Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Admissions

We’re happy to answer your questions if you don’t find them listed in our FAQ section. Contact us at mba@u.washington.edu or 1-866-778-9622.

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Testing

Can I waive the GMAT?
All applicants must complete the GMAT to be considered for admission. Official test scores must be received by the University of Washington within five years of the test date.

Do you have a minimum GMAT score? What is the average score?
We do not have a minimum score requirement for the GMAT. You can view the GMAT average and a breakdown of score ranges on our Class Profile. If you have taken the GMAT more than once in the last five years, the Admissions Committee will use your highest score to evaluate your application.

How long are GMAT scores valid?
GMAT scores are valid for five years. More specifically, GMAT tests taken more than five years prior to the deadline for your application submission are not valid. If you have taken the test more than once within the last five years, the admission committee will use your highest score to evaluate your application. For registration information and testing locations, call 1-800-GMATNOW or visit the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) Web site.

Be sure to have Pearson VUE send your official test score reports to the University of Washington (full-time applicants: code 459-75-20). Remember to include a copy of your unofficial score report with your application because the official score report from Pearson VUE can take 3 to 4 weeks to reach our office.

Can I waive the TOEFL?
A satisfactory command of the English language is required for admission to the University of Washington MBA Program. All non-U.S. citizens (including permanent residents and international applicants in the U.S. on any type of visa) are required to complete the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Only the following applicants are exempt:

  • Citizens of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand or the United Kingdom
  • Non-U.S. citizens who have received a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. institution or from an institution in countries listed above

If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not meet one of these specific exceptions you must complete the TOEFL before submitting your application. Official test scores must be received by the University of Washington within two years of the test date.

Do you have a minimum TOEFL score?
The minimum requirement for the TOEFL is 600 (equivalent to 250 CBT/100 iBT). If you have completed the TOEFL more than once in the last two years, the admission committee will use your highest score to evaluate your application. For registration information and testing locations, visit www.toefl.org.

Be sure to have ETS send your official score reports to the University of Washington (code: 4854). Remember to include a copy of your unofficial score report with your application, as the official score report from ETS can take 3 to 4 weeks to reach our office.

I live outside of the U.S. and completed my schooling outside of the U.S., but I’m a U.S. citizen. Am I required to take the TOEFL?
No. U.S. citizens are not required to complete the TOEFL.

My undergraduate degree is from an institution outside of the U.S., but my instruction was in English; do I still need to take the TOEFL?
Non-U.S. citizens are required to complete the TOEFL unless they have received a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. institution or from an institution in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom.

Do you accept IELTS in place of the TOEFL? What is your minimum score requirement?
Yes. Applicants who complete the IELTS must score seven or higher to qualify for admission.

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Degree Options

Do you have any part-time programs for people who are working?
The Technology Management MBA Program is an 18-month program that runs through the summer. The Executive MBA Program is a two-year program requiring 18 months of study with a break during the summer. The Evening MBA Program is a three-year program with a reduced class load or a break during the summers. All three of these programs are designed for working professionals.

Do you have continuing education or graduate courses that I could enroll in?
The Executive Education Program at the Foster School of Business offers several certificate programs designed for executive-level professionals seeking to refresh and expand general business acumen. The Executive Development Program examines fundamental MBA topics in a nine-month format that focuses on practical business applications for executive professionals with at least five years of management experience. The Foster School of Business also offers Executive Seminars, which are brief, focused programs covering topics of special interest to senior managers and executives. Finally, UW Extension offers certificate programs and seminars covering a variety of business topics.

Do you offer distance learning or online courses?
No. The Foster School of Business does not offer any distance or online courses at this time.

When does your program begin? Can students enter each quarter?
Applications to the Full-time MBA Program are accepted each year for enrollment for Autumn quarter only. Autumn quarter begins in mid-September for incoming MBA students. We do not admit students for Winter or Spring quarter.

Can I transfer into the Foster MBA Program from another MBA program?
To be considered as a transfer applicant to the Full-time MBA Program, an applicant must have completed the equivalent of the first year MBA core courses. If only a portion of the first year core coursework has been completed, an applicant will be considered for admission, but will be required to start the Foster MBA Program as a new student due to the integrated structure of the full-time MBA core curriculum.

