Top MBAs without GMAT/GRE requirement
Top MBAs without GMAT/GRE requirement https://involve-consulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/dummy_image_mba.jpg 894 528 Involve Consulting https://involve-consulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/dummy_image_mba.jpgAre you feeling the pressure of those daunting MBA entrance exams? Let’s explore the GMAT dilemma.
The GMAT Dilemma: Do You Really Need It for a World-Class MBA?
For many aspiring MBA candidates, the thought of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) looms large, often seen as an inescapable hurdle to accessing elite business schools. It’s a significant investment of time, money, and mental energy. But is it truly indispensable for securing a place in a top-tier MBA programme? This question presents a considerable dilemma for countless applicants worldwide: to embark on the rigorous GMAT preparation journey or to seek alternative paths.
Let’s weigh up the pros and cons of taking the GMAT versus exploring options that don’t require it:
Click here to know why colleges are looking for GMAT in detail
The Good News: Top MBAs Without the GMAT are a Reality!
Despite the common perception, many world-class MBA programs now offer pathways for admission without a GMAT score. This is excellent news for candidates who excel in other areas or who find standardised testing a significant barrier. Generally, there are three main avenues to consider:
A. Take the College’s Own Test
Some institutions, particularly in Europe and Asia, have developed their own bespoke admissions tests. These tests are often designed to assess skills relevant to their specific program and can be a fantastic alternative.
Europe (Spain)
- ✓IE Business School: Offers the ieGAT.
- ✓ESADE Business School: Provides its ESADE admission test.
- ✓EADA Business School Barcelona: Uses the EADA admission test.
Europe (Italy, Germany, France)
- ✓ESCP Italy Campus: Offers an in-house ESCP test.
- ✓HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management: Has an in-house test.
- ✓IESEG School of Management: GMAT/GRE optional, with an own test possible.
Asia (South Korea)
- ✓POSTECH Business School: Allows its school’s own test.
- ✓Ulsan National Institute of Science & Tech: Uses a school’s test.
- ✓Sogang University Graduate School of Business: Offers school’s own test as an option.
B. Apply for a Waiver
Many leading MBA programs now operate a test-optional policy or offer GMAT/GRE waivers for candidates who can demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical abilities through other aspects of their application.
United States
- ✓MIT Sloan
- ✓UCLA Anderson
- ✓University of Michigan (Ross)
- ✓Georgetown McDonough
- ✓Georgia Tech (Scheller)
United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France
- ✓Imperial College London
- ✓Ivey Business School (Western)
- ✓University of Sydney Business School
- ✓NEOMA Business School
C. College Does Not Need GMAT at All
A growing number of reputable business schools have moved away from requiring the GMAT altogether, adopting policies that prioritise a more holistic review of an applicant’s profile.
United States
- ✓Washington Foster
- ✓Rochester (Simon)
- ✓Babson College (Olin)
United Kingdom
- ✓Durham University
- ✓Lancaster University Management School
- ✓University of Birmingham, Bath, and Leeds
France, Germany, Australia, South Korea
- ✓SKEMA Business School
- ✓Berlin School of Economics and Law
- ✓Deakin University
- ✓Ewha Womans University School of Business
Refer to our Beyond GMAT guides for more information:
A Hard Choice? We Understand.
Deciding whether to take the GMAT can feel overwhelming. It’s a strategic decision that depends on your individual profile, career goals, and the specific programs you are targeting. We have helped hundreds of MBA candidates navigate this same uncertainty and get into top B-Schools, with or without the GMAT.
For personalised guidance, detailed insights, and assistance with your MBA strategy, please do not hesitate to contact us.