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FAQ

Admissions

Am I ready for a full-time program?

The Broad School of Business offers a 21-month Full-time MBA program. The team-based Broad MBA program welcomes applications from highly motivated college graduates in all fields. Admission to the program is granted to students who appear well suited for management careers based on academic ability, maturity, motivation, leadership, and communication skills, as well as on personal and professional accomplishments. The traditional 21-month MBA starts in August and ends in May two years later. Classes take place on the Michigan State University campus in East Lansing during the day, with some evening and weekend commitments. All students are expected to pursue a professional internship opportunity that usually takes place during the summer between the first and second years of the program. This internship allows for the candidate to develop work experience related to their area of study and to refine and polish professional skills.

Why is full time, post undergraduate work experience necessary?

Without work experience, the relevancy of the course material will be minimal. To enhance their knowledge and be effective in their future career, students need to be able to relate concepts to prior work experiences. Also, in the Broad School’s team-based learning approach, work experience will enable students to be an asset to their team in dealing with projects and assignments. It will make them strong contributors while their teammates’ backgrounds will enhance their experience.

What if I don’t have full-time, postundergraduate work experience?

If applicants are just graduating from an undergraduate program, they can still apply for the Broad Full-Time MBA program at Michigan State University. We select a very small number of such applicants each year. Successful applicants without postundergraduate work experience possess a strong undergraduate GPA, solid GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) score, demonstrated leadership in and outside the classroom, community involvement, maturity, a clear goal set, and at least one undergraduate summer internship.

Is there one part of the application, like the GMAT, that is more important?

All parts of the application package are equally evaluated. The GMAT, undergraduate transcript, resume, essays, letters of recommendation, and the interview, if granted, are all evaluated closely to judge an applicant. No one part of the application is more important than any other.

What do you look for in a resume?

What we look for in a resume is career progression. Whether with the same firm or with several different organizations, we look at progression in job responsibilities and skills sets. We also want to see not only a description of what the candidate performed at each job but also how the candidate contributed to the organization to advance or improve it.

Can I start the MBA program in the Spring semester?

No. Due to our integrated MBA course curriculum, we only admit students to the fall semester, which begins in August each year.

Can I transfer credits from another MBA program or from courses taken at other schools and reduce the time required to complete your program?

We require all students to complete our 21-month program in its entirety. We do not accept transfer credit either to reduce the 58 credit hours needed to graduate or to fulfill specific courses required for the program.

What is the size of the typical incoming MBA class?

Typically, the Broad MBA program enrolls a class of approximately 100 students each year. Over the course of our MBA experience, each student has an opportunity to network with approximately 300 students, including approximately 100 in the second-year class during the student’s first year and then another 100 who will be in the first-year class during the student’s final year.

What is the format of the 21-month MBA?

The 21-month MBA program follows a traditional academic calendar. Students begin the program in mid- to late-August and complete their first year of studies in the spring of the following year. Our flexible curriculum allows first-year students to choose detailed courses in their concentration areas, just in time to apply their new knowledge to summer internships. During the summer, MBA students work as interns with leading corporations and consulting firms. Elective courses are continued during the second year, and graduation takes place in early May.

How do you evaluate candidates for admission to the Broad MBA Program?

Each applicant is evaluated as an individual. Ultimately, the Admissions Committee assesses how each applicant fits with the strategic goals of the MBA program. To assess this fit, we study academic record, GMAT results, TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores for international candidates, quality and quantity of work experience, personal and professional accomplishments, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and an invitation-only, evaluative interview.

Is there a minimum GMAT score I need to apply for admission?

While we do not have a minimum GMAT score, our average score is 640. GMAT score alone does not guarantee or deny admission to the program.

What if I have taken the GMAT or TOEFL/IELTS more than once?

If an applicant takes the GMAT or TOEFL/IELTS more than once, the Admissions Committee will evaluate only the highest score reported, provided all scores reported are still valid. The Broad MBA program does not average multiple scores.

Can I apply with the GRE instead of the GMAT?

Yes. we are accepting the GRE on a pilot for the incoming class of 2012.

Is there a particular type of work experience that will make me competitive for admission?

In addition to quantity of work experience, quality also is closely scrutinized, with an emphasis on professional career progression, teamwork and leadership experience, and quantifiable business results or achievements.

Do I need to have previous business work experience?

No. Many of our best MBA candidates have work experience from a variety of fields, including technical and service-oriented professions. We have had engineers, teachers, computer scientists, authors, entrepreneurs, chemists, lawyers, political aides, biologists, and even former professional athletes enter and successfully complete the Broad MBA program.

What if I only have a couple of years of work experience but I feel I have done some great work?

We encourage applicants who have done high-caliber work but only have a couple of years of experience. Remember, we seek at least 24 months of postundergraduate work experience. This experience should include evidence of career progression, teamwork and leadership, and quantifiable business results.

