UCLA Anderson School of Management (MBA)

Anderson Answer:

An Admissions Committee, including admissions staff and administrators, second-year MBA students, alumni and faculty, read applications. All receive extensive training before participating in actual review of applications. Admissions Committee members also participate in the process during the interview phase - for those prospective students who choose to request interviews.

WCW Question:

How would you describe the decision making process?

Anderson Answer:

Each application is read independently by various Admissions Committee members. Each application gets three reads on average. Decisions that are split receive further review and possible group discussion.

All admissions decisions are rendered by faculty and UCLA Anderson staff members only.

WCW Question:

What criteria are used to evaluate good prospective candidates?

Anderson Answer

The Admissions Committee seeks to create a community of students who bring unique contributions from their diverse backgrounds and experiences and who will collectively enrich the educational experience. Committee members carefully consider biographical and academic background information, GMAT score and (for most international applicants) TOEFL score, achievements, awards and honors, employment history, letters of recommendation, and college and community involvement, especially where candidates have served in leadership capacities.

• Admissions Committee members consider the following criteria in evaluating prospective students:
  
• Intellectual Capacity
  
• Leadership Capacity
  
• Clarity and Feasibility of MBA Goals
  
• Fit with UCLA Anderson
  

WCW Question:

How important is the GMAT/TOEFL scores? Is there a minimum needed before a candidate should consider applying? Does it matter how many times a candidate sit these exams?

Anderson Answer:

The number of times a student sits for the exams does not matter. The mean GMAT of the Class of 2006 is 705, with a range of 600-800. There is no required minimum for the GMAT. Prospective students need to keep in mind that the Admissions Committee will review each application only once during an admissions cycle. They will use the GMAT score that students designate on the Data Form. Applicants who do not indicate which score they would like us to use will have their applications placed on hold until they confirm with the Admissions Office which score they want to have reviewed.

Although no minimum TOEFL score is required, few applicants have been admitted with scores below 610 on the paper version or below 260 on the TOEFL CBT.

WCW Question:

Does the school expect particular profiles from international students?

Anderson Answer:

We don't expect particular profiles from international students, but we do have some additional information for them to consider as they apply.

Applicants who do not have U.S. citizenship at the time of applying are considered as international. Only U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents may qualify for California residency for tuition purposes if they meet the University's requirements (see http://www.registrar.ucla.edu).

Visa Status

Before the Graduate Division of the University of California can issue a Certificate of Eligibility for the F-1 visa (Form I-20) or the J-1 visa (Form DS2019), admitted international students must complete a Confidential Financial Statement and provide the requested documentation (certified copies of personal bank statements, award letters, scholarships, and any other resources). This Confidential Financial Statement form is available at http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/gasaa/library/cfstatement.pdf (to be filled out on-screen then printed out for certification).

Academic Records

International applicants whose undergraduate education was completed outside the U.S. must hold a degree from a university or university-level institution with above-average scholarship, and provide documentation on academic records. Following are special academic considerations by country/region:

United Kingdom, and schools in the British Tradition

Applicants from schools in the British tradition (other than Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan) must have completed an Honours degree in first-class or upper-second-class. Three-year ordinary or pass degrees are not acceptable. When grades and/or course descriptions are not available, applicants must request two reports of academic progress from tutors or professors.

India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar

Holders of a three-year bachelor's degree (e.g. Bachelor of Arts, Science, or Commerce) must also have completed a master's degree or Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) and have placed in the first-class or upper-second-class division. Accordingly, for example, holders of a three-year BCom degree are not eligible for admission unless they have also completed the MCom, PGDM, or other master's-level degree. Professional association memberships (such as the Institutes of Chartered Accountants) are not acceptable in lieu of the master's degree.

Holders of four year bachelor's degrees (e.g. Bachelor of Engineering, Architecture, or Technology) must have placed in the first class. Holders of a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree are not eligible for admission to the MBA Program.

