Frequently Asked Questions
- Georgetown MBA Overview
- Admissions
- Applying/Admissions Requirements/Deadlines
- External Coursework
- Student Visas
- Essays
- Transcript/Academic Record
- Test Scores
- Interview
- Work Experience
- Admissions Process
- Application Review Process
- Financial Aid: Scholarships and Loans
Georgetown MBA Full-Time Program Overview
How would you describe the Georgetown MBA Program?
The Georgetown MBA Program is an academically rigorous, two-year, full-time general management program that focuses on developing global leaders with a strong sense of community. The curriculum combines traditional functional and elective courses with four residency experiences that are multidisciplinary in nature. Residencies are week long team-based sessions that immerse MBA students in simulated and real-world business environments to gain practical experience. During the spring semester of the second year, students begin work on the Global Residency, the capstone experience of the Georgetown MBA Full-Time Program. Throughout the semester, student consulting teams work together to solve a pressing business problem of a foreign organization or Fortune 500 company with operations overseas. At the end of the term, student teams travel abroad to their client’s facilities to finalize their project and present recommendations to senior leadership.
What is the history of your MBA Program?
The Georgetown MBA Program began in 1981 and is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). In the University tradition of creating a strong sense of community, the Georgetown MBA Program specifically focuses on the larger, global community. As part of a major international research university, our MBA Program embodies its founding Jesuit principles in the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff, our intellectual openness, and our international character.
Is Georgetown's Program accredited?
Georgetown University's MBA Program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Is the student body diverse?
The Georgetown MBA is centered on a commitment to diversity in all of its various dimensions - race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and personal and professional interests, as well as diversity of thought. The student body is diverse across all of these dimensions.
How do Georgetown MBA students take advantage of being in Washington, D.C.?
Washington is the literal point of convergence between politics and business. Georgetown University is located in the heart of the nation’s capital, and students have easy access to all that the city has to offer. Students can take advantage of museums, concerts, and shows as well as speakers and special events in and around Washington. The nation’s capital surrounds this historic university, and students are encouraged to take advantage of all this city has to offer.
Where is Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business located?
The MBA program is located in the new Rafik B. Hariri Building on the main campus.
Admissions
Applying/Admissions Requirements/Deadlines
What are the required admissions materials?
What is the application fee?
The application fee is $175 and is non refundable.
When are the application deadlines?
Application deadlines appear here.
Can I join the program in January?
The Georgetown MBA Full-Time Program offers fall admission only.
When must my application arrive on the deadline date?
The online application must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the deadline date. The loose-credential envelope must be postmarked no later than the deadline date. We will consider applications received after the deadline for the next admissions round.
Are there any dual-degree programs?
The Georgetown MBA program offers four dual degrees in partnership with the School of Foreign Service (MBA/MSFS), the Law Center (JD/MBA), the Graduate Public Policy Program (MBA/MPP), and the Medical School (MD/MBA).
How do I apply to a dual-degree program?
Applicants apply to each school separately and should follow the deadlines and application process for each program. Please note that admissions decisions for each program are made independently of one another.
I am a re-applicant. How will that affect my new application?
We welcome applicants with a passion for Georgetown and offer an abridged application process for re-applicants who applied in the previous year. We strongly encourage you to highlight the changes in your application since you last applied.
Can I take a class outside of Georgetown University and have it count toward my MBA credit requirements?
MBA students are eligible to take courses at other universities that are members of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area (www.consortium.org). All courses must be graduate level, must be related to and enhance the MBA curriculum, must not already be offered at Georgetown, and must be approved by the MBA Program. Students may take up to 12 credit hours outside of the MBA Program, six of which may be taken at consortium member schools.
Does Georgetown waive or remove requirements based upon prior study?
Waivers are not granted based on prior study. However, waivers may be granted through successful completion of an exam for the following core courses: Financial Accounting I and II, Management Accounting, Finance I and II, and Quantitative Methods I and II. Waiver exams are held during orientation and are administered by our Student Services Office.
Does Georgetown consider transfer credit?
Because the Georgetown MBA is a lock-step program we are unable to accept transfer credit. The core courses and Residency experiences are an integral part of the Georgetown MBA Program.
How do I secure a student visa for study in the United States?
Georgetown’s Office of International Programs assists candidates with the visa process after the individual is admitted to the program. (http://oip.georgetown.edu/isss/) Once an I-20 is issued, you will arrange for a U.S. visa interview with your nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate.
What should I do if I have a visa already?
If you have a visa, please contact our Office of International Programs for a specific answer, which is based on the type of visa you hold.
In my essays, how focused do my career goals need to be?
It is important to have clarity with regard to your career goals. This is important because corporate recruiting begins within two months of the start of the MBA Program. If you need to gain focus on your goals, you may want to consider Career Leader®. It is a tool that is available for purchase at www.mba.com.