Does co-op or internship experience count toward the professional work experience requirement?

No. However, it is still a positive factor toward admission, and a strong co-op experience or professional internship certainly can add to a candidate’s overall profile. Applicants should be sure to demonstrate contributions to the organization, not just roles and responsibilities, on their resume, similar to the detail provided for a regular position.

Are applicants less competitive if they do not have a business degree?

No. Many Broad MBAs have not had business courses prior to entering the program. The curriculum is structured to accommodate students from all educational backgrounds. On average, 34 percent of the MBA class of 2010 is made up of students with a business background, 23 percent with an engineering background, 28 percent with a humanities/social sciences background, 8 percent with an info systems/computer science background, and 7 percent with a math or physical science background.

Can I transfer into your MBA program?

No, the Broad MBA Program does not admit any student who has previously attended an MBA program (or equivalent) at another school. A total of 58 credits must be completed at the Broad School to earn an MBA from Michigan State University.

Can I attend your MBA Program if I already have an MBA?

No. The Broad MBA program does not admit any student who has previously earned an MBA degree or equivalent from another school.

Do I need a laptop computer?

Yes. All MBA students are required to have a laptop computer at the start of classes. There are several wireless hot spots in the Business Complex, the Gast Business Library, and Owen Graduate Center. To enhance the learning environment and to prepare students for a technology-based work environment, the Broad MBA program is committed to integrating computer skills into the classroom. Each MBA core course is tied into an online learning management system called ANGEL. With ANGEL, students find course lectures, handouts, solution sets, e-mail options, discussion servers, class profiles, and other links. In addition, the MBA Career Services Center uses a Web-based system called eRecruiting to schedule interviews and manage all student recruitment information.

Will I have an opportunity to study abroad?

Yes. At the Broad School, MBA students are highly encouraged to take advantage of the global learning opportunities available to them. In addition to the international topics offered as part of the curriculum and a global student population, we also provide opportunities for a unique dual-degree program with the Thunderbird School and multiple study abroad programs.

What opportunities will I have to study a language?

Broad MBAs who take advantage of the block tuition structure can pursue elective courses in a language or other areas of interest at MSU without having to pay for extra credits. Additional opportunities exist within the Broad MBA program for exposure to languages and cultures—participating in an international study abroad program, mingling with our global student population, or enrolling in international business classes.

How can I apply to the Broad MBA Program?

Prospective applicants can use the Apply Online! link. Applicants should follow the directions in our online application system. Once a username and password for an account are established, applicants can access their application anytime they like up until the time they submit it. The application fee is $85. All application information can be submitted online, including letters of recommendation. If you get admitted to the program, you will be required to submit all your original documents.

How much is the Application fee?

The Broad Full-Time MBA application fee is $85.

Do i have to submit my original documents when applying?

The MBA program will accept scanned copies of your documents to make a decision on your file. However, you are required to submit your original documents if you get admitted to the program.

When is the best time to apply?

The Broad MBA program uses the batch admissions, or admission by rounds, process. In this process, the number of seats available in an MBA class decreases and selectivity increases as the admissions year goes on. For these reasons, the Admissions Committee encourages applicants to apply as early as possible to ensure they maximize their competitiveness for admission and for scholarships and graduate assistantships.

I have submitted my application by the round deadline and will be taking my standardized test after the deadline- will the admissions committee accept my application in the round I submitted my application

We will process your file in the round your application becomes COMPLETE. So if you submit your application by the deadline but your file does not become complete because you took your GMAT or Toefl after the round deadline, we will process your file in the next available round.

How long after applying will I receive an admission decision?

Typically, applicants can expect a decision within 30 to 60 days of submitting a complete application and finishing the invitation-only, evaluative interview. Incomplete applications will lengthen the usual processing time, and heavy application flow during certain periods can necessitate a longer processing time. Please understand that telephone calls just to “check the status” of an application also lengthens the overall processing time. We encourage applicants to monitor the status of their application through our online application system. Applicants will need their PIN and password.

How will I be notified of your decision?

All applicants are officially notified of the Admissions Committee’s decision by way of our online application system. Applicants will need their PIN and password. Admitted students also will receive formal letters of admission from the Broad School and MSU’s Graduate School.

How do I request an MBA View Book?

Our viewbook is downloadable as a PDF. Applicants also can fill out a Request for Information form to receive important news from the MBA Program Office.

Do I need an interview to obtain admission to the Broad MBA?

Yes. All applicants admitted to the program must complete an invitation-only, evaluative interview. During the interview, the applicant’s attitude, professionalism, maturity, ability to work with people, and fit with the MBA program will be assessed.

How do I apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships?

