Sending GMAT scores to schools / applying for a waiver

Hi KEADM,

Agree that the GMAT seems like the main weak point, so you're right to consider the waiver. (Though I would also encourage you to try the GMAT again with a plan to handle the anxiety if your mocks are that much higher!). With the waiver, it depends on how the schools position the waiver -- some do have language about your reason for the waiver needing to be Covid related or about safely accessing an exam, so I'm not sure what your justification would be in that case and I think it would look odd if you sent a score to such a school. But for schools like Cornell, that are more open-ended in their language, then I think you probably have a good shot at getting the waiver with your GPA. Do you have a good shot at getting accepted? That's harder to tell, and will depend a lot on the quality of your application and other academic qualifications you have. We've only had these waivers for a short period but my experience has shown that candidates are pretty likely to be granted the waivers, but acceptances are still pretty hard because schools are looking carefully at everything else in your profile to make up for that GMAT score. Plus, schools would always prefer to have more applicants after all so it's in their interest to grant the waivers. But I'd say in your case, if you really can't retake the GMAT, then I think the waivers are worth a try.

Like Admissionado, I do not know the answer to your second question. It seems odd that a school would access your score if you get a waiver, but then again, you're giving them access so they definitely could!

Good luck!
Kate