his post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.
APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:
TOP QUESTIONS FROM INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
As many of you are working on your application for Round 2 (January 8, 2020), we thought it would be helpful to share some of the common questions that we receive from international applicants. Below are some of the top FAQs that apply to international candidates:
Q1. Is the application for international applicants the same as the application for domestic applicants?
A1. Yes, we use the same application for both international and domestic applicants.
Q2. If I have dual citizenship (i.e., Italy and U.S.), am I considered an international applicant or a U.S. applicant?
A2. We use the primary citizenship listed on your application -- if you list your U.S. citizenship as your primary citizenship, you are considered a U.S. applicant. However, if you list your U.S. citizenship as your secondary citizenship, you are considered an international applicant.
Q3. What academic records do I need to submit with my application? What if they are not in English?
A3. In order to submit a completed application, you will need to upload a complete transcript and degree certificate or diploma in the native language of the country in which your degree was earned, as well as a certified translation in English. Please make sure that your degree certificate or diploma shows the exact degree received and date awarded. If invited to interview, you will be required to send us official hard-copy documents.
Q4. My undergraduate university does not use the 4.0 scale for my grades. Do I need to convert my grades?
A4. No, please do not convert your grades to a 4.0 scale. We will evaluate your transcripts using the grading scale used by your institution. It is helpful if the grading scale is visible on your transcripts or degree certificate/diploma.
Q5. If I earned a three-year undergraduate degree, am I still eligible to apply?
A5. Yes, you are still welcome to apply. We do admit students with 3-year degrees, but the rest of your application needs to be exceptionally strong to compete against other applicants with 4-year degrees. If you would like your academic records to equate to a 4-year degree, you would need to either complete a master's degree or other post-graduate degree/diploma.
Q6. Is the TOEFL or IELTS required for all international applicants?
A6. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required of all international applicants EXCEPT those from a select list of countries. For more information please refer to UCLA Graduate Division Office English Requirements.
Q7. Is the TOEFL preferred over the IELTS?
A7. No, both exams are accepted equally. It is up to you to decide which test you prefer.
Q8. If I completed my bachelors or masters degree in the United States, do I need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score?
A8. No, if you have a bachelors or masters degree from a university in the United States, you do not need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score. The same applies if your bachelors or masters degree is from a university located in another country in which English is both the primary spoken language of daily life and the medium of instruction (e.g., Australia, Barbados, Canada, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, United Kingdom).
Q9. How does the interview process work?
A9. Interviews are conducted on an invitation basis only after submitted applications are reviewed. Interviews last approximately 30 minutes and are intended to be an interactive conversation. We are interested in getting to know you as an individual and understanding how you'll fit into the next class. A large portion of our interviews are conducted by student ambassadors.
Q10. If invited to interview, do I have to interview on the UCLA Anderson campus?
A10. No. We offer two interview options: on-campus or online via Skype. If invited to interview, you will be able to choose which option is best for you. If you would like to visit campus to interview in person, you are welcome to, but we do not expect all applicants to do so. There is no difference or preference between interviews.
Q11. If I am visiting campus and have not received an interview invitation, can I request one?
A11. While we encourage applicants to visit a class or attend on-campus events, it is not possible to request a formal application interview if you have not received an invitation. Since our interviews are conducted on an invitation basis, we need to respect our process in order to be fair to all applicants.
Q12. If I need more time to submit my application, can I apply in Round 3 as an international student?
A12. Yes. While Round 3 is generally more competitive because fewer seats are usually available in the class, it is still a very viable round.
Q13. If I am admitted in Round 3, will I still have time to process my student visa?
A13. We regularly admit international students in Round 3 and they are able to process their student visa in time to start the program. However, since you will be working with the individual U.S. Embassy or Consulate that is most convenient for you, it ultimately depends on their processing time.
Q14. If I am admitted to the UCLA Anderson MBA Program, by when do I need to be in the Los Angeles area?
A14. International applicants admitted to the MBA Program must be in the Los Angeles area by mid-July.
---
Stay in Touch: Introduce Yourself
Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA: Twitter
Questions? Contact us at: [email protected]
Comments