All applicants to the Broad MBA program are considered automatically for scholarships and graduate assistantships when the Admissions Committee evaluates their application for admission. However, applicants should apply early in the admissions year to be most competitive for a financial award. If an award is made, applicants are notified in their admission letter. No additional paperwork is needed to be considered for a financial award from the Broad MBA program.

Can I apply for financial aid?

Domestic students also may apply for additional financial aid in the form of loans. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, must be completed. For more information on financial aid, contact the Michigan State University Office of Financial Aid. International students are not eligible to file a FAFSA.

How can I schedule an individual campus visit?

Individual visits to the Broad MBA program may be scheduled online by clicking here. During a visit, prospective applicants may schedule any of the following activities: evaluative interview, classroom visit, tour of the business school facilities, and/or meeting with an admissions staff member. Visits are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Please note that the ability to meet with students and visit classes will be unavailable during holiday breaks and exam times.

Where else can I meet a staff member from the Broad MBA Program?

Broad MBA staff members routinely travel the world to attend MBA forums and recruiting events. Our Web site has a list of recruiting event locations and dates.

What do I do to reapply?

When an applicant has already applied, we have much of the information we will need. However, applicants who are reapplying will need to obtain a current application and resubmit certain sections. Reapplication instructions may be obtained by e-mailing Beth Thomas at thomase@bus.msu.edu. Reapplying applicants who previously were interviewed generally need not be interviewed again; however, the Admissions Committee reserves the right to request an additional interview.

International

What are your English language test requirements for international students?

The Broad MBA requires all non-native speakers of the English language to take the TOEFL, IELTS or the PTE. Candidates should achieve scores at or above the Broad MBA minimums:

•250 on computer version of the TOEFL exam

•100 on iBT (Internet-Based Test) TOEFL exam

•7 on IELTS exam

•70 on the PTE

Candidates who score below these minimums might not be accepted. Valid test scores must be received with the application for admission packet. Application packets without the test scores will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until the score is provided.

Can I waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement?

All international candidates from non-English speaking countries must take:

•Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam

•the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam

•or the Pearson Test of English (PTE)

Will i get a confirmation email when the Full-Time MBA program receives my TOEFl/IELTS of PTE score report.

The MBA program will not send you an email confirmation on receipt of your TOEFL/IELTS or PTE score report. However, after you apply, the Full-Time MBA program will match your application with your TOEFL/IELTS or PTE score report and post this information to your application. Please allow 2-3 weeks after the round deadline to see this information in your application.

Are applicants less competitive if they do not have a business degree?

No, many Broad MBAs have not had business courses prior to entering the program. The curriculum is structured to accommodate students from all educational backgrounds. On average, 34 percent of our class is made up of students with a business background; 23 percent with a engineering background; 28 percent humanities/social sciences, 8 percent Info systems/computer science, and 7 percent with a background in the math or physical science (Class of 2010 data).

How do I apply for financial aid?

All applicants to the Broad MBA Program are considered automatically for scholarships and graduate assistantships when the Admissions Committee evaluates the application for admission. However, applicants should apply early in the admissions year to be most competitive for a financial award. Applicants are notified if an award is made in their admission letter. No additional paperwork is needed to be considered for a financial award from the Broad MBA program.

I have a three year bachelor’s degree; will that be sufficient to apply to the program?

All applicants to the Broad MBA program must hold a four-year undergraduate (baccalaureate) degree or the U.S. equivalent. Candidates who hold a three-year undergraduate degree along with a master’s degree are also eligible to apply.

Academic credentials are only evaluated as a part of the application for admission process. Some candidates may wish to use an independent credential evaluation agency (WES and ECE are such agencies) to determine four-year equivalency. Applicants may submit the evaluation results with the application for admission.

What original transcripts do i need to send in once i’m granted admission to the program?

Please arrange for one official, certified, or attested university or professional school records of subjects and mark sheets, transcripts, diplomas, and/or certificates to be sent to the MBA admissions office from the principal or registrar (or by the Ministry of Education in your country) of each school you have listed on your application. All records must be submitted via postal mail or in-person (facsimile or electronic records are not accepted). Un-certified photocopies and transcripts “issued to student” are not acceptable. Official translations must be furnished when originals are not in English.

What is the minimum work experience required to apply to the program?

We do not have a minimum work experience, but we recommend applicants to have a minimum of two years (24 months) of post-undergraduate work experience. This is experience obtained after completion or certification of the undergraduate degree. Internships and Co-ops during the course of your undergraduate education are not considered post-undergraduate experience. Candidates who have less than two years of experience may not be competitive for admission. Please note that post-undergraduate work experience is only evaluated as a part of the application for admission process.

I’m an international student, do i need to send in my Statement of Financial Proof at the time of application.

You are not required to send in your Statement of Financial Proof at the time of application. We will need this document only if you are admitted to the program.