5 Best MBA Programs in USA Without GMAT

It’s not uncommon for schools to waive the GMAT requirement for more qualified candidates, or even for those who have a lot of previous experience in the business world. The GMAT exam costs $250 a pop, so these schools are trying to be a little more accessible with their admission requirements. Take me for example, I was returning to school after 10 long years and I wanted to drop the GMAT requirement so I could focus on getting my MBA online.

For some students, the GMAT exam may not be an ideal way to obtain an MBA degree. Luckily, many schools are starting to lower or even waive this requirement, which means that students who want to return to college don’t have to spend months preparing for the GMAT exam.

Admission Requirements Without GMAT

Applying to an MBA program can be tough, whether or not you submit GMAT scores. The question is: will you have an advantage if you don’t?

Some important elements that the top schools will examine include letters of recommendation, work experience, personal statements, and a high GPA. These are a few of the items that the top MBA programs without GMATs will take into account:

Work Experience

In order to be granted a waiver for the GMAT entrance exam, you must have shown that you are an executive with potential. This can be done through your previous work experience, but also through extra-curricular activities such as becoming a team leader or otherwise demonstrating exceptional teamwork skills, and taking on more than your fair share of additional responsibilities at your current job.

Advanced Degrees

Earning a doctoral degree such as an M.D., J.S.D or Ph.D can sometimes be viewed favorably if your plan is to apply to graduate school with a master’s level degree from business school, but the subjects you studied must have been quite similar because essentially the same skill sets are being used in both programs.

For example, acquiring your J.S.D through NYU’s School Of Law so that you can pursue your doctorate of business at Oxford may work well for you, but a Linguistics Degree and MBA would not likely serve as well (although there are some schools out there who will allow it!)

Exceptional GPA

The GMAT may be waived for students who have an excellent undergraduate ACADEMIC record. The recipient must demonstrate both a high level of intelligence as well as demonstrated skills in numeracy and technical design skills by completing advanced higher-level courses that include at least one math-based class.

Remember: applicants with bachelor’s degrees in accounting, finance or any other science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) field will get preferential consideration.

Professional Licensing

Individuals who have already obtained a Master’s in Business Administration degree have the option of enrolling at an accredited University and taking classes towards earning a Graduate Degree in Business Analytics.

However, if such individuals are interested in attaining this prestigious level of education without having to spend all the time and money of earning an entire second master’s degree, they may apply some exceptional GMAT self-study programs.

Letters of Recommendation

A letter of recommendation is a great way to describe and accurately depict an individual. These letters are frequently used by online colleges who teach exclusively online, and require no standardized testing like the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).

They may not be as in depth as the popular word processing software or emails like Microsoft Word and email, but they serve the same purpose. A letter of recommendation from a previous supervisor, professor or boss can clearly describe how well you performed in your position.

They also can speak about your potential for success as an international student if you wish to continue on and become a full-time student at one of these universities that allow students to enroll part-time or full-time.

An essay or Personal Statement

Many business schools use the GMAT as a measure of your attitude towards earning a business degree. If you do not wish to take the GMAT they may require your essay to be more detailed and show you have prepared yourself for the workload you will encounter.

Online MBA Programs with No GMAT Requirement

#1 University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi is a wonderful university located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. One of their most popular degree programs is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Students enrolled in this degree program can expect to take core classes such as anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. They can also expect to take additional classes such as clinical pharmacology, pediatric nursing, and more. After they complete their degree program, they can expect to be prepared to get hired in a variety of nursing positions.

MBA Ranking: No. 28

Price per credit: $512

Credits required to graduate: 33

#2 Campbellsville University

Campbellsville University has been a prominent part of southern Kentucky for more than a century. The school was established in 1906 as the Kentucky Normal and Theological Institute. Today, the school is a thriving, regional Christian university that is respected for its academic excellence, as well as its commitment to the community. CU has recently been ranked among the top 10 regional colleges in the South by Washington Monthly. If you’re interested in a top-notch education, but also a strong, Christian community, this school will give you the best of both worlds.

MBA Ranking: No. 42

Price per credit: $479

Credits required to graduate: 36