Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
What are your admission deadlines?
Refer to Admissions dates and deadlines
When should I submit my application?
Ideally, you should submit your completed application as early in the admission cycle as possible. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis, usually within four weeks after an application is complete. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Do you admit students for fall and spring admission?
We offer fall (August) admission only for all programs except the Charlotte Saturday program. The Charlotte Saturday program offers spring (January) admission.
Is work experience required?
Based on feedback from faculty and recruiters, work experience is a critical component of both class participation and career placement post-MBA. Therefore, the Wake Forest University Schools of Business require work experience to apply to all programs (exception: MA in Management and Joint degree programs.) We evaluate an applicant on his or her full-time post-graduate work experience only. View the average work experience for each program.
Do you accept non-traditional applicants?
Yes. Non-traditional applicants have work experience prior to enrolling in an undergraduate program. Non-traditional applicants may include military officers, religious servants, etc. We encourage non-traditional applicants to schedule an admissions consultation early in the process to verify program eligibility.
Do you only accept applicants with a business degree for your MBA programs?
We do not prefer one undergraduate degree over another. Our MBA programs enroll students with undergraduate degrees in engineering, liberal arts, film, economics, psychology, etc.
Do you allow deferrals?
No, we do not allow deferrals. If an admitted student is unable to attend the fall for which he/she was admitted, the candidate may reactivate his/her application for the following fall. (Exception: the Charlotte Evening and Charlotte Saturday programs allow deferrals.)
Will Wake Forest allow transfers or transfer credit from other graduate business programs?
We do not accept transfer students or transfer credit.
Are photocopies of undergraduate transcripts accepted?
No - we must have the original transcripts.
Do prospective students have to submit transcripts from summer school?
We only require a transcript from the instution where you earned your degree.
Do prospective students have to use the recommendation forms provided in the application packet?
It is a requirement that all applicants submit recommendations online. Please refer to the online application for information about the online recommendation process.
Do international students have to submit their recommendations and transcripts in English?
Yes - all application materials from international applicants must be in English.
Is a three-year degree from India sufficient to apply to the Schools of Business?
Yes - we consider the three-year degree from India as equivalent to a four-year degree from the United States.
Can I use a consulting firm to complete the applicant essay?
No - this would be considered an Honor Code violation and would result in an immediate “reject” decision from the Admissions Committee. All application information submitted must be the applicant’s own work.
How much emphasis is placed on undergraduate GPA?
The Admissions Committee will evaluate your entire application during the admissions process. If you are concerned about your undegraduate GPA, we encourage you to schedule an admissions consultation to talk about ways to strengthen your application.
Scholarships and Tuition
What is the cost of the program?
Refer to the tuition and fees chart by program.
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes. We make scholarship decisions simultaneous with admissions decisions and encourage applicants interested in scholarship awards to apply by the scholarship deadline.
If I submit my application after the scholarship deadline, can I still be considered for scholarship awards?
Yes, provided there are still funds available.
Can my financial aid or scholarship be deferred?
We do not permit admission or scholarship deferrals. Funds are not guaranteed for any applicant who reactivates his or her application.
Are there any government loans available to international students?
No - international students may apply for private loans only, providing that they have a co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident.
Interviews
Are interviews required?
Interviews are strongly encouraged. Applicants will be contacted by either the Office of Graduate Business Admissions or the Charlotte MBA Programs Office if they have been selected for an interview.
Do you conduct phone interviews?
For the Winston-Salem full-time programs (Full-time MBA, Joint Degree programs, MS in Accountancy, and MA in Managment) and the Winston-Salem Evening MBA program, in-person or phone interviews are available. Phone interviews are not available. We do not penalize candidates unable to interview in-person.
For the Charlotte MBA programs, in-person or phone interviews are available. We do not penalize candidates unable to interview in-person.
Can I interview with an admissions representative at one of your MBA Fairs or Forums?
Yes, by invitation only. Please submit the online application for consideration. You may refer to the admissions events listing for more information on upcoming travel dates to a city near you.
Can I come to campus for a campus visit even though I have had an interview off-site?
Yes! Candidates are welcome to visit and attend a class with a student host. Please make arrangements for your campus visit at least two weeks in advance.
Do you offer alumni interviews?
We do not offer alumni interviews.
How far into the year do you allow interviews?
Until all the seats in the class are filled.
GMAT/GRE/TOEFL
What is the lowest GMAT score you will consider?
