MBA Insider's Blog

2014 Waitlist Guidelines

Now that the Round 1 decision deadline has passed, we would like to provide an updated Waitlist Guideline for those of you waitlisted for the Class of 2016.  Please read on for details, and let us know if you have any questions.

• Your name will remain on the waitlist until a final decision is made on your application or you request your application be withdrawn.
• Waitlisted candidates (excluding those who withdraw) will be reconsidered for admission in subsequent rounds. 
• Specifically, Round 1 applicants will receive an update on your application status by the Round 2 decision deadline of April 2, 2014.  Some candidates may be offered the option of remaining on the waitlist for consideration in Round 3.
• Waitlisted candidates may send in updates to their application to [email protected].  This is completely optional.
• We ask that you use your personal judgment and discretion in submitting information that is relevant to your application.  Some examples include (but are not limited to): updated GMAT scores, promotions at work, and recent extracurricular accomplishments.
• We cannot give individual feedback to waitlisted applicants.
• Chances of being admitted off the waitlist are difficult to predict since the number of students admitted from the waitlist varies from year to year depending on the size/strength of the admit pool, number of admits who enroll, and other factors.

Before submitting additional information to the waitlist manager, remember:

• Every interaction we have with you moving forward can be a data point on your file,so make sure they are meaningful and value-added.
• Quality of information/communication is more important than quantity.

We appreciate your continued enthusiasm for UCLA Anderson!

Quick Round 1 decision release update

The MBA Admissions Office received a few inquiries asking what time remaining Round 1 decisions will be released, and I'm sure many others are wondering the same thing.  

You will be able to view your decision in ApplyYourself by the end of business day today (1/28).  Thank you for your patience!

January update from MBA Admissions

Happy New Year! (sorry it's a little belated).  We've been immersed in reading files since the Round 2 deadline, but I thought it would be good to resurface and provide an update on the application season thus far.

As you may know, our Round 1 decision release is in less than a week (January 28th) and we're in the process of finalizing decisions on applications from that round (aside from ones already notified in our December release).  We've completed all Round 1 interviews at this point.  You will see your decision in ApplyYourself on the 28th, and those who are admitted will receive a phone call that day as well.  I know the wait can be agonizing, but hang in there for just a few more days!

Round 2 interview invitations have been going out since the application deadline earlier this month and will continue to be sent over the next several weeks.  We plan to interview most candidates through the end of February, though some may spill over through mid-March.  If you're invited for an interview, don't forget to read our interview tips on our website and blog to help you prepare.

Now it's time to get back to those files.  Have a great weekend, and let us know if there's anything we can help with!

Meet the MBA Admissions Office Coordinators

If you've ever contacted our office, chances are you've been in touch with one of our admissions coordinators, Connie and Christina.   They’re the team working tirelessly to answer the thousands of emails, phone calls, and walk-in inquiries that come to our office each year.  In today’s post, you have the chance to meet this duo and learn their tips on making the most of your interactions with our office!

Our admissions coordinators, Connie and Christina

How long have you been with MBA Admissions and what are your main responsibilities?

Connie: I’ve been with the MBA admissions office for about 5 years.  My primary role is to help prospective students navigate the application process and learn more about our MBA program.  I'm also responsible for various special projects, such as assisting international admits with the visa process so they arrive on campus in a timely fashion. 

 Christina: It's been exactly a year since I joined the MBA Admissions office.  In addition to assisting applicants as Connie mentioned, I also coordinate various prospective and admitted student events in cities around the US and the world.  In addition, I manage the day-to-day operations for our office.

How often do you interact with prospective students?

Connie: All the time!  Depending on the time of year, we receive anywhere from a dozen up to a hundred email and telephone inquiries each day, and we try our best to answer everything within 48 hours of receipt.  We also get lots of foot traffic in the office, often from applicants visiting from other cities or countries,and we're happy to have a conversation to answer any questions in person. 

Christina: We really enjoy assisting prospective students with all manner of questions, from explaning application requirements to suggesting dining options on campus.  We're passionate about making sure you have the best possible application experience with us.

What do you enjoy most about UCLA Anderson? 

Christina: All the amazing speakers and events on campus, as well as the sense of community between students, faculty, and the administration.

Connie: I really enjoy listening to applicants’ stories and learning why they're pursuing an MBA.  Getting to know our applicants and students in the program - it's one of the highlights of the job.

What are some steps applicants can take before they contact the admissions office?

Christina: Explore our website, review our application requirements and be prepared with meaningful questions.  We address the most common questions in our FAQs so be sure to take a look at this section!

Connie: I recommend reaching out to students in clubs/organizations – they're a great resource and eager to share their experience at Anderson.  We also have a ton of events, on and off-campus as well as online, and I highly encourage applicants to take advantage of them.

What's your advice for prospective students?

Connie: There's a lot of information out there, and we understand the process can feel overwhelming.  Take it one step at a time, visit the schools on your short list if possible, and talk to as many current students and alumni as you can.

Christina: Do your research, and take the time you need to make your application the strongest it can be before you submit.  And don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!