 707. Back in 2022, around 31.23% of applicants found their way into the program. After graduation, Johnson School MBA alumni typically find themselves with a median base salary of $165,000.
Suggested Read: How Important Are GMAT Scores For Your College Admissions?
University of California–Los Angeles (Anderson)
Los Angeles, CA
For those eyeing the University of California–Los Angeles, specifically Anderson School of Management, and planning to start their MBA journey in the fall of 2023, good news: you won’t need to fuss over GMAT or GRE scores. They do, however, expect you to provide two letters of recommendation. Looking at the previous year’s entrants, the average GMAT score among accepted students hovered around 708. International applicants, except those who completed their undergraduate degree in an English-speaking country, must present TOEFL or IELTS scores. The acceptance rate for the year 2022 stood at 37.6%. As for the post-MBA payday, Anderson MBA grads typically find themselves with a median salary of $145,000.
Suggested Read: When to start preparing for TOEFL or IELTS?
University of Rochester (Simon)
Rochester, NY
At the University of Rochester, specifically the Simon School of Business, those interested in their MBA program will typically need to send in either a GRE or GMAT score, although some well-qualified applicants might snag a waiver. You won’t have to sweat over recommendation letters, but they do expect two references. Among students who made the cut last year, the average GMAT score weighed in at 671. International applicants usually need to provide an English proficiency exam score, unless they meet the waiver requirements. Additionally, Simon offers a variety of 10 MBA specialisations for students to choose from.
Suggested Read: MBA Scholarships to study in USA for Indian students
Michigan State University (Broad)
East Lansing, MI
Michigan State University, home to the Broad School of Business, keeps things flexible for applicants to its full-time MBA program. They don’t make GMAT or GRE scores a requirement. For those who do submit GMAT scores, the average among accepted students usually hovers around 658. To get your foot in the door, you’ll need to provide at least one letter of recommendation. If you’re an international student, the TOEFL is on the menu, although there’s a chance to catch a waiver. Back in 2022, about 28% of those who applied found a spot in Broad’s full-time MBA program. Once you’ve got that MBA in your pocket, expect to earn a median base salary of approximately $118,577.
A Must Read: New TOEFL Format 2023
Fordham University (Gabelli)
New York, NY
At Fordham University’s Gabelli School, standardised tests are not a requirement for any of their MBA programs. All applicants, however, need to provide one letter of recommendation. International applicants will need to submit a TOEFL score to demonstrate their English proficiency. In the previous year, the incoming class boasted an average GMAT score of 655, and a solid 60% of applicants secured a spot. For those aiming to graduate from Gabelli, the median base salary typically stands at $120,000.
Is studying for the GMAT worth the effort?
In general, studying for the GMAT is worth the effort for those who are interested in pursuing an MBA or other graduate management programs from top B-schools around the world. A high GMAT score can increase your chances of acceptance into your desired business school, which can help you achieve your academic and career goals.
Suggested Read: Easiest ways to prepare for the GMAT exam
Furthermore, studying for the GMAT can also help you develop skills that are essential for success in a business school and beyond. These skills include critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management, among others.
If you’re considering taking the GMAT exam, we recommend that you research the requirements and expectations of the business schools that you’re interested in. Determine what GMAT score range they are looking for and other factors they consider important in their admissions decisions. Although the internet comes with a range of information, most are unreliable.
Our GMAT mentors at Jamboree have guided students towards success for the past 30 years. Their expert guidance has landed students at top B-schools, including Harvard, Stanford, Kellogg, Wharton, and many more. Book a free counselling session with Jamboree’s GMAT expert now and kickstart your GMAT preparation with valuable insights on the exam.
