The Fox MBA Program at Temple University

MBA Essentials is a key facet of the Fox MBA that prepares you for the upcoming rigor and intensity of our program. Students gain valuable training in quantitative methods, communication, leadership and teamwork, participate in career management sessions and brush up on basic business fundamentals. The program is a whirlwind of activity designed to prepare you for the upcoming program and is required for all students who plan to matriculate.

To get more information about our MBA Programs you can request information (link) or you can attend an information session (link).

You can apply to the Fox School by either filling out our online application or downloading it and sending it to:

MBA & MS Admissions Mailing Address:

Graduate Admissions
Fox School of Business
Alter Hall (006-22_, 1801 Liacouras Walk, Suite 701
Philadelphia, PA 19122

Online applications are preferred.

Application Deadlines for MBA, MA, or MS Applicants

• Full time, Fall semester only: June 1
  (March 15 if you possess international credentials requiring evaluation, i.e. your bachelor's degree was awarded outside of the United States)
• Part time MBA/MS, Fall semester:June 1
• Part time MBA, Full time MA/MS Spring semester: September 30
• JD/MBA MD/MBA applicants: April 1

There is always an advantage to turning your application in early. At the Fox School we have rolling admissions, meaning the open positions for candidacy fill up with each round. Even though we do not have a pre-established quota for accepted students; we do try to establish a target amount each year. Applying early allows you to be considered among the first applicants for candidacy at the Fox School of business. In addition you have early notification, which allows you more time to prepare for your MBA.

For international students we strongly recommend applying at the earliest moment possible. This gives you extra time to spend on the often time-consuming process of obtaining a visa. You will also have extra time to prepare for your endeavor at Temple.

However, we want you to make sure that your application represents you and your capabilities. In your search for the right MBA match for you, you are investing your time and money applying to different business schools. You should be confident in your application before applying; you do not want to send in a weak application that could put you at a disadvantage.

No. As with many MBA Programs, there are many students at Fox who do not have previous business courses before entering the MBA Program. Because we value our students diverse backgrounds, we do not have specific coursework in business as a prerequisite for the Fox MBA. However, we do strongly recommend that all newly admitted students use the MBA Survival Kit from GMAC to prepare for the business core courses.

We have over the years taken students straight from college who demonstrated strong leadership skills, quantitative skills, GMAT scores, etc. For prospective students who are applying straight from college we look at their extracurricular and community activities, academic credentials, GMAT scores, as well as any type of internship or jobs they may have had.

As an undergraduate applicant you will be competing amongst prospective students who have years of experience to offer. To compete against this you must demonstrate your strengths and your offerings to the school by illustrating strong academic credentials (performance in courses, types of courses taken, GMAT scores), leadership (extracurricular and community activities, internships, jobs), and desire.

Re-applicants are not put at a disadvantage for reapplying to the Fox MBA Program. When applicants reapply they are considered to have a fresh start. When reapplying applicants must submit new materials including transcripts, resume, essays, letters of recommendation, GMAT/TOEFL scores, application fee, etc. We strongly recommend re-approaching the application by rewriting essays and updating your information. Decisions are made from the new application.

Full-time and part-time students may apply for transfer up to six credit hours of coursework.

The Fox School has had applicants in the past who have already obtained an MBA before applying to the Fox MBA. However, this is not encouraged due to the likelihood that materials studied will be duplicated. We do suggest giving a detailed explanation in your application of why you want to pursue an additional MBA.

We require that students educated outside of the United States complete an undergraduate program that is equivalent to that of the US. As there are a number of Universities in the World that have a three-year degree program we only require that the degree received is comparable to the U.S. equivalent of a bachelor’s degree.

Our typical class enrollment is approximately 38% international, but may vary a small percentage from year to year.

The minimum requirements to be eligible to apply for admission to the MBA program are as follows:

• Completed application for the specific program you wish to enter
• Official GMAT / GRE test scores taken within the last five years
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores for non-native English speakers - unless your degree is from an English language university in a country where English is the native language. TOEFL scores must have been taken within the last two years.
• Certified official transcripts or marksheets in English from every post-high school academic institution attended. Only transcripts or marksheets that are sealed by the university are considered official.
• Two references
• Two required essays (PhD applicants need only submit a statement of goals)
• Current Professional Resume
• Application fee - check for $60.00 U.S. payable to Temple University (non-refundable)
• Admissions Interviews for Full Time MBA and PhD applicants.

