MBA Admission Criteria
Admission to the Leeds MBA program is competitive. The admission committee conducts a holistic review of your application in an effort to select the most qualified candidates for admission. Our decisions are based on a number of criteria including (but not limited to) the list below.
Academic Competitiveness
Applicants must have completed the equivalent of a four-year U.S. baccalaureate degree at an accredited institution. In addition to your cumulative grade point average, we also consider the rigor of your undergraduate major as well as the academic caliber of the institution awarding the degree. The admission committee does not consider an online-based baccalaureate degree equivalent to a traditional campus-based undergraduate experience. Although some on-line course work can be a part of the applicant's record, we expect at least two years of campus-based residential classes to be part of the applicant's curriculum.
Completed graduate-level courses or degrees are also considered a part of the cumulative educational background. Transcripts from any graduate course work should also be submitted for consideration.
Note: The University of Colorado at Boulder does not issue duplicate degrees; therefore, applicants who have already earned an MBA from a U.S. institution are not eligible for admission.
Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
The GMAT is another indicator of academic competitiveness and a help in assessing applicant qualifications for graduate business study. Information about the GMAT can be found at mba.com. Scores are valid for five years. For fall 2010 admission, applicants should submit scores from tests taken since June 2005. All applicants must submit GMAT scores as part of the application process.
Academic Background – Course Prerequisites
Enrolling candidates from different undergraduate disciplines is a valued part of creating a diverse classroom environment. Consequently, no specific undergraduate coursework is required for admission to the MBA program. Although there are no prerequisites for the program, applicants who possess quantitative/mathematical skills and have some familiarity with business terminology are typically more successful in the program. We encourage candidates to have completed calculus, college level statistics and/or college algebra; along with microeconomics and principles of accounting before beginning the MBA program.
Professional Work Experience
At least two years of full-time, post-graduate work experience is strongly recommended. Although some applicants without full-time work experience are admitted each year, candidates without work experience must present outstanding qualifications in all other categories of the application.
Professional work experience adds relevance and depth to the learning process and allows greater contribution to classroom discussions and project work. The admission committee considers the quality of your professional experience in addition to the length of your work history. Increasing levels of responsibility and career progression are important components of our evaluation. A clearly defined career direction that matches what a Leeds MBA can offer is also an important element in our evaluation. Applicants who do not have post-graduate work experience may apply but may be at a significant disadvantage in the admissions review.
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation from sources in a position to evaluate your professional experience. Recommendations must be from people who have supervised or managed your work. One of those should be your current supervisor; the other can be a former supervisor or another person in the organization who acts in a supervisory role. Applicants who are unable to provide such a letter should include a note of explanation.
Recommenders should be able to evaluate the applicant's potential to lead and manage others, personal qualities, interpersonal skills, and professional accomplishments in an organizational context. For this reason, the Leeds MBA program discourages academic references.
Interviews
Interviews are required for admission. After an initial application evaluation is completed, selected candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview. An on-campus interview is preferred, but we will also conduct phone interviews for applicants who cannot travel to Boulder. An interview is an excellent opportunity for you to present aspects of your candidacy beyond what can be submitted in writing. The interview also offers you a chance to ask questions and gain a greater understanding of the strengths of the Leeds School and the MBA program.