For all applicants, evidence of class placement must be specifically set forth in submitted official records, and the records (including degree certificates) must conform with all the requirements described above. In addition, please note that all applicants are required to take the TOEFL examination if they earned their degrees in countries where the official language is not English.

France

Applicants should present the Maitrise, Ingenieur, or other professional title representing completion of a four year university-level program beyond the Baccaulaureat. Records should include original copies of examination records and statements of conferral of degrees in French issued by the institution and accompanied by a certified English translation. Universities in francophone countries in Africa may issue records in another official language; these are equally acceptable. As applicable, examination records should show individual subjects, notes, coefficients, mentions, yearly averages and rank.

Germany

Records from German institutions should include official copies of examination records (Vorprüfung, Hauptprüfung, Staatsexamen, etc.), seminar certificates (Scheine), Study Book (Studienbuch), and degree certificates in the original German language along with certified, complete, exact English translations of such submitted papers. Holders of a Vordiplom, Zwischenprüfung, or diploma from a Fachhochschule or a Berufsakademie are typically not accepted.

Latin America and Spain

Applicants are expected to have completed all degree requirements, including the thesis or professional examination, prior to the beginning of the term for which they are applying. The degree certificate submitted with the transcript must be in Spanish and include the degree title as well as the date of formal conferral.

Taiwan

Taiwanese records must show numerical grades, not letter grades.

WCW Question:

What is the breakdown in diversity according to geographic region?

Anderson Answer:

The following percentages are based on the Class of 2006:

• Africa - 1%
  
• Asia - 13%
  
• Eastern and Central Europe and Central Asia - 7.5%
  
• Latin America and the Caribbean - 2%
  
• Middle East - 1.5%
  
• North America - 73.5%
  
• Oceania - 1%
  
• Western Europe - 2.4%
  

WCW Question:

What is the male/ female ratio?

Anderson Answer:

The following percentages are based on the Classes of 2005 and 2006:

UCLA Anderson School of Management MBA Program has a ratio of 33% female and 67% male in the MBA program.

WCW Question:

How many years of professional experience does the school prefer applicants to have?

Anderson Answer:

The following percentages are based on the Class of 2006:

UCLA Anderson School of Management students have 56 months of professional experience on average. Some 99% of students have post-baccalaureate professional experience and 95% have more than two years of experience.

Through its Early Career Initiatives Program, UCLA Anderson offers admission to a minute number of outstanding college seniors and early career professionals (with less than 2 years of experience).

WCW Question:

How would the administration describe the strengths of the school? What makes the programme unique when compared with other programmes?

Anderson Answer:

Award-winning faculty renowned for their research and teaching, rigorous academic programs, successful alumni and world-class facilities combine to provide a practical and supportive learning environment. UCLA Anderson students are part of a culture that values individual vision, intellectual discipline and a sense of teamwork and collegiality.

The MBA program is a two-year curriculum designed for highly motivated, exceptional students. The rigorous structure of the program ensures that each student acquires leadership-level knowledge of all key management disciplines. Using a student-centered approach, UCLA Anderson School's MBA learning model emphasizes the fundamentals of business, analytical problem-solving skills, a global perspective and teamwork.

Located in the heart of southern California's vibrant economy, UCLA Anderson School is at the leading edge of business activity in the world today as measured by such indicators as new business starts, venture capital availability, technological innovation and new product introduction. All are local influences that impact the day-to-day academic and practical experiences of UCLA Anderson's faculty and students.

Market globalization, technological advancements, greater access to capital and increased diversity have fundamentally altered how organizations sustain themselves and compete in the marketplace. UCLA Anderson faculty are focused on understanding these transformations and are incorporating into the curriculum their cutting-edge research, which provides students with the management know-how and best practices they'll need to help enterprises of all sizes solve increasingly complex business problems.

UCLA Anderson graduates leave with the expertise and intellect to lead organizations and create value for stakeholders of their enterprises. They are leaders who are smart enough to identify new opportunities and agile enough to adapt quickly to ever-changing market and economic conditions. The enduring value of a UCLA Anderson management education is evidenced by our MBA graduates' successful climb up the corporate ladder.

