MBA Frequently Asked Questions
How do I request an application?
The application is available online or in pdf format or you may also e-mail with your complete name and mailing address. You may also contact us in writing at Pamplin Office of Graduate and International Programs, 1044 Pamplin Hall (0209), Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061. If you would prefer to call in your request, you may contact our office at 540-231-6152 or fax a request to 540-231-4487.
How long does it take to process an application?
Applications are considered ready for decisioning when all required documents have been received and the admissions interview has been conducted. Completed applications are reviewed weekly. Candidates submitting applications on or before February 1 will be notified no later than March 15. Candidates who submit applications after February 1 are usually notified within two weeks of the completion of all required elements of the application. Official notification of admissions decisions comes by letter from the university Graduate School, usually a short time later.
What is the deadline for application consideration?
The application deadline for the full-time, on-campus program is July 1st for U.S. citizens and May 1st for international students. Our full-time program admits students only in the fall term. Applications received after February 1 are considered on a space-available basis.
What tests are required for your program and can these tests be waived?
The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admissions Test, is a prerequisite and can not be waived. Our accreditation requires a GMAT score submission and applicants will not be considered without submission. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are required of all international students whose first language is not English. A minimum paper-based score of 550 and computer-based score of 213 is necessary for consideration. If a student has received a college degree within the United States, the TOEFL score is not required. The GMAT code for the MBA Full Time program is 53B-XS-08.
What are some of the most important factors that are evaluated in an application?
We consider all the information in an application, but particularly important factors include undergraduate grade point average, major and strength of institution, performance on the GMAT, length and type of professional work experience, oral and written communication skills, references, and career goals. International applicants are expected to demonstrate English proficiency.
I was not pleased with my initial GMAT score and would like to retake the test and have it submitted to your office for consideration. What is the most efficient way to handle this?
If you feel that your GMAT score did not reflect your ability, you may retake the test and mail or fax in your scores for consideration. Send or fax your new score to the Enrollment Services Coordinator in the Pamplin Office of Graduate and International Programs at 540-231-4487.
What are the prerequisite courses for the MBA program?
All students admitted into our MBA program will be required to successfully complete MBA Math. MBA Math is a learning tool designed to cover accounting, economics, finance, Microsoft Excel and statistics, students receive details on registering and completing this program upon receipt of their seat deposit for the MBA program. Please note that MBA Math is an additional expense for our students of $90 and must be completed by July 15. In addition, you must be familiar with a computer operating system and office applications. If you are lacking a prerequisite, you may be able to take the courses via a community college in your area.
Can you tell me if I’ve been admitted into the program?
University policy prohibits the release of admission information in any format other than a letter from the Graduate School, which is sent via regular mail directly to the students. All departments make recommendations to the Graduate School regarding an applicant’s admission or denial. The Graduate School dean makes the final decision on all applicants and then notifies the students directly.
I am an international student. When was the I-20 mailed and where was it mailed?
All handling of immigration-related documents is done by the university Graduate School. You may contact the Graduate School directly at 540-231-8486 or email igss@vt.edu
How can I be considered for assistantships, fellowships and scholarships?
Once you are admitted into the program, your application is evaluated on a merit basis for various fellowships and assistantships. Notification of such awards usually follows shortly after receipt of the official admission notification from the Graduate School.
How many hours is the program and is research or a thesis involved?
Our program is non-thesis. Students must complete 50 credit hours. The first 25 credit hours (1st year, fall and spring semesters) are core courses. The second 25 credit hours (2nd year, fall and spring semester) depend on the selected area of concentration.