MBA Full-time

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Admissions Committee seek in an applicant?

What factors are considered by the W. P. Carey MBA Admissions Committee?

Does the W. P. Carey MBA require any prerequisites courses?

What undergraduate major is required?

How many letters of recommendation are required?

Do I need to interview for the W. P. Carey MBA?

What is the minimum undergraduate GPA accepted?

How can I learn more about the W. P. Carey MBA?

What are the office hours for the W. P. Carey MBA Office?

Can I find out by telephone or by e-mail whether I've been admitted to the program?

Does the W. P. Carey MBA offer conditional or provisional acceptances?

My bachelor's degree is not in business; do I have any deficiencies?

What is the average GMAT score accepted?

Who do I contact for information on how to establish Arizona residency?

Is financial aid available?

 

What does the Admissions Committee seek in an applicant?

The W. P. Carey MBA seeks outstanding students who possess a combination of strong academic credentials, leadership potential, work experience and excellent communication skills.


What factors are considered by the W. P. Carey MBA Admissions Committee?

Five main factors are considered equally in the admissions decision:

  • Admission Test Scores (GMAT, TOEFL, etc)
  • Undergraduate and Previous Graduate Academic Record
  • Career Path/Full-time Work Experience
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Essay Responses

The Admissions Committee takes a holistic approach in reviewing applications and gives each applicant equal consideration. Other applicant characteristics of interest to the Committee include public and community service, activities and recognitions, military service, travel experiences, undergraduate extracurricular activities, hobbies or special aptitudes, and any other indicators of motivation and character. In addition, characteristics that might add to the richness of the class, such as country of citizenship, family background, gender, multi-lingual skills, and socioeconomic history will also be of interest to the Committee.


Does the W. P. Carey MBA require any prerequisites courses?

No. The W. P. Carey MBA has no business pre-requisites. However, applicants must demonstrate quantitative ability through (1) the completion of a calculus or statistics course earning a C or better OR (2) test with above average performance (in the 65th percentile or higher) on the quantitative section of the GMAT.

In addition, students must demonstrate computer proficiency and expertise in using an Internet browser, an e-mail package, a spreadsheet package, a word processing package and a presentation software package within the body of their supplemental application materials.


What undergraduate major is required?

No particular undergraduate major is favored. W. P. Carey MBA students represent a diverse set of personal and academic backgrounds.


How many letters of recommendation are required?

Two letters of recommendation are required. Those selected to submit letters of recommendation in support of an applicant's admission should speak directly to the candidate's personal qualities, career focus, and potential to succeed in the classroom. Applicants should choose their references carefully from among those who know them personally and are familiar with their work history, credentials, leadership strengths and career aspirations. Letters of recommendation from family or personal friends may be inappropriate.

The W. P. Carey MBA does provide a letter of recommendation form (see below link). A free-style letter on company stationary (where appropriate) or the W. P. Carey MBA letter of recommendation form is acceptable.

http://wpcarey.asu.edu/mba/ft/upload/Letter-of-Recommendation-Form.doc


Do I need to interview for the W. P. Carey MBA?

The W. P. Carey MBA considers the "interview experience" to be an integral and very important part of the overall admission application process. In most cases, the W. P. Carey MBA will contact the applicant to request an interview before an "official" admission offer is made. Applicants not so invited may still request an interview provided all their application materials have been received (i.e. online application submission, resume, letters of recommendations, and all official transcripts received).

Once you have verified receipt of all application materials at the W. P. Carey School of Business (wpcareymba.status@asu.edu), you may call (480) 965-3332 to inquire about the interview scheduling process.

Interviews are not offered to applicants whose admission decision has already been made.


What is the minimum undergraduate GPA accepted?

An undergraduate GPA of 3.0/4.0 or equivalent for the last 60 hours (or last 2 years) is preferred. The Admissions Committee will review transcripts and GPAs and incorporate information such as major and institution attended as part of the evaluation process.  Post-baccalaureate course work at the community college, undergraduate or graduate level may be used to enhance a lower undergraduate GPA. Coursework in business or quantitative areas are looked upon favorably.  GPA is one factor among many considered in the application review.

Applicants may also use the third essay question in the online application to provide the Admissions Committee with additional information about your GPA.  You may wish to reference any personal, academic or financial constraints which may have impacted your academic performance.


How can I learn more about the W. P. Carey MBA?

W. P. Carey MBA information sessions and one-on-one appointments are offered by members of the admissions staff. W. P. Carey MBA representatives also attend MBA forums throughout the U.S. and Internationally during the fall. All offer the opportunity to learn about admissions requirements, application materials, features of the W. P. Carey MBA and answers to any other questions you may have. Prior sign-up is recommended for all sessions.


What are the office hours for the W. P. Carey MBA Office?

The W. P. Carey MBA Admissions Office is open Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.




Can I find out by telephone or by e-mail whether I've been admitted to the program?

Telephone requests are not accepted. For updated information on your admission status, check the Division of Graduate Studies interactive web page at http://www.asu.edu/interactive or e-mail us at wpcareymba.status@asu.edu. The Division of Graduate Studies interactive web page is the fastest way to check the most current status of your application. This web page is available to the applicant 24 hours a day/seven days a week. It is electronically, real-time updated as application materials and test scores are received at the Division of Graduate Studies and the W. P. Carey MBA admissions office. Through this page, an applicant may immediately learn of any missing credentials, when the application has been referred from Division of Graduate Studies to the W. P. Carey MBA admissions committee for review, and when a decision has been recorded.

Official University admission decision letters are mailed directly from the Division of Graduate Studies to the applicant by U.S. first class mail.


Does the W. P. Carey MBA offer conditional or provisional acceptances?

Only a complete application will be evaluated, and only regular admission is offered. A condition may be given on acceptance, such as taking a calculus class prior to the start of classes.


My bachelor's degree is not in business; do I have any deficiencies?

While there are no business course prerequisites, W. P. Carey MBA applicants must have computer proficiency and expertise in using a spreadsheet package, a word processing package and a presentation software package. Potential students must also demonstrate strong quantitative ability. This is accomplished through an above average performance (65th percentile or above) on the GMAT quantitative section or a college math course in calculus or advanced statistics. Other courses, which are strongly encouraged, are accounting and economics.


What is the average GMAT score accepted?

There is no minimum GMAT cutoff score. The average GMAT score for Fall 2006 entering class:

W. P. Carey MBA - Full-Time Program: 655

W. P. Carey MBA - Evening Program: 561

W. P. Carey MBA - Online Program: 585

Should you decide to retake or are requested to retake the GMAT, please notify the W. P. Carey MBA of your intended test date. The W. P. Carey MBA will only consider the highest score and does not average scores. Your highest test score will be forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review. Upon an applicant's written request, an application will be re-evaluated based on new GMAT scores.

All official Admission Exam Scores must be received directly from PearsonVUE. GMAT scores are considered valid for a period of five (5) years from the date of the exam.


Who do I contact for information on how to establish Arizona residency?

All residency-related questions are handled through the ASU Residency Classification Office at 480-965-7712. Residency forms are included in W. P. Carey MBA admission packets and should be completed and submitted by all students.


Is financial aid available?

Yes, the W. P. Carey School of Business offers a valuable resource to its MBA students - financial aid professionals within the school of business dedicated to W. P. Carey MBA students' individual financial aid needs.

Please contact us to discuss any financial aid questions or concerns you may have.

W. P. Carey MBA Financial Aid
P. O. Box 874906
Tempe, AZ 85287-4906
wpcareymba.finaid@asu.edu
480.965.3332


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