FAQs

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Admissions Process

One-Year MBA

Academics & MBA Program Logistics

 

Admissions Process

 

Applications and Transcripts

What does a “completed” application mean?
A: A completed application means that we have received a completed application form, official test score and TOEFL test score if applicable, your essays, all transcripts and your recommendations. In some cases it also means you have completed your interview.

Can I submit a scan of my transcripts?
A: Yes, we will accept scanned unofficial transcripts for evaluative purposes. Please upload all transcripts to the application with your essays and résumé. If you are admitted to the program you will be required to submit official transcripts with your enrollment deposit.

I took classes at various schools and transferred credits to the school where I received my degree. Do I need to submit a transcript for every institution attended?
A: Yes, regardless of whether your credits from other institutions were accepted by the institution where you received your degree we must have a transcript from each post secondary institution attended. This includes any study abroad programs attended.

What happens after I submit my application?
A: Notification with detailed instructions for checking the status of your application will be sent with confirmation that your application was received one business day following submission of your application. You will be instructed to login 48 hours after you submitted your application to get your Emory Network ID and password. Note: It will take at least 48 hours for your application status to be updated in OPUS.

May I submit my application before the round deadline?
A: Yes, you may submit your application whenever you are ready. It will be reviewed in the first round following the date you submit. For example: If you submit on Dec 20 you have missed the Round II deadline and your application would be reviewed in Round III.

What is the cost of the application fee?
A: Our application fee is $150. You may use the same application to apply to any of our five programs. There is $25 fee for each additional MBA program.

My checklist shows my application fee as incomplete. I thought I submitted payment on-line, how do I fix this?
A: You will need to contact ApplicationMBA@bus.emory.edu. Please forward a copy of the receipt you received when you made payment and include the date you submitted payment and the card holder’s name. If you did not receive a receipt following on-line payment, please contact your credit card company and verify the charge. If the charge is not verified please resubmit payment and contact ApplicationMBA@bus.emory.edu.

I have decided to change my first preference to a different Emory MBA program, what should I do?
A: Contact ApplicationMBA@bus.emory.edu and let us know you would like to change your order of preference.

 

Recommendations

Can my recommenders submit a recommendation before I submit my application?
A: Yes. Your request to your recommenders can be sent prior to submitting your application. Once you log into your application, fill out the recommender section and then select “notify” for each recommender. Your recommender will be notified of your request via email. Please advise them to be looking for the email and to check their spam box if they do not see it within a day.

Do my recommenders have to fill out your recommendation form or can they submit a letter?
A: We prefer recommenders use our form, but they may submit a letter that addresses our questions as long as they also include the evaluation grid, which can be downloaded from the hardcopy form. They must attach a business card to the letter and send it to us at our mailing address: Goizueta Business School, 1300 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322.

My recommenders did not receive the request for recommendation, what should I do?
A: First, depending on the filters they may have on their email systems they should look in their spam boxes. If it is not there you will need to resend a request for recommendation. To do so, log into your application, navigate to the recommender section and select “notify”. If they do not receive the request you should contact: ApplicationMBA@bus.emory.edu.

 

Test Scores

I submitted my application but plan to retake the GMAT, what should I do?
A: Please send an email to ApplicationMBA@bus.emory.edu and request that we hold review of your application until we have your new scores. If we have not already rendered a decision we will hold your application. Your application will be considered incomplete until we have your final test score. Once we receive your score your application will be reviewed in the next round.

Will you accept GRE in place of GMAT?
A: Yes, we will accept the GRE in place of the GMAT. No prior approval is necessary.

Does the Admissions Committee have a preference for the GMAT over the GRE?
A: No, we accept both test scores. Please note, some employers require GMAT scores in the recruiting process.

My checklist shows that my GMAT scores have not been received, what should I do?
A: Generally, it takes 2-3 weeks for us to receive your scores electronically. In order for us to receive your scores you must have listed Emory University as a recipient. If you did not list Emory (you can check this by looking at your copy of your scores) please contact GMAC directly and add us to your list of authorized recipients.

Is there a minimum GMAT score required for admission to the program?
A: Your GMAT score is only one of the components we consider when making an admission decision. There is no minimum requirement, however 80 percent of the students in our Two-Year program scored between 620-750 and in our One-Year program the middle 80 percent scored between 560-730. If your scores are outside these ranges and you feel your application is otherwise strong, we encourage you to apply.