We admit applicants only for Autumn quarter, including transfer students. A transfer applicant must comply with the same application process and deadlines as other applicants, and will need to meet the same admissions standards as a new applicant with respect to GMAT, undergraduate record, work experience, essays, etc. Satisfactory performance in a prior program of comparable accreditation and curriculum will be an additional consideration with transfer applicants. To earn the MBA degree, a transfer student will need to complete at least the minimum number of credits required to earn a UW master’s degree.

Can I take MBA courses before being admitted to the Foster MBA Program, and then apply these courses to my degree later if I am admitted?
The Foster MBA Program is designed to introduce fundamental concepts in the early courses and to build on that knowledge in the future core and elective courses. For this reason, attempting to sample MBA courses where a seat might be available is not productive and not encouraged. As a practical matter, this is also quite difficult to do at the UW. Students enrolled in the Full-time MBA Program have priority for enrollment in the Full-time MBA courses, with Evening MBA students having next priority. As a result, MBA courses are routinely filled to capacity.

Although the University of Washington permits non-degree seeking students to enroll as graduate non-matriculated (GNM) students to take graduate courses, it is not possible for GNM students to enroll in core courses and it is difficult to find space in elective courses without being formally admitted to, and enrolled in, the MBA Program.

If I’m not admitted to the Foster MBA Program at UW this year, can I attend another program for one year and then transfer into UW for the second year?
Transfer policies described above are designed for students who must relocate half-way through another MBA program. If you feel that the Foster MBA is the right program for you, we discourage you from starting another program with the intent to transfer later on. Admission as a transfer student is very competitive, and very few MBA programs match the UW MBA curriculum closely enough to meet our transfer criteria.

What are the differences between the full-time and part-time MBA programs? How do I determine which program is right for me?
The Foster School of Business School offers two full-time programs and three part-time programs. If you are seriously weighing both full-time and part-time program options we strongly urge you to talk with one of our admissions counselors about your situation and career goals to assess which program would best meet your needs.

The full-time programs are full-immersion programs, requiring at least 40-60 hours per week, while the part-time programs are designed for students who are working full-time or individuals with significant family or other personal commitments that require a program with greater flexibility. The core curriculum is very similar in all programs, and in the programs with electives, students have access to the same courses.

When choosing between a full-time or part-time format, you should primarily consider your career goals and your current job situation. If you are currently working in a job that you love, where you have growth potential, and where you are learning a lot and making good career connections, a part-time program can be an ideal fit. On the other hand, if you are planning to make a significant career change, or a huge career leap in a short period of time, full involvement in networking events, professional development workshops, and club activities can be crucial to your success. In this case, a full-time program, where you are surrounded by these activities and expected to be heavily involved, might be your ideal choice. While career services, networking, and club activities are available to part-time students, working full-time and attending school in the evenings or weekends leaves limited time for additional activities. Of course, financial concerns can play a big part in this decision as well; however, keep in mind that the average full-time MBA student pays back his/her student loans within four to five years after the MBA. Attending an information session or talking with an admissions counselor can help you decide which program is right for you.

Full-time Options

  • Foster MBA Program (21 months at the Foster School of Business in Seattle)
  • Global Executive MBA Program (18 month partnership program that combines 6 months of study at the Yonsei School of Business in Korea with 12 months of study at the Foster School of Business in Seattle)

Options for Working Professionals or Students with significant time commitments

Do you offer a PhD program?
Yes. For information on the Foster School of Business PhD program, visit http://bschool.washington.edu/phd/

Do the same faculty teach all the students in the various MBA programs at the UW Business School?
Professors in all the various MBA programs at the Foster School of Business are drawn from the same pool of talented teachers. As with most business schools, we have too many programs and sections to ask the same person to teach a particular course in all the programs. Faculty teaching assignments vary from year to year, but each year the overall teaching schedule ensures access to a great mix of faculty for students in every MBA program. Since a few faculty are a great fit for certain programs, we are less likely to shift these teachers around. Students in all the Foster MBA programs have access to outstanding business faculty. No school in the world can promise you that every teacher will impress you or connect with you personally. Some faculty are more entertaining in the classroom than others. Some are more accessible and effective outside the classroom during office visits. Learning is a complex process experienced differently for each student. We can assure you that every teacher you have here is an accomplished educator. Each of our faculty in their own way is capable of adding great value to your education.

