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Full-Time MBA and MS FAQs.
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Full-Time MBA Admissions FAQs
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions.
If you still have questions after reviewing our FAQs, please contact our Admissions Office at admissions@simon.rochester.edu or (585) 275-3533.
Important Note:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs »
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Yes. Below are a few tips for submitting a competitive application:
- Read all application instructions and refer to the FAQs often
- Review application deadlines and allow yourself ample time to prepare your application
- Schedule required standardized tests in advance of your desired deadline
- Use your full legal name (as it appears on your passport) when filling out your application and registering for standardized tests
- Check your online application shortly after submission to confirm the status is "complete"
Check out our webinar archive for additional application tips from members of our Admissions Committee.
No. Applications may be submitted to only one program in an academic year.
A US equivalent bachelor’s degree is required for admission to any Simon Business School program. If you participated in a three-year bachelor’s program (e.g. BCOM) this will satisfy the education requirement for our program.
The non-refundable application fee is $90 US dollars and can be paid by credit card within the online application. Applications are incomplete until payment is received. Some applicants may qualify for an application fee waiver—review our fee waiver requirements to determine if you are eligible.
No, please do not send us any official documents at the time you apply. We do not have the capacity to store paper items and therefore will not open, process, or review any hard copy materials sent to us.
Should an offer of admission be extended and then accepted, we will request official documents identified as part of your application at that time.
We suggest limiting your current résumé to two pages. Please include your employment, academic, and extracurricular history. For those without full-time work experience, internships should be included.
Using the template provided in the application, include the following for each position held:
- Dates of employment (month and year of start and end dates)
- Employer name and estimated number of employees
- Location
- Job title
- Starting and ending salaries in US dollars (if an unpaid internship, indicate so)
- Average number of hours worked per week
- Reason for job/position change
We no longer require or accept letters of recommendation. As part of the online application process, you will be asked to supply contact information for two references. If the Admissions Committee decides to contact either of your references during the application review process, you will be notified. We strongly suggest listing references who are familiar with you in a professional capacity.
Applicants who previously declined an offer of admission within the past 12 months may be eligible for a shorter reactivation process. Contact Simon Admissions at admissions@simon.rochester.edu for further information. All others are required to submit a new application.
Contact the Technical Support Team at: https://webforms.campusmgmt.com/AY/request.aspx.
It is likely that you have two application accounts and logged in to the wrong one by mistake. Check to see if you have the original confirmation email from when you created your application—this will include the matching username and password. You can also use the “Forgot Username/Password” link to retrieve login credentials. Also, we highly suggest saving each screen as you complete the online application.
Emailed updates will be sent to the email account associated with your application and will originate from one of the following addresses:
admissions@simon.rochester.edu
support@applyyourself.com
support@campusmgmt.com
Check your email settings to allow emails from the above addresses.
Unfortunately, updates are not allowed after an application is completed and sent to the Admissions Committee for review.
Yes. Once your application is processed, you will be able to see whether or not we have received your materials and if they are under review. Please wait at least 15 business days after submitting your application to allow for sufficient processing time. If you have questions, or suspect an error in the processing of your materials, email us at admissions@simon.rochester.edu.
Keep in mind that the timing for you to hear a decision from us varies depending on which deadline you choose—those who apply for an early deadline with a completed application are guaranteed to receive their decision sooner.
| Round | Application Window | Deadline | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | July 15 - October 15 | October 15 | December 15 |
| 2 | October 16 - January 5 | January 5 | March 20 |
| 3 | January 6 - February 15 | February 15 | April 15 |
| 4 | February 16 - March 31 | March 31 | May 15 |
| 5 | April 1 - May 1 | May 1 | June 15 |
First and foremost, do not rush to submit your application just to hit the earlier deadlines. We would rather see your most competitive application—including retaking the GMAT for a more competitive score or waiting until an anticipated promotion goes into effect to strengthen your résumé—even if this means that you wait to submit your application for a later deadline. Simon uses a waitlist to ensure that we can make admission offers across every application deadline. We do not have a specific number of available offers for any given application deadline; each year our offers vary depending on the quality and size of the applicant pool.
Second, review our deadlines and take into consideration all that will need to be done to submit your application by your targeted deadline, including receiving your copies of test scores and transcripts. Keep in mind that the timing for you to hear a decision from us varies depending on which deadline you choose—those who apply for an early deadline with a complete application are guaranteed to receive their decision sooner.
