Evening & Weekend MBA Program
Online Admissions Chat
January 31, 2008
Chat with the Haas Evening & Weekend MBA Admissions Team
Aija Gamburg – Admissions Coordinator
Beth Hoch – Assistant Director
Molly Kihanya – Associate Director
Sarah Thompson– Admissions Assistant
Admissions_Sarah (Jan 31, 2008 3:26:54 PM)
Welcome to the Berkeley Evening & Weekend MBA chat. My name is
Sarah and I will be moderating the chat today. I would like to
introduce Molly Kihanya, Associate Director of Admissions, Aija
Gamburg, Program Coordinator, and Beth Hoch, Assistant Director. This
chat is moderated. Your questions are put into a cue to be answered, so
do not be alarmed if we do not respond to you immediately. It is best
if you send one question at a time and please do not resend your
questions multiple times. They will not be answered more quickly and it
may slow us down. Please send us your questions!
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 3:27:04 PM)
Welcome!
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 3:27:13 PM)
Welcome
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 3:28:29 PM)
Hello everyone and welcome!
jayt (Jan 31, 2008 3:28:38 PM)
Hello All, One question from my side, what is the Average GMAT score for EWMBA?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 3:28:38 PM)
The median GMAT score for admitted students into the EWMBA program for
fall 2007 was a score of 700, with most admitted students scoring
between 640 and 760.
nick (Jan 31, 2008 3:30:37 PM)
Is it possible to be considered for the Berkeley-Columbia Executive program while one applies for the Evening & Weekend MBA?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 3:30:37 PM)
Yes, you can check a box on the Evening & Weekend MBA application.
However, February 11th is the final deadline for the Berkeley-Columbia
Executive MBA program. Evening & Weekend's final deadline this year
is February 29th. If you want to apply this year, I would suggest that
you apply for the Februrary 11 deadline for Berkeley-Columbia. I hope
that answers your question.
ketan (Jan 31, 2008 3:30:45 PM)
I did my undergrad in India and MS in US. I don’t have my
transcripts for undergrad with me right now. Can I still apply and get
the transcripts once admission decision is made? I can show the
original degree certificate along with mark sheets now if needed.
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 3:30:45 PM)
Hi Ketan, if you have originals of your mark sheets and degree
certificate from India, you can submit photocopies to meet the final
deadline of February 29th. If you are recommended for admission, you
will need to produce official copies or bring the originals in for
certification.
ksanz (Jan 31, 2008 3:30:54 PM)
Hello. I was going to send my application last year so I have the
recommendation letters dated February 2007. Is it Ok to send a
recommendation letter one year old or should I go back and ask for new
letters?
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 3:30:54 PM)
We strongly recommend you get new, updated letters from your recommenders for this year.
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 3:31:15 PM)
If you submit your application on February 29, 2008 you will hear your decision on May 30, 2008.
hs (Jan 31, 2008 3:31:49 PM)
When are the waiver exams?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 3:31:49 PM)
The waiver exams are offered monthly, January-May on a Friday or
Saturday. The upcoming exam dates have not yet been finalized. When
they are, applicants will receive an email, and the dates will be
posted online under Events.
mel (Jan 31, 2008 3:32:51 PM)
Hello. My question is regarding financial aid. Aside from government grants
and loans, are there private grants and scholarships you are aware of
that prospective students like myself can research?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 3:32:51 PM)
Our financial aid website offers some resources that you may want to
check out. Here is a good link to get you started,
http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/EWMBA/finaid/Scholarship.htm
timothy (Jan 31, 2008 3:33:15 PM)
I have not taken the GMAT, have a B average in my undergrad and hold an
upper management position at a large real estate brokerage. I usually
test poorly on standardized tests. What suggestions can you give me to
make me a strong candidate for the weekend program?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 3:33:15 PM)
Hi Timothy, you will need to take the GMAT to apply, but we do evaluate
applicants using a holistic review process. Therefore, if your
application is strong except for a lower GMAT, you could still be a
competitive applicant. I encourage you to try and get a score within
the 640-760 range.
Pallavi (Jan 31, 2008 3:34:39 PM)
Could you please list few of the reasons for why a candidate would not be selected in EWMBA?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 3:34:39 PM)
There are many reasons. The admissions committee looks at your
academics, your work history and your personal qualities. Overall, we
are looking for the best students who have a lot to offer their
classmates and would be great teammates and alumni.
jayt (Jan 31, 2008 3:34:43 PM)
Do I have to take the TOEFL before the application deadline or can I provide the TOEFL score little later?
