Full-time MBA Admissions FAQ
1.) When are the application deadlines?
Beginning in November, the MBA Admissions Committee reviews applications on a rolling basis as they are completed. Decisions are typically made within one month following completion and in many cases much earlier. We recognize that your application is best prepared after you undertake a thorough self-reflection of your goals for the MBA rather than when focusing on a particular deadline. However, for enrollment planning purposes, we recommend deadlines by which you should plan to apply.
Applicants to the 21-month MBA program should apply by March 1 for priority consideration for scholarship awards, or by May 1 for standard consideration. International applicants to the 21-month MBA program should apply by April 1 at the latest. Applications received after the final deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please see our Admissions Deadlines section for further details. |back to top|
2.) What are your GMAT requirements?
There is no certain weight put on the GMAT, or any other factor, during the admissions review. GMAT results are reviewed in conjunction with all other parts of the application, and a strong GMAT score can help to compensate for a modest academic record. We try to balance the information from transcripts and test scores to determine an individual's academic ability.
A GMAT score is valid for five years. If you took the test more than five years ago, you must take it again. We will review your application using a copy of your unofficial score report. If admitted, you will need to arrange to have your official GMAT score report sent to us prior to enrollment (our Full-time MBA Program's school code is 9DDX725). For information regarding the GMAT, please visit http://www.MBA.com.
The Center for Corporate Education at the Mason School of Business offers a GMAT preparation course. Please click here for more information. |back to top|
3.) Is there a minimum GMAT required for admission?
No. There is no minimum GMAT score at which an applicant is automatically rejected nor an upper range at which an applicant is automatically accepted. Of the accepted pool this year, 80% of the candidates scored in the range from 540-690. |back to top|
4.) What is the Mason School's average GMAT score?
The average GMAT score for the Full-time MBA class entering in fall 2008 was 602. |back to top|
5.) What are your English language requirements?
English language proficiency is critical to success in the Mason School of Business MBA program, particularly the ability to speak and write clearly and concisely. We extend the MBA experience well beyond textbooks, case studies and classroom lectures. From the very beginning, Mason School MBA students meet and interact with current and former leaders in industry - an opportunity that can lead to life-long relationships and open many doors. We expect students to take leadership roles within teams, using both verbal and written skills. Candidates who have not achieved a high level of English-language communication ability before beginning their studies at William and Mary will miss out on this very valuable aspect of the MBA experience.
Those applicants who have not completed a degree within the United States or who have not earned a university degree in an English-speaking country (not simply an English-speaking institution), or who have not lived and worked full-time in an English-speaking country for the past two or more years must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The required TOEF/IELTS may only be waived for those international candidates who have achieved a GMAT result with a 60 percentile or better in the verbal section of the test and a 5.0 or better on the AWA.
As a minimum, you must score 100 (internet-based), 250 (computer-based) or 600 (paper-based) on the TOEFL (the TOEFL score is valid for 2 years). Achieving the minimum requirement does not guarantee acceptance. We consider the TOEFL or IELTS score along with GMAT scores in the verbal and AWA sections, essays and the interview to determine a candidate's language readiness to compete in and contribute to the William and Mary MBA community. |back to top|
6.) Is work experience required?
Post-undergraduate work experience is not a prerequisite for admission to the 21-month MBA; we seek diversity among all dimensions of the application and encourage applications from candidates without post-undergraduate work experience to candidates with several years of work experience. Candidates with no or limited professional experience must be strong in other aspects of their MBA application, including academic performance, demonstrated leadership achievement and campus or community involvement, and possess clearly articulated goals to offset the lack of experience.
Most William and Mary Mason School MBA students have obtained 2 to 8 years of post-undergraduate professional experience. However, the impact a candidate has made on an organization, growth in responsibility over time, leadership experience and other factors are all considered when evaluating experience, not simply the number of years. |back to top|
7.) What type of work experience is preferred?
There is no one career track that ensures admission to the program. In fact, the diversity of experience that our students bring to the program includes traditional for-profit managerial environments, not-for-profit management, entrepreneurial ventures, the public sector, education, the arts, military, legal, travel and other fields. Most Mason School MBA students have obtained 2 to 8 years of post-undergraduate professional experience. However, the impact a candidate has made on an organization, growth in responsibility over time, leadership experience and other factors are all considered when evaluating experience, not simply the number of years. |back to top|
8.) What is the minimum GPA required?
There is no minimum GPA required for admission. The GPA is evaluated in the context of the rigor of the institution and program in which it was earned. |back to top|
9.) Are interviews required?
We strongly recommend that Full-time MBA candidates schedule an interview as part of the application process. All interviews are evaluative and are included as a part of the application review. The interview helps the Admissions Committee assess interpersonal and communication skills, motivation and goals, and other strengths of an individual candidate. This evaluative interview also allows candidates to supplement their application by presenting a different view of their credentials. The Admissions Office prefers to interview candidates after a completed application is on file. Although the interview is most effective if it is conducted after a completed application is received, you may make arrangements for an interview prior to submitting your application.
