Darden’s 2024-25 applications for both the Part-Time MBA and Executive MBA programs are now live!
Part of the application process is sharing (or not sharing) a standardized test score with us. Here is what you need to know when it comes to submitting a score.
Executive MBA
A standardized test score is NOT required to apply for our Executive MBA program.
Applicants can choose to provide a test score to strengthen their application if they wish. We accept several standardized tests – Executive Assessment, GMAT Focus, GMAT, GRE, MCAT and LSAT. We view these tests equivalently and accept older or expired scores for any of these tests. Candidates who wish to submit an expired score will need to have access to their full score breakdown.
The Executive Assessment (EA) is one of the most popular standardized tests for our Executive MBA applicants, largely because of the preparation time (the EA requires on average 20-30 hours of study vs. 60-65+ for the average U.S.-based GMAT or GRE taker).
Part-Time MBA
There are two pathways for Part-Time MBA applicants when it comes to standardized tests:
1) submit a test score or
2) submit a test waiver request with their application materials.
We accept a number of standardized tests – Executive Assessment, GMAT Focus, GMAT, GRE, MCAT and LSAT – and we view all of these tests equivalently for both admissions and scholarship evaluation purposes
All Part-Time MBA applicants are required to report all valid test scores (i.e. not canceled or expired) for the above tests. Applicants can apply with an older or expired test score, provided they still have documentation reflecting their score breakdown (as the testing service will no longer be able to produce a report reflecting your performance).
Test Waiver Process
The test waiver request form is located in the application.
In the Test Scores section of the application, click “Yes” in response to the test waiver evaluation question. This will display a 500-word text box in which applicants detail the reason(s) they believe they should receive a test waiver. The explanation should be more than a sentence or two, but a full 500 words are also not required.
Making a strong test waiver request
Darden’s Admissions Committee wants to be confident every admitted student can be academically successful at Darden. Here are some the data points an applicant could cite as support for a test waiver request:
- Degree-related coursework
- Non-degree-related coursework (Coursera, MBA Math, etc.)
- Professional Certifications
- Work-related roles and responsibilities
The test waiver request is evaluated along with the full application. An update regarding the test waiver request is provided at the time of decision.
Additional resources
We are here to help!
- Schedule a conversation with a member of our Admissions team (Executive MBA | Part-Time MBA). While we can’t evaluate an applicant’s likelihood of receiving a test waiver on these calls, we can help you think through your options and strategize for the application process.
- Attend a webinar: We regularly host application-focused webinars including Application FAQs, in which Admissions teams tackle frequent application-related questions, as well as just in time Application Hotline sessions, in which applicants are encouraged to bring their last minute questions as they prepare for an upcoming Executive MBA or Part-Time MBA deadline.
