MBA Admissions

The MBA/MS Admissions Committee's decision to admit a Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA, or Dual Degree MBA applicant is based on an evaluation of the candidate's potential to be successful in the graduate business program, his or her ability to contribute to the perspective of the class, and Smith's ability to accommodate a limited number of students.

The Smith School admits applicants only for the Fall semester.

Criteria for Admission

Professional Work Experience

While work experience is not a requirement for admission, it does give applicants an important edge in the admissions process. A solid background of several years of work experience strengthens an applicant's profile and makes him or her more competitive in the job market upon graduation. An application is not complete unless it contains the applicant's resume.

Undergraduate Academic Record

The Admissions Committee looks for applicants who demonstrate a strong undergraduate academic record. While approximately 33 percent of new MBA students come from a business undergraduate degree, applicants with a variety of undergraduate and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Undergraduate grade point averages for admitted students normally range from 2.90 to 4.00, while the majority of students have averages above 3.00. Any graduate coursework will be taken into account in the admissions process, but the common denominator for all applicants is still the undergraduate GPA.

Graduate Admission Test (GMAT)

Although cut-off scores are not implemented in the admissions process, it is expected that the applicant will show a good deal of promise through the GMAT score. GMAT scores typically range from the mid-500s through the upper-700s. Applicants interested in learning more about the GMAT can contact the Graduate Management Admissions Council.

Two Letters of Recommendation

Recommendations should be solicited from individuals who can objectively comment on an applicant's performance in an academic or professional environment.

Well-Written Essays

The Admissions Committee looks for essays that clearly and concisely answer each question. Be sure to check for spelling and grammatical errors.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

The University of Maryland at College Park requires any applicant who has not completed a university degree in a country in which English is the principal language (such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand) to take the TOEFL.To view a list of countries exempt from taking the TOEFL exam please click here.