FAQ

Program

How many FEMBA students are enrolled at UCLA Anderson?

Around 900 FEMBA students are enrolled in all classes—the largest of all three on-campus student bodies at Anderson since 2008.

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How large is the entering class?

320 students began in Fall 2016.

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Can I be a stay-at-home parent and do FEMBA?

Yes. FEMBAs who are full-time parents typically use the program to transition through their child's early years while preparing to re-enter the workforce with a UCLA MBA.

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Do FEMBA grads receive the same degree as UCLA Anderson’s Full-Time MBA grads?

Yes. All FEMBA students take the same core courses, receive instruction by the same faculty and receive the same UCLA Anderson MBA degree as all Full-Time MBA and Executive MBA students.

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Are career services offered to FEMBA students?

Yes. UCLA Anderson provides dedicated, personalized career services to all FEMBA students seeking to rise to the next level within their existing organization or change their career entirely. Specifically aimed at mid-career professionals, these services empower FEMBA students to take control of their career trajectory and develop lifelong career-management skills. For more information please visit the Career Services web page.

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Can I waive any classes if I have my CPA certification?

Yes. If you have a CPA certification, you are eligible to waive out of Mgmt 403: Financial Accounting.

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How many people apply to UCLA FEMBA?

We have received between 640–830 applications each year over the last 5 years.

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Do you recommend that I visit the UCLA campus?

Yes, if you can, we encourage you to visit campus and we offer several various on campus events to familiarize yourself with the FEMBA Program. You can attend a Mixer hosted by admissions representatives and current students to learn more about the FEMBA program in a casual informal setting. You can attend an Open House, conducted by the Assistant Dean and Director of Admissions, to gain an overview of UCLA Anderson's FEMBA program and also listen from a panel of students regarding their program experiences. You can attend an Admissions 101 session conducted by the Director of Admissions Operations to go over the entire application process. You can attend a Chat hosted by current students to gain their insights on the program both in and out of the classroom. You can attend classes, meet professors and interact with current FEMBA students from mid-October through early May, excluding holidays and exam periods.

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May I apply to both the Full-Time and Fully Employed MBA programs in the same year?

You may apply to only one UCLA Anderson program in a given year. There are separate application processes for each program.

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Admissions

Which round is better?

There is no statistical "advantage" between rounds. We get more applications at the end of the season, but we keep the same admission standards throughout. We like to say, "Early is good, but better is best." Take the time you need to submit your best application.

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What are the hallmarks of a successful application?

  • A) Academic ability. Candidates must demonstrate academic ability via their prior academics, GMAT/GRE score and quantity and quality of work experience.
  • B) Commitment to giving back. Your essays, resume, recommendations and interview write-up should substantiate your leadership abilities and inform us as to how your classmates will benefit from your being in their cohort. How will you make UCLA Anderson a better community?
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If admitted, what are the chances I can take the flex section?

We fill section schedules on a first-come, first-served basis. The inaugural Flex Section starting in the Fall of 2012 had 39 students, in the Fall of 2013 there were 58, in the Fall of 2014 there were 64, in the Fall of 2015 there were 65 and in the fall of 2016 there are 69.

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When/How do I sign up for an admissions interview?

After you submit your online application, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to register for an interview slot.

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Does UCLA FEMBA do rolling admissions within the round?

We read applications once all have been received on each application deadline. We post admission decisions no later than the posted decision release date.

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What does the admissions committee look for in an applicant?

The UCLA Anderson School FEMBA Admissions Committee considers a number of factors in selecting candidates for the program: past academic performance, admission essays, employment history, letters of recommendation, GMAT or GRE and other test scores, motivation and career progression. The Committee also values diverse perspectives gained through studying and interacting with professionals from a variety of functional areas, industry segments and cultural backgrounds. Candidates are carefully selected for their overall abilities and the contributions they make to their own educational process.

No specific undergraduate major is required. All eligible candidates must hold at least a four-year bachelor’s degree from a college or university of fully-recognized standing. Applicants who have attended institutions outside the United States should have completed at least 16 years of study, including 4 years at the college or university level. Strong quantitative proficiency is required of all candidates, regardless of undergraduate major.

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What can I do to improve my chances for admission?

Spend as much time as possible preparing your application. Share your goals and aspirations, and explain how an MBA from UCLA will help you achieve them.

Give yourself several weekends to build out a strong application. Have mentors review your essays before you submit them to make sure you have articulated yourself professionally, order your transcripts early and put serious effort into the GMAT/GRE.

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Who reads my application?

