Full-time EMBA Programs that Don’t Require a GMAT/GRE

The GMAT and the GRE have been used to assess b-school candidates for over 60 years.

An average of 250,000 candidates take the GMAT every year. Numbers are higher for the GRE (over 580,000 applicants), as the test is also a requirement for many non-business programs that are heavy in math or science, such as informatics and engineering.

Since 2009, the number of b-schools allowing GRE score submissions increased by 61 percent, as more and more students choose this cheaper and more flexible option.

These standardized exams test students in key skill areas deemed as necessary for a successful MBA and EMBA journey, such as algebra, geometry, arithmetic, and written and reading abilities.

Both tests are taken on computers and last roughly three and a half hours. The math part tends to be more difficult in the GMAT, while the GRE has a more challenging essay writing section, with candidates having to write two essays instead of one.

While the chances of being admitted into business school don’t rely solely on grades, a stellar score on one of these tests does improve an applicant’s odds.

Nevertheless, business schools around the globe have started to drop the requirement for candidates to take the GMAT or the GRE to demonstrate they are suitable for their EMBA programs.

Instead, some ask candidates to provide evidence from their past academic or work experience to show their commitment to the program and their levels of quantitative and/or analytical skills.

Other schools, such as London Business School and Columbia Business School, ask applicants to take an Executive Assessment instead, which is designed to evaluate “real-world” skills.  

These changes particularly benefit those who wish to go to b-school but don’t have time to prepare for highly competitive exams, like seasoned executives and/or working parents.

Among the schools that recently dropped GMAT/GRE requirements for their EMBA programs, we can find some of the best in the world, such as MIT Sloan, London Business School, Chicago Booth, Northwestern Kellogg and INSEAD.

Here is the full list of the business schools that don’t require a GMAT/GRE for their EMBA programs, as well as their rank on QS’ Global Executive MBA Rankings.