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 3:34:43 PM)
You should schedule the TOEFL for the earliest possible date. If there
is no date available before the deadline within a reasonable distance
from you, you can submit your application without it. However, you need
to schedule the exam and enter the date in your application, so that we
know to wait for the score report. For Round 2 applicants, the exam must be completed by April 15, 2008.
hs (Jan 31, 2008 3:35:29 PM)
I had applied in the first round, how many candidates are generally offered admission on the first round?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 3:35:29 PM)
Round 1 is historically smaller than round 2, usually about 1/3
of the applicants for the year. We admit accordingly to achieve an
equal percentage of admits for both rounds. We save plenty of seats for
round 2, so your chances of admission are the same in both rounds.
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 3:37:03 PM)
Once enrolled, you need to complete the first year of core
courses in a lock step schedule the first year, then electives are more
flexible. The program is designed to be completed in three years, but
you can take a maximum of seven years to graduate, however that is
pretty rare.
miyer (Jan 31, 2008 3:37:34 PM)
What % of the admitted candidates in the last couple of years had a Ph.D.?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 3:37:34 PM)
Hi Miyer, the last couple of years we have admitted about 5% PhDs in each entering class.
vincent (Jan 31, 2008 3:38:29 PM)
Have any exceptional non-executives ever been admitted to the emba program?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 3:38:29 PM)
Not all Berkeley-Columbia students are at the executive level.
Students have an average of 12 years of work experience and some
leadership experience.
William (Jan 31, 2008 3:38:52 PM)
For an EXEC MBA...does the company need to sponsor an applicant?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 3:38:52 PM)
William, the EWMBA program does not require sponsorship. Our
Berkeley-Columbia Executive MBA requires that your employer
approve/sponsor your TIME away from the office, since classes take
place during the weekday (Thurs-Sat about every three weeks.)
nick (Jan 31, 2008 3:39:00 PM)
Is it sufficient to have the TOEFL and GMAT scores sent directly to the
school, or do we need to fax in the score card too. I am taking both
TOEFL and GMAT in Feb
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 3:39:00 PM)
You don't need to fax us the copy of the score report, but you do need
to enter your GMAT and TOEFL scores in your application before
submitting it. Since you are taking the TOEFL in February, you probably
will not receive the score report before 2/29 (takes about 3 weeks
usually). Please enter the exam date in "Future TOEFL" part of the
application, so we know to look for your score report.
Maulik (Jan 31, 2008 3:39:09 PM)
Can you please provide stats for number of applications to accepted for both rounds if possible?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 3:39:09 PM)
No, we don't provide that infomation. However, I can tell you that
Historically we have admitted the same percentage from each round.
jayt (Jan 31, 2008 3:40:38 PM)
Is there a minimum for TOEFL?
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 3:40:38 PM)
The minimum TOEFL score for internet-based exam is 68, however the median score for admitted students is 114.
jayt (Jan 31, 2008 3:40:44 PM)
How do you define a strong application? If I get 670 GMAT score, what do you look to determine?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 3:40:44 PM)
Hi Jayt, we use a holistic review process. We look for the best
all-around applicants with regards to a balance of academics
(GPA/GMAT), professional experience (accomplishments, letters of
recommendation, and leadership potential) plus personal qualities that
come out in the essays, interview and extracurricular activities.
haas_bound (Jan 31, 2008 3:40:59 PM)
Is it mandatory to complete the math assessment pre-requisite before applying?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 3:40:59 PM)
You must complete your pre-requisites before August 8, 2008 which is
the mandatory orientation for admitted students. You can apply without your pre-requisites
complete but you cannot enroll (August 8) unless we have proof of
completion. You will need to plan ahead and schedule your pre-reqs
accordingly.
Kedar (Jan 31, 2008 3:41:29 PM)
I am an Indian national and am planning to apply for the Weekends and
Evenings program. Would I still need to give a TOEFL exam even if I have
completed a Masters from a US university?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 3:41:29 PM)
Because you have a Master's degree from the U.S., you do NOT need to take the TOEFL.
Gayatri (Jan 31, 2008 3:41:52 PM)
My GMAT is dated Dec 2003. Would I be able to use it if I apply later this year for the session starting 2009?
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 3:41:52 PM)
Yes. The earliest you could have taken the GMAT for fall 2009 admission is October 2003.
CC (Jan 31, 2008 3:42:17 PM)
In 2006, I had a 'credentials evaluation service' agency evaluate my
high school and undergraduate transcripts. They were able to report a
US 4.0 scale GPA after evaluating my Engineering degree transcripts. I
completed the engineering degree in India. Is it OK to enter the GPA
score that the evaluation agency reported or should I just calculate
the average score and enter it as a percentage in the 'International
GPA' box?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 3:42:17 PM)
You do not need to put in the calculated gpa score. Please just enter your % in the International GPA box.
hs (Jan 31, 2008 3:42:40 PM)
Of all the applicants what % of the students are called for an interview?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 3:42:41 PM)
We interview about 2/3 of our applicants.
