Testing for Bias Against Female Test Takers of the Graduate Management Admissions Test and Potential Impact on Admissions to Graduate Programs in Business

Abstract In this study, the authors examined the relationship between scores on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) and achievement in core academic courses. The authors used a sample that revealed the potentially differential academic performance of male and female MBA students (N = 334) within particular GMAT scoring cohorts. Results showed that, for the top scoring GMAT cohort, there was statistically significant evidence of bias against the women. The potential effect of this bias against women may affect admissions decisions to graduate programs in business, particularly at the most selective MBA programs.

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