Test Waivers 101

If you’ve been checking our website recently, you’re not alone: this is a highly strategic time to earn an MBA! And you may have seen that we offer standardized test waivers. What’s not to love about skipping the GMAT or the GRE? Here are some answers about the process: who’s eligible for a waiver, who’s most likely to get one – and above all, why you should think twice about seeking a waiver unless it’s absolutely necessary.

I can’t stand standardized tests. Why are they required?

We know. Tests are a pain. But scores such as those from the GMAT and GRE show if you have the quantitative abilities to shine at Rice Business. And remember, even if you qualify for a waiver, you’ll have to make a compelling case for your skills in other ways. On the other hand, a test score in our range quickly and definitively says: yup, you’re Rice Business material.

Tests also show more than quantitative chops. It takes time, work and money to take a test. To us, this translates as commitment. Rice Business chooses – and rewards – committed learners. 

Tests also do a lot more than help you get in. GMAT scores matter when we give out scholarships. And once it’s time to job-hunt, employers in industries like consulting and investment banking will ask for test scores, so you may need to take the test anyway. In other words, there’s no easy way out. Rice Business is fast-paced and rigorous – and so is the business world. Tests are an efficient way to show your strength.

Do you look at waiver holders differently for MBA admissions?

You could argue that the bar is higher. The average Full-Time MBA Rice Business GPA is 3.5. With a test waiver, your GPA needs to be higher than that.

So what are the requirements to earn a waiver?

If you're applying to our MBA programs and want to be considered for a waiver, you need a minimum of three years of work experience and at least one of the following: 

1. A bachelor's or master's degree, with strong academic achievement in a STEM or quantitative subject area
2. A terminal degree (e.g. MD or PhD)
3. A quantitative professional certification (e.g. CPA, CFA)
4. Other standardized test scores showing strong quantitative skills (e.g. MCAT)

Why should I know all this before seeking a waiver?

Because waivers are hard to get! And skipping a test now may not save you from having to take the exact same test later. We don’t want you to spend your time seeking a waiver when you could boost your chances of acceptance by taking a test. At Rice Business, we’re big believers that the harder you work, the luckier you’re going to get.