Third, merit-based scholarship consideration is available throughout all application rounds. As the application cycle progresses, available scholarship funds diminish; however, there will always be scholarship funds for highly qualified and competitive applicants
We process and review applications the moment they are received by our office. We never hold applications, which means that if you apply earlier in an application window, there's a strong likelihood you will receive your decision sooner than the “guaranteed by” decision date for that round.
No. Fall is the only entry term for our Full-Time MBA and MS programs.
Official notification that a decision has been made is delivered by phone and/or email. Decisions are made and communicated by the appropriate notification date corresponding to the round in which your application was submitted. It is important to keep both your email address and mailing address current. Any changes to either can be made from within your online application.
All admissions decisions are final. However, we would welcome your application for next year. We encourage you to visit our online selection criteria and class profile so that you may compare your candidacy to those who have already enrolled at Simon. To improve your candidacy for next year, we recommend relevant work experience (including internships as well as part-time and full-time experience), a competitive academic profile, strong communication skills, and a demonstrated potential for leadership.
If on the day of your exam you are given the option to provide your results to Simon free of charge, you may use the below codes to do so. We will only access your results if you are a confirmed student for the purpose of marking your scores “received official” in your application.
GMAT Codes
- Full-Time Two-Year MBA Program: WX9-8-R-10
- Full-Time MS Program: WX9-8-R-13
GRE Code
- All Programs - 2972
Executive Assessment Codes
- During the exam, select: University of Rochester - Simon Business School
TOEFL Code
- All Programs - 7260
IELTS Code
- During the exam, choose from the pull-down menu: University of Rochester - Simon Business School
- After you have taken the exam, contact the test center and file a request.
Yes. All applicants are required to take either the GMAT, GRE, or the Executive Assessment.
Each candidate receives a holistic evaluation of all aspects of the application. Simon values diversity in our student body and the Admissions Committee actively seeks candidates who can make unique contributions during and after their study. While we do not have any test score minimums, admission is competitive and we encourage you to review the selection criteria and class profile for the program you’re interested in to learn more about our currently enrolled students.
All scores are submitted electronically through the online application
- When submitting GMAT scores, use the "Official Test Taker Copy"
- When submitting GRE or TOEFL scores, use the "Examinee Score Report"
- When submitting Executive Assessment scores, use the "Official Test Taker Copy"
- When submitting IELTS scores, use the "Test Report Form"
Official exam results only need to be provided to us if you are offered admission or if your scores will expire prior to the start of your program. If any of your exam results will expire before the start date of the program to which you are applying, you should provide your official paper scores to us at the time you submit your application, or you will need to retake the exam.
The TOEFL/IELTS exam is required for all international applicants whose native language is not English. This requirement is waived for applicants who meet the following conditions prior to matriculation at Simon:
Attended 3 or more academic years (at least 6 semesters/9 quarters/9 trimesters, not including summers) of post-secondary education taught solely in English and received a baccalaureate or master’s degree from a college or university where English was the language of instruction.
If you qualify for the waiver, in the application enter "0" in place of actual test scores, enter “01/01/1900” in place of an actual test date, and upload a document stating "I meet the TOEFL/IELTS waiver requirements" in place of actual supporting documentation.
We only accept TOEFL iBT® scores from a single test date, however if you would like to provide us with your MyBest™ score in addition to your TOEFL iBT® score, we will consider it as part of our review process.
Yes. Screenshots of TOEFL/IELTS scores will be accepted as appropriate supporting documentation. Upload a full screen shot (including name and address) or scanned copy of your online TOEFL/IELTS score report into the application.
TOEFL/IELTS scores expire two years from the test date. Your application must be submitted prior to the test expiration date. If your score will expire shortly after your submission date, have an official score report sent to yourself and our office before the test expiration date. ETS and IELTS will not send an official score report after expiration.
No. An application without the required test score report attached will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. Ensure that all proper support documentation has been successfully uploaded to your application before submitting.
The Admissions Committee will only consider documents that are included in your online application. We do not accept official paper test score reports at the time of applying and therefore will not be checking for receipt of your official scores until after an offer of admission has been made.
If your application is submitted, but marked as “Incomplete” there are two options:
- You can choose to have your application updated. Contact the Admissions Office to have your updated scores added to your application. If you choose this option, your submission date will be modified to reflect the date the update was made and processed accordingly (i.e. you will not be guaranteed a decision by the notification date of the original round for which you had submitted).
- You can choose not to submit your new score. Your application would stay within the application deadline for which you had originally submitted.