WCW Question:

How would the current students describe the school and the programme? Are they content with the career services department?

Anderson Answer:

Below are comments available from the most recent BusinessWeek Best B-Schools report online (as of Oct. 18, 2004) at the following URL:
http://www.businessweek.com/@@QdMDP4UQbrY3Gg0A/bschools/04/full_time_profiles/ucla4.htm

Also, the BusinessWeek Best B-Schools survey reports high satisfaction among recent graduates regarding UCLA Anderson's career services. The students gave Career Services the letter grade 'A.'

Comments:


The curriculum can be quite challenging and rewarding. There are excellent opportunities for academic growth. It is relatively easy to change career focus, if one is so inclined, and the faculty is generally quite supportive. The strong academics accompany a vibrant and active social scene at the school.--Finance

I was born and grew up in Taiwan, and I know the MBA education enhanced my international perspective as well as my professionalism. Anderson school has a great faculty and serves as a wonderful, practical business environment. I'll definitely urge people I know to enroll in the program.--Consulting

The breadth and depth of the education was tremendous. I entered school at age 30 and had modest expectations. After two years, I feel truly enriched and would encourage anyone that has a passion for business to enroll. The school offers an impressive variety of courses in several disciplines and is well suited for both entrepreneurs seeking to get a broad business base and those that would like to specialize.--Entrepreneurship

The faculty and staff were overwhelmingly responsive to concerns of the students. Courses were added to accommodate the interests of the students to ensure that we could get everything we desired out of the program. The people at Anderson, both students and faculty, were instrumental in making the program what it is. My only regret is that I did not have enough time to take advantage of everything that the program had to offer.--Consulting

I worked on building an international startup company. The company recruited and certified nurses in India and then placed these nurses in U.S. hospitals. This experience enhanced my personal entrepreneurial skills because I realized how easy it is to make something happen, even internationally. Also, I loved working with my team, which brought together a group with a diverse range of experiences. It was fun to brainstorm new and fresh ideas, prioritize those ideas, and then make some ideas come to life.--Marketing

When students arrive at Anderson, they encounter a true community. There is a sincere atmosphere of teamwork, wherein each colleague is willing to help others. Everyone works hard and plays hard. Anderson students take their coursework seriously, but also take time out to enjoy the two-year program and gain new experiences. An MBA program is what you make of it -- and Anderson does not disappoint.--Finance

The field study program exposed me to an industry in which I had no previous experience. I was able to expand my consulting skills and hone my other skills before returning to the workforce full-time. It gave me an opportunity to identify potential business solutions for a small, growing business.--Finance

WCW Question:

Who are the major recruiters on campus?

Anderson Answer:


During the 2003-2004 academic year, we had a 33% increase in on-campus recruiters and a 46% increase in interviews. UCLA Anderson School of Management attracts a variety of recruiters, including a large number of investment banks and consulting firms. Following is a list of recruiters who hired the most graduates of the class of 2004:

• Lehman Brothers
  
• Citigroup
  
• Amgen
  
• Mattel
  
• Countrywide Financial Corp.
  
• Deloitte Consulting
  
• McKinsey & Co.
  
• NBC - Universal
  
• Toyota Financial Services
  
• Bain & Co
  
• General Mills
  
• Houlihan Lokey
  
• JPMorgan Chase
  

WCW Question:

What guidelines should candidates adhere to for the essays? 'Do's & Don'ts'

Anderson Answer:

The essays are an important part of the overall admissions process, which is one of the most self-reflective processes an individual will ever experience. The essays help us assess whether an individual is ready for the challenge of a UCLA Anderson MBA. We look for applicants to share with us what they have accomplished in their careers, personal and family lives, along with the impact they've made within these realms. We're also interested in finding out how potential students plan to contribute to enrich their experience - and those of their classmates - here at UCLA Anderson School of Management. We are particularly interested in understanding a candidate's leadership capacity. The essays should also exhibit enthusiasm and demonstrate a candidate's initiative, leadership and ability to take action.

