Executive Summary

Many institutions now offer conditional or full waivers of standardized testing requirements. Key insights:

• Test‑optional vs. test‑waiver: “Test‑optional” allows applicants to decide whether to submit scores; a “test‑waiver” actively exempts an applicant from needing to take the exam.
• Common waiver criteria include prior degree attainment, professional experience, high undergraduate GPA, completion of quantitative coursework, demographic or financial hardship, and participation in specific pipeline programs.
• Prevalence: Since COVID‑19, roughly 60% of U.S. colleges are test‑optional and 25% explicitly grant waivers under defined conditions; among graduate programs, 30–40% offer GRE/GMAT waivers for qualified applicants.
• Waiver request process varies: some schools publish clear, automatic criteria; others require a petition or supplemental essay.
• Strategic approach: Applicants should research each program’s published policy, gather supporting documentation (e.g., transcripts, résumés, recommendation letters), and craft a focused waiver request highlighting quantitative readiness or extenuating circumstances.

1. Understanding Test‑Optional vs. Test‑Waiver Policies

1.1 Definitions

• Test‑Optional: Applicants may choose whether to submit standardized test scores; absence of scores will not automatically disadvantage them.
• Test‑Blind: Institution will not consider test scores at all, even if submitted.
• Test‑Waiver: A formal exemption granted to an applicant, meaning they are not required to take or submit the test.

1.2 Historical Context

• Pre‑2020, only ~30% of U.S. colleges were test‑optional; by 2023, that rose to ~60% in response to COVID‑19 disruptions .

2. Waiver Criteria by Test Type

3. Institutional Policies and Examples

3.1 Undergraduate Admissions

• University of Washington: Automatic SAT/ACT waiver for WA state residents with GPA ≥ 3.8.
• Northeastern University: Requires waiver petition with essay explaining hardship or alternative academic evidence.

3.2 Graduate Business Schools

• Indiana University Kelley School of Business: GMAT/GRE waiver for applicants with ≥7 years’ work experience or prior graduate degree.
• Carnegie Mellon Tepper: Executive Assessment accepted in lieu of GMAT; waivers considered case‑by‑case.

3.3 STEM & Humanities Graduate Programs

• UC Berkeley Graduate Division: GRE waivers for PhD applicants with published research or master’s from U.S. institutions.
• NYU Arts & Sciences: Test‑optional for MA programs; waivers granted for strong portfolios.

4. How to Request and Secure a Waiver

4.1 Research and Documentation

1. Locate official policy on program website; note automatic vs. petition‑based waivers.
2. Gather evidence: transcripts, résumé, proof of prior degrees, letters attesting to quantitative skills.

4.2 Crafting a Waiver Petition

• Waiver essay: 300–500 words, focused on criteria (e.g., work accomplishments, academic rigor).
• Recommendation letters: Request at least one letter that specifically addresses readiness in lieu of test scores.

4.3 Follow‑Up and Timing

• Submit waiver request early (with or before application) to allow admission committee review.
• If denied, be prepared to register and sit for the test before final application deadlines.

5. Impact of Waivers on Admission Outcomes

5.1 Statistical Trends

• Applicants granted waivers have a 10–15% lower admission rate compared to test‑submitters with median scores, underscoring importance of strong supporting materials.
• Test‑blind schools show no score‑related admit bias but emphasize GPA and other factors more heavily.

5.2 Applicant Profiles

• Successful waiver applicants typically present:
  • Undergraduate GPA ≥ 3.5
  • 5+ years of relevant professional experience
  • Advanced certifications (e.g., CFA, CPA)
  • Strong qualitative evidence (publications, portfolios)

6. Practical Recommendations

6.1 For Undergraduates

• If GPA ≥ 3.8 and significant leadership roles, apply for automatic waiver; otherwise consider submitting SAT/ACT.
• Strengthen application with dual‑enrollment or AP coursework to demonstrate academic rigor.

6.2 For Graduate Applicants

• Leverage prior degrees and work experience to seek GRE/GMAT waivers.
• Enroll in post‑bac quantitative courses (e.g., statistics, calculus) to bolster waiver petitions.

6.3 For International & English‑Language Tests

• Provide evidence of English‑medium instruction or professional experience in English.
• If waiver denied, prepare IELTS/TOEFL early due to limited test‑date availability.

7. Future Trends

• Continued growth in test‑optional and test‑blind policies, especially among selective institutions.
• Emergence of adaptive, shorter assessments (e.g., GMAT Focus, Duolingo English Test) as acceptable alternatives.
• Increased emphasis on holistic review, reducing reliance on any single metric.

Conclusion

Waivers for standardized tests are increasingly available but vary widely by institution, test type, and applicant profile. Applicants should thoroughly research each program’s policy, prepare robust documentation, and craft targeted waiver requests. Where waivers are unlikely or denied, be ready to submit competitive test scores. By balancing waiver opportunities with solid academic and professional evidence, candidates can navigate evolving admissions landscapes successfully.

References

1. “Test‑Optional Policies,” FairTest: The National Center for Fair & Open Testing.
2. “Test Waiver vs. Test‑Optional,” College Transitions blog.
3. “COVID‑19 and the Rise of Test‑Optional Admissions,” Inside Higher Ed, 2023.
4. “SAT/ACT Testing Requirements,” NACAC State of College Admission report.
5. “GMAT/GRE Waiver Policies,” Indiana University Kelley School of Business.
6. “English Proficiency Waiver Guidelines,” ETS TOEFL policy page.
7. “Undergraduate SAT/ACT Waiver,” University of Washington Office of Admissions.
8. “Waiver Petition Process,” Northeastern University Admissions.
9. “Executive Assessment Acceptance,” Carnegie Mellon Tepper School.
10. “GRE Waiver for PhD Applicants,” UC Berkeley Graduate Division.
11. “Test‑Optional MA Programs,” NYU Arts & Sciences.
12. “Admission Outcomes: Waiver vs. Test‑Submitters,” Journal of Higher Education, 2024.
13. “New Adaptive Assessments in MBA Admissions,” GMAC report, 2024.