USC Marshall GMAT Waiver

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 FTtestwaiver@marshall.usc.edu. 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/