MBA FAQs
The following information was compiled from previous applicants' questions.
General FAQs
RTP Program
GMAT
Interviews
Admission Decision
MBA Coursework and Prerequisites
International Applicants
Military Applicants
Contact
General FAQs
May I send you my transcripts, GMAT scores or references before I submit my application?
Yes, although it is preferable to send everything together. Make sure to mail each part directly to the MBA Office, NOT the NC State Graduate School Office. Our address is: MBA Program, NC State University, Campus Box 8114, Raleigh, NC 27695-8114.
How long does the application process take?
Completed applications (including GMAT score, transcripts, recommendations, etc.) are reviewed as they are received. Applicants can expect to receive a decision within 6-8 weeks of submitting a complete application packet.
What are your deadlines for application submission?
Full-time Deadlines for Fall 2008:
Round 1: October 15, 2007
Round 2: January 7, 2008
Round 3: March 3, 2008
Part-time Deadlines:
Spring 2008: October 15, 2007 (September 21, 2007 for TOEFL Waiver Requests)
Fall 2008 Round 1: February 4, 2008
Fall 2008 Round 2: April 7, 2008
Do you offer graduate assistantships?
We offer graduate assistantships on several levels to students in the full-time program. Graduate assistants are required to work up to 18 hours per week during the school year for the NC State MBA Program. North Carolina residents are eligible for a full tuition waiver, a monthly stipend, and health insurance. We offer a limited number of tuition waivers to out-of-state residents and international applicants on a competitive basis. Students seeking Graduate Assistantships or scholarships must complete a Graduate Assistantship Application.
Can I switch from part-time to full-time status, or from full-time to part-time status?
Students may switch status with approval from the MBA Office. Part-time students switching to full-time status will need to complete the 56 credit hours required for the full-time program. Full-time students switching to part-time status will still need to complete the 56 credit hours required in their original program.
Can I begin the program in the Spring?
Admission to the part-time MBA Program is granted for the fall and spring terms for classes taken at the NC State campus and the RTP campus. Admission to the full-time program is granted for the fall term.
How do I obtain the status of my North Carolina Residency request?
Contact the Graduate School's Residency Officer. More information regarding obtaining North Carolina residency may be found here.
Is it possible to receive an application fee waiver or refund?
No. Once your application fee has been received and processed you cannot receive a refund.
What additional expenses can I expect to incur while I am a student?
Estimated annual expenses for graduate students can be found here. Please note that tuition charges for MBA students are higher than that shown on the general University estimate. MBA tuition rates can be found here. In addition, many full-time students travel to national career fairs, which are not included in tuition fees.
RTP PROGRAM
Can I apply to both part-time MBA programs?
No, you must select one program (either the on-campus or the RTP MBA). If you have already applied to one program and would like to switch, please contact the MBA Program office at 919.515-5584 or mba@ncsu.edu.
What is the difference between the on-campus and RTP part-time programs?
The admissions requirements, credit hours, length of program, faculty, and quality of the student body are the same for both part-time programs. The only difference is the number of concentration offerings at the RTP site.
Will all eight concentrations be offered at the RTP location?
While all required courses will be offered at the RTP location, a limited number of concentrations will be offered at RTP, depending on demand and meaningful class size. If you select a concentration that is not offered at RTP, you will complete your concentration courses on the NC State University campus.
Do you offer spring admission for the RTP part-time program?
Yes, we offer both fall and spring admission to the RTP program.
Can current students in the on-campus, part-time program take courses at the RTP location?
No. The RTP campus will offer first year part-time classes, which have already been completed by current part-time students.
Where is the RTP campus located?
Park Research Center
Bldg. #18
104 T.W. Alexander Drive
RTP, NC 27709
GMAT
If the applicant takes the GMAT test more than once, does the school average the scores or use the higher score?
We use the higher total score.
Can I substitute the GRE for the GMAT?
No. The GRE may not be substituted for the GMAT.
Will having extensive work experience or a Ph.D. substitute for the GMAT?