Should I retake the GMAT if my score falls below the average?
A: If you feel your score does not accurately reflect your capabilities then you should consider retaking the GMAT. We consider the highest total score.

How does the Admission Committee view multiple GMAT scores?
A: We do not average scores. We consider only the highest total score. Multiple test takings do not negatively impact how an application is reviewed.

 

Interviews

What is your interview policy?
A: All students who are admitted to our programs have been interviewed. Applicants may request an interview on campus or in a city we are visiting prior to the round in which they apply. After an application has been submitted, interviews are by invitation only and at the discretion of the Admissions Committee after a review of a completed application. We offer in-person interviews both on-campus and off-campus in cities around the world. After Jan 1, 2012 interviews in certain cities will be by invitation only. We extend invitations for telephone/web conference interviews to applicants living outside the U.S. after review of a completed application

May I request an interview?
A: Yes, you may request an in-person interview on campus or in a city that the Admissions Team is visiting. Your interview must occur prior to the round in which you apply. You should plan well in advance of the round deadline in order to ensure that you can schedule your interview and to allow sufficient travel time. Remember, interview spaces fill up very quickly.

Can I interview before I submit my application?
A: Yes, in fact, we encourage you to interview when you visit campus either during a Class Visit, admissions event or at a Super Saturday - When you register for an event you should set up your interview to coincide. You may also request an interview in one of the cities we are visiting. You are encouraged to plan ahead when requesting an interview as spaces fill quickly. To expedite your request for an off-campus interview please submit a current resume.

What is the difference between a request for an interview initiated by an applicant and an interview by invitation only?
A: The interview initiated by an applicant occurs prior to submitting an application. An interview by invitation means that your completed application (including all scores, transcripts, essays, recommendations and application form) has been reviewed and the Admissions Committee would like to learn more about you. Both types of interviews are viewed equally.

How do I request an interview?
A: To request an on-campus interview, use the Goizueta Connection system. After filling out a brief registration form, you can request an interview appointment that suits your availability. To request an off-campus interview please visit the worldwide recruiting schedule. Off-campus interview times are limited and are subject to availability. To expedite your request please submit your current resume when requesting an off-campus interview.

I can't travel to Atlanta, can I request a phone/web conference interview?
A: We strongly encourage all applicants to visit campus and get to know us and our programs. If you know you will not be able to travel to Atlanta and you live in the U.S. then we recommend you submit an early request to interview with us when we are traveling to a city near you. Please remember that the schedule fills quickly. Telephone/web conference interviews are strictly by invitation only and reserved for those applicants living outside the U.S. You should select “telephone interview” on your application form if you live outside the U.S. and cannot interview in person.

Why can’t I request an interview when the Admissions representative is in Asia or India in January?
A: We reserve the January interviews in this region for applicants who have already submitted a completed application. We highly encourage all international applicants to apply by Round II (Dec. 9, 2011).

Does interviewing in person give me an advantage over a telephone/web conference interview?
A: No, we view all interview evaluations equally. The interview gives the Committee an opportunity to get to know you better and may serve to answer some questions that were not addressed in your application file. We find that web conference interviews simulate the in-person interview.

Who conducts the interview?
A: Generally, a member of the Admissions Committee conducts the interview on campus. During some larger on-campus events trained Alumni interviewers may also conduct interviews. Off-campus interviews are conducted by a member of the Admissions Committee.

How long does an interview last?
A: You should plan to spend 30 minutes with your interviewer. Please arrive with sufficient time to locate parking and arrive in our office.

What should I bring to my interview?
A: You will need to bring a copy of your most recent résumé. If your current position or responsibilities have changed since you submitted your application we expect an updated résumé.

Does every applicant interview?
A: While all applicants have the opportunity to request and schedule an interview prior to the round in which they apply if an applicant does not interview prior to the round deadline the application is reviewed without the interview and then only if the Admissions Committee decides it would like to learn more about the applicant is an interview invitation extended. Deny and Waitlist decisions may be issued without an interview.

My checklist shows the interview as incomplete, what does that mean?
A: If you did not complete your interview prior to the round in which you applied, your application will be reviewed without an interview and it is then at the discretion of the Admissions Committee to extend an invitation to interview.

 

Decisions

When are decisions released?
All applications are reviewed during the round in which they are submitted and decisions are released on-line on the date corresponding to each round.

What happens to my application if I am waitlisted?
Candidates who are waitlisted in one round will be moved to the next round and the application will be reassessed. When there is a change in status you will be notified on the decision date. If your waitlist status did not change it means that you have remained on the waitlist and your file will be reassessed in the next round.

