MBA Without GMAT: Top Programs for 2024

Yes, the GMAT is a common requirement for MBA programs, but you’ll be surprised to know that many prestigious schools are not so strict about it.

So, to find the best MBA programs that do not require the GMAT, we’ve researched programs that fit this criteria and evaluated them using our unique combination of scores, which you’ll find in the table below.

You can find the details of our ranking methodology at the end of this article.

We have also ranked the best Online MBA programs without GMAT in this separate article.

Here are the best business schools offering MBA programs without the GMAT requirement:

1. Stanford University - Stanford Graduate School of Business

Score: 72.44

Diversity is not just a keyword at the prestigious Stanford Graduate School of Business MBA program. Their class of 2025 is made up of students from over 55 countries, speaking 53 languages. Undergraduate degrees of this year’s class span majors in engineering, economics, social sciences, business/commerce, mathematics/sciences, as well as humanities.

It can be difficult to evaluate applicants from such a variety of profiles, which is why this school has no preference for GMAT and accepts the GRE as an alternative test.

What Stanford GSB requires instead of GMAT scores is:

• GRE (no minimum requirement, class median score is 164 for both quant and verbal).
• A U.S. bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Transcript of courses + GPA
• Proof of English proficiency.
  • TOEFL (100 for the internet-based test), or
  • IELTS (7.0 overall band score), or
  • PTE (68 overall score).
• Personal information (activities & interests, awards & honors, etc.)
• Resume (work experience is not a requirement).
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Two personal essays (1,050 words combined)
• Application fee ($275).

> Read more about the Stanford MBA program.

2. Harvard University - Harvard Business School

Score: 72.42

The Harvard Business School MBA is another prestigious program that has a rigorous admission process, but that is flexible when it comes to the GMAT requirements. You can apply to this program without a GMAT score, as the GRE is accepted as an alternative.

The school has a three-step application process, so you will get plenty of opportunities to showcase your experience, knowledge, and ambitions.

What Harvard Business School requires instead of GMAT scores is:

• GRE (no minimum requirement, class median scores are 163 for both quant and verbal)
• A four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent.
• Transcripts.
• English language test.
  • TOEFL (lower than 109 on the IBT is discouraged).
  • IELTS (lower than 7.5 is discouraged).
  • PTE (lower than 75 is discouraged).
  • Duolingo English Test (lower than 145 is discouraged).
• A 900-word essay.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Resume (two years of full-time work experience recommended).
• Application fee ($250)

> Read more about the HBS MBA program.

3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)

Score: 67.54

You don't need a GMAT score to apply; the MIT Sloan MBA program is looking for leaders who combine deep intellectual capabilities with a passion for making a significant impact in the world. MIT Sloan describes its ideal candidates as individuals who hold dignity and respect in high regard and are committed to thoughtful leadership.

What MIT Sloan requires instead of GMAT scores is:

• GRE (test waiver available).
• U.S. undergraduate degree or equivalent.
• Transcripts.
• Resume.
• Cover letter (300 words max.)
• Video statement (1 minute).
• One letter of recommendation
• Contacts of two additional references.
• Organizational chart of your role & organization.
• List of relevant coursework taken & professional certifications.
• Application fee ($250).

> Read more about the MIT Sloan MBA program.

4. University of Chicago (Booth)

Score: 64.89

Chicago Booth's Full-Time MBA is another excellent program that is flexible when it comes to the GMAT. Admission officers will evaluate your academic readiness, community engagement, and career goals as a whole instead of focusing only on test scores.

Chicago Booth’s requirements for their full-time MBA program are:

• GRE (test waiver available for current students or graduates of the University of Chicago).
• U.S. undergraduate degree or equivalent.
• Transcripts.
• Proof of English proficiency.
  • TOEFL (minimum score: Paper Test: 600, Internet-based test (iBT): 104).
  • IELTS (minimum score: 7).
  • PTE Academic (minimum score: 70).
  • Duolingo English Test (minimum score: 135).
• Resume.
• Two essay questions (500 words total).
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Application fee ($250).
• Interview.

> Read more about the Chicago Booth MBA program.

5. Columbia University - Columbia Business School

Score: 63.48

Columbia Business School recognizes that all candidates bring something unique to the table, which is why they offer some flexibility when it comes to test requirements. The school however states that, in their uniqueness, students should share some traits such as having a strong work ethic, a desire to be impactful, and more.

