Overview
As an admission committee, our goal is to select students who will achieve academic and professional success through the Leeds MBA program. We aim to select the most talented and diverse candidates through a holistic review of the application materials. Admission decisions are made by balancing quantitative and qualitative strengths such as undergraduate GPA, test scores, professional experience, and unique potential to contribute in the classroom and MBA community. We focus on admitting students who will thrive at Leeds and add value to the MBA program.
Class of 2013 Profile
International Applicants
International students are those who already have, or will be applying for, a temporary U.S. visa (most commonly the F-1 and J-1 visas). If you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, asylee, or refugee—or if you have submitted the Form I-485 to the Department of Homeland Security in application for permanent residency status and have received a receipt for the form—you are considered a domestic applicant.
Evening MBA Applicants
Applicants to the Evening MBA program should visit the Evening MBA Admissions page for admissions requirements.
Previous Applicants
Applicants who have previously applied to the Full-time or Evening MBA program will need to submit a new application for admission. The new application will include updated personal and educational information, additional recommendations, and responses to the new essay questions. Additionally, you should provide a personal statement in the Additional Information section outlining how you have improved your candidacy for the program this year. Previous application materials such as official copies of transcripts, GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS scores, etc. are kept on file in the MBA Programs Office for two years. You will be required to pay an additional application fee when you submit your completed application.
Transfer Applicants
The Leeds MBA program does not accept any transfer credits. Candidates who are currently enrolled in another MBA program may apply but must complete the Leeds MBA in its entirety to earn an MBA degree from the University of Colorado Boulder. The University of Colorado Boulder does not issue duplicate degrees; therefore, applicants who have already earned an MBA from another institution are not eligible for admission.
International
The Leeds School welcomes applications from international candidates. The cultural diversity and perspectives that international students bring to the program enriches the experience for all of our MBA students. We will evaluate candidates from outside the US using the same criteria used for domestic applicants. However, some additional information is required to complete the application for international candidates.
International Student Admissions Criteria
Required Credentials and Grade Standards
A four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent is required for admission into the graduate programs at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Admission standards are competitive and students are expected to have excellent academic records. Download the Prescreening Guide for International Graduate Applicants for detailed information regarding credential and grade standards required for graduate admission. This chart is for the purpose of prescreening only. Meeting the minimum credential and grade requirements does not guarantee admission.
Transcripts
Official certified transcripts of your previous academic records are expected. All records should be submitted in the native language, and credentials written in languages other than English must be accompanied by a literal, certified English translation. Diplomas or certificates of government or university examinations must show the subjects passed and grades/marks received. Submit transcripts to:
MBA Programs Office
Leeds School of Business
University of Colorado at Boulder
995 Regent Drive UCB 419
Boulder, CO 80309-0419
Phone: +1.303.492.8397
Financial Statement
International applicants are required to submit a financial statement. This document assures the University of Colorado at Boulder that sufficient funds are available to the student to finance his or her two year stay at the Leeds School of Business. The financial statement must be notarized and signed by a bank official, sponsoring company, or an individual with supporting documentation (such as bank statements from the previous three months). This statement must be submitted with your MBA application and is available in the online application.
English Language Proficiency
The Leeds MBA program is rigorous both quantitatively and qualitatively and an excellent command of written and spoken English is essential. Applicants who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree in the United States or whose native language is not English must submit satisfactory test scores for evaluation. Applicants should request that the scores be reported directly to the University of Colorado Boulder MBA program.
We will accept the following tests of language sufficiency:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) The MBA Program requires a minimum score of 250 on the computer-based test (CBT), or 80 on the internet-based test (IBT).
- IELTS (International English Language Test) The MBA program requires a minimum score of 6 on the IELT.
- Pearson Test of English Academic. The MBA program requires a minimum score of 55 on the PTE Academic.