For more information on the application process, go to the What You Will Need to Apply.

We evaluate each applicant based upon their performance on their GMAT, transcripts, professional background, and their fit into the program determined by their essays and, if necessary, an interview. One criterion is not necessarily more important than the other. In essence we are looking at the entire package that each applicant presents us with.

Your essays allow us to know you better through your influences, values, and aspirations. Each applicant must submit an essay about Leadership and about your Goals.

1. Leadership: Please describe an incident from your personal experiences that typifies your definition of leadership. Specifically address ethics, diversity, collaboration and motivation.

2. Goals: Describe how you would expect to change over the course of the program. What personal and professional values and skills do you hope to acquire beyond the academic content? How will obtaining the degree help you achieve your career goals?

There is an optional area to provide Fox with any additional information or material you would like to include, such as discussing any weaknesses or strengths that bear on your application.

When writing these essays, take time to think and remember there is no right or wrong answer. The essays should be clearly laid out and as long as you feel they need to be.

Preferred recommendations are those that come from professional references such as supervisors and co-workers. Academic references are acceptable. References should come from those who know the candidate well and who can attest to the candidate’s leadership ability.

The Fox School has a Recommendation Form for references to fill out. References may submit their own recommendation rather than use our form.

After downloading the form you will complete the information on the form and send it with a reference envelope to the individual who will be providing your reference. Write your name and address on the envelope when it has been returned to you, and mail the SEALED envelope with the rest of your application materials. DO NOT OPEN THE ENVELOPE WHEN IT HAS BEEN RETURNED TO YOU. Once received, this reference will be the property of Temple University, and will not be returned.

Recommendations may be sent on paper, however, it is preferred that they fill out the Recommendation Form.

If you are unable to ask your employer for a recommendation you may want to ask a past employer or supervisor or a person from an extracurricular project. Make sure this person is someone who is able to give us information about your leadership skills and talents.

No. We cannot waive the application fee.

With the online application you may save the application and stop as many times as you please and come back to it. All application materials do not need to be sent in all at once. You may send in the materials in intervals if you like as long as all materials are received before the deadline.

Conditional admission is not possible at Fox. Applications will not be considered for admission until complete. A complete application includes all of the items listed on the Application Checklist.

We do not have minimum performance standards at the Fox School. The average GMAT score for the past years is 655 for full-time and 626 for part-time.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores [code 2906-02] for non-native English speakers - unless your degree is from an English language university in a country where English is the native language - with minimum score of 575 (paper), 230 (computer). TOEFL scores must have been taken within the last two years.

The Fox School requires that you have taken the exam before the application deadline. It is strongly suggested that you take the GMAT/TOEFL as early as possible in case you feel like you need to take it again.

The Fox School takes the highest score acquired on the GMAT. There are no limits to how many times you take the GMAT. The GMAT must be taken before the application deadline, however, the scores may be received after the deadline as long as it is not too far after the deadline.

GMAT scores are valid for five years after the test date and TOEFL scores are valid for two years. Scores sent prior to these years are no longer valid.

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is administered by an organization called ETS, and is available in three formats: you may take a paper-based test, a computer-based test, or an Internet-based test. These three options are not available in all areas. For example, according to ETS, the Internet-based test is not widely available in Asia, and the paper and computer-based tests are being phased out in Europe. We encourage you to plan accordingly for these tests. Due to a large volume of test-takers, exam slots fill up very quickly.

For more information go to TOEFL.

The average GPA of a typical enrolled class is 3.4 on a 4.0 scale. For more information on The Fox MBA Student click here.

Yes the GMAT can be waived if you possess a terminal degree. Generally that means for US applicants, a PhD, JD, MD, or DMD. For international applicants, the terminal degree must be earned as a post-bachelor's degree.

TOEFL examination is required of all applicants who are not native speakers of English, regardless of previous language instruction. Applicants having an undergraduate degree conferred by a US university are exempt from the TOEFL requirement. However, applicants having only a graduate degree conferred by an American institution are NOT exempt from the TOEFL requirement.

You may request a waiver of the expiration date of your old TOEFL by submitting a copy of your score report in addition to a letter to the Graduate School. Your request may or may not be granted. Your request can be e-mailed to your Admissions Counselor.

