MBA programs that don't require the GMAT: How credible are they?

Most business students or prospective business owners view the MBA as a fast track to their dream job in the business world. This however is not often true as there are many options for obtaining a MBA program in today's modern technology driven world.

Many universities around the globe offer graduate programs in Management but just how many of them are credible? 

Prior to new developments in experience driven programs, the one quantitative measure of a person's ability to succeed in a MBA or Graduate program in Management was the GMAT. Short for the Graduate Management Admission Test, it was created by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) which came in to being in 1953. Currently the GMAT is a computer based test divided into four sections:

1. Quantitative - 37 Questions
2. Verbal  - 41 Questions
3.  Integrated Reasoning - 12 Questions
4. Analytical Writing Assessment - 1 Topic

The test lasts approximately 3.5 hours and provides test-takers with a score between 200 and 800, the lowest and highest respectively.

Although the GMAT is a standardized test it is not for the faint of heart as many prospective MBAs spend months engaged in intense preparation and studying. In fact there is a lot of pressure placed on students to perform well on the GMAT and obtain a minimum score. Business schools have now realized that placing a minimum entrance score may be scaring away prospective students; the world's top 10 business schools don't have a minimum score requirement. However students should be warned that they do exercise a great deal of scrutiny in the selection process and often times the average GMAT score of a MBA class at many of these schools is above 700.

Some business schools however capitalized on the disappointment of unsuccessful applicants that vied for spots at top business schools by offering  MBA's without GMATs ; programs that bypass the GMAT requirement. These schools look to replace the GMAT by increasing their GPA requirement or demanding more years of work experience. But how credible and valuable is a MBA program that does not test the aptitude of its candidates in Management itself?  Those who simply wish to obtain a MBA irrespective of where or how they receive it may be complacent with this type of arrangement, but in most cases MBA candidates are in the program to further themselves and open doors to better job opportunities. 

The hard facts are that since the world's best schools require a GMAT for entry in to a MBA program, those that don't are most likely not recognized globally or don't hold much water in the business world. The bottom line is you need to prove yourself to get in to a MBA and without a GMAT or even a GRE (Graduate Records Examination for US students) there isn't much to prove. Although online or sans GMAT MBA programs may seem quick and easy, in most cases they are just too good to be true or credible.

Completing a MBA takes time and dedication and there are no real shortcuts. Education is not something that you can cut corners in and this rings true for many who have obtained MBAs from unrecognized institutions and are struggling to get a foothold in the corporate world. Ultimately the lack of knowledge and credibility will show through, so if you are considering a MBA go for the credible choice. Examine Business School choices closely, avoid online programs, and start with ones that do look in to standardized testing and require a GMAT. Otherwise you risk wasting up to 3 years on a qualification that lacks credibility and recognition.

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