Citizens of the following countries are exempt from the language requirement:
- Australia
- Belize (formerly British Honduras)
- Botswana
- Canada (residents of Quebec must submit scores unless they earned a degree from McGill University)
- The Commonwealth Caribbean
- Ghana
- Great Britain
- India
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Rhodesia (formerly Zimbabwe)
- Scotland
- Singapore
- South Africa
Pre-Enrollment Preparation Program
Participation, leadership, and teamwork are all central components of American MBA programs. Students are expected to participate actively, communicate clearly, and work effectively in teams. Many professors and students in MBA programs across the U.S. agree that, although international students bring an incredible wealth of knowledge to their programs, they are often overshadowed by their American counterparts. Our one week long Program for International Participants (PIP) helps to bridge this gap between knowledge and effective participation and contribution in MBA programs.
For students who need additional English language preparation, we also recommend the English Language Intensive Program (ELIP) which provides business-focused sessions in conversation, writing and presentation skills.
Download Pre-Enrollment Program Descriptions
Deadlines
We strongly encourage international candidates to submit applications in the first or second rounds of the admission cycle. The deadlines are November 15 or January 15. This allows enough time for the issuance of a student visa.
Application Fee
The Full-time MBA application fee is $70 US. Application fees may be paid by credit card, check or money order. Checks should be made payable to the University of Colorado and must be drawn on an American bank. Submit your payment with your application as applications will not be reviewed without payment of the application fee. Include your full name and date of birth on your check or money order to ensure the payment is credited to your application. Do not send cash. Application fees are not refundable and will not be waived.
Fellowships
Fellowships are available to selected international candidates. International candidates may for fellowships as part of the online application. International applicants who are seeking fellowships should apply in the first or second rounds of the admissions cycle for best consideration as fellowship awards are limited and are generally granted to competitive applicants who apply early.
Financial Aid
Need-based financial aid is available for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens.
Eligible non-citizens may be:
- U.S. permanent residents with an I-551
- Conditional permanent residents with an I-551C
- Noncitizens with an I-94 showing "Asylum Granted," "Refugee," "Indefinite Parole," "Humanitarian Parole,"or "Cuban-Haitian Entrant"
Visit EduPass for general information about financial aid for international students studying in the U.S.
The Rowe Fund is the student loan program of the Organization of American States. It awards interest-free loans to qualified persons from Latin American and Caribbean countries to help finance graduate, postgraduate, and the final two years of undergraduate studies at accredited universities within the United States.
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.
Admissions Criteria
Academic Competitiveness
Applicants must have completed the equivalent of a four-year U.S. baccalaureate degree at a regionally 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 program equivalent to a traditional campus-based undergraduate experience. Although some on-line course work can be a part of the applicant's record, we prefer 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) and GRE General Test (GRE)
The GMAT and GRE are other indicators of academic competitiveness and a help in assessing applicant qualifications for graduate business study. GMAT and GRE scores are valid for five years. For Fall 2012 admission, applicants should submit scores from tests taken since June 2007. GMAT or GRE scores are required for admission consideration.
Academic Background
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 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.
Deadlines
Applications for the Leeds MBA programs at the University of Colorado at Boulder are accepted for the fall semester only. The Leeds School of Business MBA program divides the admission cycle into three rounds of applications. This breaks the process into smaller pools of applicants allowing you to stand out more in the committee's evaluation.
We encourage all candidates to apply early for best consideration. Marginal candidates may be deferred to a later admission round giving them an increased chance of acceptance. Candidates who are denied admission in an early round may not reapply in a subsequent round.
International Applicants should apply in the first or second round of the admission cycle for best consideration to allow sufficient time for issuance of a student visa.
Admission Deadlines
- First Round: November 15, 2011
- Second Round: January 15, 2012
- Third Round: April 1, 2012
Admission Decisions
The Admissions Committee will make every effort to release admissions decisions by the dates indicated.
- First Round: February 15, 2012
- Second Round: April 15, 2012
- Third Round: June 15, 2012
Apply
Before submitting your application, review the application instructions and checklist to be sure your application is accurate and complete. Missing information or credentials will delay the processing of your application.
Apply Now
Instructions
Applicants should complete the Leeds MBA online application. Items sent by mail (transcripts, Creativity Challenge submissions, recommendations) should be marked (when possible) with your full legal name and date of birth for identification purposes. Send items to the following address:
-
MBA Programs Office
Leeds School of Business
University of Colorado at Boulder
995 Regent Drive UCB 419
Boulder, CO 80309-0419
- Phone: 303.492.8397
We will send you important communications regarding your application status by mail and by email. It is critical to keep your mailing address and email address current. Update the MBA Programs office immediately if your contact information changes.
