Get Online MBA No GMAT or GRE Required
How to Get Online MBA No GMAT required…
For many years the GRE and GMAT tests have been the standard admission requirement for graduate schools. Students spent hundreds of dollars and countless hours preparing for these exams, hoping for impressive scores that could get them into the top business or grad school programs. Keep reading to find out how you can get an online MBA with no GMAT required.
But the times are changing!
Today, admissions counselors are looking at much more than test scores. In fact, you may not even need to take the GRE or GMAT at all!
Read on for everything you will need to know about the GRE and GMAT admission requirements.
What are the GRE and GMAT?
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) are multiple-choice, computer-based exams that are often required for admission to graduate programs. Each takes around 3.5 hours to complete, and scores are valid for 5 years.
Generally speaking, the GRE is more widely accepted. It can be used to get into most graduate schools, including a growing number of business schools.
The GMAT, on the other hand, is almost exclusively used for business school admission.
Why do some colleges require GRE and/or GMAT scores?
The GRE and GMAT tests are designed to provide admissions officials an objective, side-by-side comparison of applicants’ skills.
Because these tests place the focus solely on aptitude, students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, who may not have impressive achievements, accolades, or opportunities, should have the same ability to gain admission to top schools. That is the intention, but it isn’t necessarily the reality.
What are the drawbacks of the GRE and/or GMAT?
While the point of the GRE and GMAT is to put everyone on equal footing, many argue that certain applicants still have a leg up.
Wealthier students are able to take advantage of pricey test-prep programs, which provide study guidance and example questions. Students who can afford these classes go into the exams knowing what to expect so they perform well, which of course leads to better chances of being admitted to top grad schools.
Students fresh from undergraduate programs also have an advantage when it comes to GRE and GMAT testing. The knowledge is fresh and they’re comfortable taking important exams. Plus, they may have access to test prep programs through their college or university.
Working professionals, on the other hand, maybe out of practice. While their work experience makes them excellent candidates for graduate programs, they simply may not perform well on the GRE or GMAT exams.
Clearly, the GRE and GMAT don’t compare applicants equally, as is intended.
Thankfully, many schools have recognized this and either weigh the test scores less heavily, waive the requirement for some applicants, or have omitted the requirement altogether.
Can I get an online master’s degree without GRE or GMAT requirements?
Yes! While the GRE and GMAT used to be required for admission into all graduate school programs, that’s no longer the case.
There are two ways you can get into a graduate program without GRE or GMAT scores:
- Choosing a school with no GRE / GMAT requirement
- Obtaining a GRE / GMAT waiver
More and more graduate programs, especially online programs, no longer require GRE or GMAT tests at all. You can search the internet to find lists of hundreds of online MBA no GMAT programs or grad school no GRE programs. These schools understand that some applicants simply don’t perform well on standardized tests, can’t afford pricy test prep programs, or are working adults who don’t have the time to prepare for or take a lengthy exam.
If the school does require GRE or GMAT test scores, it may be possible to obtain a waiver. These are granted to some students based on qualifying work and/or educational experience.
How do I get a GRE or GMAT waiver?
To earn your online MBA with no GMAT required or another graduate-level degree without GRE, you may need to obtain a waiver from the school.
The requirements to receive this waiver vary from program to program, but here are a few examples of reasons one may be granted:
- You already have a master’s or doctoral degree
- You already have a professional credential (such as Certified Public Accountant)
- You have 3-10 years of full-time work experience
- You have exceptional undergraduate grades, especially in advanced level courses
- You have compelling letters of recommendation from previous professors or supervisors and/or a compelling personal statement
Again, the requirements for an online MBA GMAT waiver or grad school GRE waiver depend on the program. You will need to check with the school(s) you are considering to see if they offer waivers and whether you may be eligible.
What types of graduate degrees can I get without a GRE or GMAT?
Here are some examples of graduate programs that are most likely to omit the GRE or GMAT requirement:
- Master’s of Fine Arts programs: To get into an MFA program, you will need a strong portfolio. Often the GRE is not required, and when it is it doesn’t hold significant weight in the admission process.
- Executive programs: These programs are designed for working professionals who may not have the resources or time to prepare for the GRE. The test requirements are frequently waived due to an applicant’s extensive work experience.
- Online programs: Online programs cost schools less, so they can afford to have more program participants and be less restrictive in their admission process. Many online programs do not require GRE or GMAT scores.
These are just a few examples of programs that may not have GRE or GMAT requirements. Check with the school(s) you are interested in to learn about their specific admission requirements.
If I go to an online school that doesn’t require the GRE or GMAT, will my degree be less valuable?
No. Future employers will have no way of knowing whether you took the GRE or GMAT unless you tell them. They also won’t be able to tell that you attended an online program (unless, of course, it’s a fully online school).
To ensure your graduate degree is legitimate and valuable, make sure you choose an institution that is accredited. Accreditation information can be found on the school’s website, and verified on the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
Where can I get an online MBA without GMAT scores?
There are many accredited business schools that offer MBA no GMAT programs or will waive the GMAT requirement for qualified applicants. Here are a few examples:
That’s just a small sampling. Search online to find dozens of other accredited programs where you can earn an MBA without GMAT scores.
Where can I go to Grad School without GRE scores?
Many accredited graduate schools now offer master’s and Ph.D. without GRE programs, and some others will waive the GRE requirement for qualified applicants. Here are some examples:
- University of California at Berkeley
- Georgetown University
- Northwestern University
- MIT
- Syracuse University
As you can see, there are very reputable schools offering grad programs without GRE requirements. These are just a few examples, but you can find many more by searching online.
Conclusion
The GRE and GMAT exams have been used for years to demonstrate the applicant’s skills and aptitude in order to gain admission to graduate schools. Today, however, many schools recognize that these tests aren’t a fair and equal comparison.
An increasing number of schools no longer require the GRE or GMAT scores or will waive them for certain applicants. This is great news for working adults, students who can’t afford test prep programs, and anyone who simply doesn’t test well.
If that’s you, be sure to look around for graduate programs without GRE or GMAT requirements – you should have no problem finding a program that suits you!
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