Domestic Admission Requirements
Admission to the University of Connecticut MBA Program is highly selective. Most successful applicants have the following:
- At least two years of professional work experience after college and references that indicate a high likelihood of success.
- Strong performance on the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). The middle eighty percent test score range of our students is 580-660.
- An earned baccalaureate degree from a 4-year program at a regionally accredited university or college.
- Undergraduate grade-point averages from 3.0 to 4.0 for either all 4 years or for the last 2 years.
- Candidates must have completed a college-level calculus course prior to entering the program.
Applicants with significant work experience and applicants who add to the cultural and geographic diversity of the student body are encouraged to apply even if they do not possess typical GMAT scores or undergraduate grade-point averages. No particular undergraduate preparation or course work is preferred. Students enrolled in the MBA program have majored in undergraduate programs as diverse as fine arts, the humanities, engineering, the natural sciences and business.
The MBA Program is committed to attracting qualified applicants from traditionally under-represented groups. The University of Connecticut is an Affirmative Action Institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQ's below provide answers to most of the common questions that we receive about admission of domestic applicants to the Full-Time MBA Program.
Student Profile
Prerequisites
Work Experience
Application
GMAT Test
Academic Requirements
Letters of Recommendation
Interviews
Enrollment
Deferring Admission
Reapplying
Transfer Students
MBA Degree Holder
Student Profile
What academic credentials do I need in order to be considered for admission to the UConn MBA Program?
The University of Connecticut requires that all applicants to Master’s level programs hold at least a four-year undergraduate Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Please note that work experience, professional studies/certifications, etc. cannot substitute for the education requirement.
What are the minimum academic requirements?
The University of Connecticut requires that all applicants to graduate level programs hold at least a 3.0 undergraduate (and graduate if applicable) grade point average (GPA). We look at an applicant’s cumulative four-year GPA, as well as the GPA from the last two years of study and consider the higher.
What characteristics do you look for in an applicant to the UConn MBA Program?
We look for individuals with proven skills, responsibilities, and accomplishments in their careers; maturity; team work experience; leadership qualities; and who hold the highest standards of ethics. Applicants should also have clear goals as to why they wish to pursue their MBA and how they will utilize the degree after completing the program.
What is the profile of the current UConn MBA class?
Admission to the UConn MBA Program is very competitive. For the Class of 2010, the average work experience of our students is 5.4 years, the average GMAT test score is 627, and the average grade point average is 3.4. Click here to see more details about our class profile.
Prerequisites
Must I have an undergraduate degree in business in order to pursue an MBA?
No. We believe diversity in undergraduate education among the MBA class benefits everyone in terms of their own professional development, as well as their contributions in the classroom. Therefore, our students come from a variety of backgrounds ranging from business, to liberal arts, to fine arts, to engineering, and the sciences.
Are there any prerequisites to joining the UConn MBA Program?
Our only prerequisite is a college-level introductory calculus course as many calculus concepts are used in the first year MBA core courses. However, the course is not required as part of the application process. All admitted students must take the course (if they did not do so during their undergraduate studies) prior to enrolling in the program in the fall.
The calculus course can be taken at any community college, college, university, or online. It must be a graded course. We look for a grade of C or better.
Work Experience
I am a college senior. Can I apply to the UConn MBA Program?
We prefer that applicants to the UConn MBA Program have at least two years of professional work experience. Work experience is important in raising the caliber of learning and discussion in the classroom, as well as completing the integration project and other corporate consulting and experiential learning initiatives throughout the program. Also, the corporate recruiters who hire our students for internships and final job placements prefer to see significant pre-MBA work experience.
That said, we admit a small percentage of applicants who are completing their undergraduate education. However, in these individuals we look for relevant and significant work experience in the form of internships, family business experience, co-op opportunities, etc. We also look for outstanding academic performance in an undergraduate business degree program, as well as strong performance on the GMAT test. The candidate must show a high level of maturity, strong communication skills, and examples of leadership roles/experiences.
What if I have less than two years of work experience, does that automatically disqualify me from applying?
While we prefer to see at least two years of postgraduate professional work experience (please see the response above), we also consider the quality of work experience in addition to quantity. Therefore, if you believe that the work experience you have so far has provided you with strong skills, responsibilities, teamwork, leadership, and accomplishments, then you may certainly apply. You should also express in your application why you feel now is the time for you to pursue the MBA. In addition to this information, we also look for a strong GMAT test score and outstanding academic performance.
Application
Where can I access an application to the UConn MBA Program?
Click here to access our online application. We are no longer using a paper application.
When is the application deadline for domestic applicants?
We recommend that you submit all of your application materials by April 1 for fall consideration. We will still consider applications submitted after this date. However, if you wish to be considered for a merit-based financial award, then we recommend that you apply by this date.
How much is the application fee and how do I pay it?
The application fee is $55 and must be paid online with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover).
Is it possible to request an application fee waiver?
We do not grant application fee waivers, deferrals, or refunds. However, there is one exception. We are a member of the Graduate Management Admission Council’s (GMAC) Operation MBA: Military Personnel and Management Education Program as a military-friendly school. Therefore, we will waive the application fee for United States military persons who have been on active duty within three years of applying. If you fall into this category, then we ask that you please e-mail us at UConnMBA@business.uconn.edu prior to submitting your online application.
When are admissions decisions made?
Once we have received all of your required application materials (online application, resume, statement of purpose, official GMAT test score, official transcripts, and two letters of recommendation) then your application file will be considered complete and will be passed on to the admissions committee for their review. We will then be in contact with you via e-mail within two to three weeks.
GMAT Test
Am I required to take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test)?
