As you have most likely heard by now, a couple of weeks ago, we made the following announcement for the MBA, MBA Early Admission, Leaders for Global Operations (LGO), Sloan Fellows MBA (SFMBA), Master of Finance (MFin), and Master of Business Analytics (MBAn) programs application process for the 2020–2021 admissions cycle.
“Standardized tests, such as GMAT, GRE, EA, TOEFL, IELTS, are a component of the application and play an important role in our holistic evaluation process. However, in view of challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, we will allow candidates for the 2020-21 admission cycle to submit their application without the test; we will review their submitted material as is and without negative inferences. If admitted, candidates will not be required to take the tests.
Additionally, applicants are welcome to submit other pieces of evidence, such as expired test scores (GMAT, GRE, EA, etc.); MITx MicroMasters, CORe, edX, MBAMath, or any other non-degree coursework completed; or certifications earned such as CPA, ACCA, CFA, etc.; all of which may assist the Admissions Committee in its evaluation process.”
We made this move in direct response to the ongoing pandemic and the continued challenge for individuals to take a standardized test.
We are doing this to provide equitable opportunities for applicants affected by limited re-opening of test centers around the globe, especially in emerging countries; for those with compromised immune systems who cannot safely sit for an exam; and out of concern for closures if and when there is a second wave. This update to our standardized test policy is only for the 2020–2021 admissions cycle. MIT Sloan has one of the highest ratios of applicants per seat available among business schools in the world. We do not expect this update to change that, but rather to provide a “level playing field” for all our applicants, no matter how this pandemic affected their lives.
In addition to MIT Sloan, several other MIT departments, including the School of Engineering and Undergraduate Admissions have suspended standardized tests for this cycle. Moreover, we would like to call your attention to MIT’s Special Notice of March 26, 2020, regarding taking “the significant disruptions of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 into account when reviewing students’ transcripts and other admissions materials as part of their regular practice of performing individualized, holistic reviews of each applicant.”
Rest assured that our admission committee will review applications holistically and take into account many different factors in the application. We are committed to making the best and most informed decision and feel confident that comparable factors (such as grades, undergraduate majors, advanced degrees, professional certifications, non-degree coursework, etc.) give us the data we need to make an admissions decision. All applicants—with and without test scores—will be reviewed together following the deadline of each round and no negative inferences will be made from a lack of test score.
The mission of the MIT Sloan School of Management is to develop principled, innovative leaders who improve the world and to generate ideas that advance management practice. Our decision to modify the standardized test policy for this cycle is an example of principled leadership (we believe this is the right thing to do!) and feel confident that our application materials give us the evidence necessary to evaluate candidates who have a diversity of strengths. As always, we will continue to look for a high level of excellence in academic ability, communication, leadership, innovation, and professional experience.
We wish those of you who will be submitting an application this year the very best of luck and also wish one and all continued good health.
Smart. Safe. Together.
Rod Garcia | Assistant Dean
Dawna Levenson | Assistant Dean
MIT Sloan Admissions
