Chat with Admissions: February 7, 2008

Does the Rady School of Management expect to be AACSB accredited at some point in the near future?

We absolutely expect to be accredited. We’re just now in existence long enough to be able to begin this process. The process has several stages and typically takes several years. We expect to have no difficulties with it. UCSD is accredited, of course, and we operate under the university’s accreditation.

I am interested in finding out, realistically, how long it would take to complete the MBA program for a full time worker.

Our FlexMBA program is specifically designed for working professionals. In the FlexWeekend format, you would spend 24 months getting your degree. In the FlexEvening format, the typical time to degree completion would be 30 months.

I am wondering if any of the MBA coursework I took many years ago could be used for the FlexMBA program. It was perhaps 1989 when I was taking a lot of courses at SDSU while working. I have a BS in Chemical Engineering from UCSD and a MSEE from USC; but never finished my MBA.

Typically we do not except transfer of prior courses for the MBA. In rare instances, completion of comparable graduate coursework may enable you to waive a core course or two and take additional electives. After this length of time, we would not receive faculty approval for waiver of any core classes.

Could you explain the admissions criteria? What’s required for admission?

Please have a look at our website under MBA programs and then Admissions. You will find information on the criteria, the application, the deadlines, etc. The required online application includes 3 required essays, 2 letters of recommendation, one copy of all transcripts from undergraduate and graduate work if applicable, resume, GMAT scores (taken within the last 5 years), TOEFL (if applicable) and the application deposit ($150).

Would I need to re-take the GMAT to get into the UCSD MBA program?

GMAT scores are valid for 5 years.

What is the deadline for fall applications?

The deadlines for the full-time MBA are 11/2/07, 12/1707, 2/1/08, 4/7/08, but we admit on a rolling basis (not in rounds), so submit your application at any time and we will move forward with it.

Do you recommend business school undergrads to try and find careers first before applying for an MBA, or does it matter?

I think this is an individual question—there isn’t one answer that works for everyone. In order to gain the most from an MBA program, you will want to have (1) some experience in teams or organizations, so that you have a context for some of the coursework that focuses on management, leadership, etc.—and (2) you will want to have a sense of what you hope to gain from the educational experience, from both a professional/career and a personal standpoint. We have had students come straight from undergrad be very clear and convincing about why now is the right time for them to undertake an MBA education—and others who seem to have applied because they weren’t quite sure what to do after graduation. The first works, the second doesn’t.

How do you calculate GPA?

You don’t need to worry about this. If the GPA is not recorded on your transcript, we will calculate it and if your grades were not based on a 4.0 GPA scale, you don’t need to do anything to report the GPA—we can do all this when your application is received.

Would accreditation be retroactive for current or future students?

Accreditation makes no difference in the degree you are awarded. UCSD awards the MBA degree, based on its authority; accreditation has no impact on this. Given the overall caliber and reputation of UC San Diego, questions about accreditation are really never asked by employers or business community members.

What is the cost of the FlexMBA program?

The cost for the FlexMBA program for 2007-08 is $75,000 for the entire program. However, fees may increase somewhat for 2008-09. Once we have that information it will be posted to website. The cost will cover lodging for the FlexEvening residentials or on the Friday night of the FlexWeekend program, meals, textbooks, parking.

I was told 2 different opinions about the essay questions, first was to talk about my business views, and the other was to talk about both personal life and business view, so what would you think would be the most accurate?

Please give us the examples that are best in helping us get to know you. Our goal is to learn as much as we can about you and about your achievements, contribution, character. In general, if you have worked professionally, it would be a bit of a surprise if none of your examples came from your professional career but there isn’t a rule about this, and if you are relatively new to a professional career and have, for example, had very significant volunteer activity, the volunteer work might provide a better illustration of your capabilities.

I have not seen the FlexMBA ranked in Businessweek or any other ranking institutions. Are there any rankings available?

We are not yet eligible for any of the published rankings. For BusWeek, for example, the program needs to have been in existence for a minimum of 7 years—which we haven’t been. Based on quality factors, we’re well within ranks of the top schools—and expect to demonstrate that quickly when we become eligible.

I have lived in San Diego the past year and a half, however, my primary residence (and driver’s license) is in another state. I am here for a work project that will last “indefinitely”. Do I use my KY address or my CA address when submitting my application to UCSD, my FAFSA form, other scholarship forms, etc?

If you do not pay taxes to the State of California, then you should claim your residency as KY on your forms. If you need further clarification, please email MBAadmissions@ucsd.edu so we can address your specific situation.