It is unlikely that we would admit an applicant with a GMAT score lower than 500. We encourage candidates to take the GMAT a second time if their first score is not competitive.
If an applicant takes the GMAT more than once, does the school average the scores or use the higher score?
We will consider the higher score.
How long is a GMAT score valid?
Test scores are valid for five years.
Can I substitute the GRE for the GMAT?
Yes. Candidates may submit a GRE score to complete their application.
Can I waive the GMAT/GRE?
No - we will not waive the GMAT/GRE for any applicant.
How do I know if I have to take the TOEFL?
We require the TOEFL for any applicant whose native language is not English and/or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English.
Is there a minimum TOEFL score requirement?
We require a minimum score of a 250 (computer-based), 100 (internet-based) or 600 (paper-based).
How long is a TOEFL score valid?
Two years.
If I can not take my GMAT or TOEFL test until May or June will I still be considered for [fall] admission?
Yes, provided there are still seats available.
Are photocopies of international GMAT and TOEFL scores accepted?
No - an application will not be evaluated until we receive the official test scores from ETS.
Joint Degrees and Other Graduate Programs
If I wish to pursue an MD/MBA or JD/MBA, should I apply to and be accepted by both schools separately?
Yes – applicants must go through two separate admissions processes and apply to both schools.
Do you offer a PhD in business or management?
Candidates interested in the PhD/MBA would receive a PhD from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and pursue the Evening MBA program. (The Schools of Business do not offer a PhD in business). For more information, contact Dwayne Godwin at 336-716-9437.
What is the procedure to enter the MBA program for a MD/MBA degree?
Candidates who are interested in the MD/MBA program can begin their MBA studies either in the first year of the MD/MBA program, or in their third year (after completing two years at the Medical School.) Those who are currently in their first year of Medical School would need to apply to the MBA program during their second year of study at the Medical School and would follow the Full-time admissions process.
If a prospective student has applied to the Law School and decides to apply the JD/MBA program, will the Office of Graduate Business Admissions accept a copy of their transcripts and recommendations from the Law School?
Yes – the candidate needs to make the Law School aware of their intent to apply to the Schools of Business. Then, the candidate should ask the Law School to share copies of transcripts and recommendations with our office.
Academics
How many credits do students need to graduate?
Refer to the academic information by program
What is the length of the MBA program?
The program is two years in length - 6 semesters.
When are classes held for evening MBA students?
Classes in the Winston-Salem Evening MBA program are held on Monday and Wednesday nights 6:00-9:00 p.m. Classes in the Charlotte Evening MBA program are held either Monday and Wednesday nights or Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:00-9:00 p.m. The course load is 2-3 classes per semester. There are three semesters a year.
Are there any prerequisites for the MBA program?
No, however prework will be assigned prior to the beginning of the program. We encourage preparation in economics, statistics and accounting. Contact our office for more information.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between diplomas received in the various MBA programs?No. Whether you choose to pursue the Full-time MBA or Working Professional MBA, you will receive a diploma from the Wake Forest University Schools of Business.
Are students allowed to work in the Full-time programs?
No, students are not permitted to work during the first year of the Full-time MBA or MA in Management program. Second-year MBA students are allowed to work in the summer between their first and second years and are permitted to work up to 20 hours/week during their second year.
Are students allowed to work in the MA in Management program?
Because of the intensity of the MA Program, the need for extensive preparation, and our emphasis on teamwork, MA students are strongly discouraged from holding a part-time job while they are enrolled in the MA Program. However, with the approval of the MA Program Director, students may work up to 10 hours per week at a part-time job or as a Graduate Assistant. Part-time work must be scheduled such that it does not conflict with classes, team meetings, and other school related events. To obtain the program director’s approval, students must provide adequate assurances that the work will not interfere with the student’s course work, team work, career search, and school events. Permission will not be provided or will be revoked if the student's GPA is 5.5 or below.
When was Wake Forest University founded?
Wake Forest was founded in 1834 in Wake Forest, N.C. The campus was relocated to Winston-Salem in 1948. Learn more quick facts about Wake Forest University.
When was the MBA program established?
The Babcock Graduate School of Management (MBA program) was established in 1969, and the first MBA class graduated in 1973.
When did you move into the Worrell Professional Center?
We moved to this facility in 1993. The Worrell Professional Center is the first facility in the country to house business and law under one roof.
How many alumni comprise the Schools of Business?
12,910 alumni (6593 Babcock Graduate School of Management; 6489 Calloway School)