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 3:43:18 PM)
Hi Annie, work experience is an important part of your application. Our
students have anywhere from 3 to 25 years of experience. The average is
8 years, and most (80%) of incoming students have between 5 and 12
years of work experience. In addition to quantity, the quality of
experience is important: depth and breadth, progression and leadership
potential.
sam.h (Jan 31, 2008 3:43:56 PM)
I submitted my application by the round 1 deadline, but have still not received
an interview, how late into the round do you continue interviewing?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 3:43:56 PM)
Hi Sam, we will be interviewing candidates throughout the review period, through the round 1 decision date of March 14.
sonalat (Jan 31, 2008 3:44:04 PM)
Does the leadership experience mean official manager title? Or something like technical lead role counts as well?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 3:44:04 PM)
Leadership could mean many things, it could be a title, it could be a
technical lead role. What is important are your accomplishments in your role.
mel (Jan 31, 2008 3:44:15 PM)
The last math class I took as an undergrad was Calculus, which was more
than 5 years ago. Do you require the prerequisite classes to be taken more
recently?
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 3:44:15 PM)
Yes. The earliest you could have taken the course for 2008 admission is
the fall 2003 semester. If your course was completed prior to this, you
can either take the waiver exam, take a new course, or get 80% or
higher in quantitative part of GMAT (specific to Math pre-req.).
aspirer (Jan 31, 2008 3:45:11 PM)
Procuring official transcripts from a country outside the states might
be a little cumbersome and will be delayed. Is it ok to provide a
notarized copy of the undergraduate degree and submit originals after
interview ?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 3:45:11 PM)
Hi Aspirer, if official copies are hard to obtain, all we need is
photocopies for review of international transcripts. We do not accept
notarized copies, but we will ask for you to present the originals for
verification if you are recommended for admission.
Song (Jan 31, 2008 3:45:17 PM)
Can one apply and re-appear in the GMAT exam if the scores are lower than mentioned average?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 3:45:17 PM)
You can retake the GMAT as often as you wish but all scores must be
submitted on the deadline date of February 29th. We cannot guarantee
the review of any scores or information received after that date.
omer (Jan 31, 2008 3:45:43 PM)
I took the GMAT twice, 1 month apart. I had a remarkably bad day the
first time. I scored 120 points higher on the second attempt. Do you
average the GMAT scores during the decision making process, or simply
look at the higher score?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 3:45:43 PM)
Hi Omer, we will look at your highest score. That's a big improvement!
hs (Jan 31, 2008 3:46:04 PM)
Will be considered for round 2 if I don't get admitted in the first round?
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 3:46:04 PM)
If you are waitlisted from Round 1, then you are considered in the
second round. If you receive a final decision (admitted or denied),
then you will not be considered in Round 2.
ketan (Jan 31, 2008 3:47:04 PM)
I guess part time jobs don’t count towards months of experience. But should I still list them in work experience?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 3:47:04 PM)
Correct. If your part time positions were professional it may be
helpful for the admissions committee to see them. However, it is not
essential.
bev (Jan 31, 2008 3:48:45 PM)
Can you talk a little bit about the importance of the recommendations
and what you are looking for and any suggestions that you regarding the
recommendations?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 3:48:45 PM)
Sure. We would like 2 recommendations - one from your current direct
supervisor and the other from either your boss's boss or a former
direct supervisor. We suggest that you give your recommenders plenty of
time to fill out the recommendation and ask them to supply as many
details and examples as they can.
Pallavi (Jan 31, 2008 3:49:10 PM)
What are the few qualities that admissions committee will be interested in, qualities that can be shared with classmates?
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 3:49:10 PM)
Essentially the Admissions Committee looks for three areas in your
application: academic background (previous education, GMAT), work
experience, and personal qualities., including leadership potential.
Lori (Jan 31, 2008 3:49:46 PM)
Do you know when interview invitations will be sent out for the February 29 deadline?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 3:49:46 PM)
We invite people for interviews any time from March 3rd through mid May.
miyer (Jan 31, 2008 3:50:25 PM)
Is it possible for you discuss what you may look for in a candidate who has already has a Ph.D.?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 3:50:25 PM)
Hi Miyer, the criteria for admission is the same as other candidates
(many who have masters degrees) - academics, professional
accomplishments and work experience. We will also want you to help us
understand why you want to do an MBA.
lumi (Jan 31, 2008 3:50:30 PM)
Is TOEFL necessary for a foreign national who has been working for the past 10 years in USA, as Engineer?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 3:50:30 PM)
Yes. If you have completed a master's degree or one year toward a graduate degree in the US that requirement is waived.
lumi (Jan 31, 2008 3:50:34 PM)
How much does it cost for the Evening & Weekend MBA?
