Domestic Admission Requirements
Admission to the University of Connecticut MSFRM 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) or GRE.
- 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 MSFRM program have majored in undergraduate programs as diverse as fine arts, the humanities, engineering, the natural sciences and business.
The MSFRM 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 MSFRM Program.
Student Profile
What academic credentials do I need in order to be considered for admission to the UConn MSFRM 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 MSFRM 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 MSFRM and how they will utilize the degree after completing the program.
What is the profile of the current UConn MSFRM class?
Admission to the UConn MSFRM Program is very competitive.
Prerequisites
Must I have an undergraduate degree in business in order to pursue an MSFRM?
No. We believe diversity in undergraduate education among the MSFRM 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 MSFRM Program?
Our only prerequisite is a college-level introductory calculus course as many calculus concepts are used in the first year MSFRM 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 MSFRM Program?
We prefer that applicants to the UConn MSFRM 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-MSFRM 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 MSFRM. 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 MSFRM Program?
When is the application deadline for domestic applicants?
We recommend that you submit all of your application materials by June 15, but rolling admissions makes it smart to complete applications as early as possible.
How much is the application fee and how do I pay it?
The application fee is $75 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 MSFRM: 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 MSFRM@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 MSFRM Program receive their official test score. Our GMAT test institution code is CV2-C0-71. 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?
Yes, the MSFRM program will accept the GRE as a substitute for the GMAT, although the GMAT is preferred.
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 MSFRM degree can benefit your career.
In what format should my recommenders submit their recommendations? Do you use a form?
Recommendations must be submitted online through the online application system. In the Recommendations section of the online application, you must provide the names and contact information of your two recommenders. They will each receive a system-generated e-mail providing them a unique username and password to access your recommendation form.
How should my recommenders submit their letters?
Recommendations must be submitted online through the online application system.
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 MSFRM. It will also give you a chance to ask questions about the program. Interviews typically take 30-45 minutes.
Enrollment, Admission and Reapplying
If I am admitted to the MSFRM program, how do I accept?
If you wish to join the UConn MSFRM 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.
What if something unexpected happens; can I defer my admission?
If you have an extenuating circumstance that prevents you from joining the UConn MSFRM 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.
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 Credits
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 MSFRM 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 MSFRM 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 MSFRM level classes (see first question in this section). We may be able to do course substitutions at the discretion of the MSFRM program director and the department head of the field of study.
