COVID-19 Business School Bulletin
October 7, 2020
Poets&Quants is working with schools to provide prospective applicants and the general public with updates on admissions and campus information. For as long as necessary, we'll send these communications weekly on Wednesday mornings via email.
Auburn University Harbert College of Business
Amidst all the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, our students can rely on the Auburn MBA Programs to continue providing a consistent yet flexible learning experience. Our professors, classes, and current students haven't missed a beat, and we are actively accepting applications for Fall 2021. The Full-Time MBA and Online MBA programs are now admitting for Fall 2021, and the GMAT requirement can be waived for applicants who meet established criteria. Our Executive MBA program is also accepting applicants for Fall 2021. The Executive MBA does not require the GMAT and is designed specifically for professionals with at least 8 years of work experience. Our team is available for appointments and at mba@auburn.edu to help you through this process. Visit us at harbert.auburn.edu for more information.
The University of Cambridge Judge Business School
Says Thomas Roulet, Deputy Director of the MBA programme and University Senior Lecturer in Organisation Theory & Information Systems at Cambridge Judge Business School
"The Cambridge MBA class of 2020-21 began classes on 28 September with a blended approach of face-to-face and online teaching. This followed an extensive programme over the summer to restructure existing courses and delivery to move some elements online, pursue interactive activities in the classroom, and to install new safety procedures and prepare our buildings for physical distancing including one-way lifts and stairs.
While we have taken up blended learning for the initial part of the school year, we asked all students to attend Cambridge in person as soon as possible in line with University of Cambridge rules. Some students felt unable to make such a commitment in this unusual year, so the deferral rate is higher, as expected, and our class size is smaller at 174. We did not alter stringent admissions requirements to meet student number targets, also knowing that a smaller number would enable us to allocate more resources to each student and maximize faculty-student and student-student interactions.
The autumn term got off to a good start with a mix of time-honored MBA subjects and timely new topics related to the pandemic, including the implications for leadership of managing remote teams. Applications for the class of 2021-22 opened on 1 July, with our first-round application total being significantly higher than last year, and our other interest metrics similarly high – there is no shortage of interest in the MBA this year. Cambridge Judge Business School seeks a diverse MBA cohort of people who are highly motivated, creative and innovative, and have already exhibited clear progression within their career. This year's cohort have already displayed courage and drive in these difficult global circumstances, and will experience the Cambridge experience to the full, including the benefits brought by a collegiate and interdisciplinary university, albeit differently."
EGADE Business School Tec de Monterrey
The entire EGADE admissions process moved online, including admissions and English-proficiency tests, interviews as well as all personalized enrollment support. To facilitate the application process, GMAT and TOEFL requirements may now be waived for all applicants who meet established criteria.T he EGADE Full-Time programs, i.e. MBA in Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Master in Business Management are admitting again in September 2021. January admission is still open for the renowned EGADE – W. P. Carey Executive MBA, few seats are left. Meanwhile, courses take place via remote platforms, the digitalized study offer is complemented by various virtual experiences: (i) free bi-weekly Webinars aimed at strengthening Leadership for the Future of Business, (ii) courtesy access to over 2.500 courses on global learning platforms, (iii) one to one career counseling services, and (iv) numerous networking events on platforms like VirBella or Zoom. The EGADE team is available for appointments or guidance at admision.egade@itesm.mx and more information is available at https://egade.tec.mx.
ESMT Berlin
Applications for the ESMT Berlin full-time MBA program and scholarships are open. Learn how Germany's top B-school combines innovation, technology, sustainability, startups and to advance your career in Germany or the world. The program begins in January 2021 and lasts 13 months. Contact us at admissions.degrees@esmt.org to arrange an informal review of your profile before you apply. Alternatively, join us in a few weeks for our final virtual open house event of 2020. Click here for more information and to register. Click here to find out how ESMT and our students are working through Covid.
Georgetown University McDonough School of Business
The next application deadline for the online Georgetown McDonough Master of Science in Finance Fall 2021 program start (August) is Nov. 20. We have continued accepting the online graduate exam score reports offered by GMAT and GRE test administrators. The next virtual information session will be held on Oct. 26 at 7PM ET and prospective students can register to attend here.
