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MBA in USA without GMAT - Complete Guide

Updated on 10 July, 2024

As a study abroad aspirant looking to pursue my MBA in the US, the possibility seemed distant due to my low GMAT scores. 

However, after thoroughly researching several programs, I came across institutes that placed more importance on the overall profile of the candidate and where GMAT scores were not required. 

Thus, backed by a strong MBA application, I achieved my dream of pursuing an MBA in the USA. 

So, if you are wondering how to do your MBA in USA without GMAT you can make it possible, provided you apply at the right school abroad and meet other criteria in this regard.

There are many options available for MBAs in the USA for Indian students without GMAT scores. You will learn more about the same in this article.

Is it Possible to Pursue MBA in USA Without GMAT 

Yes, it is possible to pursue your MBA in the USA without a GMAT. You will find several 1-year MBA programs in the USA without GMAT or even options for an executive MBA in the USA without GMAT. There are some part-time course options available as well. 

What do Universities Look For if They Are Waiving GMAT 

If you are looking at the top MBA universities in USA without GMAT, then they may have varied eligibility guidelines for aspirants. These include the following: 

  • A four-year bachelor’s degree. GPAs of 3.3 or more out of 4 will have the highest chances of admission into MBA programs without GMAT scores. 
  • Two LORs (Letters of Recommendation). 
  • Professional or work experience (may hover between 3-5 years, depending on the institution). 
  • Private Declaration Letter. 
  • SOP (Statement of Purpose). 
  • An updated CV/Resume, giving the admissions committee insights into the leadership traits, personality, achievements and goals of the aspirant. 
  • Universities may ask students to sit for aptitude tests. 
  • Universities may also look for volunteer experience or research-based activities. 
  • GRE scores may sometimes be required by universities instead of GMAT. 
  • MBA essays may also be required at some institutions. 

Universities that Offer MBA in USA Without GMAT

Here is a list of MBA colleges in USA without GMAT that you should consider:

Name of the Institution Name of the Course Location
Foster School of Business- University of Washington EMBA Seattle
University of Hull Full-time MBA Boston, San Francisco,
Darden School of Business, University of Virginia Full-time MBA Charlottesville
Ross School of Business, University of Michigan Full-time MBA Ann Arbor
Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California MD/MBA dual degree program LA
Georgetown University Full-time MBA Washington DC
Lake Forest Graduate School of Management Immersion MBA and Leadership MBA Lake Forest
DePaul University Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA, Weekend MBA Chicago
Pace University Full-Time, Executive MBA, Part-Time MBA New York
Suffolk University Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA, Global MBA, and Executive MBA Boston
University of Delaware Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA Newark
La Salle University Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA, One-Year MBA, Saturday MBA Philadelphia
Golden Gate University Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA San Francisco
Florida International University flex and professional MBAs Miami
Howard University Full-time MBA Washington
Colorado State university Full-time MBA Colorado
Texas A & M University Full-time MBA Texas
University of St. Thomas Full-time MBA Houston
Stern School of Business, New York University EMBA New York
Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University EMBA Evanston
Michigan State University Full-time MBA Michigan
Loyola University Chicago EMBA Chicago
Kenan–Flagler Business School, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Full time Chapel Hill
Rutgers Business School, Rutgers University Full-Time MBA, Flex MBA, Executive MBA New Jersey

 If you are looking for 1-year MBA options without GMAT in the USA, then here is a list of institutions worth checking out: 

Finding universities to do your MBA without GMAT in the USA is not rocket science. However, check their eligibility guidelines carefully before applying for your chosen courses.

Recommended Reads:

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MBA in USA without GMAT

Admission Requirements

Many universities in the USA offer MBA programs that do not require the GMAT for admission. These programs often have the following common requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • Exceptional Resume
  • Strong letters of recommendation
  • Impressive personal statement or essay
  • English Proficiency Test scores for international students. The minimum acceptable scores are TOEFL iBT: 95 and IELTS: 7. 