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 3:50:34 PM)
EWMBA has a per unit fee structure. Currently (fall 2007) tuition is
$2,049 per unit. The total cost for the program is currently about
$86,000 (42 units).
athakkar (Jan 31, 2008 3:51:56 PM)
How do you judge leadership potential. A lot of very bright people may not be able to grow in a company for various reasons.
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 3:51:56 PM)
Good question. We look at what you have accomplished both at work and
outside of work. Often we see leadership in extracurricular activities
as well. It's great if you can be clear about your leadership
experience in your resume and application.
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 3:52:07 PM)
During the first year everyone follows the same structure for core
courses. After your first year it is possible to take a semester off
with the program director's permission.
Song (Jan 31, 2008 3:52:37 PM)
What optimal experience is Berkeley looking for and does additional experience provide leverage on the GMAT score?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 3:52:37 PM)
Hi Song, strong work experience can help us overlook a less
competitive GMAT score, so can strong undergraduate grades. There is no
'optimal experience' because we are looking to admit a class that has a
diverse range of experience in different industries and job functions.
All of our students show potential for management.
Rhishi (Jan 31, 2008 3:52:47 PM)
Do you have to come to Berkeley for an interview?
Admissions_Sarah (Jan 31, 2008 3:52:47 PM)
Yes, all interviews are held at the Haas Business School in Berkeley.
Sanjeev (Jan 31, 2008 3:53:06 PM)
Is admission for the full time MBA easier than the weekend MBA? I ask
because there is a difference in the average work experience of the
applicant.
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 3:53:06 PM)
Last year the Evening & Weekend MBA Program had 843 applicants for
240 seats. Full-time had over 3000 applicants for 240 seats.
RS (Jan 31, 2008 3:53:12 PM)
I work for KLA-Tencor and would like to scope if I can get names of a
couple individuals from my company who have attended the Berkeley
program so I may seek guidance on their experience as well get there
feedback on work/school balance?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 3:53:12 PM)
Hi RS, yes you can email our office to be connected with KLA-Tencor students.
B (Jan 31, 2008 3:55:00 PM)
Due to certain circumstances, I was not able to start preparations for
my application earlier. Having just a month now to prepare for GMAT
and also finish essays, etc I might now be able to give it my best shot.
Would it be better to apply in spite of this, hoping that I will get
admission this year, and if not at least would learn something to be
better prepared for re-application next year, OR just skip and apply
next year? (NOTE: I would like to start the MBA this fall itself if
possible)
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 3:55:00 PM)
Hi B, that's a personal decision. We do have a process for
reapplication, which is common. If you apply again, we will look to see
improvement in your application from one year to the next. We will not
hold it against you on the second try if your first attempt was not
your best effort.
aspirer (Jan 31, 2008 3:55:17 PM)
Is it ok to submit notarized copies of the undergraduate degree.
Procuring transcripts from an international university is going to take
some time and I was wondering if they can be provided after the
interview.
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 3:55:17 PM)
You can submit photocopies of your transcripts and degree
certificate for evaluation purposes. If you are admitted, at that point
we will need official copies of both the transcripts and the degree
certificate. If your school does not issue a second official copy of
these documents, it is possible to have them certified against your
original copies at UC Berkeley. We will request you to bring the
documents in for certification after you are admitted into the program.
omer (Jan 31, 2008 3:56:59 PM)
I am planning on taking a statistics class at a community college to
satisfy the statistics prerequisite. Is it adequate to simply indicate
that I will be taking a class, or do I have supply specific enrollment
information for a specific class?
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 3:56:59 PM)
If you have already chosen a class, you can enter this in your
application. Otherwise you can just say that you are planning to take a
course. Please remember to look for a course that can be completed
before August 8.
sid (Jan 31, 2008 3:57:11 PM)
I was wondering if you could comment on the main essay (personal
and family) for EW program. What specific things are you looking
for? This is quite an open ended essay, with lot of things to talk
about so I am wondering what aspects to focus on.
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 3:57:11 PM)
We are looking for anything you haven't been able to tell us about
yourself throughout the rest of the application. Please help us get to
know you. We are not looking for professional accomplishments because we
get that in other areas of your resume. We suggest people write from
their heart and be genuine.
