Frequently Asked Questions
FrequentlyAsked Questions
APPLICATION & ADMISSIONS
What is the application deadline?
February 1st.
How can I apply on-line?
Please use this link to apply on-line. More
How can I receive an application?
The MBA application is now online and linked from the front page of our website - http://mba.utk.edu.
What is the mailing address for submitting application material?
MBA Program
College of Business Administration
504 Haslam Business Building
The University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN 37996-4150
Please briefly describe the materials I need to submit.
The application is now submitted electronically through our website - http://mba.utk.edu. Additional information and transcripts should be sent directly to the MBA Program Office, College of Business Administration, 504 Haslam Business Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-4150. However, the TOEFL score (and GRE if you are applying to the MS/MBA dual degree program with the College of Engineering) should be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies.
1. MBA Program Application - general information and essay questions. Submit electronically through our website.
2. $35 Application Fee - Can be paid by credit card through our online application or send check or money order (in U.S. funds) payable to The University of Tennessee to our office address.
3. Transcripts - One official (sealed) transcript from the registrar of each college/university attended. The transcript must be sent directly from the college/university registrar in a sealed envelope.
4. TOEFL - If your native language is not English, this test must be taken and scores submitted.
5. GMAT Score Report - An official report from PearsonVUE, taken within the past 5 years. (See GMAT).
6. GRE Score Report - An official report from ETS, taken within the past 5 years. (Take this test only if you are applying to the MS/MBA dual degree program with Engineering.)
7. Letters of Recommendation - two recommendations, to be completed by those who know you well on an academic and/or professional basis. These are submitted through our online application.
8. Essays - 4 essays (or 5 if you choose to submit an optional essay) covering the topics listed on the online application.
What is the required length of the essays?
There is no required length for the essays. Your essays should take as much space as necessary for you to convey your message clearly and completely. Please keep in mind this may be your only communication with the Admissions Committee.
How are the essays used in the evaluation process?
The essays are your opportunity to showcase your experiences, talents, and successes. We use the essays to learn more about you, both personally and professionally. They are also used in evaluating your communication skills, through both your intended message and your writing style. Put on your "marketing hat"!
How can I differentiate my application from all the rest?
We are seeking well-rounded students, who have knowledge and experiences to bring to the classroom. A large part of the learning process comes from sharing information with other classmates. We are seeking students who have:
- Prior professional work experiences (3+ years preferred)
- Demonstrated leadership
- Instances of teamwork
- Effective communication skills
- International or diverse cultural experiences
Also, your letters of recommendation weigh heavily in the admissions process. Be sure to select individuals who know you well, and those who can discuss your talents, skills and successes. You can further communicate the strengths of your candidacy by scheduling an interview with a program representative.
I do not have a business background. Will this affect the admissions decision?
Actually, it may enhance your application to our program. In the UT MBA Program, we love diversity! We welcome candidates from all walks of life, ethic backgrounds, life and work experiences, geographic locations, international experiences, and academic backgrounds. In terms of your academic background, our only requirement is that you have completed a 4-year degree at an accredited institution and meet the minimum GPA requirement of the University. These are just some of the elements that may enhance your candidacy and make you a competitive candidate.
I do not have a great deal of professional work experience. How will this impact my application?
When the MBA Admissions Committee makes their decision, they base it first, and foremost, on the quantity and quality of the professional work experience reflected in your application. Therefore, we strongly recommend that all candidates have professional work experience prior to entering our MBA program.
What are the benefits of having prior work experience? 1) You’ll be more competitive for admission to our program. Why is that? Half of what you’ll learn in our dynamically interactive MBA Program, you learn from each other…your classmates! Those students with work experience bring a different level of contributions and insights to the learning environment of our program, therefore, enhancing the learning experience. 2) Work experience enhances your personal educational experience by providing you with a “foundation of experiences” from which you may draw. You’ll have a better understanding of what you “do know” as well as what you “need to know”. This also enables you to make better decisions while a student in our program. 3) We know that your ultimate goal is to have a successful and fulfilling future…a lifetime of successful career management. By having relevant, professional work experience prior to entering our program, it helps you to be more marketable to the companies who hire MBA graduates. (Hint: you will also be in a position to negotiate a higher salary than your less experienced counterparts.)