GMAT Question

Just registered today and I have found many interesting discussions here. My question concerns GMAT requirements.

I've been out of school since 1991 and have decided to pursue either a MBA or Masters in Management. I've looked at Capella, University of Phoenix, AIU, etc, and noticed that none require GMAT testing. Is this something that distinguishes profit from non profit schools, is it a matter of relaxed standards to lure students, or is it a combination of both? I'm 53 years old (I was/am a late bloomer) and really do not feel like taking a GMAT.

 

Bruce,

it varies with the school and the accreditor requirements. There are many options without taking the GMAT. Drop some questions out and the folks on the forum can provide some insight. What you want to do with the degree, etc... will determine the direction.

Kevin

 

First a little background info. I lost my job as an IT Manager/UNIX Systems Admin for a Wall Street firm in 11/01. After 4 IT certifications and a lot of persistance I've landed a great job managing the UNIX operations for a nationwide retailer. My A.A.S. and B.S. degrees are in Computer Engineering Tech (GPA 3.5) and Electrical Engineering Tech (GPA 3.2) respectively.

My purpose for obtaining an advanced degree is two fold, to enhance my managerial skills at work and to broaden my business knowledge for my own edification. Perhaps I'll enter into a business venture down the road. I guess the more diversification I can build into my creditentials the better.

 

I have been told it is an accreditation issue. AACSB schools require it (with a few exceptions), and RA's don't (with a few exceptions).

 

Han,

I've looked at the "Eligibility Procedures and Accreditation Standards for Business Accreditation" at the AACSB site and there isn't any mention requiring GMAT testing of business graduate applicants.

 

Here is where some information can be found:

"The GMAT is required by all AACSB accredited business schools--requirement of the GMAT is part of the accreditation process for these schools" ....... http://www.digitaleconomist.com/gsna/apply.html

 

Han,

Interesting. The AACSB sites accreditation standards doesn't seem to mention GMAT as a requirement. Look in both the business and accounting requirements.

http://www.aacsb.edu/accreditation/standards.asp

 

In my experience with the AACSB website, is that it has errors, mis-statements, and many problems (unfortunately they don't seem to care).

 

In my experience with the AACSB website, is that it has errors, mis-statements, and many problems (unfortunately they don't seem to care).

Han,

Isn't the document on their website the actual standards to follow for accreditation? How can anyone take the AACSB accreditation seriously if they can't even take care of their own house?

I am starting to believe that accreditation and GMAT/GRE testing is a joke. A persons academic record should be all that's needed. Although I never will take the GMAT I did take the GRE about 10 years ago. Never cracked a book, took the test cold. I don't remember the exact score but it was good enough to get into many graduate schools. I was accepted into the M.S.C.S. program at Montclair State University and Rutgers in New Jersey. They're not Ivy League but they are respectable.

 

Yes, it is a joke. They have on their websites that they have accredited programs that do not exist (like School X is accredited for their Doctorate, but tey do not offer a doctorate program).

I asked them this question, and they said they do their best, with limited resources. I used to forward them the mistakes, but there are so many, I gave up..... what a joke!

I don't understand how they hold the reputation they do!

 

Han,

Perhaps they should attend a business graduate school and learn how to manage resources better!

This discussion has strengthened my conviction to do a DL masters degree and only be concerned if the school is school is RA. Thanks very much for your input.

 

I am studying for my GMAT because it is necessary for CSUDH. It is a tough test I hear. Although I am an Engineer by profession, I am finding some of the questions pretty tough. I am beginning to think that the test is set up more to screen MBA candidates.



Trivia time:

Business school with highest average GMAT: Stanford with 701

Lowest: UT - El Paso (not surprised) at 440

You need a 450 to get into CSUDH (or in the 25th percentile which in on the low side) 500 to get into SJSU-Offsite MBA.

 

I still went with the AACSB MBA, though I have not been impressed with my interaction with AACSB itself, it may keep some doors open, that otherwise may not be with a RA, and there are a number of schools out there. Still keep the AACSB route open. Also, it helps if you want to go with the doctorate.

 

This is very interesting, though sad that a GMAT score holds so much weight, especially when you shell out $1000 for a coaching class that improves your score over 100 points. The rich get the better score...... sad.

 

Just give me the 500 and I will be happy. The test itself is $245 which makes it look like a scam!

 

Han,

Wow, I noticed if you cancel your GMAT appointment at least 7 days in advance you get a partial refund of $80. What a scam, and it's worldwide to boot!

Anyway, at 53 I'm not looking to open many more doors or to set the world on fire, so I'll pass on the AACSB accreditation. I suspect you've achieved your educational goals at a much earlier age to which I say congratulations, good job.

 

Mr. Engineer,

The GMAT site says the fee to take the test is $225. Is it possible they can't even get the price correct?

The price is more costly than any IT certification test that I've taken to date, but with IT certification tests you get a 100% refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

 

if you want to feel better about the price of the GMAT check out what the cost is for the PMP exam...$550 if not a member...

A way around the GMAT is to find school affiliations that allow you to transfer from an open admissions policy school to another school after so many classes,

for example the Columbia Southern University/ University of North Alabama arrangement. While not AACSB accredited UNA is ACBSP and working towards the AACSB.

Kevin

 

I'm not into accreditation as I was years ago. As an undergrad I made sure my EE program at FDU was ABET accreditated. I've noticed that FDU is also AACSB accreditated but they do not offer DL yet.

I guess what I really want is a solid program that I can work on from home as time allows. I spent years commuting up to 100 miles round trip to complete my BSEE during the evening.

I'm not pushing Capella, but my impression is that their programs are good. Lucent has direct payment to Capella for their employees. I was recruited by Lucent (then AT&T Bell Labs) from Queensborough CC in 1986. If there standards are the same they must consider Capella a decent school. They were always particular about education. When I worked there they considered degrees obtained part time inferior to degrees obtained fulltime (although they paid 100% for my degree including books). That was the main reason I left upon graduation.

With respect to cost, I am getting a 10% discount on all courses since Queensborough CC is partnered with them (the $50 app fee is also waived) plus I will be getting 50-75% tuition reimbursement from my employer.

 

Bruce,

Capella was one of the schools I looked at for my PhD work, as were Walden and NovaSoutheastern. There are also many other schools that do not require the GMAT that are RA. If you are not in a hurry take the time to look around, I searched for a good period looking for the classes I wanted to take because of my interests. MBAs vary in content so you may find one that is more interesting. Also, there are many MSEE programs available from first rate colleges via DL. Keep us posted on your success.

Kevin