GMAT/GRE Overview
As a key component of our admissions requirements, candidates may be required to submit a valid GMAT or GRE exam with their application. This helps us to assess our applicants’ ability to keep up with the fast-paced, complex, and demanding nature of the Ivey MBA program.
Important Note: The below outlines opportunities and details around the GMAT/GRE exemption for admission purposes. For those who are granted the exemption for admission, a GMAT/GRE may still be strongly recommended depending on the applicant’s career goals. Applicants are encouraged to inquire about the necessity of a GMAT/GRE in relation to their post-MBA career goals with their Recruiting Advisor and during their Admission Interview with Career Management.
GMAT/GRE Exemptions
We do provide GMAT/GRE exemptions for candidates who have the following:
- CFAII, CFAIII
- Canadian CPA
- Canadian P.Eng
- Valid and competitive LSAT or MCAT score.
GMAT/GRE Exemption Opportunity
For some candidates, a GMAT/GRE score may not be needed for our Admissions Committee to assess their academic readiness for our MBA Program.
Candidates can apply for a GMAT/GRE exemption within our MBA application. Waiver applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and our Admissions Committee will consider a number of factors when assessing these requests. Particular regard will be given for indicators of academic and professional accomplishment, including but not limited to:
- A strong GPA from a degree in engineering, science, computer science, statistics, mathematics, business or economics with an emphasis on quantitative analysis.
- Professional work experience demonstrating strong quantitative abilities.
These factors will be considered in combination with a completed application, including the admission interview and references. Candidates who present a strong profile across several criteria are more likely to be granted a test waiver. Pre-assessment of GMAT/GRE waivers are not provided in advance of a completed submitted application.
If you believe you may qualify for a GMAT/GRE waiver, please explain within the application, capturing the above noted criteria and any supporting information you feel is relevant to our assessment.
There are three possible outcomes for you to consider:
- You receive an admissions offer with a GMAT or GRE exemption
- You are granted a conditional offer based on achieving XYZ score on the GMAT or GRE
- Your application is denied (in this case, providing a GMAT or GRE score would not have made a difference in the decision as there are other factors why you were not accepted into our program)
We encourage you to connect with your Recruiting Advisor to address any questions about the application, GMAT or GRE waiver opportunity and the admissions process. We’re here to support candidates through their admissions journey with us.
Frequently Asked Questions About the GMAT
Not at all. Many applicants write the GMAT more than once. We only look at your highest score. If you properly prepare, you may see a big improvement the second time around — you’ll have a better sense of what to expect and you’ll be less nervous than the first time you wrote.
We only look at your highest score.
We encourage you to get in touch with us for a better understanding of how you fit with our application requirements. We look at applications holistically, and we can provide you with feedback and some coaching on your GMAT or GRE score.
The GMAT or GRE is an important part of your application, but we assess applications holistically and we consider how all the aspects of your application reflect your experience and profile.
The GMAT requirement is waived for applicants who have passed at least level 2 of the CFA designation or, possess a CPA designation (CPA Canada), possess a P.Eng designation (P.Eng Canada), or those who have a valid and competitive LSAT or MCAT score.
Candidates can apply for a GMAT/GRE exemption within our MBA application. Waiver applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and our Admissions Committee will consider a number of factors when assessing these requests. Particular regard will be given for indicators of academic and professional accomplishment, including but not limited to:
- A strong GPA from a degree in engineering, science, computer science, statistics, mathematics, business or economics with an emphasis on quantitative analysis.
- Professional work experience demonstrating strong quantitative abilities.
From an admissions perspective, we view them both equally, but if you are considering a career path in Investment Banking or Management Consulting and we recommend taking the GMAT.
Yes, some may ask for your GMAT score, particularly in fields like Investment Banking and Management Consulting.