Would you please direct me to where I can find information on specific concentrations within the FlexMBA program (i.e. Supply Chain, General Mgmt, Sales, etc.)?

We do not have specific concentrations. Our emphasis, overall, is on innovation and how innovation reaches the marketplace. Students have the freedom to choose elective courses, independent study, and class projects that focus in any particular functional area of interest—or to undertake a broad program of study. We think you should have this ability to personalize your education to your goals and educational needs.

If I take the GMAT test more than once, would you choose the highest one or average?

We take the highest scores obtained in one sitting (on one test), we don’t average scores.

Do you offer specialized MBAs in such fields as Accounting, Finance or International Business?

No. You can certainly choose electives to provide you with deep knowledge in a functional discipline, if you desire.

Is the TOEFL required from permanent residents (green card holders)?

The TOEFL is not required for permanent residents.

Is an MBA a terminal degree or can it be applied toward doctoral work in a related or even non-related field at UCSD?

The MBA (anywhere) is a terminal professional degree designed to prepare managers and leaders for business. The PhD is an academic degree designed to prepare individuals for careers in research and teaching.

I have a question as an international student. Is there any additional document for an international student?

No additional documentation is needed until after you are admitted to program. The required forms to obtain an I-20 for your visa will be sent to you later.

I was interested in applying for Fall 08, my undergrad degree is in International Management but it did not include a year of college level calculus. I did however include algebra/trig and stats. Are there any options for me?

Calculus is a prerequisite for matriculation—not for admission. So, there are a number of options: begin taking calculus now at a community college; enrolling in the summer Math for Management class that provides the basics you need (although at least a term’s worth of calculus in advance of this is HIGHLY recommended). We also offer a one-day Math Refresher during PreTerm, which we’d recommend you do in addition to these other options.

Approximately how much of the FlexMBA cost is lodging, and is this something we can waive?

The FlexMBA fee is a single program fee, no portion of which can be waived.

Is it too late to start the admissions process for fall 2008?

No, it is not too late. We are continuing to accept applications and we admit on a rolling basis for the fall quarter. We anticipate receiving applications to the last deadline of 4/1/2008, and if there is space still available we may accept applications beyond that deadline.

Is the tuition cost different for the FlexMBA program for in-state vs out-of-state residents?

There is no difference in cost for in-state or out-of-state residents for the FlexMBA program. The program is self-supporting—state funding is not provided, therefore residency is not an issue.

Do you have any minimum requirements? (ex: TOEFL. GMAT, GPA, Work Experience)

UCSD has minimum acceptable TOEFL score (you’ll see them on our website under MBA programs, Full-Time Admissions). We do not have minimums for the other items you mentioned—we are looking at the overall qualifications you present. We are interested in ensuring that you are intellectually capable of the academics of the Rady MBA program—and then in understanding how you will contribute to the learning environment of your class.

What is the average GMAT score for the admitted students?

The average GMAT for the Full-Time MBA program entering fall 2007 was 675. The average for the entering FlexMBA was 613. Profiles for each program are available on the Rady website under MBA Programs and the particular program you are interested in.

Why is the cost for the FlexEvening and FlexWeekend program the same if the FlexEvening program does not require lodging? Also, what is the cost per quarter? We’re not required to pay the entire $75,000 at once are we?

Fees are billed and paid on a quarterly basis. The FlexEvening program will include several residentials, for which lodging will be included, and meals will be provided on all class evenings—we know students are unlikely to be able to go home or elsewhere before coming to campus for class, and the dinner hour is always an important time for team meetings, informal interaction with classmates.

Do you send a confirmation e-mail once you receive documents that I have sent you? I sent my documents two weeks ago but didn’t receive any e-mail.

Yes, you will receive an email as to what documents may still be missing or if we have everything in for your application. Please send an email to MBAadmissions@ucsd.edu giving your specific information and our admissions team will look into this. Thanks!

Are religious or volunteer organizational work evaluated as part of admissions criteria?

Certainly—we’re interested in all the organizational experiences you have had and how you have contributed—and how you have grown and developed through them.

I don’t have work experience, is it possible to go to Rady?

Yes. We will want to learn about any organizational or team experiences you have had in other settings, and what you learned and contributed.

In the FlexMBA, what percentage usually already have an advanced degree (=masters)?

For the entering FlexMBA class fall 2007, we had 46% students with advanced degrees including: 16 Masters, 14 PhDs and 2 MDs.

I have a third recommendation letter; can I send it even if I have not added the recommender in my application?

