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Want to get an MBA but can’t stomach the GMAT? There’s an option – KELLOGG!
Yes, you heard us right. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University has an MBA program that does not require applicants to submit a GMAT score.
Unbelievable?
Maybe, but it’s true.
What’s the catch?
It’s their Executive MBA programs. And you have to have a minimum of eight years of work experience. Most EMBA students have between 12-15 years. And you have to be currently employed full time (actively employed throughout the program, a sponsorship letter stating permission to attend is required from the employer, financial sponsorship is not required). And it’s expensive.
As their website says , if you don’t have a Bachelor’s degree, then you should take the GMAT —
Wait. Hold up. What was that?
Yes. You read that right. YOU DON’T EVEN NEED A BACHELOR’S DEGREE TO GET INTO THIS PROGRAM.
We love Kellogg and it’s awesome to see this flexibility. But sorry folks. This sounds like they’ll just take anyone with a pulse. And a checkbook. Is this really the same EMBA as you’d get from, say, Wharton? Average GMAT for Wharton EMBAs is 701; that is not a program for lightweights.
Part of the value of an MBA is the experiences in the classroom with your peers. EssaySnark is certain that those going through the Kellogg EMBA are well-qualified, seasoned, interesting and diverse individuals. And, we recognize that those juggling the bigger responsibilities in the higher ranks of management, along with the families which many EMBA students have, just don’t have as much leeway to fit in the studying and testing commitment the GMAT requires. So we get it. And we also appreciate the open door to those without a formal education, who have otherwise distinguished themselves in their career to date. Cool policy. And certainly this EMBA program is not a walk in the park. But, it’s likely not going to attract exactly the same type of person that the more rigorous Wharton EMBA does.
Still, it’s Kellogg, and they have amazing opportunities particularly with international studies and some partner programs. You can go to school in either the Chicago area (Evanston to be exact) or near Miami, where many students are focusing on business in Latin America.
And the degree you get at the end is exactly the same as with any other Kellogg MBA: an MBA.
Shiva says
I don’t hold an undergraduate degree. However, I had secured a job in a pharmaceutical company and worked there for 3 years as an MIS associate. In my experience I have lead 17 regional managers across India and slated various marketing strategies. I currently am self employed as the Director with my company catering to a niche client segment catering to anti fraud and process automation for banks. I want to know how do I get into Kellog, Wharton or any top college in the world utilising my current skill set. I wish to begin my MBA / EMBA in 2014 itself. Please guide me.
essaysnark says
@Shiva, this is a tough situation. There’s some schools that may accept an app from you but Wharton definitely not due to their requirements. Kellogg has an EMBA that could be an option however with only 3 years of experience then it doesn’t seem like you’re quite the fit. You can check out our post that’s specific about this exact topic: “Can you get an MBA without a college degree?”
It’s pretty much impossible for you to begin any top MBA in 2014 since that application season is over. There may be exceptions if you are interested in an online option or a off-rankings school.
Basically we’d recommend spending more time doing some research. You named two of like the most competitive schools in the world yet you don’t meet the minimum requirements… and you expect to start this year. And it sounds like maybe you don’t have a GMAT score yet, based on where you posted this comment. There are some, uh, gaps in that strategy.
Shiva says
Thank you for your reply, I really appreciate it. I have 3 years as an MIS associate and 1 year as the Director of product Development. Hence that would be a 4 year experience under my sleeve. I have contributed to an annual turnover of 2.914 Million Dollars to the previous company. I understand that the admission deadlines are over, and I will give my GMAT this year and expect myself to score a 710+, I had dropped out of college due to family and financial conditions however I have managed to stabilise myself financially ever since through handwork. what are the procedures then? what are my chances then? How must I go forward with this? what are the top colleges which can consider my case?
essaysnark says
Four years experience still is a tough sell to an EMBA adcom; it can happen but it’s going to be difficult, particularly since we assume you’re much younger than a standard candidate who finished four years of college before starting a career. There are some school suggestions in the other thread that we linked to, did you read that? And of course this blahg has lots of advice and ideas. We suggest you continue doing your research and then you can come back to us when you have specific questions (“how must I go forward” again just tells us that you need to roll up your sleeves a bit more – we have step-by-step links on the first page of this site and lots and lots of articles to read through). It’s possible to do this but you should take things first things first and tackle that GMAT and then you’ll be in a much stronger position to evaluate possible options.
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