Applicants with a Ph.D., Pharm.D., JD, or MD are not required to take the GMAT. All other applicants, regardless of work experience, must take the GMAT.
I did not score as highly on the GMAT as I thought I would and plan to retake it. Will the admissions committee wait to review my application until my new scores are available?
You must contact the MBA Admissions Office as soon as possible and notify us of your plans. Otherwise, your application will be processed with the information you have submitted.
Interviews
Are interviews required?
Interviews are by invitation and are required for admission to both the full-time and part-time program.
Can I interview with an admissions representative at one of the MBA Forums?
Yes. Please contact the MBA admissions office to schedule an interview.
Admission Decision
Will you notify me if something is missing from my application?
It is your responsibility to request GMAT scores, send in supporting documents, and submit your application. We will acknowledge receipt of your application and will make an effort to contact you if your application is incomplete. If you prefer immediate verification that your application pieces have been received, we suggest that you use either the tracking number or return receipt service provided by the shipper. Once you submit your application, you may also log in to the application page and view the items that have been received by our office.
How will I receive an admission decision?
You'll receive an official email informing you that a decision has been made and instructing you to log in in to your application to view the decision of admission or denial. (Please note: we will not give admission decisions over the telephone.)
Will I know the reason if I am denied admission?
Yes. The official letter will state the reasons. The most common reasons for denial are:
- Undergraduate academic performance
- GMAT scores
- A poor fit between your career goals and the MBA program mission
May I reapply if I am denied admission?
All admissions decisions are final. If you are denied admission, you may reapply the following year. The MBA Office holds all applications materials for one year, so you will not need to resubmit transcripts or GMAT scores unless your scores or transcripts have changed.
What if I am placed on the waitlist?
Applicants placed on the waitlist will receive a final admission decision after the next corresponding application deadline. For example, applicants placed on the waitlist after submitting materials by the first application deadline will receive a final admission decision after the second application deadline.
MBA Coursework and Prerequisites
May I take MBA classes as a nondegree student?
No. MBA classes are open only to students who are enrolled in graduate degree programs at NC State.
Will I be required to take any prep courses?
All students must complete a basic calculus course prior to beginning MBA coursework; however, you do not need to complete this course prior to submitting your application. We do not require other assessments or prep courses at this time.
International Applicants
Do I have to take the TOEFL?
International applicants who did not complete their undergraduate work in the United States are required to take the TOEFL. Citizens of approved countries are exempt from the TOEFL. International students who have completed one full year of full-time study in the United States or other approved countries are not required to submit TOEFL scores.
Do you grant TOEFL waivers?
Part-time applicants may be exempt from the TOEFL if two out of three of the following criteria are met:
1. Analytical writing assessment score of 4.5 or higher on the GMAT
2. Satisfactory communication and teamwork skills, as assessed during the admissions interview
3. Five years residency in the US, working in an establishment where all activities are conducted in English
Applicants who wish to apply for a TOEFL waiver will need to submit a completed application (including all supporting documents) by the following dates:
Spring 2008: September 21, 2007
Fall 2008: April 7, 2008
Full-time applicants may not apply for TOEFL waivers.
How long is a TOEFL score valid?
Two years
What is the minimum TOEFL score requirement?
We require a minimum score of 250 (computer-based test) or 100 (internet-based test).
Military Applicants
The Jenkins Graduate School of Management MBA Program has joined GMAC's Military-Friendly business schools list and is committed to recruiting students with a military background. GMAC has also published a brochure with information for military personnel who are considering earning an MBA. For more information, please see: Operation MBA.
Applicants who have been on active duty in the U.S. military within three years of applying are eligible for an application fee waiver. To receive the application waiver, simply select the appropriate box in the payment section of the online application for admission.
For additional resources about how to obtain North Carolina residency for tuition purposes and how to pay your tuition under the GI Bill, please contact Veterans Affairs through NC State University.
Contact
MBA Office
NC State University
Campus Box 8114
Raleigh NC 27695-8114
919.515.5584
mba@ncsu.edu