Do faculty have real world experience?
The majority of our MBA faculty do consulting projects for large and small companies, non-profit ventures, and government agencies in the Pacific Northwest and around the world. Some of our faculty previously worked in major corporations or top consulting firms, and many have owned (or continue to own) their own businesses. However, you will also discover that some of the best business research work in the world, work that transformed businesses and industries, has been done by University of Washington faculty. At the Foster School of Business you will have access to world class researchers developing new ways of thinking and new business solutions few others have seen. It is the intermingling of both cutting-edge research and people experienced in applications that makes an MBA from one of the top research universities in the world so valuable.

How long is the program? How many credits does it take to complete an MBA?
The Full-time MBA Program is designed to be completed over a period of two academic years with most students completing an internship during the summer in between. The curriculum consists of 49 required core credits, 41-44 elective credits (translating to eleven 3 or 4-credit elective classes) and 5 professional development activities for a total of 90-93 credits.

How can I finish the program sooner?
Due to requirements that stretch into Spring quarter of the second year, students are discouraged from attempting to finish the program in less than two years. Students wishing to do so because of work or other obligations should speak with academic counselors individually.

How do the certificate programs work? Do I have to apply to each certificate program before I start the MBA?
Certificate programs allow students to focus their learning in various subjects outside of the classroom. Students can pursue certificate programs offered in the Foster School of Business as well as through other schools at UW. Applications for certificate programs are generally due during winter or spring quarter of the first year.

What type of MBA degrees do you offer?
The Michael G. Foster School of Business offers a wide range of graduate program options designed for professionals with a variety of backgrounds and career goals. To compare the graduate and executive education programs at the Foster School of Business download the Program Matrix. (PDF)

What are the various majors or specialties within the MBA?
Students can specialize in a variety of disciplines within the Foster School of Business and beyond. The Foster MBA allows you to shape your degree by designing your own personal study plan through a unique blend of electives in the second year. You may take up to 16 credits outside of the business school to be applied toward your MBA elective requirements. For a sample list of electives offered at the Foster School of Business and a list of courses pre-approved to be applied toward the MBA, visit the MBA portal.

Do I have to declare a “major” at the start of the program?
No. Students continue to revise their personal study plans throughout the program. There are no “majors” or formal “tracks” determining what classes students will take.

What types of concurrent degree programs do you offer?
Concurrent degree programs allow students to earn an MBA while completing a second graduate degree. To be eligible, students must apply to and be accepted by both programs. Formal UW dual degrees are offered between the following programs:

  • MBA/JD Program with the School of Law (4 years)
  • MBA/MHA Program with the School of Public Health and Community Medicine (3 years)
  • MBA/MPAcc Program with the Department of Accounting — Auditing and Assurance (3 years)
  • MBA/MPAcc Program with the Department of Accounting  — Taxation (3 years)
  • MBA/MAIS  — International Studies (3 years)
  • MBA/MAIS  — Japan Studies (3 years)

Students may also create an informal concurrent degree by apply to other UW graduate programs not listed above, in addition to the MBA Program and then upon admission to both, filing the Informal Concurrent Degree Application (pdf).

Can I take classes outside of the business school?
Yes. Students can take up to 16 credits outside of the business school to be applied toward the MBA elective requirements. Some non-MBA courses are pre-approved to be applied toward the MBA. To take a course outside of the Business School that is not pre-approved, students must submit a Non-MBA Class Request Form for approval by MBA Program Office staff.

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Application Process

When is the next intake for the full-time program?
The Foster MBA Program admits students each year for Autumn quarter only. Review the application deadlines. Late applications are accepted only from U.S. citizens and permanent residents and space-available slots are rarely available.

When should I apply?
The Foster MBA Program accepts applications for Autumn quarter only. There are four application deadlines available.

