Application Information

Tentative Academic Calendar (below)
Application Deadlines and Decision Schedule
Criteria For Admission
Transfer Credits
Program Start Date
Application Interviews
Reapplication
Admission Time Limits
Academic Standards
Honor Statement
University Policy Statement

Also see:

Deadlines
Quantitative Preparation
Special Notes For
International Applicants
Helpful Tips

Note to Applicants
Thank you for your interest in the Robert H. Smith School of Business. Smith’s MBA program is open to all qualified individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited college or university. Approximately 2,100 individuals apply for the 600 (total) available places in our full-time and part-time (Evening and Weekend) MBA programs. Although admission is very selective, each application is thoroughly evaluated in an effort to determine the candidate’s ability to benefit from and contribute to the business school. We encourage applications from people of diverse backgrounds who have demonstrated achievement in their leadership endeavors as well as in their academic and professional careers. Factors such as motivation, maturity, self-confidence, integrity, tenacity, and the ability to work with others are also valued by the Admissions Committee.

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Criteria for Admission

The decision to admit an applicant is based on an evaluation of a combination of factors that help determine the candidate’s potential for successful completion of the graduate business program. Previous academic performance, GMAT scores, work experience, and recommendations are some of the factors considered. In addition, the applicant’s essay responses usually indicate whether he or she has carefully considered the value of the business degree at the master’s level.

Specifics on each of these factors are explained below:

Quality of previous academic work – Applicants must present a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. The expected minimum grade point average is “B” or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all previous undergraduate and graduate work.

Scores on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) – Although cut-off scores are not implemented in the admission process, it is expected that the applicant’s GMAT score will reflect the ability to successfully matriculate in an academically rigorous program. GMAT scores typically range from the mid-500s through the upper-700s.

Work experience – although professional work experience is not a requirement for admission to the MBA or MS program, it is valued by the Admissions Committee.

The strength of letters of recommendation from people competent to judge the applicant’s probable success in graduate school – Usually these letters are from the applicant’s employers and/or former professors who are able to judge the applicant’s strengths as well as on-the-job and/or academic performance. The Admissions Committee prefers that both letters come from current or previous employers.

Essay responses –These statements should express the applicant’s reasons for undertaking graduate study, specifically at the Smith School of Business, and the expected achievements as a result of graduate study.

Other evidence of graduate potential – work experience, extracurricular activities, community involvement, professional affiliations, etc.

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Transfer Credits

Students admitted to the part-time program may transfer up to nine credits earned prior to matriculation in the Smith MBA program. In order to transfer credits, all of the following conditions must be met:

• The credits were earned while enrolled as a degree-seeking student in an MBA program but were not used to meet the requirements of any other earned degree.

• The credits were earned at an AACSB-accredited business school.

• The student transferred to a new location for professional reasons and thus was unable to complete the program as originally intended. (i.e. A student had a job transfer from New York to Washington, DC and cannot complete their current degree remotely.)

• The courses are no more than seven years old at the time of a student's graduation. If a student's planned graduation date is delayed for any reason beyond this time limit, these courses will no longer provide credit toward the Smith School degree.

• Both the Masters Program Office and the relevant academic area must accept the content of the course.

• The student must have received a grade equivalent to a "B" or above for the course.

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Program Start Dates

All programs begin in the fall.

Application Interviews

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Robert H. Smith School of Business conducts interviews at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. Prospective students interested in learning more about graduate programs in the business school are encouraged to take advantage of our on-site programs and information sessions. The Admissions Committee strongly encourages prospective applicants interested in our Evening MBA or Weekend MBA programs to attend an information session.

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Reapplication

Reapplicants must submit a new application form with required fee, updated résumé, and an essay addressing how you have improved your candidacy since the initial application. Credentials and other supporting materials sent with your initial application, including your interview evaluation, will be held for one year after the original date of proposed entry.

Admission Time Limits

The degree must be completed within five years of the student’s date of enrollment in a program.

Academic Standards

Once enrolled in the program, students must maintain an average grade of B or better in all graduate courses taken. A first-year full-time student with a cumulative grade point average below 3.0 will be put on academic probation and will be allowed, until the end of the summer sessions, to raise the overall grade point average to at least 3.0. First-year part-time MBA students must have a 3.0 by the end of their second fall semester in the program and maintain this average as described above for full-time students. If this is not achieved, the student’s admission to the program will be terminated. The admission of all students is continued at the discretion of the director of the master’s program and the Dean for Graduate Studies and Research.

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Honor Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park, is an academic community dedicated to teaching, learning, and research. Academic integrity promotes the development and expression of new ideas, while academic dishonesty acts as a corrosive force in the life of the university. Academic integrity enhances the quality of each student’s education and allows for the recognition of the genuine achievements and accomplishments of all. Students must adhere to the Code of Academic Integrity and promote academic integrity. This includes reporting cases of academic dishonesty to the Student Honor Council and cooperating with faculty and the council in resolving such cases.

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University Policy Statement

The provisions outlined are not to be regarded as an irrevocable contract between the student and the University of Maryland. Changes are made from time to time in general regulations and in the academic requirements. There are established procedures for making changes, which protect the institution’s integrity and the individual student’s interest and welfare.

A curriculum or graduation requirement, when altered, is not made retroactive unless the alternative is to the student’s advantage and can be accommodated within the span of years normally required for graduation. When the actions of a student are judged by competent authority, using established procedures, to be detrimental to the interests of the university community, that person may be required to withdraw from the university.

Smoking in University of Maryland buildings is prohibited.

The University of Maryland is an equal opportunity institution with respect to both education and employment. The university’s policies, programs, and activities conform with pertinent federal and state law and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, and handicap. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or related legal requirements should be directed to: Director, Office of Human Relations, Main Administration Building, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742.


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