IMD
Final interviews for the IMD MBA Class of 2021, starting in January, are taking place now. Our full-time program is an intimate, personalized leadership development experience delivering an unmatched emphasis on entrepreneurship, globalization and digitalization, while equipping MBAs with the classic MBA toolkit. Unlock your true potential and make an impact in the world – applications for our 2022 class will open in November, but you can already join our upcoming virtual events to help prepare. Good luck!
Indiana University Kelley School of Business
Recognizing the challenges and concerns presented by the ever-changing situation related to COVID-19, the Kelley Direct Online MBA program’s previously in-person course requirements can currently be taken fully online (e.g. Kelley Connect Weeks and Global and Domestic Immersions) until authorities confirm it is safe to travel once again. The application deadline for Spring 2021 is January 15, 2021. In addition to watching the recorded Curriculum Overview webinar, applicants can chat directly with admission staff during online office hours or register to attend an upcoming webinar on the Kelley Direct program's Meet Us page, or email the admissions team directly at kdirect@iu.edu. The Kelley School’s Full-Time MBA program admits high-potential applicants into our academically rigorous curriculum. We typically require the GMAT or GRE as one demonstration of quantitative and analytic capability. In light of the recent challenges associated with taking standardized tests, candidates may apply for a waiver of this requirement and submit other evidence of their academic qualifications. We expect to award a limited number of waivers to candidates with otherwise strong qualifications. In evaluating waiver requests, we consider many factors, including rigor and achievement from previous undergraduate and graduate degrees, evidence of work experience requiring analytical and quantitative skills, and post–bachelor’s degree career growth including demonstration of leadership. To request a GMAT/GRE waiver, you must complete the following two steps: 1. Complete and submit our online information request form (to ensure that we have your most current contact information); and 2. Submit via email (iumba@indiana.edu) a current professional resume, your unofficial or official undergraduate transcripts (and graduate school transcripts, if applicable), and a brief statement (500 words or less) summarizing why you believe you qualify for a waiver. You should receive a response to your request within one week of submission.
Pepperdine Graziadio Business School
At Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, we act with integrity, have courage with compassion, and lead with an entrepreneurial spirit. Now, more than ever, is the time to upgrade your skills and redefine what's possible for your life and your career as you take steps towards becoming a Best for the World Leader. Application awards are available for all programs when you apply by the priority and or final deadline date. Submit your application by the final deadline date to receive a $750.00 scholarship. Deadline dates vary by program. For additional information schedule an individual consultation. To learn more about our programs, courses, and world-class faculty members, visit our website or join us for a virtual event.
UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
UNC Kenan-Flagler’s Full-Time MBA Round 1 application deadline is Tuesday, October 13. GMAT/GRE waivers are available by request, and can be accessed and submitted from within your application. If you are planning to request a waiver, we highly recommend submitting it as soon as possible to account for processing time. You can continue to work on your application while your waiver request is processing. We are here to support you and encourage you to connect with us any time by email at mba_info@unc.edu, schedule an Office Hours appointment with a student or admissions officer, or join an upcoming webinar.
Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management
Virtual Campus Visits are now available. During your virtual visit you can attend a lunch with current students, a Recruiting & Admissions Small Group Session, a Career Management Center Small Group Session, and a Vanderbilt MBA Insider Webinar. Applicants who complete all four components of a virtual campus visit will have their application fee waived. Additionally, Vanderbilt MBA is offering GMAT/GRE test waivers to qualified candidates for the 2020-21 MBA application cycle. Waiver requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who are interested in a GMAT/GRE waiver must start an application in order to complete the test waiver request form and upload supporting documentation. Please contact us at mba@vanderbilt.edu with questions.
Wake Forest University School of Business
Wake Forest University School of Business has launched new applications for Fall 2021 entry to the MS in Accountancy program and for Summer 2021 entry to the MS in Management and MS in Business Analytics programs. We have made adjustments to the application process, including waived application fee and essay questions. Due to suspension of testing center offerings, we are offering GRE/GMAT waivers for qualified students. This fall, we will be hosting Inclusion Weekend: A Virtual Experience. The application deadline to participate has been extended to October 19th. Please reach out to busadmissions@wfu.edu for more information, to request waiver codes, or to schedule a call with our enrollment team.
