Can you attend a Master of Business Administration degree program without providing your Graduate Management Admission Test scores? For a variety of reasons, many MBA applicants prefer not to take the GMAT. The registration cost may be prohibitive, exam locations may be impractical, or work schedules may interfere with study time.
Regardless of the particular circumstances, there are many students who seek MBA programs that do not require the GMAT. The good news? Many universities accept alternatives to the GMAT or waive the exam requirement altogether. In fact, Augsburg University offers MBAs that don’t require GMAT results.
What are GMAT alternatives? Under what circumstances might the requirement be waived entirely? Accepted alternatives vary from school to school, but most programs require applicants to have strong academic backgrounds and at least a few years of relevant work experience.
So, is the GMAT the smarter choice for you, or should you explore other options? Keep reading to learn more about the GMAT and its alternatives.
Can You Apply to an MBA Program Without GMAT Scores?
There are many MBA programs without GMAT requirements. Some programs waive the GMAT requirement entirely if the applicant has enough relevant work experience and satisfactory academic performance. Other programs accept a GRE score in place of the GMAT.
Executive MBA programs often do not require the GMAT because they’re designed for professionals who have several years of managerial experience. There are countless alternatives out there; getting an MBA without GMAT scores is possible!
Universities That Don’t Require GMAT for MBA
There are many MBA universities in the United States without GMAT requirements. Augsburg University is one of them. The best MBA without GMAT universities evaluate the applicant’s previous academic performance and relevant work experience during the admissions process. The GMAT or an alternative test may be beneficial; however, a strong background in business can outweigh standardized test scores.
Augsburg University works with students who do not have a strong quantitative background by enabling them to take MBA math modules online. The online modules are self-guided tutorials that help students become familiar with key accounting, finance, economics, and statistical terms that help pave the way to a successful MBA experience.
Applying to Executive MBA Programs Without GMAT Scores
Executive MBA programs with no GMAT required appeal specifically to those who have been working in a managerial or executive role for at least a few years. Since EMBA students have prior work experience, the GMAT requirement is often waived. If transcripts from previous studies indicate any reason for concern, some colleges may still require that the GMAT or another exam be taken prior to admittance.
Why Do MBA Programs Require GMAT?
Many MBA programs have a GMAT requirement. Several of these schools have found that the exam accurately assesses the student’s success in the MBA program. Some schools prefer to base admission on GMAT scores because the exam is standardized. This means that the content of the exam is fair, and it is taken in the same format by all students, leaving little room for bias or skewed judgment.
Pros of the GMAT
Though the standardized GMAT test does have some critics, there are several reasons why a school may be in favor of using GMAT scores during the admissions process. A few benefits of the GMAT are:
- Everyone takes the test in the same format and within the same time frame.
- The GMAT accurately assesses a student’s comprehension and analytical skills.
- Completion of the GMAT shows that a student is committed to a career in business.
Cons of the GMAT
Many universities recognize some of the limitations of the GMAT exam. Some universities will accept GMAT alternatives or even waive the requirement for professionals. Some limitations of the GMAT exam are:
- High test scores do not necessarily indicate a student will be successful in business.
- The prioritization of test scores over relevant work experience and previous academic success hampers the admissions process.
- Many test-takers receive scores that differ significantly from one attempt to another.
Reasons to Skip the GMAT
There are many reasons why graduate students may opt to join an MBA program without GMAT requirements. Skipping the GMAT may be a reasonable choice for some due to the exam’s difficulty, cost, and prep time.
It’s Difficult (Low Score)
The GMAT is challenging. It focuses heavily on mathematics and analytics. The majority of students who take the standardized exam receive scores between 400 and 600. Only a small percentage of students score higher than 700.
It’s Expensive (High Cost)
The GMAT is a costly exam. It costs $250 to register for the exam. Rescheduling or canceling after registration results in additional fees. Transportation and hotel expenses may be incurred if one must travel to the GMAT exam location.
It Takes Time
The GMAT is time-consuming. You must register for the exam well in advance and study for at least three months prior to the exam. The time it takes to prepare for the GMAT may be a burden for full-time professionals. It isn’t uncommon for students to retake the exam if they are dissatisfied with their scores, necessitating additional time and money.
Alternatives to the GMAT
Taking the GMAT isn’t the only way to be admitted to an MBA program. There are other testing alternatives to the GMAT exam. Some may opt to take the GRE instead of the GMAT. Others may be better suited for an EMBA program.
Opt for the GRE Exam
Students seeking an MBA with no GMAT required may consider taking the GRE exam instead. The GRE exam can be used in place of the GMAT and is widely accepted by many graduate programs.
The GRE is similar to the GMAT, but it is structured differently and focuses more on reasoning skills instead of analytical skills. The GRE is an attractive option for prospective students due to the lower registration fee.
Apply for an EMBA
An executive MBA without GMAT requirements is a great alternative to consider. EMBAs are ideal for those who have been working in the business world for some time. These applicants generally have at least five to 10 years of work experience in mid-level or senior roles. Executive MBA admission without GMAT scores stresses previous work experience over GMAT scores.
Consider a Program That Doesn’t Require GMAT
MBA programs that do not require GMAT scores are becoming more common. Many universities, including Augsburg, examine other factors during the admissions process. They look at past academic performance and work experience instead of GMAT test scores.
Some graduate programs that don’t require GMAT (or even GRE) scores may ask that you complete specific math modules in place of a standardized exam.
Next Steps
Understanding the benefits and limitations of the GMAT and its alternatives is important when beginning the admissions process for an MBA program. Now that you know the GMAT is not required by all universities, it’s time for you to determine your next step.
Is the GMAT or GRE right for you? Once you have decided your plan of action, it’s time to hit the books or get busy applying to an MBA program.
Get in touch with admissions to request additional information and to address any other questions.
