Standardized Tests + Darden: Choose the Path That Best Demonstrates Your Readiness

UVA Darden’s Full-Time MBA application requires a verified test score or approved test waiver, among other application elements, to gain an understanding of a prospective student’s academic readiness.  

Read on to learn about the tests we accept, how to approach test preparation, what to do if you aren’t achieving a test score that you’re happy with and more!

Darden’s Approach to Standardized Tests 

The Admissions Committee views test scores as a helpful data point during the application review process. Because our applicants come from many different academic and professional backgrounds, it’s useful to have this data point as a benchmark to assess academic readiness. 

We know that preparing for a standardized test can be one of the more stressful parts of the admissions process and we want you to know that we offer admission to candidates with a range of standardized test scores every year.  

Test Formats 

The Admissions Committee does not have a test preference. We accept the following test formats, and view them equally during evaluation: 

• GMAT (valid scores of the previous edition are also acceptable) 
• GRE 
• Executive Assessment 
• MCAT 
• LSAT 

A note about the newly announced GMAT Superscore: Darden admissions has always asked candidates to provide all of their test scores as a part of the application. We will accept the Superscore and will continue to look at all valid test attempts in our evaluation. All test scores must be active and not expired at the time of the application deadline. 

Which Test is “Right” for Me? 

If you are deciding which test to take, try a few practice exams! See which format plays to your strengths and use official prep materials or resources that match your learning style.

Many applicants take a test more than once or change which test format they take if one is consistently not working in their favor. We encourage you to continue studying in between attempts — it is common for scores to improve over time. 

Remember: There are multiple Full-Time MBA application deadlines during the 2026–27 cycle, so our best advice is to apply when you feel your application package is ready! 

Test Waivers 

For some prospective students, a test score is a way of strengthening an application by demonstrating academic aptitude. However, we recognize that our candidates may have alternative evidence to show their academic readiness.  We offer a standardized test waiver to candidates who demonstrate multiple of the following criteria: 

• A strong undergraduate record or GPA, including performance in analytical coursework or disciplines 
• Master’s or advanced degree in an analytical discipline 
• At least three years of post-undergraduate professional work experience, especially from quantitative or analytical career paths 
• Certifications like the CPA or CFA 

We encourage you to review the FAQ on our website to learn more and to determine if utilizing a test waiver is right for you. 

How to Submit a Test Waiver

We recommend that prospective students submit a test waiver application at least three to four weeks prior to their targeted round deadline. All waiver applications must be submitted and approved prior to the round deadline. 

There are two paths to submitting a Full-Time MBA test waiver: 

1. If you have not started your Full-Time MBA application, start a new application and select “Full-Time Test Waiver Application” to begin. 
2. If you have started, but not submitted, your Full-Time MBA application, log in to the application management portal and click “Start New Application” at the bottom of the home page. Select “Full-Time Test Waiver Application” to begin. 

Once you have submitted your test waiver application, you will receive a decision within 10–14 business days. 

Visit the Standardized Test FAQs on our website for more information!