WCW Question:

How important is it to stay within the designated word limit?

Anderson Answer:

In general, applicants should adhere to word-length requirements. The emphasis is on quality and not on quantity. More is not necessarily better - or worse. Applicants need to consider their thoughts carefully and present them as clearly and concisely as possible.

WCW Question:

What role do the 'Letters of Recommendation' play?

Anderson Answer:


What UCLA Anderson School of Management looks for in a recommendation is insight about a prospective student's skills in the workplace, including their leadership ability. We seek to understand the role an individual had within their organization and working on various projects. The most ideal source of a recommendation is someone who knows an applicant's work well, preferably from a supervisory perspective. Another consideration for a source for recommendations is a client or a manager from another department who knows an applicant's abilities.

Individuals who have been out of school for less than two years may include an academic recommendation in place of a professional one.

WCW Question:

What is the function of an interview at your school, and what role does it play in the admissions process?

Anderson Answer:

Although interviews are not required, many applicants find that an interview provides them with an opportunity to personalize their individual cases beyond what has been articulated in the application. Because we may not be able to accommodate everyone who requests an interview, we encourage you to contact the Admissions Office for an interview appointment as early as possible. Only one interview is conducted for each applicant. Interviews with a UCLA Anderson staff member or current student are available at UCLA Anderson and in selected cities.

If you intend to interview either at UCLA Anderson or in conjunction with an off-campus informational event, the interview must be scheduled and the date recorded on your application at the time you submit it. Interviews can be offered only to candidates applying for Fall 2005. If you are still deciding whether or not to apply, do not sign up for an interview. You are encouraged instead to attend a small group information session, contact our Student Admissions Service (SAS), or visit a class.

Interviews at UCLA Anderson are available from August through March 7. Campus interview times are allocated up to three months in advance. To make an appointment, visit our Interview Scheduler and select UCLA Anderson as your location of choice. You should schedule the interview time you prefer at least three to five weeks in advance. Unfortunately, due to staffing limitations, we are unable to respond to fax, phone, or e-mail requests for on-campus interviews.

We have experienced an increased demand for interviews this year. You may experience limited or no interview options available. In these cases, we suggest to visit the site once a week as new interviews are posted as they become available.

In conjunction with informational events during the fall and winter months, the Admissions Office establishes an interview schedule that coincides with Graduate Management Admission Council MBA Forums, World MBA Tours, Ten School Consortium Events, and Anderson Information Evenings in selected cities. Once you follow the link to the Interview Scheduler, click on "search for open interviews," then select the city in which you would like to interview.

Alumni interviews are offered in regions and countries where alumni volunteers are available to meet with applicants. Alumni interviews are an optional component of the admissions process and are granted by invitation only for all rounds by the Admissions Committee. Please note that an invitation to interview may not be extended to you due to limited resources. If you are selected, you will be notified by the Admissions Committee via e-mail.

WCW Question:

Are there unofficial/ official quotas allocated by country or region?

Anderson Answer:

No.

WCW Question:

Does your school have 'rolling' admissions or admissions 'rounds'? When is the best period for a candidate to apply? Are candidates penalized for applying in the last round?

Anderson Answer:

We do have rolling admissions. Yet, we still have four admissions rounds, whose deadline dates for the coming admissions year (Class of 2007, which enters Sept. 2005) are as follows:

Decision Schedule

Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early. We begin accepting applications on September 1, 2004.

(a) Complete application must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time or postmarked (not faxed) by these dates.


(b) Please refer to our Interviews page for specific information on scheduling interviews.


(c) All decisions will be sent by e-mail, so please make sure your e-mail address is accurate. Decisions will not be communicated by phone or fax.


(d) International students are strongly encouraged to apply by this date to ensure expedited visa processing.


(e) Priority deadline for fellowship consideration.