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 3:57:13 PM)
Exchange programs are an opportunity to expand your horizons and experience the global
marketplace first-hand. Haas has reciprocal agreements with leading
business schools in Europe and Asia, as well as with Columbia Business
School in New York City. Evening & Weekend MBA students who have completed their core course
requirements may participate in an exchange program, and only in the
Fall semester. You may complete a maximum of 12 units of course work as
an exchange student. Participating students pay the normal Haas tuition
and fees during the exchange semester. Please visit our website for
details: http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/EWMBA/EWMBAexchange.html
aligirl (Jan 31, 2008 3:58:08 PM)
How heavily does Berkeley weight the GMAT in terms of admissions? Are
there minimum thresholds that candidates have to score? I feel that I
am a strong candidate in most ways...but not on this test.
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 3:58:08 PM)
Last year 80% of our admitted class scored between 640 and 760 on the
GMAT. The GMAT is one indicator that we look at to determine how
successful you will be in the program.
sonalat (Jan 31, 2008 3:58:27 PM)
Hi, does the leadership experience mean official management title and
doing people's reviews? Does technical leadership role counts for
leadership experience?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 3:58:27 PM)
When we ask about “employees supervised" in the application, we are
looking for the formal reporting relationship where you are completing
their performance reviews. It is not necessary to have this experience
to be admitted.
brian (Jan 31, 2008 3:59:34 PM)
If I take the GMAT more than once, do you take the highest score or an average score?
Admissions_Sarah (Jan 31, 2008 3:59:34 PM)
The highest GMAT score is taken into consideration.
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 3:59:41 PM)
Hi Sandra, almost 40% of our students already have a master's degree.
It is not a big differentiating factor in our applicant pool.
Sanjeev (Jan 31, 2008 3:59:59 PM)
Do you feel there is any advantage to apply in the first round as compared to the second?
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 3:59:59 PM)
The main difference for an applicant applying in the first round is
that you get your decision earlier, and can plan for the prerequisite
courses etc. In terms of the admission requirements, they are the same
for both rounds.
curious_applicant (Jan 31, 2008 4:00:03 PM)
Are patents considered innovation?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 4:00:03 PM)
Sure. It's great to let us know about your accomplishments.
jayt (Jan 31, 2008 4:00:29 PM)
What are the questions usually asked during interview?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 4:00:29 PM)
Please treat it like a job interview. We will primarily interview off of your resume.
kishore (Jan 31, 2008 4:00:45 PM)
In application, how do I report work experience in two different
functional roles at same company (example: sales & engineering)?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:00:45 PM)
Hi Kishore, If they are concurrent, include them in the
responsibilities section of one employment record. If they are
sequential, submit separate employment records. You can clarify your
experience further in your resume.
athakkar (Jan 31, 2008 4:01:10 PM)
How does EWMBA program perceive career changers especially those with few years of Work Experience?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 4:01:10 PM)
We welcome all applicants and students no matter what their career aspirations.
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 4:02:32 PM)
If your undergraduate degree is from a country where English is not the
official language, the only reason why the TOEFL requirement can be
waived is if you have one year or more of Masters level studies in an
accredited degree program in the US.
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:03:01 PM)
We have no set minimum GMAT score. We strongly recommend trying to get a GMAT score
within our 80% range of 640 to 760.
sid (Jan 31, 2008 4:03:26 PM)
I have worked with my current direct supervisor for about a year, I am
afraid he may not be able to provide a detailed letter highlighting all
aspects of my accomplishments. I am planning to choose alternate
recommenders who have known me in my current company for 3-5 years and
explain the reasons in the supplemental app section. Any comments or
suggestions?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 4:03:26 PM)
From the Admissions Committee's prospective, 1 year is enough time to
be able to evaluate an employee. It's up to you whether you choose your
supervisor or not. It's important that the recommenders you choose can
evaluate you from a supervisory level.
jayt (Jan 31, 2008 4:03:45 PM)
How many letters of recommendations do you need at the minimum?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:03:45 PM)
We require two professional letters of recommendation, no more no less.
We strongly recommend one letter be from your current direct supervisor.
khalid (Jan 31, 2008 4:03:53 PM)
I am thinking of taking the waiver eaxm. I have seen the
course content online but would like to talk to someone to get some
more details. Is this possible?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 4:03:53 PM)
The details online are all that we provide for the waiver exam.
lumi (Jan 31, 2008 4:04:08 PM)
How much does it cost for the EWMBA? Is it lower than that for a full time MBA?
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 4:04:08 PM)
The EWMBA program has a per unit fee structure, currently $2,049 per
unit. The total cost of the program is currently about $86,000. The
Full-time MBA program fee is currently about $27,000 per year for
California residents.
