International Admission Requirements
There are a significant number of highly qualified international candidates in the MBA Program, and we encourage candidates from all nationalities to apply. Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria in order to be considered for admission:
- 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.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores of at least 90-91 (Internet-Based Test), 233 (Computer-Based Test), 575 (Paper-Based Test) or more. If you are submitting an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score, we look for a minimum average overall band score of 6.5 or more on the Academic Module. Students with a degree from a university with an English-speaking curriculum may have this test requirement waived.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQ's below provide answers to most of the common questions that we receive about admission of international applicants to the Full-Time MBA Program.
Student Profile
Prerequisites
Work Experience
Application
GMAT Test
Academic Requirements
TOEFL/IELTS Tests
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. The average TOEFL test score of our international students is 600. 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 or have less than two years of work experience. 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 to be considered for admission. 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.
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 international applicants?
For international applicants, we recommend that you submit all of your application materials by January 31 for fall consideration. We will still consider applications that are submitted after this date. However, we strongly encourage early application because we anticipate that the student visa application process will continue to be a time-consuming one. In some countries it can take several months to obtain an appointment at the U.S. Embassy to begin the visa application process. We also recommend early application due to limited on-campus housing.
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.
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 TOEFL test score, official transcripts, degree diploma if applicable, 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
I am an international applicant. 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. 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.
Official transcripts must be issued in their original language and accompanied by an English translation. There should also be a clear explanation in English of the institution’s program requirements and grading system. For students in countries where the transcript does not indicate the degree received, an official degree diploma attested by a university official must also be submitted in the original language and accompanied by an English translation.
TOEFL/IELTS Tests
Do I need to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) test?
Yes, international applicants are required to take the TOEFL and request that we receive their official test score. Only those applicants whose native language is English or who have completed their entire four-year undergraduate education in English may be waived from submitting a TOEFL test score. Our TOEFL test institution code is 3915. You can learn more about the TOEFL test and register for it at www.ets.org. A TOEFL test score is valid for two years.
Do you have a minimum TOEFL test score requirement?
Yes, we look for a minimum TOEFL test score of 90 or better on the Internet-Based Test, 233 or better on the Computer-Based Test, and 575 or better on the Paper-Based Test in order to be considered for admission. The admissions committee also evaluates English-language skills during the admissions interview. It is imperative that international students have excellent English speaking, writing, and reading comprehension skills in order to succeed in the UConn MBA Program.
Do you accept an IELTS test score?
Yes, you may submit an official IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test score if you have not taken the TOEFL. We look for an average overall band score of at least 6.5. Only the scores from the Academic Module, not the General Training Module, are applicable. You can learn more about and register for the IELTS test at www.ielts.org. Please send us your official score report after you have taken the test.
Do you accept any other English language test scores?
No, we only accept an official TOEFL or IELTS test score.
I have taken the TOEFL test more than once. How do you take my scores into consideration?
As with the GMAT test, we consider your highest TOEFL test score. We do not average scores.
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.
All international students (those who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents) must also complete a financial declaration to demonstrate they hold the necessary financial resources to support their studies for the first-year, and estimate the support they will have for their second year of study. Original bank statements and other original supporting documents must accompany the financial declaration. The university will review these documents, and, if all is in order, will issue an I-20 form which you will need to take to the U.S. Embassy in your country in order to apply for the F-1 student visa. Awarding of the F-1 student visa is at the discretion of the U.S. Embassy.
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 and TOEFL test scores are 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 (if you are on a visa that allows for part-time study) 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 (international students please note that, because this is a certificate program and not a degree-granting program, that it will not be possible on some visa types to pursue this program). 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.