Applications Deadline

The application deadlines for MBA programs vary by institution. Typically, there are multiple rounds of deadlines, such as:

  • Round 1: September
  • Round 2: January
  • Round 3: April

Applicants should check the specific deadlines for each university to which they are applying.

Scholarships

Here is a table of some notable scholarships available for MBA students in the USA

Scholarship Name Eligibility Criteria Scholarship Benefits
Forte MBA Fellowships Female applicants demonstrating strong leadership qualities
  • Scholarship amount ranges from $10,000–$20,000
  • Exclusive networking with executives from Forte Partner schools. 

 

Elizabeth Elting Advancing Women's Leadership Fellowship  Awarded to two full-time MBA students. It provides $50,000 per academic year for a 2 year MBA program. 
Fulbright Foreign Student International students  Full tuition funding
AAUW International Fellowship Women pursuing full-time graduate programs in the USA Award of $20,000-$50,000
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Indian students with exceptional talent in specific fields Award of up to $100,000

Average Salary After Completion of Program

Here are some average salary packages (per year) after completing MBA programs in the USA. 

Institution Name Avg. Package (In USD)
Harvard Business School $175,000 
Stanford Graduate School $257,563
Wharton School $175,000
Columbia Business School $175,000
MIT Sloan School of Management $165,000

Source: Official University Websites

Know More:

How to Prepare for GMAT Exam GMAT Exam Fee MBA Without GMAT in Canada
MBA Without GMAT in Germany MBA Without GMAT in Ireland How to Score 700 in GMAT

Study in USA with upGrad Abroad

upGrad Abroad has collaborated with Edgewood CollegeUniversity of Bridgeport, Johnson & Wales University, Clark University and Yeshiva University to offer unique blended programs that help you gain a US degree at an affordable cost. To know more, get in touch with our counsellors. 

Conclusion

Pursuing an MBA in the USA without a GMAT is a feasible option, especially with numerous universities offering alternative pathways for aspirants. These programs often consider a holistic view of the applicant's experience and achievements. 

Additionally, various scholarships and financial aid options can help offset the cost of the program, making it accessible to a broader range of candidates.

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FAQs

What exams can I take instead of GMAT for doing an MBA in the USA?

Some universities accept alternatives to the GMAT, such as the GRE for MBA admissions. In case you have not achieved a desirable GMAT score, you can choose the GRE exam. 

Do US universities charge extra fees for granting GMAT waivers?

Typically, there are no extra fees for granting GMAT waivers.

How to do an MBA in the USA without a GMAT?

You can look for institutions offering 1-year or executive MBA programs without GMAT scores. Some of the available options include Bryant University, Babson College, Clarkson University Graduate School and the University of Vermont along with the Rutgers Business School at Rutgers University. 

You will require good academic scores in your four-year bachelor’s course along with suitable GRE or other scores as mandated by the institution along with your SOP, LORs and professional work experience.

How to get admission in an MBA in the USA without a GMAT?

You can always get admission into an MBA program in the USA without a GMAT by meeting other eligibility guidelines. 

They include possessing minimum work experience as required by the institution, good GRE scores, submitting your SOP and LORs, taking aptitude tests or submitting MBA essays, etc. CVs or resumes are also important for getting admission into several such institutions.

Can GMAT be waived?

GMAT is not waived by all MBA schools or universities. However, many institutions are already waiving GMAT requirements. Some of the names include Darden and Ross among several others. GMAT waivers enable aspirants to forego the requirement to submit GMAT scores for admissions. 

You should check the university website carefully before applying in order to see whether they offer a GMAT waiver or not.

Does Stanford MBA require GMAT?

Yes, the Stanford MBA program requires GMAT scores. 

Urvi Agrawal

Urvi has 3 years of experience as a content writer and marketer. Over years, she has established herself as a study-abroad expert and is adept at crafting compelling and engaging content for students. Self-driven and passionate professional, she likes writing poetry and has authored a poetry book ‘Thoughts of a Wallflower’.

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Disclaimer

The above tips are the Author's experiences. upGrad does not guarantee scores or admissions.