Admissions_Sarah (Jan 31, 2008 4:04:14 PM)
Check out our admissions Podcasts on our home page at
http://ewmba.haas.berkeley.edu/media_popup.html for information on
Haas, tips on the online application and more.
curious_applicant (Jan 31, 2008 4:04:22 PM)
Can we see recommenders input?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 4:04:22 PM)
You have the option to waive your right to see the recommendation.
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:05:02 PM)
We welcome reapplicants, but we do want to see improvement in subsequent
applications. Reapplying is a positive sign of continued interest and
dedication. We hold reapplicants to the same standards of review as the
first-time applicant pool for that year.
Kedar (Jan 31, 2008 4:05:33 PM)
Is there any other way to waive the Statistics pre-requisite other than
taking the course. I know the math pre-requisite can be waived by
getting 80+percentile in the GMAT.
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 4:05:33 PM)
You can also waive the Statistics prerequisite by taking the waiver
exam that the Admissions office offers once a month January through
May. If you pass the exam, you do not need to take a course.
khalid (Jan 31, 2008 4:06:22 PM)
I have done the class visit and the informational session but like to
get a more student perspective? What would be a good way to do that?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:06:22 PM)
You can email our office to be matched with a current student who has
volunteered to share their perspective and experience with applicants.
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 4:06:25 PM)
We take all aspects of the applications into consideration when making admissions decisions.
raghu (Jan 31, 2008 4:06:54 PM)
What is the average work experience to get into the EWMBA program?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:06:54 PM)
Raghu, our students come into the program with an average of 8 years of work experience, most with between 5 and 12 years.
Coach Tedford (Jan 31, 2008 4:06:56 PM)
Has the class visit sign up for Spring '08 been released? Please
provide a link if possible.
Admissions_Sarah (Jan 31, 2008 4:06:56 PM)
The following link lists courses open to visitors this semester:
https://ssl.haas.berkeley.edu/admissions/ClassVisitsEW/
bev (Jan 31, 2008 4:07:02 PM)
How are the grants for public/non profit workers decided? Is it based
on financial need or merit based or a combination of both?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 4:07:02 PM)
The EWMBA grant is based on financial need.
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:08:10 PM)
Expressing interest in BCEMBA will not have a negative impact
on your EWMBA application. We may contact you if we feel you are a
better fit for BCEMBA and advise you on the opportunity to transfer
your application to that program.
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 4:08:39 PM)
You do not need to enter the GPA for international schools, you can
just enter 0. We are well familiar with international grading systems,
and will do that for you.
sonalat (Jan 31, 2008 4:09:12 PM)
Is a career break for say an year for family needs considered negative in MBA application?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 4:09:12 PM)
We will look at your overall career progress and where you are
currently working. We have admitted students who have had breaks in
their career due to family obligations.
miyer (Jan 31, 2008 4:09:30 PM)
Has there be any instance, where students enrolled in the program have
staggered their coursework over a period longer than 3 years due to
pressures at work?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:09:30 PM)
Rarely. Most students finish in 2.5 to 3 years, but you have up to 7
years to finish. (The first year core does have to be completed all at
once, the 2nd and 3rd year elective schedule is the point of
flexibility.)
gc (Jan 31, 2008 4:10:13 PM)
Are the application deadlines the same for the Berkeley-Columbia program and the EW program?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 4:10:13 PM)
No, Berkeley-Columbia Executive MBA program deadline is February 11. Evening & Weekend MBA program is February 29.
chandan (Jan 31, 2008 4:11:27 PM)
Is it mandatory to take TOEFL (if required to) before filing the application. Can I take it after Feb 29th?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 4:11:27 PM)
All of your tests must be submitted on or before the deadline or
we cannot guarantee that they will be reviewed. You can also take the
IELTS language test if you cannot get a test date with TOEFL.
test_seattle (Jan 31, 2008 4:12:33 PM)
Is it necessary to be in Bay area for applying? I mean I am now in
Seattle, but if I get into Hass , I will move to Bay area. I don’t want to move to Bay area and then not get into Berkeley.
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 4:12:33 PM)
The Admissions Committee is blind to the geographical location of the
applicant, so it doesn't matter whether you reside in the Bay Area or
elsewhere.
RS (Jan 31, 2008 4:12:33 PM)
How would you compare your program against Santa Clara U's part time program?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:12:33 PM)
We do not compare our program to other schools, but I can tell
you how our program stands out. We are ranked #5 nationally by US News
and World Report, and have great career services: our EW students have
full access to career services, including on-campus recruiting. The
Berkeley MBA degree is highly regarded internationally, with a network
of over 30,000 alumni.