Carefully review the following instructions to ensure your application will be complete when submitted. Missing information or credentials will delay the processing of your application and may affect your chances of admission.
Requirements for a Completed Application
- Completed and submitted Leeds MBA online application.
- Non-refundable $70 (U.S.) application fee. Application fees may be paid by credit card, check or money order. Checks should be made payable to the University of Colorado and must be drawn on an American bank. Submit your payment with your application as applications will not be reviewed without payment of the application fee. Include your full name and date of birth on your check or money order to ensure the payment is credited to your application. Do not send cash. Application fees are not refundable and will not be waived.
- Official Transcripts. Request that two official transcripts from each collegiate institution you have attended (except for any campus of the University of Colorado) be sent directly from the issuing institution to the MBA Programs Office. This includes transcripts from junior college, lower division undergraduate courses, transfer units from abroad, graduate work, and extension work. Be sure to request transcripts from all institutions, regardless of the length of attendance, whether or not courses were completed, and whether or not you believe the record will affect your admission. Certified English translations must accompany transcripts that are not in English.
GMAT or GRE Test Scores. The Leeds School of Business requires all applicants to take the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or the General Test (GRE). The Leeds MBA program does not accept LSAT scores in lieu of the GMAT. GMAT and GRE scores are only valid for 5 years. For fall 2012 enrollment, the admissions committee will accept official GMAT or GRE scores taken after June 2007 If you have taken the GMAT or GRE test more than one time, your highest test score will be used in the admissions evaluation.
The GMAT code for the University of Colorado Boulder MBA program is IIS-Z2-95. The GRE code for the University of Colorado Boulder is 4841.
- Letters of Recommendation. You are required to submit two letters of recommendation. Each recommender should know you in a professional environment. Recommenders may be notified of your request for a recommendation by email through the online application. Recommendations may be submitted online or in paper. Paper recommendations should be printed on company letterhead, and should include a completed recommendation form. Additionally, hard copy letters should be signed across the envelope flap by the recommender.
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.
- Essays. Candidates must submit responses to three required essays with the online application. The Creativity Challenge is optional.
Required Essay (max. 1,000 words)
- Discuss your career progression to date. Why do you want to pursue an MBA at this point in your career, and how will this degree help you to achieve your career goals? In addition, specifically discuss how the Leeds School of Business MBA program fits with your education interests and career goals.
Short Essay Responses (max. 500 words each)
- At times it is our personal failures that result in key learning opportunities that will eventually lead us toward professional successes. Discuss a significant nonacademic failure or disappointment that you experienced and how it has impacted your career progression. How did you handle the situation, and what have you learned from it?
- What accomplishments/characteristics are you most proud of as an individual and a professional? How would you apply these traits and experiences in the MBA program and how would they influence your contributions to the Leeds community?
Creativity Challenge (Optional)
Creativity is one of the many factors in the admission process that helps us to select the brightest, most talented and diverse candidates each year. We invite you to submit a creativity challenge as a supplement to your MBA application. If this sample of your creativity is other than a written work, please also include a description of your submission and its relevance to your MBA application. (maximum 250 words)
Past submissions have included (but should in no way be limited to) the following:
- physical object (such as a design or a piece of art)
- business plan
- marketing campaign
- photo (or series of photos) that depict your creativity
- essay that describes you at your most creative
Please note that your submission becomes the property of the Leeds School of Business and cannot be returned for any reason. Do not submit anything perishable (e.g. food or drinks) or that has been worn (e.g. clothing).
Additional Information (Optional)
Provide any additional information or insights into your application that you feel would be useful to the admission committee in evaluating your candidacy.
Checklist
Application Checklist
Checklist
Carefully review the application checklist below to ensure that your application will be complete once you submit it. Missing information or credentials delay the processing of your application and may affect your chances of admission.
- Completed MBA application submitted online
The completed application will include:
- Completed applicant data forms
- Responses to three essay questions as detailed in the online application
- A professional resume
- In-state tuition classification form (Colorado residents only—in the online application)
- Financial statement (international candidates only—in the online application)
- A $70 (US) non-refundable application fee
- Two official copies of transcripts from each college or university you attended
- Official GMAT or GRE scores. The GMAT code for the Leeds School of Business is IIS-Z2-95. The GRE code for the University of Colorado Boulder is 4841.
