MBA Schools That Don’t Require GMAT
Among the traditional MBA programs, a handful does not require a GMAT or GRE score. These schools are typically international and smaller and include Texas A&M and Rutgers. While all top-ranked business schools require the exam, UNC is an exception. Other schools simply do not expect applicants to take it, or waive it under special circumstances. In either case, it’s worth looking into the admission requirements of any program before applying.
Accreditation of MBA schools that don’t require GMAT
While many online MBA programs don’t require the GMAT, a prospective student must check the school’s accreditation status before applying. Some specialized accreditors offer voluntary endorsements that increase the prestige of schools. Depending on your situation, you may want to prioritize student achievement metrics, geographic location, and financial aid availability. You can also look to ranked lists to find the best online MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT.
Traditional MBA programs that do not require the GMAT tend to be smaller and international. Examples of these schools include Texas A&M and Rutgers. The top-ranked business schools in the U.S. require the GMAT, with the exception of UNC, Duke, and Northwestern. MBA programs without the exam may not expect any applicant to take the exam, but some do waive the testing requirement for certain students.
Sam Houston State College of Business in Huntsville, Texas, offers an accredited MBA program through the online medium. The school recommends that working students finish the degree in two years. The online program requires 36 credits, and the program has a requirement of general business electives and a course on economics. Sam Houston offers GMAT waivers for students with a minimum GPA of 2.75.
While the GMAT may not be the only test used for admissions to business school, it is still a good predictor of academic performance. It tests critical thinking skills, analytical writing, and reading comprehension. It’s an important tool for prospective business schools to determine how well candidates will do in their MBA programs. It is important to note that many MBA programs don’t require the GMAT, so it’s important to research all your options carefully.
Some schools waive the GMAT, but only if you can demonstrate five years of relevant professional experience. The number of years of experience can range from three to ten years. These hours can be combined with a high undergraduate GPA. While the amount of work experience varies from one program to the next, the most relevant experience for an MBA program is progressively more responsible. For example, George Washington University waives the requirement if the applicant has three years of professional work experience.
MBA schools that don’t require the GMAT are often under the radar. These schools may not be as widespread as those on the ranked list. While these schools can be excellent options, aspiring students should do their own research to find the best program for their particular needs. A quality online MBA program without the GMAT can deliver a learning experience on par with a traditional classroom-based MBA program. Accredited MBA schools that don’t require the GMAT are focused on dynamic factors such as student-instructor interaction.
While no school can guarantee a job upon graduation, the success of the program should not be overlooked. According to U.S. News & World Report, 85.2 percent of graduates graduated from an online MBA program in 2019. These results indicate that online MBAs with no GMAT open the same doors as their classroom-based counterparts. Many top-level executive positions, including the C-suite, are also available to non-GMAT students.
Cost of online MBA programs with no GMAT
If you’re thinking of earning an MBA but don’t want to worry about the cost of the GMAT exam, you’ve come to the right place. Many reputable universities offer online MBA programs with no GMAT requirement. You’ll pay $275 in April 2021 for the exam in the U.S., and other services are usually extra. A typical MBA without GMAT requires two years to complete. However, some programs are longer, especially if you’re studying part-time or in a specialized program. After you graduate, you can continue your career as a Ph.D. and take tenure-track positions at four-year colleges.
While the majority of online MBA programs are significantly cheaper than their residential counterparts, higher-end programs can include live weekly internet classes, in-residence experiences, global immersions, and a larger portfolio of elective courses. Online MBA programs with no GMAT requirement typically offer similar rates for both in-state and out-of-state students. However, private universities often offer more scholarships and financial aid opportunities. If you qualify for either, the costs can be comparable.
As for the cost, the least expensive online MBA program with no GMAT requires only nine credits. It’s also the most affordable program, according to College Navigator, which compiles information on tuition and fees from the National Center for Education Statistics. Its cost is $3,000 lower than the next-cheapest online MBA program with no GMAT. With so many schools offering online MBA programs, choosing the best one for you isn’t hard. Just remember to choose a program that fits your budget and career goals.
The second-cheapest online MBA with no GMAT requirement is offered by Southeastern Oklahoma State University. This school is ranked #40 on U.S. News and World Report’s list of the best business schools in the country. It offers flexible online classes, as well as a rigorous curriculum. Most courses are seven or eight weeks long, but students with no business background can take four one-week pre-requisite courses before they start the program.
The cost of online MBA programs with no GMAT requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above. You can apply for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln without the GMAT if you already have an advanced degree with a minimum of 3.0. The cost is $460 per credit hour, which is 39% less expensive than the average online MBA program. But you must be aware that you’ll still need a three-page application, three reference letters, and official college transcripts.
Several affordable online MBA programs with no GMAT requirement are available at a variety of institutions. Auburn University has an online MBA program that’s worth considering. It’s also part of the University of Wisconsin System and offers value-based tuition. The program consists of 36 credits and takes up to 18 months to complete. During the course, you’ll be able to take courses in corporate finance strategy, business conditions analysis, and fundamentals of project management.
Alternatives to the GMAT
A high GMAT score is often considered a prerequisite for getting into a top MBA school. However, graduate students and applicants from underrepresented backgrounds are often able to score better on alternative tests. These tests may also lead to a higher GMAT score, which could ultimately lead to better scholarship or admission offers. In 2016, the Graduate Management Admission Council introduced the Executive Assessment exam. This test is similar to the GMAT in terms of questions and content.
An alternative to the GMAT for MBA schools may include work experience. Employed candidates may be asked to submit a letter of recommendation from their employers, but most MBA programs in the USA do not require this test. If you have relevant work experience or have completed several years of a graduate degree, many schools will waive the GMAT requirement for those with sufficient experience. The GMAT is only one component of a holistic evaluation, so other factors such as academic records, work experience, and professional background are equally important.
Another alternative to the GMAT is the GRE. Although the GMAT is the gold standard for MBA admissions, the GRE is accepted by most graduate and professional programs. While both tests measure critical and reasoning skills, the GRE is better for students with analytical, data interpretation, and vocabulary skills. Besides, the GRE is less demanding, costing only $205.
The EA is 90 minutes long, which is much shorter than the GMAT. The EA includes 40 questions, while the GMAT has 80. The GRE has more difficult math questions and requires more time. However, it costs three hundred and fifty dollars compared to $250 for the EA. The EA also has no rescheduling fee or additional score reports. This makes it an excellent alternative to the GMAT for MBA applicants.
A good alternative to the GMAT is the GRE. Graduate school admissions committees want to see that you have a broad range of skills, not just a narrow focus on quantitative skills. A GRE, an Executive Assessment score, and/or relevant job experience can also help an applicant get accepted into a top MBA school. But, you must choose one that best showcases your abilities. For this, it is essential to understand the GMAT’s limitations and benefits.
Despite the GMAT is a requirement for admission to an MBA school, some alternative options offer an equally high-quality learning experience. In fact, many programs that don’t require the GMAT can be just as effective as classroom-based courses. Online programs also tend to require students to have specific organizational skills, higher self-discipline, and more independence. As a result, these programs can be particularly beneficial to work professionals who want to adjust their schedules and attend classes while still meeting their work and family commitments.
