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 MBA 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:

Professional 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.

3. When are the application deadlines?

  • Part Time MBA/MS (Fall Semester): June 30
  • Part Time MBA/MS (Spring Semester): October 31
  • JD/MBA MD/MBA Applicants: April 1st

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 Professional 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.

5. Are applicants without previous coursework in business 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 Professional MBA Program. Because we value our students' diverse backgrounds, we do not have specific coursework in business as a prerequisite for the Professional MBA. However, we do strongly recommend that all newly admitted students use Ivy Software to prepare for the business core courses.

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

Re-applicants are not put at a disadvantage for reapplying to the Professional MBA Program. 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/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.

7. 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 for transfer up to six credit hours of coursework.

8. Can I apply if I already have an MBA?

The Fox School has had applicants in the past who have already obtained an MBA before applying to the Professional 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.

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 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.

10. What percentage of the Professional MBA student population is international?

Currently our enrolled entering student population is 74 students. 10% of this population is international students.

Materials

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

The minimum requirements to be eligible to apply for admission to the Professional 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 Part Time MBA on request only basis.

For more information on the application process, go to the  Application Checklist.

12. 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, 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.

13. 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.

  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?

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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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. 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.

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 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 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 is 3.24 on a 4.0 scale. For more information on The Professional MBA Student click here.

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 me.

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.

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.

31. What is the average MBA student?

The Professional MBA Student

Online Application

32. 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.

33. 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 emailing 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

34. 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 over 300 applications for the The Professional 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 yearly basis. We currently have students representing 8 different countries (in the 2005 enrollment class) and from industries ranging from healthcare to financial institutions.

35. 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 you can contact Graduate Admissions at foxinfo@temple.edu.

36. 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 contacting Graduate Admissions at foxinfo@temple.edu. We also conduct information sessions where you can learn more about our programs and speak directly with staff and students. 

37. How can I schedule a class visit?

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

38. 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

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

Application interviews are required for Full Time MBA applicants, and are done by request for Part Time MBA applicants.

40. How does the interview process work? Do I have to interview on campus or can I interview over the phone if I am unable to come to Temple for a personal interview?

If you decide that you need an interview you should contact the Graduate Admissions Office at foxinfo@temple.edu or 215- 204-5890. If the admissions committee decides that you need an interview, they will contact you within the two weeks after they have received your completed application.  It is understandable that not all applicants will be able to come to campus for an interview.  If unable to come in for an interview an interview will be conducted over the phone.

Application Decisions

41. 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.

42. 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.

43. 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.