Academic preparation

An MBA candidate may come from any undergraduate academic major, although all candidates should possess solid quantitative ability. Your quantitative strengths are measured on the GMAT, and can be supported through work experiences, additional undergraduate course work, certificate programs or professional training, or outside activities.

Regardless of your undergraduate experience, it may be helpful to brush up on basic skills necessary for any business career: an understanding of financial accounting, statistics, economics, and finance. On-the-job training, community colleges, and on-line courses may be inexpensive ways of building your confidence and competence in these areas.

The one ability that sets a successful Smith MBA apart from all others is the ability to communicate. Use every opportunity to speak in front of others. Join Toastmasters or a similar group for extra practice.

Smith requires all entering MBA students to have taken a calculus course within the five years prior to entering the program. Candidates who score well on the quantitative section of the GMAT may request a waiver of this requirement.

See a list of current Smith MBA courses.