MBA FAQ

General Information

What is the focus of your MBA Program?

Founded in 1983, the Georgetown McDonough MBA provides a global management degree aligned with Georgetown’s Jesuit heritage. Students learn the core components of an MBA through the lens of principled leadership, a global mindset, and service to business and society. Through learning and practicing rigorous business fundamentals, students gain the skills needed to lead in for profits, nonprofits, governmental organizations, and entrepreneurial ventures after graduation.

Are your programs accredited?

Georgetown University’s Full-time and Flex MBA Programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Does the McDonough MBA have STEM designation?

The Full-time and Flex MBA programs at Georgetown McDonough now offer a STEM-designated management science major to ensure students are prepared to lead in an era of rapidly evolving business practices. By completing 12 STEM-designated electives before graduation, students are prepared for jobs within the technology sector, as well as technology-focused jobs within all other industries and sectors. The management science major also will offer eligible international students the opportunity to apply for a STEM OPT extension of their work authorization in the United States. 

Where is Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business located?

Both our Full-time and Flex MBA Programs are located on Georgetown University’s main campus in the picturesque Rafik B. Hariri Building, which houses all aspects of the business school under one roof. The 179,000-square-foot Hariri Building opened to students in 2009 and features 15 classrooms, 34 breakout rooms, 15 conference rooms, 11 interview rooms, a 400-seat auditorium, two large student lounges, and 120 faculty offices. Student space is replete with data ports, flat-screen monitors, and videoconferencing capabilities, allowing for global connectivity. Did we mention we’re located in the nation’s capital?

Is the student body diverse?

Diversity and inclusion are pivotal to the Georgetown MBA experience. The MBA Admissions team seeks to admit a class diverse in all dimensions — ethnicity, gender, ability, values and beliefs, sexual orientation, academics, personal interests and professional backgrounds, as well as diversity of thought.

How global is Georgetown’s MBA?

Global is in our DNA. We prepare students to be global ready. Students begin the Full-time and Flex MBA Programs with the Structure of Global Industries — a highly integrated course that introduces students to the issues and industries they will focus on during their Global Business Experience and sets the tone for the entire MBA curriculum. While most business schools offer some optional study abroad component, Georgetown pioneered the Global Business Experience — a required global consulting project where students partner with executives from multinational organizations to address complex business challenges. The project culminates with students traveling to present their solutions to executives in locations around the world. 4,500 students have participated in the GBE since 1995 visiting 26 cities, 17 countries, four continents, and completing over 750 projects.

How do Georgetown MBA students take advantage of being in Washington, D.C.?

Washington is the intersection between business, policy, and society, and the District of Columbia (D.C.) serves as an extension of the classroom. Students visit D.C.-based organizations, attend on-campus lectures from global leaders, and have access to many internships and jobs, ranging from local startups to international corporations to governmental and nonprofit groups.

In addition, the McDonough School of Business is home to 11 centers and initiatives conducting cutting-edge research on financial markets, business and public policy, real estate, consumer behavior, and many other areas. The centers and initiatives host events and create academic opportunities for students outside of the classroom, taking advantage of Georgetown’s Washington, D.C., location.

How does Georgetown incorporate service into its MBA programs?

At Georgetown, “men and women for others” and cura personalis – Latin for “education of the whole person” – describe the university’s educational philosophy. Service to others and community service are important components of the Full-time and Flex MBA Programs, embodied in parts of the curriculum and in co-curricular clubs and activities, from student involvement in the Month of Volunteerism to support of the Nonprofit Internship Fund to running a nationally recognized Net Impact Club.

How can I optimize my MBA ROI?

The ROI (return on investment) for your MBA will be a factor of the quality of the education you receive and how well it prepares you for a better – and better-paying – job upon graduation and throughout your earning years. At Georgetown McDonough, students transform their career potential through their studies, involvement in campus organizations, and by expanding their personal and professional network to include classmates and Georgetown University alumni around the world. The MBA Career Center also offers a variety of programs and services to help student maximize their ROI. Visit this GMAC Resource for more information about MBA ROI.

Can I begin the Full-time or Flex MBA Program in January?

The Georgetown Full-time and Flex MBA Programs offer fall admission only.

Application Process

What are the required admissions materials?

Please review our application instructions for a comprehensive list of the required application components.

What is the application fee?

The application fee is $175 and is non-refundable. See if you qualify for an application fee waiver or reduction.

When are the application deadlines?

Georgetown McDonough offers four application rounds, with deadlines in September, January, March, and April. Students are notified of the Admissions Committee’s decision in December, March, May, and June. View current application deadlines.