Yes, all applicants are required to take the GMAT test and arrange to have the UConn MBA Program receive their official test score. Our GMAT test institution code is CV2C037. You can learn more about the GMAT test and register for it at www.mba.com. A GMAT test score is valid for five years.
Will you accept an official GRE score?
No, we only will accept an official GMAT test score. We do not accept the GRE or any other standardized test.
How soon after I take the GMAT will you receive my official score?
We usually receive an electronic score report within 5-7 days after you have taken the test and a paper score report approximately two weeks after you have taken the test.
Do you have a minimum GMAT score requirement?
We do not have a minimum GMAT score requirement. Our average score is 627 and the middle eighty percent range is 580-660. If your score falls significantly below this range, then we recommend that you retake the test. Please note that the GMAT is one of several factors involved in making an admissions decision.
I have taken the GMAT test more than once. How do you take my scores into consideration?
We consider your highest score. We do not average scores.
Academic Requirements
How do you evaluate my academic credentials?
All applicants must send us their official transcripts from all of the higher educational institutions they have attended. An official transcript must hold the raised or impressed colored seal of the institution. If you attended an international university, photocopies will only be accepted if they are attested by the registrar of the respective university. Photocopies attested by a notary public or any other individual outside the respective institution will not be accepted.
Letters of Recommendation
Do you require letters of recommendation?
Yes, we require two letters of recommendation.
Who should I ask to write these letters on my behalf?
While we will accept letters from academic sources, we prefer they come from professional sources, such as a current or former supervisor. These should be individuals who can comment on your professional skills, character, leadership ability, and how the MBA degree can benefit your career.
In what format should my recommenders submit their recommendations? Do you use a form?
We do not use a special form. Rather, your recommenders should write a narrative letter on their company/institution letterhead. If it is not possible to write the letter on company/institution letterhead, then we ask that the recommender include their business card that verifies their professional affiliation.
How should my recommenders submit their letters?
They can either mail them to our office directly, or, they may give them to you in sealed envelopes with their signature across the back sealed flap.
Interviews
Can I request an interview with the admissions committee?
No. Interviews are conducted at the invitation of the admissions committee. We will contact you if the admissions committee wishes to interview you to set up an interview date and time. Whenever possible, we recommend that you participate in-person at the interview. However, for those applicants who are unable to travel to Storrs, we can arrange a telephone interview.
What can I expect at the interview?
The interview is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get to know you better and learn more about your past experiences and your goals for the MBA. It will also give you a chance to ask questions about the program. Interviews typically take 30-45 minutes.
Enrollment
If I am admitted to the MBA program, how do I accept?
If you wish to join the UConn MBA Program, we ask that you return your admissions offer letter with your signature indicating you are accepting the offer of admission along with a $500 confirmation deposit to reserve your place in the class. You will also need to return your completed residence affidavit which will be used to determine your residency status for tuition purposes. Please note that only U.S. citizens and permanent residents can be considered for in-state tuition.
Deferring Admission
What if something unexpected happens; can I defer my admission?
If you have an extenuating circumstance that prevents you from joining the UConn MBA Program, you may defer your admission for one year. However, please note that if you have been granted a merit-based financial award, that does not automatically defer to the following year. You will again be evaluated by the admissions committee on a merit basis along with other members of the following year’s incoming class.
Reapplying
I was denied admission. How can I go about reapplying for the following year?
We can use your original application if you are applying one year later. We can also use your other application materials (provided your GMAT test score is still valid). But we ask that you send us an updated resume. However, if you are reapplying two or more years later, you would then need to submit a new application along with an updated resume, a new statement of purpose, two new letters of recommendation, and new test scores if necessary. If nothing has changed with your educational background, then you do not need to submit new official transcripts.
Transfer Students
I am currently in another MBA program. Can I transfer to the UConn MBA Program?
Transfer applicants must complete the regular application process. We will also need to review the syllabi of the MBA classes you have taken to date to determine which courses might be transferrable if you are admitted. We accept a maximum of 15 transfer credits.
Can I begin my MBA studies in one of UConn’s part-time MBA programs and then transfer to the full-time MBA program?
Yes, it is possible to begin in the part-time program and transfer to the full-time program. You do not have to submit an application to the full-time program. However, there is still an admissions process. You would need to make a written request to the respective part-time MBA director to send your file to the full-time MBA program office. The full-time MBA admissions committee will review your credentials like any other applicant to the program, as well as your academic performance to date in the part-time program. If you are considering starting out in the part-time program and later transferring over to full-time, then we recommend that you meet with the director of the full-time MBA program to discuss the sequence of courses you take in the part-time program to allow for a smooth transition to the full-time MBA program.
I was a business major in my undergraduate studies, can I transfer in any of those credits?
No, we cannot transfer in undergraduate credits into the MBA program. If you have had significant coursework in a particular area, e.g., finance, then we may be able to substitute a higher level course for the introductory finance course at the discretion of the MBA program director and the department head of the field of study.
Can I waive any courses if I have had significant undergraduate coursework or work experience in a particular field of study?
We only provide course waivers for MBA level classes (see first question in this section). We may be able to do course substitutions at the discretion of the MBA program director and the department head of the field of study.
MBA Degree Holder
I already have an MBA degree. Can I apply to the UConn MBA Program?
For those who already hold an MBA degree, we recommend the ABC Certificate Program that is offered through our part-time MBA programs in Hartford, Stamford, and Waterbury. You can learn more about the ABC Certificate Program here. Otherwise, we will consider applications submitted by individuals who hold an MBA degree. However, the admissions committee will closely evaluate why you wish to pursue a second MBA degree and how it can benefit your career.
