In June University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business announced that waivers would be granted for standardized tests. This would cover both GMAT and GRE tests. This is for the 2020-2021 application cycle, whose first deadline is September 2nd.

Waivers are granted on a case-by-case basis and the following factors will be taken into consideration:

  • Strong undergraduate/graduate record
  • CPA or CFA designation or other professional certification
  • Master’s or advanced degree in an analytical discipline
  • 7 or more years of experience in an analytic field
  • High test score in a college admission test (such as SAT or ACT)

Waivers are not only limited to these factors, therefor any candidate who shows academic or professional achievements will be taken into consideration.

According to Dawna Clarke, Darden’s admissions chief, last year 50 MBA applicants were admitted without GMAT or GRE scores, and more waivers will be granted this year. This increase in procedure flexibility is due to the closure of testing centers due to the pandemic.

In addition, Harvard Business School will be granting applicants extensions for this upcoming admissions year. Those who are planning on applying in the first round (September 8th 2020) or the second round (January 5th 2021) can apply to submit an application without a test score. Those who are granted the extension will have to provide the test score at a later date.