International Admission Requirements
There are a significant number of highly qualified international candidates in the MSFRM Program, and we encourage candidates from all nationalities to apply. Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria in order to be considered for admission:
- Strong performance on the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test).
- 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 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, both in terms of test scores and academics. That said, the Admissions Committee looks for a "portfolio" of students, not
a specific type, so there is no list of specific criteria that must all be met.
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 or have less than two years of work experience. 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 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-MSFRM work experience. At least two years of professional work experience after college and references that indicate a high likelihood of success.
Application
Where can I access an application to the UConn MSFRM Program?
Please first fill out our
pre-application questionnaire. If you have already done so, you may continue on to our
online application. We are not using a paper application. International applicants please note that this program does fulfill the definition of a full-time program for VISA purposes when you enroll in the optional first semester course:
Introduction to U.S. Capital Markets.
When is the application deadline for international applicants?
We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2013. Due the fact that Student Visas are necessary, we encourage international applicants to compelte their applications as soon 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.
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/GRE test score, official TOEFL test score, official
transcripts, degree diploma if applicable, two letters of recommendation and university-required financials) then your application file will be considered complete and will be passed on to
the Admissions Committee for its review. We will then be in contact with you via e-mail. Rolling admissions start in January and will continue through May, or possibly into June.
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. An average score for UConn's MSFRM Program 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. We also look very carefully at the quantitative GMAT score. 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 MSFRM 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 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.
What can I expect at the interview?
The interview is an opportunity for the Admissions Committee to get to know you better and to 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 and are conducted by phone/Skype.
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, you will be sent an admissions letter through the online application system and will be asked to confirm your intent to join the MSFRM Program through that same system. We ask that you indicate you are accepting the offer of admission online as well as submit 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.
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/GRE 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 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.
Can I waive any courses if I have had significant undergraduate coursework or work experience in a particular field of study?
Course waivers and substitutions are very rare, and are at the discretion of the MSFRM Program Director and the Finance Department Head.
