Michigan Ross Offers Test Waiver for 2020-2021
The Michigan Ross School of Business made an important announcement this week regarding its 2020-2021 admissions requirements. While reviewing Round 1 applications, the admissions team encountered several instances of applicants facing hardships caused by COVID-19. Therefore, the school will allow any candidate to request a standardized test waiver this season.
Although testing centers remain open (for now), access is not equal to all, the AdCom team noted in a post to its MBA admissions blog. Online testing, meanwhile, presents its own unique challenges.
As one applicant shared with Ross, “It’s hard to nail the GMAT when you’re concerned your internet might go out at any minute.”
Consequently, for the full-time MBA 2020-21 application cycle, candidates can request a test waiver for the GMAT and GRE as well as English proficiency tests (TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE).
Keep in mind, however, that a test waiver option does not mean quant skills are also optional this year. “We want to see students succeed and thrive in our program,” the team explained. “As such, we will continue to look for evidence that an applicant can handle the rigor of our MBA program.”
“We will look for candidates to demonstrate their academic proficiency and quantitative ability through other data points,” they added.
This would include your undergraduate course load, work experience, any relevant professional certifications, etc. For more information, see the Ross School’s newly revised Applying During COVID FAQs.
Test Waiver and Round 1 Applicants
As we’ve noted, the admissions team has made this decision in the middle of reviewing applications from the first round. For that reason, Ross will not ding any applicant on the December 4, 2020 decision deadline. All R1 applicants will be admitted or waitlisted, and waitlisted candidates may request a test waiver at that time.
“As we continue to navigate these unprecedented times, we promise to continue listening, learning, and responding, while staying true to our values,” the AdCom team pledged.
