Admissions FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Below please find the answers to our most frequently asked questions. If your question is not answered below, please contact us at phd.admissions@anderson.ucla.edu.

When is the deadline to turn in the application?

Our deadline each year is the first Friday in January.

How many letters of recommendation do I need, and by whom should they be written?

Three (3). It is suggested that letters be written by academics or other individuals who are in a position to judge your research potential.

How much is the application fee?

The non-refundable application fee is $135 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents; $155 for international applicants.

Do I need to send official transcripts to the Ph.D. office?

No, we do not require official transcripts during the application process. Please upload all transcripts and transcript grading systems (usually on the back of the transcript), diplomas, and degree certificates to the online application.

500 words is too limiting for my Statement of Purpose. Can I write a longer statement of purpose?

Yes! Many of our areas prefer a longer statement. There is no enforced limit for the length of your Statement of Purpose.

I can't find my area in the application's list of majors. Where can I find it?

In the application on the page "Plans for Graduate Study" select "Management- MS, Ph.D." from the "Major" drop down box. Once you make that selection, a page called "Management" will be added on the left side of the screen under "Plans for Graduate Study". On the "Management" page you may select your area of specialization from the drop down box under the section titled "Academic Area".

What are the institution and department codes for the GMAT, GRE and TOEFL exams?

  • GMAT: 2NZ-2F-67
  • GRE: 6986 (or 4837)
  • TOEFL: 4837-02

Which test is preferred, the GMAT or the GRE?

We accept both tests. If you have not taken either test then we recommend the GRE.

When do GRE/GMAT results expire?

The test must have been taken within five (5) years of the submission date of the UCLA Graduate Division online application. For example, if you took the exam on January 1, 2015, you would need to complete the UCLA Graduate Division online application no later than January 1, 2020.

If I am not from the United States or another English-speaking country, do I need to take the TOEFL?

International applicants who hold a bachelor's degree or higher from a university located in the United States or in another country in which English is both the spoken language and the medium of instruction, or who have completed at least two years of full-time study at such an institution, are exempt from the TOEFL requirement.

What is the minimum TOEFL score or IELTS score that is required?

The minimum score for the TOEFL iBT is 87 out of 120. The IELTS minimum overall band score is 7.0.

Is the Ph.D. Program designated as STEM?

Yes! International students that graduate from the program may apply for the 24-Month STEM OPT Extension Program

What is the average GMAT or GRE score for admitted applicants who accepted the offer?

  • Average GRE Quantitative: 167
  • Average GRE Verbal: 162
  • Average GRE Writing: 5
  • Average GMAT total: 735

What is the average GPA for admitted applicants who accepted the offer?

  • Average undergraduate GPA: 3.76
  • Average graduate GPA (graduate work is not a requirement): 3.8

How many people are admitted to each area of the program each year?

There is no quota that the areas fill each year. The number of applicants accepted depends upon the quality of the applicant pool.

What percentage of applicants are usually admitted to the program?

Between 4 and 6 percent of doctoral program applicants receive an offer of admission.

Are interviews part of the application process?

Interviews are not required, but the committee may reach out to select applicants for an interview.

How long is the program?

The program is designed to be completed in four years, though it often takes students a fifth year to complete degree requirements. Students enroll full time, taking a minimum of 12 graduate units per quarter.

Will I be offered a position as a teacher's assistant or research assistant?

Students are typically offered TA and RA positions. These positions constitute a portion of financial assistance.

Will I be offered a scholarship or a stipend?

All admitted applicants are offered a five-year funding package contingent on satisfactory progress in the program.

If I already have an advanced degree, will the program be shorter for me?

Not really. A maximum of three of the eight required breadth courses can be waived based on previous graduate work. This equates to one (1) quarter of enrollment.

Can I apply to more than one area of specialization?

No. You may apply to only one area of specialization.

Should I submit research papers or writing samples?

A writing sample is not required. However, papers that you have written or that have been published are welcomed and will be considered in support of your application.

Can I work while I am in the program?

The UCLA Anderson Doctoral Program is a full-time program and is not geared to working professionals. Part-time student status is not permitted. Part-time teaching assistantships and research assistantships at UCLA Anderson are available to our doctoral students.

When will I find out whether I am accepted or denied admission?

You will be informed of a decision via email on or before April 15. Once a decision has been made, an email will be sent from the UCLA Graduate Division to the email address you provide in the application. The email does not contain the decision. Instead, you will be advised how to access your decision letter. Please note that the decision cannot be given over the telephone.

Can I reapply if I have been denied admission?

Yes, applications and accompanying documents are retained in the doctoral program office for three years.

How do I reapply to the program?

To reapply or to be readmitted, you must submit a complete online application and pay the fee. If you are reapplying or are requesting to be readmitted after three years or more from the date of your initial application or attendance, you must also submit all required documents (three letters of recommendation, transcripts, statement of purpose and official test score report), along with the application fee of $105 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents or $125 for international applicants.

Where can I find information about student housing?

Can I check my application status over the telephone or via email?

No, for purposes of confidentiality, we will not give information regarding your application status via telephone or email. An email acknowledging receipt of your application will be sent to you at the time you submit your application online.

What is the mailing address where I can send my supplemental materials?

Supplemental materials should be scanned and uploaded to your online application. If you have difficulty scanning and uploading application materials, you may mail them to the following address:

UCLA Anderson School of Management
Doctoral Program Office
110 Westwood Plaza, Suite C401a
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1481

Do applicants have to submit personal history statement in addition to a statement of purpose?

No. We only require a statement of purpose. If applicants would like to submit a personal history statement, they can, but it is optional.