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Frida is having lunch with her best friend, Abigail. She’s a young, ambitious, finance professional who would like to complete an MBA.

Frida’s department manager told her that she could apply for an MBA without taking the GMAT exam. Frida wants to apply for a GMAT waiver but doesn’t know if she'll qualify.

Two females having lunch. “I’m thinking about getting a GMAT exam waiver.  Replies, 'Oh! I didn't know you could do that.'

If you, like Frida, want to apply to business school for an MBA, make sure you do your research to discover if you’re eligible for a GMAT waiver.

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Did you know?

The GMAT is a globally recognized standardized test. Your test score puts you on an equal playing field with candidates from around the world. It allows you to compete fairly against other candidates with widely varying academic and professional backgrounds. (source: www.mba.com, "GMAT Exam - What is the GMAT Exam and What You Should Know", July 2022)

What's the Purpose of the GMAT Waiver?

MBA admission programs use GMAT waivers to introduce greater equity and access for potential candidates.  

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A university can approve your GMAT waiver for a variety of reasons:

  • If your environment & inaccessibility make GMAT test taking difficult

  • If you have a high test score on a similar test like the GRE (Graduate Record Exam)

  • If you didn’t perform well on tests, but have evidence of aptitude

  • If your prior academic course work & business experience is highly relevant

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What's the Criteria for an MBA GMAT Waiver?

If you thought getting a GMAT waiver means:

  • no studying for the GMAT exam

  • no GMAT practice or mock tests

  • no stress about GMAT test scores

Then think again!

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In order to be considered for a GMAT waiver, you need to have excellent:

  • analysis writing & mathematical skills

  • critical thinking & reasoning skills

  • readiness to complete an MBA program

Illustration of clipboard of hands holding and checking of a list of names with faces of the applicants

The main areas for evaluating your candidacy for a GMAT waiver focus on:

  • academic record & intellectual aptitude

  • work experience & professional growth

  • leadership & teamwork experience

  • communication & interpersonal skills

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💡 Check out a list of reputed business schools that offer MBA GMAT waivers.

What's The Rejection Criteria?

The MBA admissions approval process for the GMAT exam waiver is discretionary and very competitive. They are looking for exceptional candidates who have evidence of business acumen and can apply critical thinking skills.

Illustration of a woman sitting in front of a desk of three-member interview panel, two males and one female

Your chances of getting a GMAT waiver are low if you:

  • can't demonstrate college-level math or financial credentials

  • have no relevant business experience that meets MBA standards

  • have little or no team collaboration & leadership experience

  • can't show quantitative skills without a GMAT or GRE score

Illustration of woman with eyeglasses in one hand sitting in front of computer looking disappointed - GMAT waiver denied

💡 Study and take the GMAT exam to boost the chances of your waiver application being approved.

Did you know?

It's a good idea to submit your waiver application early. Don't wait to hear whether your waiver request is approved before you start studying for the GMAT exam! You may lose valuable GMAT study time if your waiver application is rejected.

⚡ KNOWLEDGE QUIZ

Illustration of three people, two males and one female sitting at table with laptops talking and brainstorming ideas

Frida is a 5-year finance manager at an accounting firm and loves all things math and calculus. Her experience includes financial accounting and analyzing market trends. She wants to get an MBA and meets with friends to discuss her eligibility for a GMAT waiver.

Austin recently earned his MBA. He thinks Frida should include her expertise in managing business budgets, working on tax issues, and financial forecasting.

Ian wants Frida to emphasize her strong verbal and written presentation skills, her professional certifications, and related academic degrees.

Quiz

What information would strongly support Frida’s application for a GMAT waiver? Choose all that apply.

Take Action

Send your GMAT exam waiver request at the earliest opportunity!

Illustration of Submission Page for sending MBA GMAT Waiver Application Form

License:

This Byte has been authored by

MM

Mary Mills

eLearning Designer & eLearning Design Editor

English

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