Do I have a better chance of getting admitted if I apply at an earlier deadline?
Not necessarily. Your chances of being accepted are roughly the same during every decision round, depending on the applicant pool. We encourage you to apply to the earliest deadline to which you can submit your strongest application. If you feel you could improve on certain aspects of your application, we encourage you to take the time to make those improvements and submit your application to a later deadline. International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early due to the time needed to process official documents. The final application round is for U.S. citizens and permanent residents only.

What are the entry requirements for the full-time program?
The Foster MBA Program thrives on diversity and welcomes both U.S. and international applicants from all types of academic and professional backgrounds. Our selection process, however, is highly competitive. Applicants should carefully review the selection criteria and requirements sections of the web site.

Do you have a minimum requirement for work experience? What are my chances of gaining admission if I have little or no work experience?
No. Applicants with a wide range of work experience are considered for admission. See the class profile for average work experience and range of work experience for our most recent incoming class.

I earned my undergraduate degree from UW. Does this hurt or help my chances of admission to the Foster MBA Program?
Earning your undergraduate degree at UW does not affect your Foster MBA application. The admissions committee does not give preference to UW graduates, nor do we discourage UW graduates from applying. We encourage those who have attended the University of Washington previously to consider the Foster MBA Program.

I have never taken a business class before — does this hurt my chances of admission?
Applicants are not required to complete academic courses in any particular topics to be eligible for admission. Many students admitted to the Foster MBA have not had business courses prior to entering the program. Generally 25 percent of our class is made up of people with liberal arts backgrounds. See our Student Profile for a breakdown of undergraduate majors represented in our most recent entering Full-time MBA class.

What prerequisite courses are required for admission?
The Foster MBA Program does not have prerequisite course requirements for admission. However, our MBA faculty and students have recommended that all new students should begin the program with a shared basic knowledge in two key areas: accounting and statistics. For this reason, students admitted to the Full-time MBA program must either pass a diagnostic test on these subjects or complete a workshop and pass an exam before the start of the program in September. Further information regarding the assessment tests is distributed upon admission to the program.

What is your minimum GPA requirement?
We do not have a minimum GPA requirement for admission to the program. The average undergraduate GPA for our most recent incoming class can be viewed on our Student Profile. Please keep in mind that although we list averages on our student profile, the ranges are wide in every category. If an applicant is lacking in one area, but strong in other areas, he or she may still be admitted.

Can I defer my admission?
With the exception of applicants with involuntary military service extensions, applicants are not granted admission deferrals. To be reconsidered in a later year, applicants must reapply to the program. However, the admissions committee welcomes reapplications and keeps all supplemental application documents on file for two years after you apply. To reapply, submit an updated application form, application fee, a revised resume and a reapplication essay. GMAT and TOEFL tests do not need to be re-tested unless they have expired. You may reuse all of your supplemental documents from your previous application, but you are more than welcome to update any of these items.

What percentage of applicants do you admit to the Full-time MBA program?
Generally we admit 30-40 percent of the applicant pool. Visit the Student Profile to compare your credentials to the averages of our most recent incoming class.

Who should write my recommendation letters?
Ideally, your recommendation letters should be written by people you have had a close professional relationship with, such as a supervisor or mentor. If you must submit a recommendation from a professor, we encourage you to seek out someone with whom you have worked closely, such as an advisor. You should avoid submitting any personal recommendations (such as from a family member or close friend).

Am I required to complete an admission interview?
The Foster MBA Program operates an invitation-only interview system. After a careful review of the applications, select candidates are invited to interview. Applicants may be invited to interview at any point in the admissions process. Candidates chosen to interview will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to schedule an appointment. Interviews may take place at the Foster School of Business, in select other locations, or by phone. We expect to interview all candidates admitted to the Foster MBA Program; however, not all interviewed candidates will be admitted.

Can I submit my supplemental application materials via fax or e-mail?
No. Mail your supplemental application materials to our office together in one package. Transcripts and recommendation letters (if your recommender prefers not to submit the recommendation online) must be submitted in sealed envelopes and will not be accepted if they are photocopied or faxed. Our mailing address is:

MBA Admissions
Michael G. Foster School of Business
Box 353200, Mackenzie Hall 110
Seattle, WA 98195-3200

If I have a three-year degree am I still eligible to apply to your MBA Program? What if I have a three-year degree plus an additional year of study; am I eligible to apply to your MBA Program?
The University of Washington requires graduation from a four-year degree program for admission to our MBA program. Applicants who have earned their undergraduate degree in a three-year program would be required to have completed a master’s degree to fulfill this portion of the admissions requirement.

