안녕하세요! 반달곰원장입니다.
요즘 미국 명문대학교 MBA지원이 마감되어 갑니다. 2라운 지원과 인터뷰를 한창 진행중인데 지원자분들은 과연 자신이 어느 위치에 있는지 고민해봐야 하겠습니다. 아직까지 영어점수, GMAT점수 만드는데, 아니면 점수를 더 높이는데 집중하시는 분들께서는 지원일정이 조금은 여유있게 남은 UCLA Anderson school을 고려해보심이 좋을 것 같습니다. 3라운드 지원 마감일이 4월 15일 이기 때문이지요. 이번 3라운드 마감이 마지막 지원마감이니 2015학년도 입학을 원하는 분들은 서둘러서 준비를 하셔야합니다.
그러나 위의 그림에서 말하는 것처럼 The Steps before The Leaps 자세로 차근차근 준비하는 것이 중요하겠습니다. UCLA Anderson은 미국에서 뿐만 아니라 세계 탑 MBA 이기에 상당히 수준 높은 지원자들이 몰려듭니다. 작년같은 경우에는 정원 360명을 뽑는데 지원자수는 4000명이 넘었습니다. 물론 한 지원자가 5개 이상 복수지원하는 경우가 많아서 실제 경쟁률은 그보다 낮다고 하더라도 상당히 인기 높은 MBA입니다. 작년 서울에서 열린 MBA Tour행사에 UCLA Anderson school이 참가하였는데 학교담당자들과 면담하려고 엄청난 후보자들이 모여 줄이 끝모르게 이어제 다른 비즈니스 스쿨들이 부러운 눈으로 바라만 보고 있더군요.
이런 인기가 높은 UCLA MBA 합격자들의 평균 GMAT은 714점입니다. 그리고 중간에서 상위 80%까지의 GMAT점수 분포는 680-750점입니다. 대학성적은 중간에서 상위 80%가 3.2-3.8 사이입니다. 합격의 기준을 어디로 할 것인가를 생각하면 어느 정도 점수를 만들어야 할지 답이 나옵니다.
UCLA MBA Admission requirement는 아래와 같습니다.
Online Application
All applicants must apply to the MBA program online. Applications will be accepted for fall 2015 starting Aug. 1, 2014. The application fee is $200.
Four-year Bachelor Degree or Equivalent
Candidates must hold a completed undergraduate degree in order to enroll in our MBA program. Usually this is a four-year bachelor's degree, or its equivalent in other countries.
International applicants with just a 3-year undergraduate degree may be admitted if the Admissions Committee determines that their entire academic profile and overall application are strong enough.
-
»You should submit scanned copies of your academic records with your application. only applicants invited to interview should send us official hard-copy documents upon request.
-
»Records needed from schools outside the United States include multiple documents as described on the International Applicants page.
-
»We understand the differing rigor of schools and grading scales around the world, and we always evaluate academics within their own context, without converting them to any other system. Grades on scales other than the American 4.0 standard should NOT be converted for reporting purposes on the application. No discrepancy should exist between what you report and what we see on your transcripts.
-
»Undergraduate majors of all kinds are welcome in the class - we need some business and economics graduates but also engineers, scientists, and those who studied liberal arts.
-
»Quantitative preparation is key for performance in our core, so all math-related grades (plus the GMAT-quant score) get special scrutiny.
-
»Grade trends are important, and we like to see averages that get better over time as undergraduates learn to thrive in their chosen major. We give you the benefit of the doubt for occasional issues with classes, but our students tend to show a consistent level of functioning above their peers.
-
»If you want to bolster your academic profile, you could complete additional coursework now and submit the transcript with the application for consideration. MBA-related classes such as calculus, statistics, accounting or finance are preferred.
-
»Professional certifications such as CFA, CPA, Chartered Accountant, etc. can add value to your profile and there is a section in the application to note them.
-
»Undergraduate courses taken in a term at another institution (e.g., during an exchange program) do not require an additional transcript as long as they appear on the degree-granting school's transcript. You should submit transcripts for all coursework taken after secondary school (high school).
-
»To facilitate our evaluation of your degree(s), you may choose to supply a course-by-course credential evaluation report from World Education Services along with the scanned documents from your school.
GMAT/GRE
All applicants must take the GMAT or GRE, but there is no minimum score. For an idea of the typical range we admit, see the latest class profile.
For fall 2015 admission, the GMAT/GRE test date must be between April 1, 2010 - April 30, 2015 for scores to be valid, but not later than the deadline date of the round in which the applicant is applying.
We primarily evaluate your top score, but all scores reported to UCLA Anderson are visible to the Admissions Committee.
Note that we also accept GRE scores (to order ETS to send a GRE score report to the UCLA Anderson MBA program use school code 0771).
