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Admission
Can I apply for MBA Program and MSc in Finance at the same time because I'm interested in both?
Yes, you may apply for both. However, we recommend that you apply to your first choice and ask to be considered for your second choice. Additionally, if you are granted admission from both programs, you may only enroll in one. Students can only take classes as part of one business program. There are no joint degree business programs.
I was late for your May 1 admission deadline. Can I still finish my application?
All applications received after May 1 will be reviewed on a rolling-admissions basis. These applications will be reviewed in the order they’re received, and decisions will be made on a space-available basis.
Do you offer night classes to recieve an MBA. I work full time and am looking forward to continuing my education.
Yes, we offer a part-time program in the evenings leading to an MBA degree. It is called the Professional MBA or PMBA. Please look at the PMBA web site: http://www.olin.wustl.edu/prospective/pmba.cfm
I am interested in the MSW/MBA double major. Where can I locate information about that?
We refer to this as a Dual Degree. Information can be found at http://www.olin.wustl.edu/MBA/Academics/index.cfm?sid=84&tid=59.
What is the mean GMAT and GPA for the MBA Program?
Go to www.olin.wustl.edu/MBA/Admissions/index.cfm?sid=40&tid=59 for a profile of our last two MBA classes.
What is Olin's accreditation?
We’re accredited by AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
How much work experience is required?
There’s no minimum work experience requirement, although the class average usually is between four and five years of full-time work experience. We do accept some exceptional candidates with little or no work experience.
What is the minimum TOEFL score you accept?
The minimum score we accept is 243 on the computer-based version or 590 on the paper-based version.
What if my TOEFL score is lower than 243?
Occasionally, if the rest of your application is strong, we offer you a conditional admission – you must complete Washington University's summer “English as a Second Language” course satisfactorily before beginning the MBA Program.
Where can I take the TOEFL?
Contact TOEFL at www.toefl.org, toefl@est.org or call 609-771-7100. Our school code is 6929, and the department code is 02.
If I take the GMAT more than once, which score do you consider in the official ETS report?
We take your highest score.
What is the minimum GMAT score you accept?
There’s no minimum GMAT score. However, our admissions are competitive. See Class Profile in this section of the site.
Where can I take the GMAT?
Go to www.mba.com, or if you live in St. Louis, arrange testing through Prometric Testing at 636-394-7742.
Who should write my letters of recommendation?
Each letter should be written by a person who can speak to your leadership skills and potential for success in graduate management education. We strongly recommend that at least one letter come from a supervisor or other individual who can comment on your work-related abilities.
What type of student is right for Olin?
Our Admissions team looks for students who want to be highly involved – in their own learning experience and in school and community activities. We admit self-directed, disciplined professionals with a record of achievement and leadership.
I am a minority applicant and am interested in applying through the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management. What is my next step?
You’ll need to apply using the Consortium application. Go to www.cgsm.org for more information or to apply.
I was denied admission last year. Can I reapply, and do I need to fill out another application?
Yes, you may re-apply. Any student who has applied to the MBA Program within the last two years/admissions cycles is considered a reapplicant. All reapplicants must submit a new online application but are subject to the stipulations outlined in our reapplication procedures.
How does your Admissions team evaluate applications?
You need to have a strong academic background to succeed. In addition to reviewing your undergraduate transcript and GMAT scores, we look for a history of setting and achieving challenging goals – in every aspect of your life. Your professionalism also is reflected in your application presentation and interview.
What are your application deadlines?
See Requirements & Deadlines in this section of our site.
What are your application requirements?
See Requirements & Deadlines in this section of our site.
Can I transfer credits from another University?
Once you’ve enrolled at Olin, you may submit for review up to nine credits for transfer from other graduate business programs accredited by the AACSB. Any transfer credit must be reviewed and approved by our Academic Review Committee.
International students can’t visit Olin easily. Is this considered a drawback to admissions?
Although we strongly encourage students to visit Olin if they can, there’s no penalty for individuals who can’t make it to campus. Keep in mind, we send representatives to MBA Fairs in many parts of the world and offer personal interviews in these locations. We also conduct telephone interviews. Fairs and off-site interviews don’t take the place of a campus visit, but they do allow for specific questions to be answered individually.
How important is a campus visit?
Very! It helps both you and our Admissions team determine whether Olin is the right choice for you.
Tuition
What is the per-semester cost of the MBA Program?
Tuition is $20,250 per semester for the 2008-09 school year, plus a $75 activity fee and a $343 student health fee.
Does the cost of tuition increase each year?
Yes. On average, tuition increases between 3 to 5 percent every year.
Financial Aid
Do you have any full-tuition scholarships?
Yes, we have both full- and partial-tuition scholarships. See the Financial Aid section of this site.
Are graduate assistantships available?
Yes, we do have some graduate assistantships available after the first semester of the program. They don’t include any tuition remission and must be coordinated by you after your arrival on campus.
What is the maximum loan an international student can borrow without a cosigner and what are the criteria?
Loans for international students without a cosigner are limited to a maximum of $25,000 per year for the two years you’re in the program and are granted only to creditworthy individuals. Loans are disbursed after your arrival.
Program Structure and Resources
What companies recruit Olin MBA graduates?
For complete information, see the Weston Career Center's annual report.
What is the breakdown of the MBA Program’s total credit hours and core hours? And how long are the classes?
Your MBA degree requires 60 credit hours – 22.5 are core requirements. You take most of your core courses in the first semester of the program. Class length is based on the number of credit hours assigned: Core classes worth two credits meet for two hours per session (two times per week). Electives worth 1.5 credits meet for 1.5 hours per session.
Do you have an English program international students can take before entering the MBA Program?
Yes, we have an outstanding two-week program at the beginning of August that’s designed to help non-native speakers jumpstart their business communication skills. Washington University also offers a six-week English as a Second Language course in June and July.
Your schedule lists an MBA preprogram. What am I required to attend?
We offer online preprogram courses in accounting, quantitative methods, and other topics through MBA Math. In addition, we offer an English as a Second Language (ESL) preprogram. These courses will get you up to speed for our fast-paced MBA curriculum. We will send you preprogram information after you decide to enroll in the MBA Program. If you have already been admitted, you can log into the New Student Website for additional information.
Can I take courses during the summer?
No. The summer is reserved for students to pursue internships or participate in one of our summer exchange programs.
Does Olin require you to declare a concentration or major?
No. Your Olin MBA is a general degree. However, we do offer concentrations to help individuals with specific objectives get the most from their business school education. Go to Electives & Concentrations page for a complete list. Keep in mind that our concentrations are guidelines, not requirements.
Do you offer classes via the internet?
No.
I’m an Army reservist, and I’ve heard Olin has a program geared to U.S. military veterans. Can you tell me about it?
The Olin Veterans Association helps individuals with military backgrounds transition to our MBA Program. Go to www.olin.wustl.edu/orgs/ova/ for information.
Can I complete the full-time MBA Program in less than two years?
No. Four semesters of coursework are required.
How many students are in an average study group?
Typically, a study group has four to five students.
Is a laptop computer required for the MBA Program?
Yes. Go to www.olin.wustl.edu/computing/purchasing/std-student.cfm for specifications.
How does your PMBA Program differ from your MBA program?
The programs are similar and result in the same degree. The main distinction is that the PMBA Program is for professionals who want to work full-time while attending school. As a result, PMBA classes generally meet in the evening. Go to our PMBA site to learn more about this program at http://www.olin.wustl.edu/prospective/pmba.cfm