Here are the application requirements for Columbia Business School’s MBA program:

• GRE or Executive Assessment (EA).
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Transcripts with GPA.
• Resume.
• One short answer question (50 characters) and three essays (1,000 words total).
• One letter of recommendation.
• Application Fee ($250).
• Interview.

> Read more about the Columbia MBA program.

6. University of California, Berkeley (Haas)

Score: 63.16

Berkeley Haas admits MBA students without the GMAT requirement, placing the largest focus on finding candidates with solid leadership and professional experience. Test scores are one component of their evaluation, however, many other aspects of your application and character will make your application complete.

What Berkeley Haas requires instead of GMAT scores is:

• GRE.
• U.S. bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• Transcripts.
• Resume.
• TOEFL or IELTS as proof of English language proficiency.
• Three written essays (900 words total) & one video essay (2 min.)
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Application Fee ($200).
• Interviews.

> Read more about the Berkeley Haas MBA program.

7. Cornell University (Johnson)

Score: 62.50

Cornell University's SC Johnson Graduate School of Management offers a GMAT-optional two-year MBA program with immersive learning, a flexible curriculum, and plenty of faculty support. Admissions take an all-inclusive approach, considering achievements, character, qualifications, and experiences.

Instead of GMAT scores, Johnson School considers the following:

• GRE (test waiver available).
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Transcripts.
• Resume.
• List of activities.
• Goals statement (350 words) & one required essay prompt (350 words).
• TOEFL or IELTS as proof of English proficiency.
• One letter of recommendation.
• Application fee ($200 USD).
• Interview.

> Read more about Cornell’s Johnson School MBA program.

8. Northwestern University (Kellogg)

Score: 61.56

Kellogg's two-year full-time MBA program is GMAT-optional, focusing on diverse leadership, global outlook, and collaboration. They value candidates’ unique qualities, academic readiness, professional experience, and leadership skills.

The requirements for the Kellog MBA are as follows:

• GRE.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Transcripts.
• Resume (two years of work experience strongly recommended).
• TOEFL or IELTS as proof of English proficiency.
• Two written essays (1000 words) + video essays with three questions.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Application fee ($250).
• Interview.

> Read more about the Kellogg MBA program.

9. University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)

Score: 60.15

Wharton School of Business offers a flexible two-year MBA program that focuses on building a strong business knowledge foundation. Diversity and inclusion are some of the core values of the school, which is why you’ll be evaluated based on several different factors including academic readiness and work experience.

Instead of the GMAT, the admission requirements for the Wharton MBA are:

• GRE.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Transcripts.
• Resume.
• Two essays (900 words total).
• TOEFL iBT, PTE, or IELTS as proof of English proficiency.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Application Fee ($275).

> Read more about the Wharton MBA program.

10. Yale University - Yale School of Management

Score: 60.14

Yale School of Management offers an innovative MBA program where test scores are just one piece of the puzzle. Yale SOM seeks to understand applicants beyond traditional metrics, which is why it applies a unique behavioral assessment, including video questions and interviews.

Here are the MBA admission requirements at Yale School of Management:

• GRE.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Transcripts from every college or university attended.
• One essay (500 words).
• Two professional recommendations.
• Resume.
• Application fee ($125 to $250 depending on income).
• Video questions and behavioral assessment
• Interview.

> Read more about Yale School of Management’s MBA program.

11. New York University (Stern)

Score: 59.40

NYU Stern's Full-time MBA program requirements are some of the most flexible. The school’s diversity and the core values of IQ+EQ—intellectual and emotional intelligence, allow it to employ a comprehensive admissions approach. Candidates are evaluated based on their academic profile, professional achievements, and personal characteristics.

Here is what MBA applicants at Stern need instead of the GMAT:

• GRE, LSAT, MCAT, or DAT (test waiver available).
• Undergraduate degree.
• Transcripts.
• TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test as proof of English proficiency.
• Resume (or CV).
• One short answer to a question (150 words) + two essays.
• One endorser, a second endorsement is optional.
• Application fee ($250)
• Interview.

> Read more about the NYU Stern MBA program.

12. Duke University (Fuqua)

Score: 55.57

Duke Fuqua’s Daytime MBA is a customizable program that highlights the ability to appreciate different perspectives and draw strengths in others as some of its aims. With this in mind, the school doesn’t strictly require GMAT. You can submit alternative test scores instead, together with other requirements.

The Duke Fuqua MBA admission requirements are:

• GRE or Executive Assessment (AE).
• Undergraduate degree.
• Transcripts.
• Resume.
• One short answer and two longer essays (1100 words total).
• One letter of recommendation.
• Application fee ($225).
• Interview.

