Is GMAT Compulsory for Masters in the USA?

Students aspiring to pursue an  MBA  in the USA frequently wonder whether or not they must take the GMAT in order to enrol in post-graduate programmes there. To dispel the myth, the quick answer is no, students are not mandated to take the GMAT in order to pursue a Master’s degree in the States. However, there are certain conditions that must be met. Read the article to learn more about pursuing a master’s degree in the United States without taking the GMAT. 

Also Read: What is the Importance of GMAT Scores?

MBA in the USA Without GMAT Overview

Individuals who aspire to pursue an MBA from one of the top universities in the United States may do so without taking the GMAT exam. Those who do not wish to take the GMAT but intend to apply for an MBA degree in the USA must meet certain criteria, such as:

1. Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum aggregate score of 89%. 
2. Good English Proficiency Test scores. 
3. Work Experience of 4-5 years in a related field. 
4. Statement of Purpose
5. Letter of Recommendation (at least 3) 
6. Additional Test Scores- Executive Assessment Test,  MCAT, LSAT, or DAT. 
7. A GRE score of 300 or above.

Also Read: Top Universities Accepting GMAT Scores

MBA in the USA Without GMAT: Top 5+ Universities

There are several institutions in the USA that offer MBA to students without requiring GMAT scores. Refer to the following table to go through the list of the top universities in the USA offering MBA without GMAT. 

Name of University	Admission Requirement	GMAT Waiver Criteria	Application Deadline
Columbia Business School	Bachelor’s Degree Or Executive Assessment Degree Eligible GRE score	Executive Assessment ScoreGRE Score	August Intake: April 5, 2023
Sawyer Business School	UG Degree of 4 years Minimum GPA of 3 (83-86%)	Eligible GRE Score	Fall Intake: July 15, 2023 Spring Intake: December 1, 2023 Summer Intake: April 1 2023
Kellogg School of Management	UG Degree of 4 Years	GRE score of 315	April 5 2023
Colorado State University	UG Degree	Work Experience of more than 8 years.	International Deadline:  May 1 2023
Golden Gate University	UG Degree	GPA of 3.2 or above Must have a managerial experience of more than 5 years.	Fall Intake: September 4 2023
University of St. Thomas	UG	Minimum aggregate score of 89% in UG.	Fall Intake: August 30 2023 Spring Intake: January 30 2023 Summer Intake: May 30, 2023

American universities do offer MBA to students without GMAT scores, however, it is important for students to meet the admission requirements. Refer to the following table to go through the admission requirements for an MBA without GMAT scores.  

MBA in the USA Without GMAT: Admission Requirements
Academic Transcripts	Class 12 Board Results, UG Degree Results
GPA	3.5 or above
Score	Minimum score of 86-89% in UG Exam
TOEFL iBT	80+
Statement of Purpose	1
CV	1
Letter Of Recommendation	2 to 3
Work Experience	2 to 8 Years

MBA in the USA Without GMAT: Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for students aspiring to study an MBA in the United States range between INR (20.66 to 66.12 lakhs INR) and above. The tuition fees of some of the best universities in the United States that offer MBA programmes without GMAT scores are included in the table below. 

Name of University	Annual Tuition Fees	Tuition Fees for Indian Students
Columbia Business School	80,472 USD	INR 66.18 Lakhs
Kellogg School of Management	78,276 USD	INR 64.71 Lakhs
Colorado State University	43,035 USD	INR 35.39 Lakhs
Golden Gate University	75,000 USD	INR 61.68 Lakhs
University of St. Thomas	58,680 USD	INR 48.25 Lakhs

FAQs

There are some American universities that provide a master’s degree in business administration without requiring one to take the GMAT exam. Therefore, it is not compulsory for one to sit for a GMAT exam if they wish to further their education in the domain of business administration from the USA. 

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