- Two professional references
- Official TOEFL scores (for International Applicants). The TOEFL code for the Leeds School of Business is 4841.
Interviews
Interviews are required for admission. After an initial evaluation is complete, selected candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview. An on-campus interview is preferred, but we will 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.
Status
Candidates should continue to check their application status and submit any missing credentials or information to the MBA Programs office immediately. Once you have submitted your application, the admission evaluation will begin. Selected candidates will be notified to schedule an admissions interview.
Application Status Check
You can check the status of your application and receive your admission decision online by logging into your online application using your PIN and password. Missing materials should be submitted as quickly as possible to avoid delays in the processing of the application.
If you have questions about your application status, you may also call 303.492.8397 or email the MBA Programs office. Please identify yourself with your full, legal name and date of birth in your email.
Admission Decisions
Decisions are generally made within eight weeks from the time a completed application is submitted and not later than twelve weeks after the deadline for the admission round in which the candidate is applying.
The MBA Program Office will only release information on the status of the application to the applicant. The Leeds School of Business policy, based on federal and state guidelines, is to hold in confidence all information that the candidate provides in the application materials. Applicants who would like anyone else to have access to application information should notify the MBA Programs office in writing of the individual's information (name, address and email address) and the preferred method of communication (email or postal mail).
Keep Your Mailing Address Current
We send you important information by mail regarding admission, registration, and orientation, as well as other information. If your address changes after you’ve submitted your application, notify the MBA Programs office immediately at 303.492.8397 or by email. Include your full legal name and birth date in your email for identification purposes.
Keep Your Email Address Current
List a valid and active email address on your application. Keep your email updated at all times. If your email address changes or is no longer valid, notify the MBA Programs office by email. Include your full legal name and birth date in your email for identification purposes.
Confirm or Defer
Confirming Enrollment
Congratulations on your admission to the Leeds MBA program! If you plan to enroll in the fall semester, you must confirm your intent to enroll in the MBA program by submitting the non-refundable enrollment deposit online. Follow the instructions in your admission letter to submit your enrollment deposit. The confirmation deadline varies based on the date you were offered admission and is listed in your admission letter.
Deferring Enrollment
The Leeds School of Business does not typically allow candidates admitted to the MBA Program to defer enrollment. However, admitted candidates with special circumstances may request consideration for deferral by sending a written request by mail or email to the MBA Programs office. Candidates who submitted an application to the MBA program within the past year, but did not enroll or defer before the admission confirmation deadline, must reapply. Please review the reapplication instructions to reactivate your application.
Video
Liz DiLorenzo, a MBA student focusing on real estate, shares her fondest memories of classes, extracurricular activities and the Leeds community.
News
Marketwire
July 13, 2011
In nearly two months, 100 additional business schools, including the Leeds School of Business, have joined the more than 500 already accepting the GRE® General Test for MBA admissions.
Past Events
Event
April 3, 2012
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Koelbel S233
Full-time MBA and Evening MBA admissions presentation.
Registration begins December 19 2011 at 6pm and ends on April 3, 2012 at 2pm.
Event
March 22, 2012
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Koelbel S233
Full-time MBA and Evening MBA admissions presentation.
Registration begins December 19, 2011 at 6pm and ends on March 22, 2012 at 2pm.
Event
February 21, 2012
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Koelbel S233
Full-time MBA and Evening MBA admissions presentation.
Registration begins December 19, 2011 at 6pm and ends on February 21, 2012 at 2pm.
Event
February 7, 2012
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
College Hill Public Library
3705 West 112th Ave.
Westminster, CO
80031-2140
Full-time MBA and Evening MBA admissions presentation.
Registration begins December 19, 2011 at 6pm and ends on February 7, 2012 at 2pm.
Event
January 17, 2012
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Koelbel S233
Full-time MBA and Evening MBA admissions presentation.
Registration begins December 19, 2011 at 6pm and ends on January 17, 2012 at 2pm.
Publications
Publication
February 2011
Leeds MBA Program Brochure
Full Publication