> Read more about the MBA program at Duke's Fuqua School of Business.

13. University of Michigan (Ross)

Score: 55.13

The Ross School of Business MBA program is, without a doubt, rigorous and competitive. However, there are plenty of ways to demonstrate your academic potential without having to submit GMAT scores.

In addition to taking other tests into account, the school also offers waivers if you meet certain criteria. These include but are not limited to having a master’s degree, certifications such as CFA or CPA, a good undergraduate record, or considerable work experience in analytical/quantitative roles.

Here are the admission requirements for Michigan Ross’ MBA program:

• GRE, MCAT, LSAT, PCAT, or DAT scores (test waiver available).
• U.S. bachelor’s degree or international equivalent.
• Transcripts.
• Resume.
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE score)
• Answers to two prompts (100 words max.) + 1 short essay (150 words)
• One letter of recommendation.
• Application fee ($200).
• Interview.

> Read more about the Michigan Ross MBA program.

14. UCLA Anderson School of Management

Score: 47.63

UCLA Anderson’s MBA program attracts professionals from all walks of life, with fifteen concentrations spanning fields from accounting and corporate finance to entertainment.

Recognizing their diverse applicants, this school is the only one on our list that lists GMAT and other similar tests as optional. Instead, candidates can demonstrate their strong candidacy through their undergraduate or graduate record, professional certifications, etc.

To be considered for the UCLA Anderson MBA program, you will need to fulfill the following requirements:

• GRE or Executive Assessment (EA) - optional.
• Four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Resume.
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores).
• Two letters of recommendation.
• One essay question (250 words).
• Application fee ($200).
• Interview.

> Read more about the UCLA Anderson MBA program.

15. Dartmouth College (Tuck)

Score: 45.22

Tuck School of Business’ MBA program focuses on nurturing wise, decisive leaders who drive positive change through business. The school values candidates who are intellectually curious, accomplished, self-aware, and collaborative.

To best evaluate each candidate, application procedures allow you to submit GRE instead of GMAT scores. Or, if you have a strong quantitative background through your undergraduate/graduate record or professional work experience, you can apply for a test waiver instead.

What the Tuck School of Business requires instead of GMAT scores is:

• GRE (test waiver available).
• Undergraduate degree.
• Transcripts.
• Resume.
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or DET scores).
• Two letters of reference.
• Answers to three essay prompts (900 words total).
• Application fee ($250).
• Interview,

> Read more about the MBA program at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business.

16. University of Virginia (Darden)

Score: 43.13

By now, we’re sure you’ve noticed that all of the MBA programs on our list use a very thorough evaluation process for MBA candidates, despite being the most prestigious and demanding schools in the world.

Darden School of Business also uses this approach for their MBA program application’s process. Not only does the school accept a number of other tests instead of the GMAT, but it also offers waivers to eligible candidates.

Here are the GMAT alternatives for UVA's Darden MBA program:

• GRE, Executive Assessment (EA), MCAT, or LSAT (test waiver available).
• U.S. bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Transcripts.
• Resume.
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores).
• One letter of recommendation.
• Answers to three essay questions (600 words total).
• Application fee ($250).
• Interview.

> Read more about the Darden MBA program.

17. University of Southern California (Marshall)

Score: 38.85

The MBA application process at USC’s Marshall School of Business is by far one of the least time-consuming out of the schools we have listed. The school is flexible when it comes to GMAT scores, and accepts the GRE instead or offers waivers to applicants who fit certain requirements. Another bonus is that you don’t need to send letters of recommendation for this program—they’re not required nor accepted.

Here is what you’ll need to submit for the Marshall MBA instead of the GMAT:

• GRE (test waiver available).
• A four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent.
• Transcripts.
• Resume.
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores).
• Two essays (700 words total).

> Read more about the USC Marshall MBA program.

18. University of Texas at Austin - McCombs School of Business

Score: 38.19

Next on our list is the Texas McCombs MBA, a dynamic program offering over 100 elective courses and 20+ concentrations. Seeing as this MBA places such a strong emphasis on flexibility, this translates to their test requirements as well. McCombs accepts GRE or EA scores instead of the GMAT and accepts waiver requests that are evaluated on a case by case basis.

Instead of the GMAT, you will have to submit the following to qualify for the MBA program at Texas McCombs:

• GRE or Executive Assessment (EA) (test waiver available).
• U.S. bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Transcripts.
• Resume (at least two years of postgraduate work experience recommended).
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores).
• One letter of recommendation.
• Cover letter (500 words).
• Application fee ($200).
• Video assessment (4 question prompts).

