USC Marshall GMAT Waiver

Question

The Full-Time MBA Program is providing candidates the option of submitting a standardized test (GMAT or GRE) waiver request. Please review a description of the policy and process below and visit the Test Waiver Requests section of our FAQ page for more detailed information. If you are applying using The Consortium application, please review the Consortium Application information below for additional information on the test waiver process.

Test Waiver Policy:
The Marshall Full Time MBA Program allows for the submission of a request for a standardized test (GMAT or GRE) waiver. Only applicants who have applied to the program may request a waiver. In order to make the request, please use the Test Waiver Request Essay of the application to describe your rationale and make a compelling case for the request. Finally, you should review and consider carefully the following guidelines before making the request:

The basis for your waiver request - and your response to the Test Waiver Request Essay - should be grounded in a record of exceptional academic achievement that includes demonstrated mathematical preparedness. While professional experience can be included as a component of the waiver request, the Admissions Committee will most strongly consider two elements:
1) overall academic achievement; and
2) performance in quantitative coursework.

Note: If a test waiver request is approved, the Admissions Committee will not consider test scores that are submitted at any point in the cycle when rendering the admissions decision.

Test Waiver Submission Process:
With the exception of candidates who are applying through The Consortium, only candidates who have applied to the program can submit a waiver request. The process requires two steps (Note: Failure to complete both steps may result in a deny decision.):

Step #1 – Submit a complete application that includes a résumé, all academic transcripts, and a response to the Test Waiver Request Essay (included in the application). In addition, you should respond affirmatively to the question in the application that asks if you are submitting a test waiver request.

Step #2 – Upon submission of the application, you must alert the Admissions Committee of your test waiver request by submitting an email to [email protected]. This will allow us to respond to your request in a timely fashion. The subject line should read “Test Waiver Request – Application Submitted.” Please include your First Name, Last Name, Date of Birth, and USC CAS ID# (located in the top right corner of your online application) in the email, so that we can easily locate your file.

IN THE ONLINE APPLICATION – IF YOU ARE NOT SUBMITTING TEST SCORE, ANSWER THIS:
Essay #4 (Required for all candidates requesting a test waiver) – Test Waiver Essay - Please submit a brief statement that summarizes why you believe you qualify for a test waiver. (word limit: 200)

For more info on Top MBA programs that offer GMAT waivers for 2023-2024 applications, please visit:
https://aringo.com/gmat-gre-waivers-for ... ated-list/

KeyLingonberry · Answer

Say you get the waiver approved, does this in any way affect your chances of getting admitted or being considered for a scholarship(if they do consider all their applicants for scholarships)? What are the chances of getting a full-ride?

goodvibes23 · Answer

Does anyone know how long it takes for the waiver to be approved or denied? I just submitted my application yesterday.

edit got my waiver approved in about 4 days!

pnandi3 · Answer

Hey there. Have you heard anything regarding the interview timeline?

Posted from my mobile device

ARINGO · Answer

USC Marshall MBA Test Waiver Policy 2024-2025:

This program allows applicants to request a waiver for standardized tests (GMAT or GRE). To request a waiver, submit your application and explain your rationale using the Test Waiver Request Text Box. Test waiver requests will be evaluated based on academic performance, with a strong emphasis on achievement in quantitative coursework (business, economics, sciences, technology, engineering, math, etc.). Professional experience can be included in the waiver request but is secondary to academic achievement and quantitative coursework performance.

Additional Guidelines:

• Transcripts must be uploaded into the application to be considered for a waiver.
• Waivers are granted case-by-case and are final.
• Approval of a waiver request does not guarantee admission.
• Test waiver decisions will be emailed to applicants within 15 business days from the time application is submitted.
• Test scores will not be considered in the admissions decision if a waiver is approved.

How to submit:

In the online application, go to Academic history section.

Are you requesting a standardized test (GMAT or GRE) waiver? You must explain your rationale using the Test Waiver Text Box below.
Test Waiver Request Text Box: (textbox, 700 words)

For more info on Top MBA programs that offer GMAT/GRE waivers for 2024-2025 season, please visit:
 https://aringo.com/gmat-gre-waivers-for-2024-2025-mba-applications/

skatespin · Answer

I applied R3 and submitted a test waiver request. I never received any formal communication about if the test waiver was approved but I was invited to interview in early May so I assumed that meant it was approved. I have not yet heard back about an admission decision. Has anyone else encountered a similar situation?

stashiar · Answer

I also didn’t receive an email and asked them and was denied I would email them

skatespin · Answer

Turns out, I got an email 10 minutes ago from USC saying congratulations on my acceptance into the full-time MBA program. They appear to be a little disorganized in communicating about the test waivers to the applicants.

I did have a feeling my waiver was internally accepted otherwise I don't see why they would have invited me to interview, but I was left uncertain.

USC Marshall GMAT Waiver

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