Evening MBA FAQ

Q: How long will it take to complete the program?

A: The average student takes three to four years to complete the program.

Q: How many credits/classes can I take in one semester?

A: The normal credit load is 7.00 in a full term or 3.00 in a half term.  Evening MBA students who are in good academic standing may increase their limit to 9 credits in Fall or Winter term and up to 7 credits in Spring or Summer half terms according to the following guidelines:

• It cannot be your first term in the program;
• You must be in good academic standing for which we expect at least 80% of your credit hours at PS level or higher;
• The additional hours (above 7 in Fall/Winter or above 3 in Spring or Summer half terms) may NOT be added before specified dates.  We do this to allow some time after registration opens for all students to have an equal opportunity to register.

Q: What is the cost of tuition?

A: Tuition for the 2007-2008 school year is as follows: $1,430 for the first credit hour and $1,245 for additional credits. Tuition and Fees are subject to change by Regents of the University.

Q: Do you accept transfer credits?

A: No, we do not accept transfer credits.

Q: Do you offer classes outside of Ann Arbor?

A: Yes. The Ross School of Business maintains the Commerce Park satellite facility in Dearborn.  Students may take classes in either location depending upon course offerings and convenience.  (The Commerce Park building, although located in Dearborn, is not affiliated with the University of Michigan - Dearborn.)  Limited classes are offered at the Oakland County satellite facility in Southfield.

Q: Can I attend classes at any of these locations?

A: Yes. students can attend classes in any location.  Core courses are offered in Ann Arbor and Commerce Park each Fall and Winter term.  Classes available at the Southfield location vary by semester.

Q: Do I ever have to go to the Ann Arbor campus?

A: Electives are offered at all three locations, although the set of electives offered at each location varies from term to term. Students should expect to travel to the Ann Arbor campus for some of their electives if they want to take advantage of the full selection of courses. Also, students will want to use the more extensive facilities that the main campus has to offer, including Michigan's Ross School of Business' Kresge Library and the Office of Career Development.

Q: Is the Ross School of Business affiliated with the University of Michigan campuses in Dearborn and Flint?

A: No, these campuses, which also have business schools are completely separate.

Q: Do you have a required minimum GMAT and GPA?

A: Minimum required scores and/or grade point are not used in the admissions process. Students are, however, always compared to the current pool of applicants.

Q: What is the average GMAT?

A: For students entering September 2006 and January 2007:

• Average GMAT: 665
• Mid 80% range: 590-730

Q: How many days before the application deadline should I take the GMAT?

A: We recommend taking the GMAT test 30 days before the application deadline.  Thirty days would allow plenty of time for the official report to reach the Admissions Office by the application deadline.

Q: If I am scheduled to take the GMAT less than 30 days prior to the application deadline, will you accept a copy of the preliminary report?

A: If you are doubtful that the official GMAT score report will not arrive by the deadline date, Admissions will accept a copy of the preliminary score report.

Q: Is an interview required for admission?

A.  Yes, and interview is required for admission, and are by invitation only.  If the Admissions Committee invites you to interview, you will receive the invitation and scheduling information via e-mail.

The interview provides the Admissions Committee with more information about you.  It is not an indication of the outcome of your application.  Interviews are typically conducted by our trained admissions professionals or Alumni Admissions Committee members in your area.  Interviews may be conducted in person or by telephone.

Q: What if I cannot furnish my official transcripts by the application deadline?

A: The Office of Admissions can use unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes.  If admitted, your admission would be conditional upon receipt of your official transcripts.  These would need to be received by the Office of Admissions prior to the start of classes.

Q: Can I have my application fee waived?

A: The application fee is only waived if an applicant is a former member of Peace Corps or Teach for America within three years of applying, or a former member of the U.S. military who has been on active duty within three years of applying.  We do not waive application fees for any other reason.  Please email Fran Vasel to request an application fee waiver prior to submitting your application.

Q: Can I apply to both Evening and Full-time programs?

A: No. Students must chose between programs and may only apply to one program during any given cycle.

Q: Is it easier to be admitted into the Evening program than the Full-time program?