Are there minimum requirements for admission?

There are no minimum requirements to the general application process for the Full-time and Flex MBA Programs. The Admissions Committee reviews each applicant holistically and takes into account both quantitative and qualitative indicators. We do encourage you to review our class profiles to see how you compare to students who performed within our average and mid-80% range. International students are expected to submit additional application components and score above a certain threshold when taking English language proficiency exams.

Are interviews required for admission?

Yes, interviews are required for admission to the Full-time and Flex MBA Programs and are conducted by invitation only.

Do three-year undergraduate degrees meet admission requirements?

You are required to hold a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or an equivalent degree from a foreign country. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

How many years of work experience do most students have before beginning their MBA? Is work experience required?

Our MBA students typically work full-time for an average of five years before beginning their MBA program. We strongly recommend that candidates for admission have a minimum of two years of full-time, postgraduate work experience as we typically do not admit students directly from undergraduate programs.

Is there a field or type of work experience that is more favorable than others?

There is no one career track that ensures admission to our MBA programs. In fact, one of the strengths of the Georgetown MBA is the diversity of professional experiences that our students bring.

I have limited international work experience. Am I at a disadvantage when applying?

International experience is not a requirement for admission to our programs. Successful candidates will have a strong global perspective and/or international experience. In fact 73% of our incoming fall 2018 Full-time class and 71% of our Flex Program class had lived, worked, or studied abroad before entering the MBA program.

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 strongly encourage applicants who applied in the previous year to highlight the changes in your application. Email the Admissions Office at GeorgetownMBA@georgetown.edu with the subject “Application Reset Request” to reset your account.

Can I apply to both the Full-time and Flex MBA Programs?

Applicants may apply to both the Full-time and Flex MBA Programs. You will be asked to submit separate applications with separate email address for each program by 11:59 p.m. on the application deadline date.

Full-time Test Waiver Policy

Will it hurt my chance of admission if I do not take the test?

Your admissions strategy should be to maximize your probability of success. For many, the standardized test can increase your chances. If you didn’t do as well as you would have liked as an undergraduate or you weren’t required to take many rigorous quant classes, a standardized test can prove your quantitative skills to offset the weaker academic side of your application.

However, for some people, the test may not increase or add value to your probability of success. Some people don’t feel standardized testing accurately represents academic ability; so while you did extremely well in academics at a rigorous institution, the testing environment is not your strength. For others, you may work in a profession that requires rigorous and highly quantitative skills on a daily basis (i.e accounting or statistician among others) so the skills you’re using are more advanced than the test would prove. Finally, some of you have trudged through the rigorous CPA or CFA exams and passed. So, for that, we applaud you and you may not need to submit a test.

I do not meet the criteria you suggested on the website, should I submit a test?

Whether or not your application is competitive for admission is determined by the competitiveness of the other applicants. The profile of applicants’ competitiveness varies from round to round and year to year. If you have doubts about whether your application does not meet the suggested criteria listed, you should consider taking a test.

Who is most competitive for a test waiver? 

Applicants who meet several of the listed criteria will be most competitive for a waiver. However, the number of criteria you qualify for does not by itself determine that you will be granted a waiver.

My application is average or below average as compared to your class profile. Should I take the test?

If your application components are average or below average and you believe a standardized test could strengthen your application, then you may want to consider taking it.

Before I submit a waiver application, can you tell me if I would qualify?

We cannot pre-assess the likelihood of being approved for a test waiver. Instead, we offer the criteria we use for consideration. The test waiver application provides us the data and details to make a holistic review of your quantitative preparedness.

If I am granted a test waiver, does this mean I’m likely to be admitted?

A test waiver is not a guarantee of admission, just acknowledgement of your quantitative experience. While you are not required to submit the test, you certainly can choose to do so if you believe it will help your chance of admission.

How will I be evaluated for scholarships without a test score, and will it hurt my chances of receiving a scholarship to not submit a test?

Scholarships are used to build a competitive and diverse class. A standardized test score is one component of your application. A strong standardized test score can improve the likelihood of receiving a scholarship, but is not the only criteria. Scholarships are limited and competitive. So, it all depends on how your application compares to the rest of the applicant pool.

Do employers ask for a standardized test?

In some industries, like finance and consulting, some companies may look at your standardized test scores in the hiring and recruitment process as they seek the best talent. This is not always the case, but something you should further research and consider if you intend to go into those industries.

What could the admissions committee request if we feel we need additional proof of quant abilities?

