GRE/GMAT Waiver

What is GRE/GMAT Waiver? and How to get GRE/GMAT Waiver?

GRE/GMAT as we all know is a standardized test taken by prospective students as a part of their application for Masters Courses in Business, Management and MBA. The Universities use these test scores to assess an applicant’s potential.

With many developments in the education sector post covid, the biggest change was that these tests can be taken at your convenience from home and if you wish to skip the test, you can opt for a waiver depending on the University.

It is unfortunate that earlier many applicants had to delay or opt-out of applying to business and management schools because of low scores, not enough time to practice and assuming that all business schools will require GRE or GMAT score. Now the test waiver policy that is in trend, few universities have given the tests as optional as well. If you still attempt the test and submit the scores it will be an advantage to your admission application.

It is obvious that there are conditions applicable to these waiver policies. So, let’s discuss below a few common university conditions: –

1. A supplemental essay can be used to indicate the criteria on which you are basing your GMAT/GRE waiver request.
2. Waiver request reason – Share any circumstances which you would like the admissions committee to know for example: Academic performance, Gaps in academics and work history etc.
3. Good GPA score and have completed majors in business related field.
4. Review of applicants resume & transcripts.
5. Have completed 5years or more of relevant professional experience.
6. Completed a graduate degree (Masters, PhD) or hold a professional license in a relevant field: CPA, CFA etc. from an accredited institution.

By seeking a test waiver does not mean that your application will be rejected or reviewed differently, but will be analysed on overall admission application which include other parameters like work experience, academics scores and other certifications (if any). Also applying for a waiver cannot guarantee waive off approval as it is on a case-by-case basis. So before applying for a GRE/GMAT waiver read the university conditions carefully as it differs university to university.

The test waiver policy is considered as a precious gift to all who wish to apply to business/management related courses in good universities, but it is still compulsory in many top universities and for specific programs. Universities are also competing with each other for highly qualified students, so always remember to check the waiver requirement before applying.

So, start well in advance to prepare your admission application packet. Admissions committee of any university will not consider your application only based these scores but by considering all elements of the application to know you better.

Now that we have covered most of it, if you still have queries regarding the waiver then please get in touch with a university advisor. Applying to the test waiver will surely limit your options and you will only be able to apply to a few universities; but if you want to keep your options open, you basically will have to take the test and attempt for a good score.