  • First read: alumni readers assess your application and cast an initial vote
  • Second read: admissions committee prepare provisional decisions
  • Third read: faculty committee convenes for final evaluation and decision
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Can I apply to the FEMBA and the Full-Time MBA or Executive MBA program in the same year?

No. Applicants can only apply to one UCLA Anderson program per academic year.

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If I am currently enrolled in another degree program, can I still apply to the FEMBA program?

Applicants currently enrolled in any degree-granting program—undergraduate, masters, nursing, law, medicine, PhD. etc.—must identify their status in the optional essay.

All degree work in other programs must be completed prior to beginning FEMBA studies in the fall quarter. Please contact FEMBA Admissions for additional information.

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Is there only an online application?

Yes, all applications are completed online. There is no paper application.

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Are there any advantages to applying early?

Candidates are encouraged to apply for admission as early as possible, but keep in mind that it’s better to submit a strong application in a later round than a rushed application for the current one.

Please note that a small percentage of admitted students who apply at the last minute are unable to get their first-choice of core class section preference.

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Are there mathematics and computer prerequisites?

All candidates must have a working knowledge of algebra and differential calculus before beginning coursework.

Admitted students must have a working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications such as Word and Excel. Workshops are available at UCLA Anderson, however competency should be achieved prior to the commencement of coursework.

UCLA Anderson's electronic network requires each student to have an appropriately configured laptop computer. Admitted students will receive computer purchasing information and necessary laptop configuration details with their orientation materials.

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Do you recommend that I visit campus?

Yes. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an on-campus admissions event or an off-campus Information Session/MBA fair, which are held regularly during the fall, winter and spring quarters.

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Does the FEMBA program conduct personal interviews?

Yes. An on-campus interview provides candidates with an opportunity to put a face to their application. Interviews will be scheduled once your online application has been submitted and application fee paid. Only one interview will be conducted for each applicant. In some circumstances, the Admissions Committee may request a candidate interview. For full details, and on-campus interview dates and deadlines please visit Admissions.

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What is the admission deposit and when is it due?

If admitted, a non-refundable admission deposit of $2000 is due within one month of the admission offer and will be deducted from the fall-quarter tuition payment.

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May I defer my admission?

Only in cases of illness or disability. Additionally, any student who receives a deferment is charged the FEMBA program fee applicable to the new admission year. Admission offers may not be deferred for any other reasons.

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Is there a minimum GMAT/GRE/Executive Assessment or GPA score required for admission

The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Executive Assessment (EA) is required for all applicants. There is no minimum score requirement for application to the FEMBA program. The FEMBA Admissions Committee considers a number of factors in selecting candidates for the program.

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If I take the GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment more than once, will you average the score or take the highest score?

UCLA Anderson takes the highest single-day score.

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Where and when is the GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment offered?

The GMAT is administered at approximately 400 computer-based testing sites in North America and many locations around the world. A list of testing centers is provided on GMAC's website (http://www.gmac.com/gmat).

The GRE® revised General Test is available at about 700 test centers in more than 160 countries. It is offered as a computer-based test year-round at most locations around the world and as a paper-based test up to three times per year in areas where computer-based testing is not available.

For more information about where and when the Executive Assessment is offered, please visit GMAC's website: https://www.gmac.com/executive-assessment.

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Is there a minimum TOEFL score required for admission?

Although no minimum TOEFL score is required, few applicants have been admitted with a score below 600. With the advent of the TOEFL-CBT, few applicants have been admitted with a score below 275.

For more information, please visit the TOEFL website or call +1 (609) 771-7100. A brief description of UCLA Anderson's TOEFL requirements can also be found here.

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What are the topics of the essay questions and how long should the essays be?

The essay questions are listed in the online application and have set page limits. Please give these essays your full attention, as they are a primary means for the admissions committee to better understand your accomplishments and aspirations. Share your goals and aspirations and explain how an MBA from UCLA will empower you to achieve them.

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How many years of employment are required to apply to the FEMBA program?

The typical range of the middle 80% of students is 3-10 years’ of experience, but the quality and nature of a candidate’s work experience is equally relevant. Please view our class profile pages for more information.

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Can I transfer from another part-time MBA program?

We do not accept transfer students from outside the UC system. Students wishing to transfer from other UC part-time MBA programs must complete the online application and submit all essays. These applicants must also complete the third essay and explain the reasons for wanting to transfer as well as current standing in the program (# units, etc.). Please note that transfer credits are not automatically granted and must be approved by UCLA Anderson student affairs. GMAT scores can be accepted if they are less than five years old.

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Fees & Aid

Is financial aid available?

Financial aid is available. Please visit Costs & Financing for more information.

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