 

Financial Aid

Is financial aid available?
A: Yes, loans are available and students may borrow up to the budgeted cost of attendance minus any scholarship. Loans include the Federal Stafford Loan, Graduate Plus Loan, Private Loans and International Student Loans. There are loans available both with and without US co-signers.

 

Scholarships

What determines whether an applicant receives a scholarship?
A: All scholarships are merit-based and are determined based on the strength of the application. The Admissions Committee looks at academics, work experience and demonstrated leadership in undergraduate and post graduate extracurricular activities.

Do you offer need-based scholarships?
A: No, our scholarships are all merit-based. All students may apply for financial aid loans to borrow funds up to the budgeted cost of attendance minus any scholarship received.

How is a named scholarship different from a general merit-based scholarship?
A: Named scholarships have been donated by alumni, a company or an organization. These scholarships range in amounts. Our most prestigious award; the Woodruff Fellowship offers full tuition and a $3000 stipend. Named scholarships may be noted on resumes and recipients are held to the highest standards.

How do I apply for a scholarship?
A: You do not need to apply separately for a scholarship. All admitted candidates who submitted a completed application, including all recommendations, test scores, transcripts, essays and who interviewed prior to Jan 27, 2012 are automatically considered for merit-based scholarship. We announce merit scholarship awards when we communicate our admission decision.

My admission decision did not mention any scholarship. Does this mean I will receive notification at a later date?
A: No, our scholarship notification coincides with the admission decision. Our program is highly competitive and not everyone is awarded scholarship. If your admission decision does not mention scholarship it means that you were not awarded a scholarship.

What if I submit my application after Round III or my application is submitted before Jan 27, 2012 but is not complete, or I have not interviewed before Jan. 27, 2012?
A: We encourage all applicants to submit complete applications by the Round III deadline (Jan 27th). Scholarship funds are limited and may not be available to those whose completed application, including the interview is not received by this date.

When will I learn if I have been selected for a scholarship?
A: We notify scholarship recipients when we communicate our admission decision.

If I submit my application on Jan. 27 will I be considered for scholarship?
A: Jan. 27 is our scholarship deadline. You will be considered for scholarship only if every other piece of your application is in our office. Please note that the request to your recommenders is sent when you select “notify”. It is highly unlikely that if you wait until Jan. 27 to notify recommenders that they will submit their recommendation that same day. Therefore, if you want to be considered for scholarship you should leave plenty of time to get all pieces of your application to us before the deadline.

 

General Questions

My undergraduate degree is not in business, will my application still be considered competitive?
A: Goizueta welcomes applicants with undergraduate degrees from all majors. We look for students with diverse educational backgrounds and diverse work experience.

Is work experience required or can I begin my MBA right after my undergraduate degree?
A: We encourage applicants to secure at least two (2) years of post-undergraduate work experience prior to pursuing an MBA. 80 percent of our students have between 3-6 years of work experience. Substantive work experience means you will be able to contribute more to classroom discussions and will have more focus with regard to personal and professional goals.

I began an MBA program at another school. Do you accept transfer credits?
A: No, we do not accept transfer credits.

I already received an MBA from another institution will I able to apply to your program?
A: If you have earned a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree in the United States, you are not eligible to enroll in a Goizueta Business School MBA Program. Exceptions to this policy will be considered on a rare case-by-case basis if the degree is considered not comparable to the academic and experiential content of Goizueta Business School's MBA Program.

What is the reapplication process?
A: If you are re-applying within two years of your original application, you are required to submit: The online application, an updated résumé, re-applicant essays, a new or updated recommendation and a $150 re-application fee. It is not necessary for re-applicants who have completed an interview within the last year to interview again, but we strongly encourage you to do so. If more than two years have passed since your last application, you must complete all parts of the admission application.

 

One-Year MBA

Who is an ideal candidate for the One-Year program?
The ideal candidate for the One-Year Program has an undergraduate degree in business or economics. Candidates with strong quantitative background in majors such as engineering or mathematics may also qualify for admission. The ideal candidate has focused post-MBA goals, solid and progressive work experience, and is not looking to make a significant career change.

Can you still have a full "MBA experience" in the One-Year Program?
A: Absolutely! It may be only one year, but you can still have a complete MBA experience. Students receive the same degree and are taught by the same faculty as the Two-Year MBA Program. Students in the One-Year Program can participate in almost every Goizueta activity. There are two significant program differences: you cannot study abroad for a semester and you cannot participate in the summer internship.