GMAT/GRE You are required to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE). We prefer GMAT scores as the common denominator by which we have historically compared candidates, but we accept the GRE now as well.
-
»Within the MBA application, you must report the test date and score you want the Admissions Committee to evaluate.
-
»Applications cannot be reviewed without complete test scores (as self-reported by the candidate or officially by the GMAT or GRE office), and applications are only reviewed in the round when scores are received.
-
»The GMAT or GRE test date must be between April 1, 2010 and April 30, 2015 for scores to be valid, but not later than the deadline date for the round in which you are applying.
-
»Official GMAT score reports are sent electronically upon your request from Pearson VUE to UCLA Anderson MBA Admissions (with the School Code 2NZ-2F-24). Official scores are required for enrollment but not for applying.
-
»Official GRE score reports are sent via hard-copy upon your request from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to UCLA Anderson MBA Admissions (with the school code 0771).
-
»We primarily evaluate your top score, but all scores reported to UCLA Anderson are visible to the Admissions Committee.
-
»No minimum GMAT is required, and the Admissions Committee has the flexibility to consider all scores in the context of your overall academic preparation and management potential.
-
»For further information and testing arrangements, please visit the GMAT or GRE website.
Work Experience
Although the majority of our students do have full-time work experience, early career and college senior prospective students may still apply.
We evaluate candidates on their work in any given field after the completion of their undergraduate degree. Backgrounds and interests vary widely among our students, but all share a vision of how the MBA will empower their future.
-
»Quality of experience is more important than quantity.
-
»We look at your impact in the context of the time you had and the field you're in.
-
»Diverse paths lead to business school, and we find that students learn more when we mix people from every type and level of organization. Your application should show us how you will contribute to the mix of your class.
-
»We are most impressed by increasing levels of responsibility over time; those who advance faster than their peers are the ones who get admitted first.
-
»The majority of our students are career-switchers using the MBA to leverage themselves into a new field. Others will springboard back into higher positions in their current sectors.
-
»We admit very few people without at least a year or two of post-bachelor degree work. Our "early career" admits contribute more in terms of academic excellence and contagious study skills.
-
»Leadership in work, campus or community organizations helps to demonstrate management potential. Show us that you can commit to an organization, create a vision and motivate others to achieve goals together.
-
»Jobs held prior to your undergraduate degree may be listed if desired, but our focus is on post-baccalaureate experience.
-
»A resumé must be submitted with the application and should create a compelling summary of your career on one page (or not more than two pages).
Recommendation
Only one letter of recommendation is needed from an individual who is well acquainted with your performance in a work setting, preferably from a direct supervisor.
The recommendation provides us with third-party confirmation and insights into your achievements. You should choose a recommender who will support your candidacy with concrete examples of performance and impact on the organization.
-
»Questions from the on-line recommendation form are shown below and are for reference only.
-
»The Recommendation must be submitted on-line, not via hard-copy responses to these questions.
-
»You must register your recommender, who then use the confidential on-line link they receive directly from ApplyYourself. Your recommender also has the option to upload an additional document if desired.
-
»If your recommender does not write in English, the uploaded document can be a certified translation of their comments. only one recommendation is accepted per application.
-
»Ideally your recommendation should be from a current direct supervisor who is best equipped to answer questions about your leadership, communication, teamwork, initiative and other skills.
-
»If you are unable to ask a current supervisor for a recommendation, then you can ask a former boss, a manager from another department, or a consultant or client who knows you well enough to answer the questions insightfully.
-
»Academic contacts are not usually able to provide information on management potential. Similarly, family members, peers and friends are not appropriate as recommenders.
-
»Your recommenders' own titles or positions are not important - instead, their ability to comment knowledgeably and specifically about you is vital.
-
»Letters from contacts (including alumni) who do not know you well cannot add value like direct supervisors can.
-
»Online recommendations are due by the application deadline.
Recommendation Questions and Topics*
- How do the candidate's performance, potential, or personal qualities compare to those of other well?qualified individuals in similar roles? Please provide specific examples.
- Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant's response.
- In UCLA Anderson's school culture we share success, drive change and think fearlessly. Please give examples where the applicant exhibited any or all of these.
*Please note: Questions and topics listed above are for reference only. Actual submission of letters of recommendation is done online, through the application system only.
Essays
One essay is required, in written form only. one optional essay may also be submitted to supply information on extenuating circumstances.
FIRST-TIME APPLICANTS - onE REQUIRED ESSAY:
UCLA Anderson is distinguished by three defining principles: Share Success, Think Fearlessly, Drive Change. What principles have defined your life and pre-MBA career? How do you believe that UCLA Anderson's principles, and the environment they create, will help you attain your post-MBA career goals? (750 words maximum)
OPTIONAL ESSAY:
The following essay is optional. No preference is given in the evaluation process to applicants who submit an optional essay. Please note that we only accept written essays.
Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions Committee should be aware? Please use your best judgment. (250 words maximum)
RE-APPLICANTS - onE REQUIRED ESSAY:
Reapplicants who applied for the class entering in fall 2013 or 2014 are required to complete the following essay:
Please describe your career progress since you last applied and ways in which you have enhanced your candidacy. Include updates on short-term and long-term career goals, as well as your continued interest in UCLA Anderson. (750 words maximum)
Your essays are the primary way for you to share your perspectives and plans with the admissions committee. The best essays are introspective, genuine and succinct in directly answering our questions and responding to our topics.
-
»You should try to distinguish yourself by showing what makes you different from others who share similar profiles.
-
»Personal ｅxpression is what we are looking for, not platitudes.
-
»Making a strong case for your future plans requires you to first do research on career paths and find one that resonates. Even if this target will change during business school, your application essays should lay out a clear trajectory for short-term and long-term goals. Do this by demonstrating how you expect to build on skills from your past, and those you expect to gain from the MBA.
-
»Essays are more compelling if they include specific courses, programs, groups, opportunities, activities, etc. from which you would benefit, if admitted to UCLA Anderson. These references are best found through website research, personal discussions and a campus visit (if possible).
-
»Content and clarity are key elements, as we seek superior communication skills.
-
»Style is a consideration too, although we understand that those who speak other languages may have different manners of ｅxpression in English.We do check your essays for plagiarism, so make sure you always submit your own work.
-
»Length does not equal strength. A well-written short essay can have even more impact than a longer essay. Please try to respect the word limits indicated below.
-
»All responses to essays must be on double-spaced pages that are uploaded as a document. We do not accept essays in any other media but written form.
Interviews
Interviews are conducted on an invitation basis only after submitted applications are reviewed, and an interview must be completed to be admitted to the program.
Interviews are conducted on an invitation-only basis and one is required before admission can be offered. Applications are re-read after the interview comments are added, and then the Admissions Committee decides whether to make an admission offer.
Interviews are rarely the deciding factor in an admissions decision; instead they typically mirror or round out information already provided in the application.
-
»Instructions on how to set up an interview are provided at the time of invitation.
-
»Interviews are held on-campus, or off-campus via Skype, and they last approximately 30 minutes.
-
»All interviews carry equal weight as they are conducted by second-year MBA students who are thoroughly trained on our evaluation metrics and on providing current perspectives for candidates.
-
»Interviewing on-campus allows candidates to see the campus and visit a class, but there is no advantage to interviewing on- or off-campus.
-
»Interviews are blind in order to avoid interviewer bias.
-
»Questions are straightforward and generally cover topics already addressed in the application, such as reasons for getting an MBA, short-term and long-term career goals, fit with UCLA Anderson and personal interests.
-
»Pre-rehearsed speeches do not make for a good interview. We are interested in getting to know you as an individual and understanding how you'll fit into the next class. We assess your communication skills, social skills, and readiness for our program.
-
»Remember that the word "interview" implies an exchange of views between people, so be ready with pertinent questions and go with the flow of the conversation.
-
»Business attire is appropriate for this professional interview, and we check photo identification to ensure integrity.
-
»After being invited for an interview you should submit official test scores and hard-copy official academic records to us, as described in your interview invitation.
-
»Hint: Relax, be genuine and enjoy the opportunity for us to get to know each other.
TOEFL / IELTS
TOEFL or IELTS scores are required of all applicants EXCEPT those from a select list of countries. For more information please refer to UCLA Graduate Division Office English requirements.
Please note that work experience in English is not sufficient for a TOEFL/IELTS waiver; the key factor is being educated in English.
For fall 2015 admission, the test date must be between April 1, 2013 - April 30, 2015 for TOEFL or IELTS scores to be valid, but not later than the deadline date for the round in which the applicant is applying.
TOEFL and IELTS Considerations:
-
»No preference is given to either language test and all scores will be evaluated in conjunction with GMAT verbal scores and the AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) to determine your true proficiency level.
-
»Applications cannot be reviewed without complete test scores (as self-reported by you or officially by the testing firm), and applications are only reviewed in the round during which your scores are submitted.
-
»Official TOEFL score reports are sent electronically upon your request from ETS to UCLA Anderson MBA Admissions (with the School Code 4837-02). Official scores are required for admission but not for applying. IELTS scores are sent by hard-copy mail upon your request.
-
»Work experience in English is not sufficient for a waiver of the language exam requirement.
-
»More information on the university's testing rules for all international applicants is available under UCLA Graduate Division's English requirements.
-
»UCLA has minimum fluency standards for graduate admissions as shown on their pages.
