According to my profile, should I take GMAT or not since I am not from an engineering field in Germany/USA for a Master's/MBA?
If you are targeting an MBA in Germany or the USA, take the GMAT, since it proves your quantitative ability without an engineering background. If targeting a non-business Master's, especially at a German public university, you can usually skip it, needing only language certificates and subject prerequisites instead.
Whether you need the GMAT without an engineering background depends on two things, your program type and your target country. Here is how to decide for yourself.
GMAT Requirement by Program and Country
| Program and Country | Is the GMAT Needed |
|---|---|
| MBA in the USA | Almost always expected or preferred, though waivers exist for high GPA or strong work experience |
| MBA at elite German business schools (ESMT Berlin, Mannheim, WHU) | Frequently requested, though some accept internal aptitude tests |
| Non-MBA Master's at German public universities | Rarely required, focus is on your ECTS credits and prerequisites |
| Non-MBA Master's in the USA (Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences) | Almost never required |
When the GMAT Actively Helps You
- Without an engineering background, a strong GMAT score reassures admissions panels about your quantitative ability.
- Many US programs offer waivers based on a high undergraduate GPA or several years of professional experience.
- German public universities focus mainly on matching your undergraduate credits to their course prerequisites.
My Advice
If you are set on an MBA or a competitive business Master's, book your GMAT prep now rather than waiting, since a solid score is your strongest tool to offset the lack of an engineering degree. If you are targeting a public university non-business Master's in Germany, check each university's prerequisite list first, since you may be able to skip the test entirely and save yourself months of preparation.
Low percentage, study gap or no work experience?
Find out which German universities you still qualify for.
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