At Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, we do not favor any applicant based on their decision to take the GMAT/GRE tests or utilize the waiver. The choice is entirely optional.

With that said, you may be wondering if choosing to use the GMAT/GRE waiver will hurt or help your application. This is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Our admissions team reviews the entire application and weighs factors like work experience and quantitative skills in addition to reviewing your test scores. To decide whether testing or using the waiver will make you the strongest applicant, we suggest you evaluate your skillsets, strengths, and weaknesses.

Understanding the GMAT/GRE waiver

The GMAT/GRE waiver is an option provided by Carey that allows applicants to choose if they would like to submit test scores as part of their application. Typically, a waiver is offered to applicants who can demonstrate their qualifications and abilities in other ways such as work experience or past academic achievements. The purpose of the waiver is to acknowledge that standardized tests may not always accurately reflect an applicant’s potential in a business program.

Carey’s admissions team is available to offer guidance and support when making an informed decision on utilizing the GMAT/GRE waiver. Our admissions team can provide personalized advice based on your specific circumstances and career goals, ultimately helping you make the best decision for your application.

To see if you are eligible for a waiver, visit our GMAT/GRE waiver policies page.

Why you should consider taking the GMAT/GRE test

Increases opportunities for scholarships

While your application to a Carey Business School program automatically qualifies you for merit-based scholarships, high test scores can boost your chances of receiving additional scholarship opportunities.

Highlights your quantitative skills

The GMAT/GRE tests are designed to assess your quantitative skills. If your undergraduate GPA has fallen short of your expectations, your test scores are a chance to show your quantitative skills beyond what is reflected in your transcript.

Showcases your potential

If you don’t meet the minimum three years of work experience for the GMAT/GRE waiver, your test scores are an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of key concepts and quantitative abilities.

You’re a strong test taker

If you are a strong test taker, taking the GMAT/GRE test is your opportunity to shine. Additionally, if your application materials do not effectively demonstrate your ability to excel in a graduate program, your test scores may make you a stronger applicant.

Why you should consider using the GMAT/GRE waiver

You have not studied

If you have not scheduled enough time to adequately prepare for the tests and do not feel confident in your abilities, consider using your time to focus on writing your essays and making your additional application materials as strong as possible.

Your score is moderate or low

We do not consider the absence of scores negatively. Concentrate on the parts of your application where you can showcase your excellence. While the absence of test scores is not negative, a low score can have an unfavorable impact on your application.

Your test scores do not reflect your abilities

We know that test taking can be difficult. If your work experience highlights quantitative skills but your test results do not align with those accomplishments, consider skipping the test and using your application essays as a way to demonstrate your abilities.

Financial barriers

The GMAT/GRE tests require extensive preparation, and the expenses associated with taking the exam can add up. Registration fees, study materials, and any additional resources may result in a financial burden. By obtaining a waiver, you can bypass these requirements and allocate those expenses to other aspects of the application process.

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