We could ask you to submit a standardized test (GMAT, GRE, or EA) to demonstrate your quantitative ability. Furthermore, we reserve the right to request specific next steps to help demonstrate your quantitative ability. This could include showing successful completion (B or better) in a graded quantitative course (i.e. stats, calculus, accounting, or finance) or completion of a rigorous quantitative certificate program.

What would happen with my application if you ask for more proof of my quantitative abilities?

If we need additional proof, then you will need to submit the requirements we have asked for in order for your application to be considered complete.

Is the Full-time MBA test waiver a part of the application or separate?

For those applying to the Full-time MBA program, there is a separate application for a test waiver. Once you apply, you will be notified if you are awarded a waiver and then you may proceed with submitting your application.

If I have already taken the test, but I am not happy with my score, can I apply for a waiver?

If you have valid GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment scores, you are not eligible for a test waiver and you must submit those scores with your MBA application. Valid scores are no more than five years old from the time of submitting your MBA application.

What is the review timeline for the test waiver application?

The extended test waiver application deadline is Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Once you submit your Test Waiver Application, you can expect a 1-2 week turnaround for decisions. For applicants targeting Round 3, submitting your Test Waiver Application by March 15th will guarantee a decision in advance of the Round 3 application deadline of March 30th.

Can I apply for the MBA program in Round 1 with a test waiver application?

The earliest test waiver application notification date is October 10. Therefore, to be reviewed in Round 1, you must submit your Full-time MBA application with a standardized test by the Round 1 application deadline, September 28.

I am a Consortium applicant. Which round should I apply through The Consortium if I want to apply for a test waiver?

Consortium applicants who wish to apply in Round 1 must submit a test waiver application by October 9. You will be notified of your test waiver decision prior to The Consortium’s Round 1 application deadline, October 15. In addition, Consortium candidates can apply for The Consortium’s Round 2 application deadline.

I am a MAAP applicant. Am I eligible to apply for a standardized test waiver?

At this time, only those applying through the main application process with the required years of work experience are eligible to apply for a standardized test waiver.

What are considered rigorous quantitative classes?

It depends on the university and course description. Typically, intro to mathematics or personal finance courses are not considered rigorous enough. In most cases, intro to micro and macro economics are also not considered rigorous.

Is this test waiver in effect indefinitely?

We will be implementing this policy for the incoming Fall 2023 class and will evaluate this policy for the Fall 2024 class by June 2023.

Submitting Academic Documentation

How do I submit my official transcripts and degree certificate?

Unofficial copies of all academic coursework (including any undergraduate transfer coursework) should be uploaded directly into your online application upon applying. Should you be admitted, you will receive a conditional offer and will be required to mail all original/official copies of each application document (test scores, transcripts, degree certificates) to the Admissions Office. All academic coursework must be submitted in sealed envelopes signed by the appropriate university official.

What should I do if my institution issues only one academic document?

If your institution issues only one original document, upload a copy of this document into your online application. Upon admission to the program, inform us of your situation by emailing the Admissions Office at georgetownMBA@georgetown.edu. You will be required to bring these original documents to the MBA Admissions Office for verification before matriculating into the program.

If my transcripts or academic documents have to be translated, how should these be submitted?

If your original documents are not in English and require translation, you must upload both the certified translation as well as the original documentation to the online application. Once admitted and prior to matriculating into the program, translators are required send our MBA Admissions office both the original documentation and certified translation in a signed and sealed envelope. Your translator should certify that the original documentation was received in a sealed envelope from the institution. Do not submit a translation only.

I have had a variety of academic work. Which transcripts should I submit?

Transcripts are required for any coursework you have completed regardless of whether it was part of a degree-granting program. Official copies of transcripts will be required from applicants once they are admitted and prior to matriculating into the program.

After You Submit

How can I see the status of my application?

You will receive an automated email two to four weeks after the application deadline once your application has been processed. At this time, you may check the status of your application by logging onto your online application.

I applied through The Consortium – how do I check my decision?

To check your decision, log in to your Georgetown-specific application which was created for you upon applying to the program. The first time you access this application you will need to select the “Forgot your User Name or Password” link. Your user name is the same email address that you used to apply through The Consortium and you will be prompted to reset your password.

Do you release decisions prior to the set notification dates?

We do not release decisions prior to the notification date. On the decision release date, students can expect their decision to reach them no later than close of business (Eastern Time) that day.

How many applicants are on the waitlist? Is the waitlist ranked?

The Admissions Committee does not have a set number of applicants on the waitlist at any given time, and the number of applicants on the waitlist varies throughout the year. The waitlist is not ranked. We admit students from the waitlist through mid-summer.

