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: While we offer a GMAT/GRE exemption option for admission purposes, please be aware that the GMAT may still be required for certain post-MBA career paths, even if you're granted an admission exemption. This is particularly true for roles in investment banking and at select management consulting firms, where GMAT scores are often part of the hiring process. If your career goals include these fields, we strongly recommend discussing the necessity of a GMAT with your Recruiting Advisor and during your Admission Interview with Career Management.
GMAT/GRE Exemptions
We do provide GMAT/GRE exemptions for candidates who have the following professional designations:
- CFAII, CFAIII or equivalent designations in other jurisdictions.
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation or equivalent designations in other jurisdictions.
- Attained the professional designation in Engineering (PEng) or in Actuarial Sciences (ACIA or FCIA) or equivalent designations in other jurisdictions.
GMAT/GRE Exemption Opportunity
For some candidates, a GMAT/GRE score may not be required for our Admissions Committee to evaluate their academic preparedness for our MBA Program. If you are contemplating applying to our Ivey MBA, we offer a pre-assessment for a potential GMAT/GRE exemption. Simply submit unofficial transcripts and your resume and we will review your eligibility for a GMAT/GRE exemption before you submit your application. Our evaluation considers the following factors:
- A strong GPA from a degree in engineering, science, computer science, statistics, mathematics, business or economics with an emphasis on quantitative analysis with professional work experience in that field of training, including upward progression in that role. We primarily look at the GPA over the last two years of your degree.
Please note, if you hold one of the following designations, you are GMAT/GRE exempt and do not need to complete this form:
- CFAII, CFAIII or equivalent designations in other jurisdictions.
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation or equivalent designations in other jurisdictions.
- Attained the professional designation in Engineering (PEng) or in Actuarial Sciences (ACIA or FCIA) or equivalent designations in other jurisdictions.
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.
GMAT/GRE Exemption Pre-Assessments Now Available!
Selected candidates can receive an assessment before applying to our MBA Program whether they will require a GMAT/GRE for admission.
Complete Pre-Assessment
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.