Some U.S. universities require only an additional year of study beyond the bachelor’s degree without requiring a degree at the end of this additional year. You should inquire at each institution where you might study. The University of Washington is among the institutions requiring a degree. A second bachelor’s degree from a four-year institution may also qualify an applicant, but this often requires more study time. Use some caution in choosing the degree you elect to pursue.

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Financing Your MBA

How much does the program cost? Aside from tuition, what are the other estimated costs associated with attending the program?
Please review the Tuition and Fees and Financing Your MBA sections of this site for the most up-to-date tuition figures and detailed financing information including sample budgets from real Foster MBA students.

What is the tuition cost per credit?
Tuition rates are provided on the Student Fiscal Services Web site.

What options are available for scholarships and funding? Does the University of Washington provide scholarships? What types of financial aid are available for international students? Can I apply for need-based financial aid if I am an international applicant?
Detailed information about scholarships and other types of funding for domestic and international applicants can be found in the Financing Your MBA section of this site.

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Preparing for Your MBA

Can you recommend text books or online courses that would help prepare me for the program?
Many students who have not studied business previously will find it beneficial to take an introductory course in financial accounting, economics and/or statistics prior to joining the MBA program.

As an admitted student, what should I do over the summer to prepare for the MBA Program?
Some academic preparation (see the question above) can be helpful prior to joining the MBA. In addition, spend time researching your career goals, networking and conducting informational interviews with professionals in industries or job functions that interest you. Finally, current students often recommend that you spend time with your friends and family and, if possible, take some time off work before starting the MBA. This is especially important for those who are relocating and will need some time to find housing and settle in Seattle.

Autumn quarter is extremely busy; students who allocate time to themselves before starting the program often experience a smoother adjustment to the intense MBA schedule. Please be aware that the Foster MBA Program starts in mid-September, which is earlier than the University of Washington Academic Calendar Autumn quarter start.  Incoming students should make summer plans accordingly so that you arrive in Seattle by early September at the latest.

I am currently an undergraduate student deciding on my major. What should I major in if I want to be a competitive MBA applicant in the future? What else can I do while I’m an undergraduate student to ensure that I am a competitive MBA applicant in the future?
Applicants are not required to take classes in any particular academic subject to be considered for admission. We encourage you to choose your major based on your own interests and professional goals. However, the Foster MBA is a highly quantitative program. If your college major has not required you to take any quantitative courses, we strongly encourage you to take a basic algebra, statistics, and calculus courses to polish your quantitative skills before applying to MBA programs. Also, take advantage of opportunities to develop your leadership skills and expand your professional network. Joining clubs, volunteering, and seeking internships are great ways to build up your resume while you are in college.

I’m about to graduate from college. Should I work first before applying to the MBA Program? If so, what type of a job should I get?
We do not have a minimum requirement for work experience. However, by researching your career goals and conducting informational interviews you can begin to understand what will be required of you to accomplish your own personal career goals. You may find that you need a few years of work experience before you would benefit from an MBA or before you would qualify for MBA-level positions in the industry you are targeting. As you search for jobs, seek positions that are relevant to your professional interests.

Can I schedule a campus visit?
Prospective students are strongly encouraged to visit campus to get a firsthand look at the Foster MBA Program. If you plan to visit campus, we suggest you attend a Preview Weekend this fall or winter. These weekend sessions give prospective students a chance to attend an MBA application workshop, explore the University of Washington, experience the unique Foster School of Business culture, learn from faculty and staff, meet current students and alumni, and learn more about opportunities for Foster MBA students.

If you are unable to attend a Preview Weekend, you may schedule an individual visit. Please contact us at least two weeks before you would like to come so we can arrange for you to meet with current MBA students, see the campus, as well as attend a class.

Every Thursday, MBA Admissions hosts an Information Session at 4:00 pm and every prospective student is encouraged to join us for this informative one-hour session. No RSVP is required.

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