If your application is marked as “Complete” there is only one option to update your application:
- If you are invited to interview, you may provide your updated scores to the Scheduling Coordinator or email them to admissions@simon.rochester.edu noting in your email the date and time of your interview.
- For individuals testing on or after July 1, 2016, GRE test scores are valid for five years after your test administration date. For example, scores for a test taken on July 3, 2016, are reportable through July 2, 2021.
- For individuals who tested between August 1, 2011, and June 30, 2016, GRE test scores are valid for five years after the testing year in which you tested (as indicated in the GRE® Information and Registration Bulletin from that testing year). For example, scores for a test taken on May 15, 2015, are reportable through June 30, 2020.
Transcripts must be in English or translated to English. The translated version should be certified and notarized or otherwise authenticated. Both the original and translated transcript should be uploaded to your application.
No. Screenshots of transcripts are not accepted as supporting documentation. We require a scanned copy of your transcript, issued by the institution attended. We cannot accept a copy of your online academic record.
No. It is not necessary and is not required as part of the application process. If you feel these materials positively support your application, we suggest mentioning these accomplishments in your optional essay.
You do not need to submit new grades. The Admissions Committee will contact you for an updated transcript if one is needed. If you receive an invitation to interview, you are welcome to share new grades at that time.
Detailed information about educational benefit options is available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The University of Rochester also offers one of the strongest financial aid programs in the country. You can find more on the University of Rochester page.
- Apply for educational benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) here by completing your Certificate of Eligibility.
- Notify your Simon Business School Admissions contact and the University of Rochester’s Financial Aid Office that you are eligible and applying for veteran’s educational benefits.
- Your parent transfers a portion—or all—of his/her benefit to you through Transfer of Entitlement.
- After the transfer is approved, you apply for the educational benefit here.
- You then notify the Financial Aid Office that you are eligible and applying for veteran’s educational benefits.
Veteran: Photocopy of your VA Certificate of Eligibility
Dependent of veteran:
- Photocopy of approved Transfer of Educational Benefit (TEB)
- Photocopy of your VA Certificate of Eligibility
Call 1-888-442-4551 to speak with an Educational Case Manager at the VA.
For an overview of the program, please visit the Yellow Ribbon Program page.
You or your parent must qualify for 100% of the Post-9/11 GI Bill to qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program and the Rochester Pledge.
The River Campus (where Simon is located) and the Eastman Campus are participants.
The following are just a few of the many resources available to veterans: College Center for Academic Support, University Counseling Center, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Disability Services, and Office for Residential Life and Housing Services.
Amidst the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), our thoughts immediately turn to our prospective student and applicant communities in the areas most impacted. The Simon Admissions Team has care and concern for you, your family and friends, and all those affected—please accept our very best wishes for health and safety during this difficult season.
To show our support, we have added a $90 application fee waiver to your account that may be used to apply for Fall 2020. Simply choose the fee waiver option on the payment screen when you're ready to submit and we'll take care of the rest.
As this situation evolves, we are committed to supporting our applicants who are based in affected regions during this challenging time. As a result of COVID-19, we have made adjustments to our application deadlines and provided clarification on certain application requirements. Please note that the applicant qualities that indicate success in our MBA program are the same as they have always been—we are simply offering some flexibility on the methods for assessment of those qualities in response to this unprecedented global health crisis.
Below please find answers to our most commonly asked COVID-19 related application questions from prospects and applicants:
Yes, we are accepting applications for our fall cohort until July 27. If you are an international student and you do not currently have a student visa, please note that there are time sensitivities surrounding the visa process. Contact us at admissions@simon.rochester.edu if you have questions or would like to discuss your individual situation and next steps.
No—in another effort to respond to the challenges COVID-19 has presented around the globe, we have canceled our Pre-Fall orientation and academic coursework and shifted our entering date to August 2020 to allow each entering student more time to arrive in Rochester. We hope this additional time will also ensure that more students can enjoy a face to face learning experience in a healthy and stable environment.
There might be. We received notification that the GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment, and TOEFL iBT are temporarily being offered from home in certain locations, and recently we learned the TOEFL ITP Plus for China is now available in mainland China. If you are able to take advantage of this option, we suggest you register for and complete your exam as soon as possible. We realize these at home testing opportunities are not available to everyone—for those who are not able to take advantage, please see the options for submitting your application in the questions below:
- What if I don't have a GMAT/GRE score and I am unable to take a test at home? What should I do?
- What if I don't have a TOEFL/IELTS score and I am unable to take the test at home? What should I do?
