GMAT Information

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized, computer-adaptive test used by schools to help assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in business or management. The GMAT measures basic verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills. The admissions committee carefully considers each piece of an application and uses GMAT scores as one predictor of academic performance in the program.

The MBA-PM does not have a minimum GMAT score requirement.  Our average GMAT score is approximately 580, and our average GPA 3.2. Keep in mind that a wide range of scores are accepted, based on the strength of the complete application. If you take the GMAT more than once, the admissions committee will consider your highest score.

The website www.mba.com contains review materials, practice tests and information about testing sites, in addition to other details. Some students have purchased a GMAT review book in conjunction with the web materials. There are also preparatory classes offered through sources such as Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions.  (www.kaptest.com/gmat)

You may register for the test at www.mba.com, or by calling 1-800-717-GMAT. GMAT testing centers are located throughout the world. In Iowa, there are three testing centers in close proximity to our sites:

We strongly recommend you begin your preparation by exploring www.mba.com, a website published by the organization which developed the GMAT. You will find an abundance of information about the MBA degree and taking the GMAT, including preparation materials and how to register for the test.

There are a number of national test prep agencies which offer online and classroom GMAT prep courses, free practice tests, and fee-based full-length practice materials:

- Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions (www.kaptest.com/gmat)
- Princeton Review
- Thomson Peterson's
-Veritas

You may prefer studying on your own with self-paced GMAT prep books or cd-rom products available locally or at:

Amazon.com (GMAT search)
Barnes & Noble (GMAT search)

The MBA-PM is listed under University of Iowa as (4RL-2J-61) MBA for Professionals & Managers.
When you take the GMAT, you will be allowed to select the MBA-PM program as your score recipient. Do not take to the test center a list of the schools and programs to send your scores as you will not be allowed to take it into the testing room.  However, there is an electronic program selection feature on the computer which will allow you to easily search for your program. 

Results typically become available 2-4 weeks after you take the test. You must request that the testing service send your score report to the University of Iowa MBA for Professionals and Managers program for your application to be considered complete. Score reports are available to our program for five years after the test date.

Pearson VUE and ACT, Inc. administer the GMAT. To make the results of a previous test available to the MBA-PM, visit www.mba.com and request an additional score report. Again, the code for the MBA-PM program is 4RL-2J-61.

Applications are evaluated on the entire set of materials including the GMAT. Our average GMAT score is approximately 580, and a wide range of scores are accepted, based on the strength of the complete application. If you take the GMAT more than once, the admissions committee will consider your highest score.

GMAT waivers are granted when:

Applicants have earned an advanced terminal degree such as the PhD, MD, or JD from an accredited US institution.

OR

Applicants have met all three of the following:

1. completed a Master's degree from an accredited U.S. educational institution
2. received an acceptable GRE score (as determined by MBA-PM admissions committee)
3. earned a satisfactory graduate-level grade point average (3.0 out of 4.0 or above)

To apply for a GMAT waiver complete one of the following:

• Scan and email your request with unofficial copies of your graduate transcript and GRE score report to mbapm@uiowa.edu.

OR

• Fax your request with unofficial copies of your graduate transcript and GRE score report to 319-335-3422, attention: GMAT Waiver Request.