Due to the volume of interview requests we receive, candidates without an application on file are required to submit a current résumé and GMAT scores to the MBA Admissions Office by fax (757-221-2958) or admissions@mason.wm.edu at least 72 hours before the interview.
Fast Track Admissions events offer candidates the opportunity to interview with multiple members of the William and Mary MBA community. Candidates must register and apply in advance in order to participate. For further details, please visit our Fast Track Admissions section. |back to top|
10.) When do I schedule the interview?
Please contact the Mason School MBA Admissions Office at admissions@mason.wm.edu or 757-221-2900 to schedule an in-person interview, telephone interview, or class visit. Because our interview schedule fills quickly at certain points during the year, we recommend that you contact the Admissions Office as soon as you know you would like to interview. Both class visits and on-campus interviews are offered at our Williamsburg campus, and are usually available on Mondays and Tuesdays. Telephone interviews will be conducted on Wednesdays Availability will vary depending on special events, exams, holidays and recruiting activities. In-person interviews with our admissions staff may also be available in selected cities around the world. Please see our Admissions Events list for interview opportunities in a variety of locations. At peak application periods, we may be unable to interview all applicants. During these periods, interviews will be scheduled at the request of the Admissions Committee. |back to top|
11.) Where are interviews conducted?
Interviews may be conducted on campus, by telephone, or in other locations around the world. Please contact the MBA Admissions Office at admissions@mason.wm.edu or 757-221-2900 to schedule an appointment, or visit our Admissions Events list for information on other interview locations. |back to top|
12.) What preparatory coursework is recommended?
Depending on your previous academic and professional experience, you may find that overview courses in accounting, economics or statistics may be helpful prior to entering the 21-month MBA program. The William and Mary MBA program offers a short series of business skills workshops prior to orientation for first-year students in the 21-month MBA program, and the Admissions Committee can provide you with specific suggestions for additional preparation relevant to your background. |back to top|
13.) What is full-time MBA student tuition cost per year?
Full-time tuition and fees for the 2008-2009 academic year: in-state - $21,000; out-of-state - $33,000. When you factor in room and board, purchase of a computer, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous items (transportation, medical, personal), the total budget we recommend is approximately $38,130 in-state and $50,130 out-of-state per year. Please see the financial aid information below for additional information. |back to top|
14.) Will there be an increase in tuition costs for 2009-2010?
Historically, tuition and fees have increased every year. Increases are typically announced each May.
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15.) What types of financial aid are offered?
Financial aid is provided in the form of scholarships, assistantships and loans. Applicants are not required to apply separately for scholarships and assistantships; they are merit-based and students are automatically considered upon admission. Some of the factors used to determine scholarships and assistantships include but are not limited to academic performance, experience and skill level. Loans for both U.S. and international students are administered by the College of William and Mary's Office of Financial Aid. |back to top|
16.) When do classes begin?
The Mason School's 21-month MBA program offers fall admission only. New 21-month MBA students should plan to be settled in Williamsburg in time for workshops and orientation in mid-August.
The Flex (part-time) MBA Program offers both spring and fall semester admission. |back to top|
17.) May I take MBA classes without being enrolled in the degree program?
No. Only MBA degree candidates and those enrolled in other graduate programs at the College of William and Mary may take MBA classes. |back to top|
18.) Does the Mason School waive or remove MBA requirements based upon prior study?
No, courses cannot be waived from the 21-month MBA program. There are no exceptions to this policy. |back to top|
19.) Does the Mason School consider transfer credit for Full-time MBA students?
No, we require that 21-month MBA students complete all coursework at William and Mary.
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20.) Is the Mason School's MBA Program accredited?
Yes. The program is fully accredited by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. |back to top|
21.) How do I apply to dual degree programs?
Dual degree programs are available to 21-month MBA students only.
MBA/JD: Applicants must apply and be admitted to both programs separately. Candidates may apply to the joint program during the first year of either program and during the second year of the JD, or they can apply to the joint program initially.
MBA/MPP: Applicants must apply and be admitted to both programs separately. Candidates may apply to the joint program during the first year of either program, or they can apply to the joint program initially.
MBA/MIM: Applicants must apply and be admitted to both programs separately. Candidates may apply prior to enrollment or during the first year at William and Mary. Students who are selected to the joint program will study at William and Mary for three semesters and complete their final two semesters at Thunderbird. Participating students must begin their studies at The College of William and Mary.
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22.) How old is the William and Mary MBA Program?
The MBA program was established in 1967. The College of William and Mary is the second-oldest university in the United States and was founded in 1693. The business school was officially named The Mason School of Business at The College of William and Mary in honor of alumnus Raymond A. "Chip" Mason on November 11, 2005. |back to top|