GMAT Waiver
Criteria for a GMAT/GRE Waiver Request
Individuals applying for admission to the Penn State Great Valley MBA, Master of Finance, Master of Professional Accounting, or Master of Professional Studies in Data Analytics may be eligible to waive the GMAT or GRE. Criteria for a GMAT/GRE waiver varies by program, and applicants must include the appropriate supporting documentation required for the waiver in their application.
Master of Business Administration (MBA):
Applicants may request a waiver if they meet one out of the four criteria outlined below:
- Criteria I (must meet all requirements):
- An undergraduate junior/senior GPA of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale* at a regionally-accredited university with AACSB, EQUIS, or AMBA accredited business programs or an undergraduate junior/senior GPA of at least a 3.3 on a 4.0 scale* from a regionally-accredited university without AACSB, EQUIS, or AMBA accredited business programs.
AND - Five or more years of professional experience with evidence of career progression and/or military service
- Demonstrated evidence of effective communication and quantitative skills based on course work
- An undergraduate junior/senior GPA of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale* at a regionally-accredited university with AACSB, EQUIS, or AMBA accredited business programs or an undergraduate junior/senior GPA of at least a 3.3 on a 4.0 scale* from a regionally-accredited university without AACSB, EQUIS, or AMBA accredited business programs.
- Criteria II:
- Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma, the business honor society recognized by AACSB
- Criteria III (must meet both requirements):
- An advanced degree (e.g. master’s or higher) from a regionally-accredited university with AACSB, EQUIS, or AMBA accredited programs
- Demonstrated evidence of quantitative skills based on course work
- Criteria IV:
- One or more professional certifications including a CFA, CFP, CPA, FRM, and/or CMA, or doctoral degree (e.g. Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
Master of Finance
Applicants may request a waiver if they meet one out of the criteria outlined below:
- An undergraduate junior/senior GPA of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale* at a regionally-accredited university with AACSB, EQUIS, or AMBA accredited business programs or an undergraduate junior/senior GPA of at least a 3.3 on a 4.0 scale* from a regionally-accredited university without AACSB, EQUIS, or AMBA accredited business programs AND demonstrated effective communication and quantitative skills based on course work
- An advanced degree (e.g. master’s or higher) from a regionally-accredited university with AACSB, EQUIS, or AMBA accredited programs
- Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma, the business honor society recognized by AACSB
- One or more professional certifications including a CFA, CPA, FRM, and/or CMA, or doctoral degree (e.g. Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
Master of Professional Accounting
Applicants may request a waiver if they meet one out of the criteria outlined below:
- An undergraduate junior/senior GPA of at least a 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (*first class) at a regionally accredited university with AACSB, EQUIS, or AMBA accredited business programs
- An advanced degree (e.g., master’s or higher) from a regionally accredited university with AACSB, EQUIS, or AMBA accredited programs
- Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma, the business honor society recognized by AACSB
- One or more professional business certifications including a CFA, CPA, FRM, and/or CMA
- A doctoral degree (e.g., Ph.D., M.D., J.D.)
Master of Professional Studies in Data Analytics
Applicants holding a graduate degree, graduate certificate, or an undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher may request a waiver.
*For international applicants where the degree granting institution uses a different grading scale.