> Read more about the Texas McCombs MBA program.

19. Carnegie Mellon University - Tepper School of Business

Score: 37.00

Last but not least, we have Tepper’s STEM-designated MBA. While analytics is a core part of the program’s curriculum, you can prove your analytical skills through other means besides the GMAT. The admission procedure is quite thorough and considers other test scores (or offers waivers), academic experience, and professional experience, among other factors.

Instead of the GMAT, the Tepper MBA application requirements include:

• GRE or Executive Assessment (EA) (test waiver available).
• U.S. bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Transcripts.
• Resume.
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo DET scores).
• One written essay (500 words) and one video essay (2 minutes).
• One letter of recommendation.
• Application fee ($200).
• Interview.

> Read more about the Tepper MBA program.

Can You Get an MBA Without GMAT?

Yes! Lately, there has been a worldwide increase in business schools that accept students without GMAT scores in their MBA programs. Business schools that do not require GMAT scores usually pay attention to your other academic or professional qualifications.

Even though business schools offer GMAT waivers, having analytical, quantitative, and verbal skills is still essential to succeed as a candidate. So, you will have to prove your eligibility for the MBA program through good performance in relevant courses, work experience in managerial positions or similar, or industry certifications such as CPA, CFA, etc.

Do Any MBA Programs Waive the GMAT?

Yes! 10 universities on our list offer GMAT waivers to qualified candidates. These universities are:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan),
• University of Chicago (Booth),
• Cornell University (Johnson),
• New York University (Stern),
• University of Michigan (Ross),
• Dartmouth College (Tuck),
• University of Virginia (Darden),
• University of Southern California: Marshall,
• University of Texas at Austin - McCombs School of Business, and
• Carnegie Mellon University - Tepper School of Business.

How Can I Get My GMAT Waived?

You can get your GMAT waived if you meet eligibility criteria set by the business school. These usually include possessing strong elements like relevant work experience, great academic standing, or professional certifications. For example:

• NYU Stern MBA program states, “Those who provide strong examples of academic readiness (eg: strong analytical or quantitative undergraduate or graduate majors, professional work experience, certifications, etc.) may be more likely to receive a standardized test waiver.”
• Cornell University (Johnson) states that “candidates who have demonstrated analytical and/or quantitative abilities through their academics, work experience, etc.,” can receive a GMAT/GRE waiver. What applicants must do is “prepare a short statement that describes your personal circumstance and provide a clear and compelling argument for why you will flourish in our rigorous academic environment (100 words).” You must submit this statement with your admissions application.

This is usually the case with most programs that offer GMAT waivers. Business schools will direct you on what you can do to apply for a waiver during the application process.

What Top MBA Schools Don’t Require GMAT?

Many top MBA schools do not require GMAT scores, including Stanford Graduate School of Business, Harvard Business School, MIT Sloan School of Management, Chicago Booth, Columbia Business School, Haas School of Business, etc. You will find them all listed in this article.

How Can I Prepare for an MBA Program That Doesn’t Require GMAT?

You will have to meet other essential requirements that make you eligible for an MBA program, including:

• Have a competitive Grade Point Average (GPA) (an average GPA of 3.5 is a solid baseline, but check the median GPA on the school’s recent MBA class profile for a better idea).
• Have at least a few years of professional experience.
• Submit GRE scores or other assessments (such as EA) required by the school.
• Provide proof of language proficiency.
• Write a compelling statement of purpose.
• Submit letters of recommendation from mentors or supervisors who have worked closely with you.

What’s the Minimum GMAT Score That Is Accepted?

Many business schools do not set a minimum score; however, there are schools where a score of 550 is considered acceptable. But, if you want to submit your GMAT scores to top MBA schools, you should aim for a 700+ score to be competitive.

If you look at the Harvard Business School MBA Class Profile, you’ll find a median GMAT total score of 740 for those who decided to submit them. The Stanford Graduate School of Business lists a 738 GMAT average in their MBA Entering Class Profile.

Check this GRE to GMAT Comparison Tool if you want to check the equivalent score.

Why Are Business Schools No Longer Requiring the GMAT/GRE?

Many business schools are offering GMAT/GRE waivers because they are shifting towards a more comprehensive method of assessing applicants. They focus on different elements like work experience, leadership abilities, and academics rather than just standardized test scores.

Business schools understand that GMAT/GRE scores do not necessarily show the applicant’s motivation, business qualities, entrepreneurial vision, and other essential skills.

Updated: May 10th, 2024