We know you want to submit the strongest application possible, and we want to see your best application! If you’re unhappy with your current standardized test scores, there are a few options. First, you can determine whether you are able to complete a test at home (see previous question). If not, you may explore your eligibility for a waiver by reading through the questions below in these sections:
- What if I don't have a GRE/GMAT/Executive Assessment score and I am unable to take a test at home?
- Want if I don't have a TOEFL/IELTS score and I am unable to take the test at home?
Yes. If you are scheduled to take the temporary at-home GMAT/GRE/Executive Assessment and/or TOEFL iBT/TOEFL ITP Plus for China exam, please follow the below steps when submitting your application:
- Enter the date of your scheduled exam for the test date
- Enter zeros (0) for your test scores
- In the Test Score Material Upload section, upload a Word or PDF document stating you are taking the at-home exam option and will send your score report to us when it becomes available
If you do not have a GMAT/GRE/Executive Assessment score and you would like to apply to Simon for Fall 2020 entry, you may qualify for a waiver. We are offering a test score waiver to candidates with a 3.2 cumulative GPA from an accredited undergraduate or graduate institution. Please do the following:
- Enter 01/01/1900 for the test date
- Enter zeros (0) for your test scores
- Upload a document in the Test Score Material Upload section with any supporting information, such as:
- Your cumulative undergraduate or graduate GPA
- Copies of applicable licenses and certifications (ex. CPA, CFA, etc.) that may support your candidacy
- Confirmation that you wish to have your test score waived
- If your GPA is not on a 4.0 grading scale, please use the WES iGPA Calculator (or another certified third-party service) to convert your school's grading system into a 4.0 grading scale. When you receive the emailed results of your equivalency, please upload the document in your support materials for the GMAT/GRE waiver.
Remember that we take a holistic approach to reviewing applications, which means we consider academic history, professional experience, leadership skills, cross-cultural experience, and community involvement to get a full picture of an applicant’s fit for our MBA program. Based on your cumulative undergraduate or graduate GPA and other applicable criteria, you may qualify to waive the test score requirement.
If you do not have a TOEFL/IELTS score and you would like to apply to Simon for Fall 2020 entry, please review the options below:
- You may be eligible for a language exam waiver. Applicants who attended 3 or more academic years (at least 6 semesters / 9 quarters / 9 trimesters, not including summers) of post-secondary education taught solely in English and received a baccalaureate or master's degree from a college or university where English was the language of instruction are eligible for a waiver. Please refer to the application for further instructions.
- If the above option does not apply to you, we recommend supplementing with an IntialView interview and writing sample. This provides an additional opportunity for applicants to demonstrate English proficiency to the Admissions Committee.
If you plan to take an InitialView interview in lieu of the TOEFL/IELTS exam, please do the following when submitting your application:
- Enter 01/01/1900 for the test date
- Enter zeros (0) for your test scores
- In the Test Score Material Upload section, upload a word or PDF document stating you are taking an InitialView interview in place of the TOEFL/IELTS exam. You will also need to indicate the InitialView date within your application.
No. We currently only accept the TOEFL or IELTS, but please review the previous question to see if you qualify for a language exam waiver.
In this case, we recommend supplementing with an InitialView interview and writing sample. This provides an additional opportunity for applicants to demonstrate English proficiency to the Admissions Committee.
We will allow any student based in an affected region to submit an application without copies of official transcripts – we will accept online transcripts and course grades from online student accounts for applications to be submitted and reviewed by the Admissions Committee. To submit an application, please follow these steps:
- Enter all College/University information
- Upload your year three or in-progress course information, including online grades if you can obtain them, OR
- Upload a Word document explaining your situation—including why you are unable to request or obtain a current transcript or electronic academic record (courses/grades)
Please note: at the time of enrollment, all admitted students are required to submit official transcripts showing proof of a bachelor degree.
In addition to the Simon Admissions Team, the University of Rochester is closely monitoring the situation daily. We are committed to working with you and navigating the situation as best as possible. If all of your undergraduate course work is completed and you are awaiting your diploma or final transcript, we will work with you to finalize a timeline to receive these items. Please keep in constant communication with your admissions counselor and share updates regarding your personal situation as they arise. As well, we will communicate further updates with you via email and on this webpage; therefore, we encourage you to check back regularly!
If you have additional questions about the application process, please reach out to us at admissions@simon.rochester.edu.
For the latest on the University of Rochester’s guidelines regarding COVID-19, visit the university’s dedicated website.
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