Do you offer application feedback to candidates who have been waitlisted or denied admission?

Unfortunately, due 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.

External Coursework and Prior Study

While in the program, 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 universities that are members of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area with current AACSB accreditation. This includes: American University, The George Washington University, George Mason University, Howard University, and the University of Maryland College Park. 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 15 credit hours outside of the MBA Program.

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: Accounting Fundamentals, Corporate Financial Reporting, Financial Markets and Corporate Decision-Making, and Managerial Statistics. Waiver exams are held during orientation and are administered by the MBA Program Office.

Does Georgetown consider transfer credit?

Courses completed within the last seven years for a minimum “B” grade or equivalent, are considered. Courses applied toward a previous degree cannot be approved for transfer. A McDonough waiver exam must be passed for transfer credit to be approved for core courses. Requests will be reviewed for Flex MBA students after admission to McDonough is granted; full-time students’ requests will be reviewed after being admitted and submitting a deposit.

International Students

How do I secure a student visa for study in the United States?

Georgetown McDonough sponsors visas for students studying in our Full-time MBA program. The Office of Global Services (OGS) is your resource for all student visa issues and questions. They will help you navigate the I-20 process. Once an I-20 is issued, you must arrange a U.S. visa interview with your nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate.

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?

• TOEFL: The minimum required score is 250 (computer based), 600 (paper based), or 100 (Internet based).
• IELTS: We accept only academic module results; the minimum required score is 7.5.
• Pearson Test of English: The minimum required score is 68. Scores must not be more than two years old.

Does Georgetown McDonough admit students who are undocumented?

Georgetown McDonough welcomes and supports students of all backgrounds without regard to their immigration status. We welcome all interested individuals to apply and we do not require students to provide proof of citizenship.

How is Georgetown University supporting undocumented students?

Georgetown University is committed to supporting undocumented students and the unique challenges they may face. Georgetown recently appointed our first full-time associate director, Arelis Palacios, for undocumented student services. In addition, Georgetown has a working group of faculty, staff, and students who meet regularly to focus on supporting undocumented students. Georgetown has contracted with Catholic Charities Immigration Legal Services to offer free legal advice to students interested in renewing DACA. 

President DeGioia will continue to support and advocate for federal efforts in support of the DACA initiative, the Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy (BRIDGE) Act, and the DREAM Act, federal legislation that would lead to a permanent path to legal permanent residency for undocumented students. 

Georgetown created a website devoted to providing information about resources and guidance to undocumented students and prospective students.

Costs and Financial Aid

What is the cost of the Georgetown MBA Program?

Current costs for the Full-time and Flex MBA Programs can be found on our website. 

What kind of financial aid does Georgetown offer?

All MBA students are eligible for scholarships. Scholarships are awarded at the time of admission and are based on a holistic review process with the goal of admitting a competitive, diverse class. Federal financial aid (in the form of loans) is available to all eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents studying in the Full-time and Flex MBA Programs. The Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS) is your resource for all financial aid related questions.

As an international applicant, am I eligible for financial aid?

While international students are not eligible for federal loan money from the United States government, you are certainly eligible for scholarships through Georgetown McDonough. Additionally, we are pleased to present you with a list of external scholarships and private lenders who provide education loans specifically to international students.

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?

Full-time and Flex MBA scholarships are awarded based on a holistic review process with the goal of admitting a competitive, diverse class. Every applicant 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 who apply in Rounds One and Two.

Do you 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.

Student Life

How does the MBA Career Center support me during the MBA Program?

The MBA Career Center begins working with students even before they arrive on campus with summer webinars designed to prepare you for the internship search. Upon arrival, current students have access to industry aligned Career Coaches who offer career counseling and support. All students take a Job Search Course and can participate in on-campus interviews, employer information sessions, career treks, career fairs, and much more.

Do I have access to the MBA Career Center’s services as a Flex Program student?

Flex MBA Program students have access to Career Center coaching during the entire MBA Program. You will participate in the formal MBA recruiting process during your final year of MBA study.

How active are student clubs?

There are more than 40 student-run organizations at the McDonough School of Business. The focus of these organizations are professional and recreational. Most students get involved in several clubs and take leadership positions in one or two while completing their MBA. View a full list of our student organizations.

Are there opportunities to study abroad?

Georgetown McDonough offers full semester study abroad opportunities at HEC Paris in France, ESADE in Barcelona, Spain, BiMBA at Peking University in China, IAE in Argentina, and Copenhagen Business School in Denmark. Additionally, all Full-time and Flex MBA Program students are required to complete an international consulting project abroad as part of the Global Business Experience.