How do I submit my transcript and diploma? Do they come from my university directly?
U.S. Institutions: Official transcripts of all academic coursework (including any transfer coursework) must be submitted in sealed envelopes signed by the appropriate university official. Transcripts from institutions at which you studied abroad need not be included provided that the study-abroad courses and grades are reflected on your undergraduate transcript. Ask the institution to send your official transcripts directly to you. Include your unopened transcript envelope(s) in the larger loose-credentials envelope.
What should I do if my institution issues only one academic document? Will you accept a copy?
If your institution issues only one original document, we will accept a copy that has been appropriately certified as a true copy by a university official. Upon matriculation, you will be required to bring your original documents to the MBA Admissions Office for verification.
If my transcripts or academic documents have to be translated, how should these be submitted?
Translation of Required Documentation: You are responsible for obtaining certified translations of all original documentation not in English. Your translator should certify that the original documentation was received in a sealed envelope from the school or the recommender; after translating, your translator should enclose both the original and certified translation in an envelope, seal it, and sign across the seal. Do not submit a translation only.
I have had a variety of academic work. Which transcripts should I submit?
You should submit official transcripts from each institution from which you received a degree. Transcripts are required for any additional coursework you have completed regardless of whether it was part of a degree-granting program.
Is a minimum GPA required for admission? What is Georgetown's average GPA for applicants?
There is no minimum GPA required for admission. The Admissions Committee reviews each applicant holistically and takes into account both quantitative and qualitative indicators. The GPA is evaluated within the context of the school and program in which it was earned. The average GPA for the Class of 2010 was 3.35. However, the mid-80 percent range was 2.94 to 3.73 and is a useful benchmark.
Is there a minimum GMAT score required for admission? What is the average GMAT score of applicants?
There is no minimum GMAT score required. The Admissions Committee reviews each applicant holistically and takes into account both quantitative and qualitative indicators. The average GMAT score for the Class of 2010 was 678. However, the mid-80 percent range was 640 to 730 and is a useful benchmark. Please note that you must submit an official copy of a GMAT taken within the past five years.
Is an English competency examination required?
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Pearson Test of English (PTE) is required of all non-U.S. applicants unless they have obtained a bachelor's degree or advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
Is there a minimum score for the TOEFL, IELTS, or Pearson Test of English?
Admissions Process
How long does it take to process my application?
You can submit your application at any time before the set deadline for your application round. However, your application will take approximately four weeks from the application deadline date to be processed.
How can I see the status of my application?
While you can check the status of your online application at any time, it is recommended that you check your status four weeks past your application deadline only. At that time, you will be notified as to whether your application is being reviewed or if you are missing any significant portions of your application.
Does the Georgetown MBA release decisions prior to the set notification dates?
The Georgetown MBA does not release decisions prior to the notification date. On the notification date, students can expect their decision to reach them no later than close of business that day.
If I am placed on the wait list, can I send in additional materials to help my application?
In the event that you are placed on the wait list, you will be notified about how and when to submit additional materials that you believe will strengthen your application.
How many people are on the wait list? Is the wait list ranked?
The Admissions Committee does not have a set number of applicants on the wait list at any given time, and the number of applicants on the wait list varies throughout the year. The wait list is not ranked.
Do you offer application feedback to candidates who have been wait listed or denied admission?
Unfortunately, owing to our high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individualized feedback. We suggest that you review your application with an objective eye, referencing the previous year’s class profile, to ascertain areas in which you might strengthen your application should you wish to re-apply.
Financial Aid: Scholarships and Loans
What is the cost of the Georgetown MBA Program?
What kind of financial aid does Georgetown offer?
MBA students are eligible for scholarships and loans. Scholarships are awarded and announced at the time of admission. Federal financial aid (in the form of loans) is available to all eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Students applying for federal financial aid work with the University’s Office of Financial Aid.
Are international students eligible for financial aid?
While international students are not eligible for federal loan money from the United States government, they are certainly eligible for scholarships through the MBA Program. Scholarships are awarded and announced at the time of admission. For further information and resources on available funding for international students, please review the Student Financial Services website section for international students at http://www.georgetown.edu/students/student-aid/internat.htm
Do my student loans cover my living expenses?
Yes, indirect expenses such as living expenses are considered part of your Georgetown University student budget. A student can borrow student loans up to the budget amount.
What kinds of scholarships does Georgetown offer?
Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit. Everyone who is offered admission to the program is considered for a scholarship award. No additional application materials are necessary. Priority consideration for scholarships is given to applicants applying in Round 1 and Round 2.
Does the Georgetown MBA offer graduate assistantship opportunities?
Yes, MBA students serve as graduate research and teaching assistants within the School of Business. These opportunities are posted at the beginning of the academic year, and stipends range from $1,100 to $2,200 per semester. Positions are announced and applications are considered during orientation at the start of the program.