Handin (Jan 31, 2008 4:13:18 PM)
I am curious how heavily the UCB Admissions Staff weighs work experience. In addition, is it purely quantitative?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 4:13:18 PM)
We look at all aspects of your application - academics, professional accomplishments and personal qualities.
chandan (Jan 31, 2008 4:13:29 PM)
Is there any waiver for TOEFL for people who studied their college in India and has been working in the US for the last 4 years.
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 4:13:29 PM)
Unfortunately, no.
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:14:30 PM)
A small number of students (historically at most 5) from the EWMBA program will be
allowed to transfer to the Full-time MBA Program in the Fall. This
opportunity is only available to first-year EWMBA students who desire
to transfer after completion of their core courses. Each student will
be permitted to submit only one application during the course of the
EWMBA program and it must be submitted during February of the first
year.
sonalat (Jan 31, 2008 4:15:11 PM)
Any advice to candidates like me for choosing between part time MBA and
executive MBA? I have 11+ yrs of experience with 3+ yrs of technical
leadership.
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:15:11 PM)
Hi Sonalat, my advice would be to visit a class in both programs. Our programs have very different structures and schedules.
test_seattle (Jan 31, 2008 4:15:33 PM)
I am 32 years old now, with 9 years experience, I plan to give GMAT
after 6 months, do you think my profile suits Part Time MBA?
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 4:15:33 PM)
It is impossible to say whether someone is a good candidate without
seeing their whole application. The average admitted student in the
EWMBA program has about 8 years of work experience, and the average age
is about 32. Please remember to take the GMAT by the application
deadline, 2/29 for round 2 this year.
Rhishi (Jan 31, 2008 4:15:39 PM)
Can you change over from an evening schedule to a weekend schedule after entering the program?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:15:39 PM)
Hi Rhishi, yes, after the first year core, you can take electives in both schedule options.
sg (Jan 31, 2008 4:15:55 PM)
I got transcripts from the University I attended in Belgium. They only
provided me with one letter. What if I open it to get my results? They
average the year, so should I put my grades for each year or put an
average?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 4:15:55 PM)
For international transcripts it's ok to open them and send us a copy.
If you are admitted we will need to have the original for our Graduate
Division to review. You can put the average. We'll look at your
transcript closely.
Kedar (Jan 31, 2008 4:16:51 PM)
In addition, is there a May-June-July course for the statistics course offered?
Admissions_Sarah (Jan 31, 2008 4:16:51 PM)
Waiver exams are held once per month from January through May only.
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:16:51 PM)
We videotape classes and post them online for students that have to miss a class.
Kedar (Jan 31, 2008 4:17:14 PM)
Should I take the statistics before I get a decision from the
admissions office? If not, then what happens if for some reason I do
not get the minimum score in the waiver exam for statistics?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 4:17:14 PM)
If you are applying in Round 2, it's a good idea to have a few options.
You could take the waiver exam in February (it will be posted soon) and
then if you don't pass you can sign up for a course.
sg (Jan 31, 2008 4:17:51 PM)
Do you look at the GMAT math and verbal separately for people who English isn’t their first language?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 4:17:51 PM)
Yes, we look at all three sections of the GMAT - quantitative, verbal and the AWA scores.
CC (Jan 31, 2008 4:18:37 PM)
Where can I find the information to register for the math/stat waiver
exam? I don't see it listed in the upcoming EWMBA admissions events
page of Haas' website.
Admissions_Sarah (Jan 31, 2008 4:18:38 PM)
The dates for the waiver exam will be available shortly. Keep checking the link periodically.
Liping Yang (Jan 31, 2008 4:19:49 PM)
For international students, it is possible to apply for loan?
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 4:19:49 PM)
An international student may be eligible for a private loan, but the
federal loans are available only to US citizens and permanent
residents. Please see our Financial Aid page for more information:
http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/EWMBA/finaid/index.html
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:19:58 PM)
We like to see at least 4-5 years of experience. We do have a small
number of students entering with just three years of experience.
Handin (Jan 31, 2008 4:20:22 PM)
With 3 years of solid work experience, is it safe to say that my GMAT will be the most important factor?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 4:20:22 PM)
No, we look at all of the elements in your application. All are important.
chandan (Jan 31, 2008 4:20:42 PM)
If I have to take TOEFL, can I take it after I submit my application on Feb 29th?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:20:42 PM)
Yes, but schedule the TOEFL (or IELTS) now and include the future test
date in your application before you submit it. You must take the TOEFL
or IELTS no later than April 15th.
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 4:20:58 PM)
No, we do not have a minimum GMAT requirement. The average range of
GMAT for admitted students is usually around 640 to mid 700s.
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:22:04 PM)
Our applicant pool tends to have on average more work experience than the typical full-time MBA applicant.