Yes, we will accept a third letter of recommendation. Please email MBAadmissions@ucsd.edu telling us you are going to do this and providing the name of the third recommender—we can put this information in your application.

Is there any dormitory available for families?

Yes, there is on-campus housing for families. You would go through Associated Housing office to put your name on the “ARCH” list once you have been admitted to the program.

I noticed that the on-campus information sessions take place on Saturdays. Is there an opportunity to sit in on a class session those days?

Sitting in on a class session is arranged in advance with the Admissions Office. We have FlexMBA classes only so these would not be available to prospective Full-Time students. We want you to experience the classroom as it would pertain to you as a student and we would want you to meet with a couple of students from the specific program you are interested in.

I am a candidate whose undergraduate GPA is poor (2.5), but I’ve started and have been running a very successful medium-sized business for the past 10 years. I am concerned that my low undergrad GPA will cause my application to be rejected. What feedback do you have for me?

We always look at the entire set of qualifications and experiences you have had and present to us. Overall, we are looking for people who will succeed academically in the program and who will be strong contributors to the learning of their peers—and work experience is certainly an important piece of that potential contribution. Where an undergrad GPA is below a 3.0, we would petition to the UCSD Office of Graduate Studies for admission on your behalf—so we will want to understand any factors that impacted your undergraduate academic performance (that would be material for one of the optional essays) and to have other evidence that you will be academically capable of the Rady MBA program.

What kind of recommendation letters are required to apply?

We require two recommendations. Look for the individuals who can best speak on your behalf—who will be able to respond to the specific questions we ask and who are interested enough in you as an individual to spend time on their recommendations. Recommendations help us learn more about you. Title/status does not matter—a CEO who can only say you worked in the company and he understands you did a good job is not providing anything useful.

What kind of financial aid is available for the flexMBA program?

You can work with our financial aid officers in the campus Financial Aid office regarding possible loans available. The first step is to complete the FAFSA—more information about this is on our website under MBA Programs, FlexMBA and cost/financing. There are no grants or scholarships available to FlexMBAs as this program is for working professionals and is not state-funded.

Approximately how many people are in the FlexWeekend verses the FlexEvening programs? Do you recommend one over the other?

We are admitting one cohort of students to each program and expect both groups to be roughly the same size, about 50-60. Which is best for you depends in part on whether your work/personal situation allows you to spend every other Friday and Saturday (all day) in class, which is the Weekend format.

Is it possible to get a scholarship for the FlexMBA or Full-Time MBA program at UCSD? I have an impeccable undergrad record and am wondering if this is available. If so, how many are given and where should I begin to apply for these opportunities?

There are no scholarships available for the FlexMBA program. We have some merit-based fellowships available for the Full-Time MBA—no special application is required—the fellowship is awarded at admission. There are limited need-based fellowships for the Full-Time MBA program. We ask that you complete the optional Essay #4 if you would like to be considered. You should also consider finding out what federal loans may be available to you (subsidized or unsubsidized) by filing the FAFSA as soon as possible.

I don’t have an undergraduate business degree nor have taken a calculus class. Will that be a problem for admission?

Calculus is a prerequisite for matriculation—not admission. But we do expect to see evidence of adequate quantitative ability for admission—and if you have no calculus, you would be well advised to begin taking classes at a local community college now, in order to be prepared for fall.

Is it possible to get an MBA within a one-year period if I study full time?

We do not offer a one-year MBA degree. Our Full-Time MBA program is 2 years (18 academic months with summer generally spent on an internship). Our FlexWeekend MBA is 24 consecutive months, with classes held every other weekend and the FlexEvening MBA is approximately 30 months with classes twice weekly in the evening.

How do you apply leadership within your FlexMBA program? Doo you involve feedback (e.g. 360), do you involve organizational psychologists to help participants develop the personal qualities they need to perform effectively as leaders? Is there evaluation of leadership behavior and continuous monitoring of progress throughout the program?

Leadership & Teamwork is one of the first classes you take, in your first quarter. That class includes a good bit of formal assessment and is taught by experts in the field. The class culminates in your writing a development plan for yourself, which then helps you make choices about other classes, activities, etc, that you undertake. This class is complemented by the core Organizational Strategy class, which looks at similar issues from an organizational perspective. There are several additional elective classes in this arena, and the Professional Seminar provides additional opportunities for development.

Is there a scholarship available for Round 3 applicants?

We have some merit-based fellowships available throughout the admission cycle of November—April for the Full-Time MBA program. There is no special application form and awards are made at the time of admission.

