Fox School of Business

FAQ: Application Process

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Application

1. How can I get more information about the program?

To get more information about our Masters Programs you can request information or you can attend an information session.

2. How do I apply?

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

Temple University
The Fox School of Business and Management
Graduate Admissions
Alter Hall (006-22)
1801 Liacouras Walk, Suite 701
Philadelphia, PA 19122

Online applications are preferred.

3. When are the application deadlines?

Application Deadlines for Specialized Masters Applicants

  Domestic Applicants International Applicants
Fall June 1 March 15
Spring September 30 September 1

 

4. Is there an advantage to applying early? Do you have a pre-established quota or maximum number of people who are accepted?

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 Masters Program.

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 Graduate Program 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.

5. Are applicants without previous coursework in business at a disadvantage?

No. Students must meet prerequisite course requirements for each program. If a student has not taken previous coursework in the prerequisite courses, they must first enroll in the appropriate business foundation or other equivalent courses. However, we do strongly recommend that all newly admitted students use Ivy Software to prepare for the business core courses.

6. Can I apply as a college senior? If so is there any advice about what I can do to increase my chances for admission?

Because the Specialized Masters programs do not require previous professional work experience, 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 or GRE scores, as well as any type of internship or jobs they may have had.

7. Are re-applicants at a disadvantage? What are the procedures for reapplying?

Re-applicants are not put at a disadvantage for reapplying to the Fox Specialized Masters Programs. When applicants reapply they are considered to have a fresh start. When reapplying applicants must submit new materials including transcripts, resume, transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, GMAT or GRE/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.

8. Do you accept transfer students from other graduate business schools? Can I transfer units into the Business School?

Full-time and part-time students may apply to transfer up to 20%, usually six credit hours, of coursework. MHM student course transfers will be considered on a case by case basis.

9. What are the educational requirements for admission for students educated outside the United States? I have a three-year degree; am I eligible?

We require that students educated outside of the United States complete an undergraduate program that is equivalent to that of the U.S. 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.

Materials

10. What are the minimum requirements to apply to Fox?

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 (FAQ - Application Process # 13; 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 Application Checklist.

11. How do you evaluate applications and make final decisions? Can you tell me more about the evaluation process?

We evaluate each applicant based upon their performance on their GMAT or GRE, 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.

12. What are you looking for in the essays? How many pages should they be?

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

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

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?

In addition 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.

13. Who would Temple prefer recommendations come from?

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.

14. What is the process for references?

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.

15. Can I or my recommender send in a recommendation on paper?

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

16. I don’t want to tell my employer that I am leaving. Who should I ask to write my letters of reference? What should I do?

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.

17. Can I apply without paying the application fee?

No. We cannot waive the application fee.

18. Do I have to send a completed packet/application? Do I have to send all materials in at once?

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.

19. If my application is missing materials, can I be accepted conditionally until those items arrive?

Conditional admission due to an incomplete application is usually not an option at Fox. Applications will not be considered for admission until complete. A complete application includes all of the items listed on the Application Checklist.

GMAT/TOEFL

20. What is the average GMAT/TOEFL score?

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. GRE scores at or about 600 in either quantitative or verbal section are usually competitive. Higher quantitative scores are usually required for the MSFE, MS in Actuarial Science and MS in Statistics Programs.

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 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), 100 (internet-based). TOEFL scores must have been taken within the last two years.

We will accept the IELTS test as a substitute for the TOEFL with a minimum score of 7.5.

21. How close to the application deadline can I take the GMAT and/or TOEFL? When should I take the GMAT/TOEFL?

The Fox School requires that you take the GRE, GMAT or TOEFL and leave enough time for Graduate Admissions at the Fox School to adequately consider your application. This means that international students should add in additional time to apply for a Visa and therefore take the appropriate standardized test as close to the application deadline as possible. It is strongly suggested that domestic applicants take the GMAT, GRE, TOEFL (if required) as early as possible in case you feel like you need to take it again.

22. Which GMAT score should I report if I took the test more than once? Can my official GMAT scores arrive after the deadline for which I applied?

The Fox School takes the highest score acquired on the GMAT or GRE. There are no limits to how many times you take the test. The GMAT must be taken within the guidelines specified above, thus, the scores may be received after the deadline as long as it is not too far after the deadline.

23. If I sent my score to you more than a year ago, and did not apply, do you still have my score? How long are scores valid?

GMAT and GRE 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.

24. How do I take the TOEFL?

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.

25. What is the average GPA?

The typical average GPA for an enrolled class is 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

26. Can I waive the TOEFL? GMAT?

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 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 Fox's Graduate Admissions Office.

To be admitted to graduate study, applicants must score a minimum of either 600 on the paper-based version, 250 on the computer based version (CBT), and 100 on the internet based version of the TOEFL.

27. How do I schedule to take the GMAT?

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

28. What are good preparation resources for the GMAT?

GMAT test preparation books

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

GMAT preparation courses:

Experience

29. How many years of full-time work experience do I need to even be considered for admission? Does graduate school count?

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.

30. What kind of work experience do I need? If I come from a “non-traditional” background is that okay?

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.

Online Application

31. I am filling out the online application and I have additional information that I believe is important for the Board to have in evaluating my application. Where should this go?

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.

32. How do I contact technical support for the Online Application?

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.

Additional Information

33. How many people do you admit from those that apply? How many from my country? How many from my industry?

From the previous year The Fox School received almost 800 applications for the Fox MS and MHM Programs, of those that applied only 82 were enrolled. 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 yearly basis.

34. How do I get in touch with alumni or current students from Fox?

If you would like to get in touch with a current student or speak with an alumni of the program, please contact Graduate Admissions at foxinfo@temple.edu.

35. Can I speak to an admission Counselor/Advisor/Staff?

The best way to contact our office with specific questions about our program and application process is by calling 215.204.5890 or emailing foxinfo@temple.edu. We also conduct information sessions where you can learn more about our programs and speak directly with staff.

36. How can I schedule a class visit?

If you would like an opportunity to come and see the program in action, please schedule a class visit by emailing foxinfo@temple.edu. For more information on other ways to view our program in action please go to Information Sessions.

37. What is your policy on deferred admissions?

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.

Interviews

38. Do I need an application interview, and how can I arrange an interview?

Full Time MS MHM applicants are not required to interview, however, either the applicant or the Fox School may request an interview.

Application Decisions

39. After I submit my application, is there a way to check the application status? How will I be notified of the decision?

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.

40. How long does it typically take for an applicant to receive an admissions decision after he/she has submitted his/her application?

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.

41. Do you give feedback on denied applications?

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.