Do B-Schools Fare Better Without GMAT & GRE Exams?

 Introduction: 

The GMAT and GRE are standardized tests that have long been required for admission to MBA programs. However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend of business schools waiving these requirements. 

There are several reasons why schools might choose to waive the GMAT or GRE. One reason is that they believe that these tests are not a good predictor of success in an MBA program. Another reason is that they want to make their programs more accessible to a wider range of applicants. 

Are business schools better off without the GMAT and GRE? 

There are a few arguments in favor of waiving these tests. First, the GMAT and GRE are not perfect predictors of success in an MBA program. In fact, a study by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) found that the GMAT only accounts for about 20% of the variance in MBA student performance. This means that there are many other factors that are more important than the GMAT for predicting success in an MBA program. 

[Know more: Who Is Eligible to Take the General GMAT Exam?] 

Second, waiving the GMAT and GRE can make MBA programs more accessible to a wider range of applicants. The GMAT and GRE can be expensive and time-consuming to take, and they can be a barrier to entry for some applicants. By waiving these tests, schools can open their doors to a more diverse pool of applicants. 

Third, waiving the GMAT and GRE can help schools to focus on other factors that are more important for success in an MBA program. These factors include work experience, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. By focusing on these factors, schools can get a better sense of an applicant's potential for success in their program. 

However, there are also some arguments against waiving the GMAT and GRE. One argument is that these tests do provide some valuable information about an applicant's skills and abilities. For example, the GMAT quantitative reasoning section preparation is measured of an applicant, and the GRE can measure an applicant's verbal reasoning skills. This information can be helpful for schools in making admissions decisions. 

Another argument against waiving the GMAT and GRE is that it can make it more difficult to compare applicants. If some applicants take the GMAT or GRE and others do not, it can be difficult to compare their scores on other factors, such as work experience and extracurricular activities. This can make it more difficult for schools to make fair admissions decisions. 

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to waive the GMAT and GRE is a complex one. There are pros and cons to both sides of the argument. However, as the trend of waiving these tests continues, it will be interesting to see how it affects the admissions process at business schools. 

Additional thoughts: 

• The GMAT and GRE are not the only factors that schools consider when making admissions decisions. Schools also look at work experience, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. 

• Waiving the GMAT and GRE can make it more difficult to compare applicants. However, schools can use other factors to compare applicants, such as their GPA and undergraduate institution. 

• The decision of whether or not to waive the GMAT and GRE is a complex one. There are pros and cons to both sides of the argument. 

Conclusion: 

I believe that the decision of whether or not to waive the GMAT and GRE is a decision that should be made on a case-by-case basis. Some top business schools abroad with cut offs  may find that waiving these tests is beneficial, while others may find that it is not. Ultimately, the decision should be made based on what is best for the individual school and its students.