How is career recruiting different in the One-Year MBA Program?
A: Students in the One-Year Program have access to the same resources as those in the Two-Year Program. While the majority of the recruiting season occurs in the fall semester, One-Year students will begin their job search strategy over the summer. During the summer you will attend workshops through the Career Management Center, work on your resume, practice your interview skills, and develop your job search plan.

How do employers feel about the One-Year Program?
A: MBA recruiters understand the structure and rigor of our One-Year MBA Program and historically One-Year MBA candidates obtain job offers at a pace and salary level consistent with our Two-Year students.

As a One-Year MBA student, is it difficult to transition from the summer session to the fall semester?
A: After spending an intense summer with 40-50 students, it might seem overwhelming to join the 2nd year students in the fall; however, Goizueta 2nd year students look forward to the incoming One-Year students joining their class and a deliberate effort is made to integrate the two classes. In addition to classroom activities, there are several social and networking opportunities to meet your classmates from the Two-Year Program. The transition from core classes to elective coursework is a seamless adjustment for most students.

 

Academics & MBA Program Logistics

When does the MBA Program start?
A: The Two-Year MBA program begins in late July and the One-Year MBA program begins in early May. Both programs commence with a mandatory week-long Orientation and team-building exercises. Domestic students should plan to arrive in the area at least one week prior to Orientation.

International students also attend a week-long, mandatory International Student Orientation, which precedes the general MBA Orientation and provides an important foundation for all international students. This program introduces students to expectations of professors and fellow students, and provides networking opportunities with current students, alumni and faculty. International students should plan to arrive and settle in Atlanta by early-July for the Two-Year Program and by the end of April for the One-Year Program.

Will I be able to work and travel during school semesters?
A: The MBA program is very intense in the initial semesters. We do not recommend that Two-Year MBA students work or travel during their first semester. Subsequent semesters do allow for more flexibility to accommodate part-time work and travel.

Students in the One-Year MBA program should not make any travel or employment plans for the summer they begin classes.

Are there any prerequisite courses?
A: yes, pre-enrollment foundation courses that need to be completed will be noted in your official acceptance letter and on your OPUS checklist.

Our goal is to ensure that all students are prepared to be successful in their courses at Goizueta. Two-Year and One-Year MBA students are required to complete an online Financial Accounting foundation course prior to Orientation. Exceptions will be made only for practicing CPAs, students with degrees in accounting and those who completed Financial Accounting within four years of the start of classes. Details about the approved online course will be provided with admission materials.

Two-Year students are required to have taken a Statistics course and a Microeconomics course prior to the start of classes. We offer online options for students who have not completed these courses already.

One-Year students must complete courses in Corporate Finance, Financial Accounting, Microeconomics, and Statistics. Any requirements that need to be completed prior to enrollment will be noted in the acceptance letter and on your OPUS checklist.

Do I have the option to waive out of any core classes?
A: Yes. We provide the option to waive out of core courses. We recommend that students with functional or academic expertise who wish to waive out of a core course take the waiver exam associated with their functional area. Waiver requests should be directed to the Program Office.

Two-Year students who successfully waive out of core courses may take elective courses in their place. One-Year students may take a waiver exam to waive out of one of the core summer courses. By waiving a core course, One-Year students may take an elective during the evenings, if offered, or a 6th course in either fall or spring semester.

Can I do a study abroad during the MBA Program?
A: Two-Year MBA students have the opportunity to study abroad during their time at Goizueta. We have over 15 direct relationships with schools in Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Goizueta is also a member of the Partnership in International Management, an organization with over 35 member schools that arranges exchange opportunities. Students have completed a semester at schools in countries such as Austria, Hong Kong, France, Italy, Mexico, Spain, and The Netherlands. Typically 15 or more international exchange students join the MBA class each year.

Due to the short time frame of the One-Year Program, students are not able to participate in a study abroad program. However, there is still an opportunity to travel abroad to explore the business and cultural environment of another country through our Mid-Semester Module in the spring semester.

What housing is available for MBA students?
A: Recently, Emory expanded its graduate professional housing in venues on the edges of campus targeted to student's needs and desires. Emory provides shuttles to these units. In addition, the Emory area offers a wide variety of attractive and affordable housing options including apartment complexes and rental homes. Admitted students receive more information on housing following admission to the program.

How can my spouse/partner become involved?
A: We have an active partner’s club. All partners and family are encouraged to participate at events throughout the year.