How many quarters does the FlexEvening MBA program take? What is the quarterly tuition?

The typical time to degree completion for the FlexEvening program is 30 months—or 10 consecutive quarters. We are in the (annual) process of gaining approval of fees from the UC Office of the President, and expect to have firm numbers in March.

Is the faculty the same for full-time MBA and FlexMBA?

Yes, our faculty is engaged in teaching across our student body.

What kind of transcript do you require if an earlier degree (masters) is from abroad? Just a degree certificate in English?

We will need transcripts that list all courses and grades both translated in English and in the language of instruction. Generally a Certificate of Degree (or diploma) is also required but this depends on the university and country where the degree was obtained.

What are the biggest attributes for accepted students? GMAT scores, recommendation letter, work history?

There isn’t one thing and there is no specific formula or weighting of characteristics—we really try to look at individuals. We consider (1) are you academically prepared and capable? (2) why does the Rady MBA make sense for you at this point in your career and your development? and (3) what personal characteristics do you exhibit and how will you contribute to the creation of a great learning environment? All of these things are assessed by multiple parts of your application.

Where would an international student find accommodations? Please let me know options one can have.

International students, as do domestic students, have the option of signing up for possible on-campus graduate housing once admitted to the program. And there are plenty of off-campus housing options available very near to the campus. Once admitted we will connect you to our intranet site with more information on housing options.

How many students will be enrolled this year for the full-time MBA?

We anticipate a class of 55-65 students. Admission to the Rady School is not really about a set number, but about the individuals who fit with the program, who can contribute and where Rady is the right program for them.

Is the MBA program more geared toward working adults attending evenings or students who will be attending full-time during the day?

We have both full-time and working professionals in the MBA program and have schedules/formats designed to create access to the Rady MBA for both types of students. The FlexEvening and FlexWeekend MBA will be most accessible to working professionals; the Full-Time MBA is best for those who have chosen to leave work and want an “immersion” in the MBA.

Can you explain about MBA Career Connections in detail?

MBA Career Connections is our full-service MBA career center. The center’s staff work with all our MBA students on career issues—from self assessment and career coaching and advising through job search support. They provide workshops, individual coaching, an on-line job system and resume posting system, company presentations, career panels, career fairs, etc. They are also very active in making direct contact with the business community to enhance Rady students’ access to opportunities.

What is the total cost for the full time MBA program including books and other miscellaneous fees?

This information is available on our website under MBA Programs, Full-Time MBA and then cost and financing. There is a link to the basic graduate budget for 2007-08. We don’t have the final budget from the university yet for 2008-09, but this information is a good start.

Do you have graduate certificate programs at Rady?

Our Executive Development group offers non-credit workshops and programs (including one certificate program) to working professionals. These do not carry credit and cannot be transferred to the MBA degree program.

What percentage of the applicants are accepted?

The Full-Time MBA program percentage for 2007 was approximately 40%. We are seeing an increase in applications so far this year, so we don’t know what the percentage will be for 2008.

How does, in your opinion, the Rady Program compare/contrast with the SDSU MBA Program?

UCSD is a world-renowned research institution, and the faculty in the business school are on the cutting edge of research in their disciplines and bring that to their teaching. Rady is specifically interested in innovation and how innovation reaches the marketplace, and our curriculum is different from that at nearly every other major business school.

Does the MBA program require a thesis?

A thesis is not required for the MBA degree. For most top-tiered schools you will be working on a capstone project instead of a thesis. Our ’capstone project’ is the Lab to Market 3-course sequence that is very unique --- it’s real world, idea to marketplace and everything it takes to get there. Please take a look at our website under MBA Programs, Full-Time or FlexMBA under Curriculum, for details on core courses, electives and more on Lab to Market.

30% of the students will go to healthcare industry after UCSD MBA study? Does it mean USCD has specially designed curriculum for this industry?

Not health care—but life sciences, which include biotech, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, etc. We do have some coursework specifically in this area, but it is—more broadly—part of our interest in innovation and reflects the nature of our business community. Companies in the life sciences sector are utterly dependent on continued innovation and on the ability to bring that innovation to the marketplace—and San Diego has one of the densest life sciences industry clusters in the country.

What is the approximate cost of the fulltime MBA program?

The approximate cost for California residents is $24,000 per year and for non-residents it is approximately $36,000. These are academic fees and do not reflect estimated living expenses.

Thanks for joining us today. We hope this has helped you get a sense of the Rady School and our programs. We look forward to continuing to talk to you!