To be admitted to graduate study, applicants must score a minimum of either 575 on the paper-based version or 230 on the computer based version (CBT) of the TOEFL. However, the registration of those students admitted with TOEFL scores between 575-600 on the paper based test and 230-250 on the CBT test are subject to conditions. They will be required to pass the university-administered SPEAK test prior to registration to enroll in and pass an English skills course taken concurrently with their regular, academic coursework during their first semester at Temple University.

To schedule to take your GMAT you can go to the official GMAT web site at www.mba.com or call at 1 (800) GMAT-NOW. At the website you can:

• Locate the nearest test center
• Download the International Test Scheduling Form
• Learn the test format and content
• Find the procedures and regulations
• Get FREE GMAT POWERPREP software

GMAT test preparation books

• Widely available in bookstores
• Usually come with sample test software (actual past exams)

GMAT preparation courses:

• http://www.kaptest.com/ - Kaplan (classroom or online)
• www.review.com - Princeton Review (classroom or online)
• www.mba.com/mba/TaketheGMAT - GMAT Prep products
• Temple University Prep Course
  - Fort Washington- (215) 283-1304
  - Center City- (215) 204-6946

The Fox School of Business does not have a set criteria regarding work experience for their Graduate programs. The graduate students’ experiences, here at the Fox School, have ranged from no experience to several years worth of experience. Currently, the average number of years of work experience among the graduate students is approximately 4 years.

When reporting work experience we ask you not to consider graduate school as work experience. While we do recognize the importance and value of graduate academic work, we do not count academic work towards professional work experience.

There is no preference to one type of industry or company opposed to any other. We strive to create each class of students as complimentary as possible. The more diverse the professional backgrounds are the more our students learn from one another and their experiences. This allows a broader range of opinions and ideas brought to each classroom setting and experience.

The Fox MBA Student

Information such as this should be placed in the Additional Information section of the online application. We ask that you limit your responses to a reasonable length and that you use your judgment when submitting.

Technical support is available from any page within the online application by clicking on the ApplyYourself Tech Support button or by email at i-support@applyyourself.com If you are experiencing technical problems with your online application on Deadline Day, please contact ApplyYourself via the i-support@applyyourself.com email address prior to the 5:00 PM Pacific Time application deadline. ApplyYourself responds to all technical support questions within 24 hours, and within one hour on deadline days.

From the previous year The Fox School received over 300 applications for the Fox MBA Program, of those that applied only 74 were enrolled. This is not a set number for the program; however, the size is relatively small each year as we embrace the idea of a cohort experience for our students. The selection process will always be based on the applicant pool offerings. We strive to create a class that will compliment one another with diverse backgrounds and strengths. Because of this standard the type of diversity, whether it be candidates from different parts of the world to different industries, changes on a yarly basis. We have students representing multiple countries and industries ranging from healthcare to financial institutions.

If you would like to get in touch with a current student or alum, please email your request to foxinfo@temple.edu.

The best way to contact our office with general questions about our programs and application process is by contacting the Admissions Office at 215-204-5890. If you are considering the Fox School of Business and would like to find out about our program offerings, you may also attend an information session. If you have started the application process and have been assigned an Admissions Counselor, this person will serve as your primary point of contact.

If you would like an opportunity to come and see the program in action, please contact your Admissions Counselor. If you have not been assigned a counselor, please contact the Admissions Office at 215-204-5890 or foxinfo@temple.edu.

We encourage students to only apply for the semester in which they intend to attend. Due to unforeseen circumstances that may arise we allow potential students at the Fox School to defer admissions one year from the original application semester.

Application interviews are required for Full Time MBA applicants, and are done by request for Part Time MBA applicants. A member of the admissions team will contact you to set a time for your interview.

If you are granted an interview by the Admissions Committee, you will be contacted within two weeks of completing your application. Telephone interviews will be granted for all applicants who will not be able to travel to campus for an interview.

A confirmation that your account has been processed and is under review will be posted to your ApplyYourself online application. To check this, log into your ApplyYourself account and review the "Submission Status." It may take us up to six weeks after the deadline to post this notification.

It usually takes two weeks for an admissions decision after we determine that the application is complete. This is exclusive of the time it takes the graduate school to evaluate the applications. For international transcripts it can take up to an additional four weeks to receive an answer.

We understand the disappointment and desire to know the motivations behind decisions, but we are unable to accommodate requests for feedback due to the large response in applications we receive.