A. The Admissions Committee looks for the same qualifications for both programs.

Q: How does the Evening program compare to the Full-time program in terms of degree requirements?

A: Degree requirements are the same.  Due to students' work schedules, there are structural differences in the core program; Evening students do not participate in the MAP program.  As much as possible, course material and other content are similar between the two programs.

Q: Will we have the same Professors as the Full-time program?

A: Yes, the same professors teach both programs.

Q: Can I take an occasional day class?

A: Yes.  Evening students can take non-core day classes subject to space availability and their own schedules.

Q: Is the completion of a college-level calculus course a prerequisite to admission to the Evening program?

A: Ross has no prerequisite courses for admission to the MBA program.  However, due to the analytical rigor of the program, it is expected that students have a working knowledge of college-level mathematics, including basic calculus.  If you have not had this coursework, we recommend that you take a course that emphasizes business mathematics prior to beginning the program.

Q: What should I do if I need an early decision on my application?

A.  Unfortunately, requests for admissions decisions before our decision notification dates will not be granted.  Notification dates can be found at our Apply Now page.

Q: Can I reapply if I was not accepted previously?

A: Yes.  Reapplication procedures are streamlined if you reapply within two years.

Q: Can I take courses before the program begins?

A: Students are admitted to the Evening program for entrance in September or January each year.  It is not possible to take courses before being officially admitted into the program.

Q: Can I waive out of courses?

A: Students are eligible to waive out of core courses based on previous course work completed, work experience, or by taking placement exams offered in the Fall of each year.  Credit is not earned by waiving a course; the credit hours may be replaced with elective courses.

Q: Do you offer a joint degree program?

A: Yes, we offer dual degrees with the Engineering School and the School of Natural Resources and Environment.

Q: Do you have to be employed?

A: No, but full-time work experience is considered as part of the admission process and is generally assumed that students will be working full-time while in the program.

Q: What will my degree read?

A: Masters in Business Administration, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.  No distinction is made as to whether a student completed the program in the Full-time program or part-time Evening program.

Q: Do you offer an Executive MBA program?

A: Yes, the Ross School of Business offers an Executive MBA program targeted for high-potential executives with a minimum of ten years work experience.  In addition, Ross offers a number of non-degree workshops through an extensive Executive Education program geared toward executives with industry experience.

Q: Can I use the services provided by the Office of Career Development (OCD)?

A: Yes, all MBA students can attend recruiting presentations, OCD workshops, access iMpact, and use OCD handouts, seminar videotapes, mock interviews, career counseling, and other services.  Evening MBA students can participate in the on-campus interview process for full-time recruiting during the fall term prior to graduation.  However, Evening students cannot participate in on-campus interviews for internships since most evening students work full-time and do not have the flexibility to do a summer internship.

Q: What are your placement statistics?

A: Placement statistics are available on our website at www.bus.umich.edu/StudentCareerServices.  Click on the Employment Profile navigation button.

Q: How many weekend classes do you offer? Will there be more in the future?

A: Typically five weekend classes are offered each semester. Response has been very positive and we are still in the process of exploring alternative class times.

Q: Do Evening MBA Program Students participate in MAP?

A:  Yes.  Evening MBA Students may participate in MAP -- Multidisciplinary Action Program.  Evening MBA MAP is offered in the Fall term.

Q: Can Evening Students join clubs in Ann Arbor?

A:  Yes, Evening MBA Students may join student clubs and the latest list of clubs can be found online at http://www.bus.umich.edu/organizations/.

Q: How can I arrange for an evening tour of the Ross School of Business?

A: Prospective students are welcome to tour Ross during the regularly scheduled daytime visits.  In addition, evening tours of Ross can be arranged.  To learn more about visiting campus and taking a tour, visit  http://www.bus.umich.edu/Admissions/EveMba/Tours/.

Q:  Can I make an appointment to talk with someone in Admissions?

A.  Prospective Evening MBA students can schedule 15 minute counseling appointments with the staff where we can answer questions about the program.  These appointments can be scheduled through the admissions office front desk (734-763-5796).