Handin (Jan 31, 2008 4:22:09 PM)
I live/breathe/work real estate. If I do not get into the EWMBA, can I still take graduate courses at the Fisher Center for Real Estate?
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 4:22:09 PM)
Handin you cannot take classes at Haas unless you are enrolled in a program.
CC (Jan 31, 2008 4:23:19 PM)
Are some of the Haas 'specialities' resources such as the Clausen center, Lester center for Entrepreneurship, etc. available to EWMBA students just as they are to the full time student?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:23:19 PM)
Hi CC, yes all the resources at the Institutes and Centers at Berkeley
are fully available to EWMBA students. We always have a lot of business
plan participants, and conference volunteers for example.
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 4:23:57 PM)
The Admissions Committee looks at the application as a whole package,
and GPA is just one part of the application. You can offset a lower GPA
by doing well in the GMAT, and if you have taken any coursework since
your undergraduate degree and done well in those courses, this is viewed positively.
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 4:24:10 PM)
Regarding the short answer and essay questions, we are
looking for some of your personality to come through so we can get to
know you.
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:24:25 PM)
Interviews are by invitation only after the submission of your
application. We will interview round 2 applicants between March 1 and
May 29th.
test_seattle (Jan 31, 2008 4:25:03 PM)
Isn’t UC a public institution, why is EWMBA at HAAS so costly?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:25:03 PM)
Our full-time program is subsidized by the state for in-state residents. Our part-time programs are self-supporting.
Coach Tedford (Jan 31, 2008 4:26:14 PM)
I noticed that nearly 50% of the class comes from High-Tech or Computer
Related industries. When the admissions committee organizes a cohort,
do they give more consideration to an applicant's choice or class
balance?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:26:14 PM)
It's a balance of both. We create 4 diverse cohorts of 60, and 95% of applicants do receive their first choice cohort (evening or weekend).
Admissions_Sarah (Jan 31, 2008 4:26:32 PM)
Hi all! Thank you for joining us. The chat will be wrapping up in a few
minutes. We greatly appreciate your questions. We apologize for not
getting to everyone. Please check back on our website next week for a
transcript of today’s chat and for future chat dates. Molly, Aija and
Beth will continue to address some questions already in their cue, but
we will not be forwarding additional questions.
Admissions_Sarah (Jan 31, 2008 4:26:47 PM)
Want to hear more from admissions and current students, see our Message Board at http://messageboard.chatuniversity.com/ewmba/
Admissions_Sarah (Jan 31, 2008 4:27:39 PM)
Want to hear more from admissions and current students, see our Blogs at http://berkeleyewmbastudents.blogspot.com/
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 4:27:43 PM)
Thank you all for joining us today! We hope it was useful.
Kedar (Jan 31, 2008 4:27:51 PM)
If for some reason after a year or so of the PartTime course, I cannot
continue there, is there a way to transfer for the full time
course....take the full course load?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:27:51 PM)
Hi Kedar, transfer options to FT are very limited, but you can accelerate the EWMBA program if you find yourself unemployed.
Rosa (Jan 31, 2008 4:28:44 PM)
Is the EW curriculum the same as the FT?
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 4:28:44 PM)
Yes, the curriculum is essentially the same as in the Full-time MBA
program. The electives offered each semester may vary from program to
program and year to year.
Rosa (Jan 31, 2008 4:29:57 PM)
Do I need to apply separately to the programs I am interested on---EW & FT?
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 4:29:57 PM)
You can only apply to one program at a time, and each program has their own application process.
chandan (Jan 31, 2008 4:30:53 PM)
If a person works at client site, whom should he get the reference from. From the client manager or from his parent company's supervisor?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:30:53 PM)
Hi Chandan, either option (or both) is fine. Use your best judgment on who knows your work accomplishments the best.
TL (Jan 31, 2008 4:31:18 PM)
Do you take courses previously done at another university?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:31:18 PM)
Hi TL, we do not accept transfer units.
Admissions_Aija (Jan 31, 2008 4:31:50 PM)
Thank you all for chatting with us today! If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.
Kedar (Jan 31, 2008 4:32:30 PM)
If I specialize in a particular field (marketing, finance, etc), will my part-time degree reflect that?
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:32:30 PM)
Hi Kedar, the Berkeley MBA is a general management degree. You can
unofficially concentrate in an area of interest or career path, and
list this on your resume, or you are free to take a wide variety of
electives. We offer over 55 electives each year.
Admissions_Beth (Jan 31, 2008 4:32:57 PM)
Thanks for joining us today!
admissions_molly (Jan 31, 2008 4:33:34 PM)
Have a good day! Thanks for spending your lunch with us!
