Let’s be honest: Nobody likes taking tests. And knowing that one test could have a significant impact on your education can make you feel like you’re in a pressure cooker. The GRE and GMAT are just two examples of tests that can leave talented, intelligent students waking up sweating.
There are other reasons why these exams are loathed, and it’s not just about the difficulty and the pressure associated with them. These tests can be expensive to take and prepare for, extensive time must be invested in preparation, and— in the case of many working professionals—it may have been years since they’ve last taken a test.
These fears and inconveniences might make some think twice about earning their MBA, but there are ways around it. Some programs out there do not require a GMAT or GRE score as part of admission or allow applicants to waive the requirement.
Below are a list of MBA programs in Boston that do not require GMAT or GRE test scores or allow for the requirements to be waived:
Boston University — Questrom School of Business
Questrom School of Business’ Executive MBA Program does not require the GMAT.
Questrom’s EMBA features a multidisciplinary curriculum in a cohort system. Students learn by drawing from multiple experts, fields and cutting-edge tools designed to advance participants to the forefront of executive management.
A GMAT or GRE is not necessary to apply, but the school’s admissions committee looks for the following:
- Essays: Two required essays included in the online application or uploaded in the supporting documents section of the application form. Download the essay questions.
- Resume: Business resume showing work and education information, including dates.
- Organizational Chart: The organizational chart provides the admissions committee with information on your position within your organization. Company-issued documents are not required.
- Letter of Organizational Support: The letter of organizational support indicates your organization’s support of your time commitment for the EMBA program. This letter does not necessarily have to include indication of financial support.
- Letter of Introduction: The letter of introduction is a one-page introduction to yourself, written in the first person, including professional and personal experiences and perspectives. We are interested in learning more about you, the individual. Information to include: professional and personal accomplishments, hobbies and interests, family information, etc.
- Two Letters of Recommendation: Two recommendation letters are required for the application. One letter should come from your supervisor in your organization. Recommenders are asked to discuss your qualification for the EMBA program and provide examples of your professional experience.
- Official University-Level Transcripts: Transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate level coursework. Official transcripts should be submitted by mail or electronically to emba@bu.edu.
F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business — Babson College
Babson’s Blended Learning MBA Program does not require the GMAT. This program is geared toward students who wish to complete their MBA while remaining employed on a full-time basis. Students may begin the 21-month program in March or September. The program includes both in-person class time as well as online courses, and classes are offered in Wellesley, MA, and San Francisco.
According to the school, Babson’s Blended Learning MBA program takes a unique approach to an MBA, mixing face-to-face sessions and online learning using state-of-the-art distance learning tools. This structure allows you to earn a top-notch MBA while maintaining your professional commitments.
GMAT or GRE scores are not required for most Blended Learning program applicants. The admissions committee may determine that a GMAT or GRE score is needed if its review of application material (including transcripts from all academic institutions attended) reveals specific areas of concern or question.
Sloan School of Management — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT Sloan’s Executive MBA Program and Sloan Fellows Program do not require the GMAT. If you’re a seasoned executive who just doesn’t have the time to prep for exams, you don’t have to cross this top program off your list.
The MIT EMBA features an elite mid-career cohort and a scientific approach to management. The program’s general management core curriculum consists of applied learning through in-company projects and specialization through three elective periods. The program’s schedule is designed to complement participants’ professional and personal priorities.
The MIT Sloan Fellows program is a year-long, full-time executive MBA program. The program has four components: two orientation periods in April and June that students are strongly encouraged to attend, followed by three academic terms in the summer, fall and spring. The entire month of January is dedicated to participating in Sloan’s Independent Activities Period (IAP), a four-week term that allows Sloan Fellows to branch out and take a more diverse range of classes than during the rest of the year.
D’Amore-McKim School of Business – Northeastern University
Northeastern University’s Executive MBA Program does not require the GMAT.
According to the school’s website, the D’Amore-McKim School of Business Executive MBA (EMBA) is currently being redesigned. The school also describes its EMBA program is a “transformational learning experience.”
The program is designed for seasoned professionals who are ready to expand their knowledge of global business and hone their leadership skills. It features integrated classroom work interspersed with experiential trips to Washington, DC, Mexico and China. Students at D’Amore-McKim focus on building their leadership skills in the classroom, as well as during workshops, reflection meetings, and experiential trips and on the job. EMBA students learn in a cohort setting with other executives who have an average of more than 10 years of work experience.
Sawyer School of Business – Suffolk University
GMAT and GRE requirements can be waived for Sawyer’s Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA and Executive MBA programs provided that applicants meet certain conditions. Click on the links above to learn more.
MBA applicants to Sawyer who meet the following requirements for admission may not have to provide GMAT or GRE scores:
- Have passed the CPA exam (Documentation is required)
- Have passed Level 1 of the CFA exam (Documentation is required)
- Are a second-semester senior and undergraduate business student or economics major at a U.S. institution with at least a cumulative GPA of 3.3 (Recent graduates also considered)
- Have at least a 3.4 cumulative undergraduate GPA and two years of relevant full-time professional work experience – OR – at least a 3.3 cumulative GPA and four years of relevant full-time professional work experience – OR – at least a 3.2 cumulative undergraduate GPA and six years of relevant full-time professional work experience (Suffolk Gold)
- Are a current GDPA student applying to the MBA/MSA, MBA/MST, or MBA/GDPA program, have completed five courses but no more than seven in the GDPA program, and have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or above (through Fall 2017 for qualified candidates only)
- Are a graduate of an ABA approved law school
- Have graduated with an MSA, MSF or MST from an AACSB-accredited business school
- Are a second-semester senior and undergraduate music management major at the Berklee College of Music with at least a cumulative GPA of 3.3 (Recent graduates also considered)
- Effective Fall 2016: Are in the GCA program and have completed at least four courses but not more than six with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 (MBA/MSA, MBA/MST, MBA/GCA only)
For more information on the GMAT and GRE in Boston and other Metros see MetroMBA’s No GMAT and GRE Guide and Boston MBA Programs that Don’t Require the GMAT or GRE.