Transferring Mba Students: George Washington University's Policy

The George Washington University School of Business (GWSB) allows MBA transfer students to enrol in their programs. However, transfer students are required to go through the regular application process. GWSB allows up to six graduate-level credits to be transferred from outside AACSB-accredited universities into their MBA program. Students can also take up to twelve graduate-level credit hours outside of the School of Business after matriculating into the MBA program.

Application requirements

The George Washington University School of Business (GWSB) has a competitive admissions process for all its MBA programs. The admissions committee bases its decisions on an applicant's academic preparation and performance, work experience, and strength of recommendations, essays, and interviews.

The application process can be broken down into three steps:

• Familiarize yourself with the general graduate admissions application process.
• Begin your application by reviewing the application requirements checklist, then submit your online application along with all supporting application materials. You may make changes to your application at any time prior to submission. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed only when the admissions office has received all supporting application materials.
• Attend an interview. The School of Business conducts interviews by invitation only. The Admission Committee may contact you to schedule an interview after they have completed a preliminary evaluation of your submitted application.

GWSB does not require applicants to submit a GMAT/GRE score report as part of the application process. However, if you feel this will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit it. If you choose not to submit a GMAT or GRE score, you will be asked to utilize your Statement of Purpose to highlight evidence supporting your academic preparedness. You should also include any quantitative experience in your professional and academic history that you believe has equipped you to succeed academically in the program.

Interviews

Interview Process

The School of Business conducts interviews by invitation only for its MBA programs. The Admission Committee may invite applicants for an interview after conducting a preliminary evaluation of their submitted application. Interviews are typically 30-40 minutes in length and are conducted by a member of the Admission Committee.

Interview Preparation

To prepare for the interview, applicants should familiarise themselves with the general graduate admissions application process and submit all supporting application materials. While the GMAT/GRE score report is not mandatory, applicants can choose to submit their scores if they believe it will strengthen their application.

Additionally, applicants are encouraged to visit the campus, speak with representatives, or attend online information sessions to gather insights that can enhance their application.

Re-Application

GWU welcomes re-applications, especially from candidates who have made significant improvements in their test scores, advanced in their careers, or demonstrated marked improvement in leadership and community involvement.

International Students

International students interested in transferring credits from international exchange partner universities should note that credits earned through these partnerships are directly transferable to GWU. The 6-credit transfer limit does not apply to these exchange programs, and students can transfer up to 12 credits with a B grade or higher.

Transfer Credits

Students transferring from other AACSB-accredited universities can transfer up to six graduate-level credits into the MBA program. Additionally, students can take elective courses at other GW schools, such as the Elliott School of International Affairs.

Waitlist

If an applicant is placed on the waitlist, they can choose to accept or decline their position. It is recommended to send any updated information, such as new test scores or an updated resume, to enhance their initial application.

Transferring credits

The George Washington University School of Business (GWSB) allows students to transfer up to six graduate-level credits into their MBA program from outside AACSB-accredited universities. The university also offers a range of international exchange partner universities, where credits are directly transferable, and there is no limit to the number of credits that can be transferred.

GWSB accepts transfer credits from various colleges and universities. All domestic transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited institution, while international transfer credits must be from an institution recognised by the country's Ministry of Education.

The university does not award transfer credits for College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or institutional exams or waivers for credit, physical education activities, or the Joint Services Transcript (JST) to undergraduate students admitted to the Columbian College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Engineering & Applied Science, the Elliott School of International Affairs, or the Milken Institute School of Public Health.

GWSB does not award transfer credit upon initial evaluation for internship, externship, co-op, shadowing, practicum, or other external work experiences; courses that are non-academic in nature (college transition, study skills, etc.); and mathematics courses below the calculus level.

A course that is approved for transfer will be awarded credit based on the following criteria:

• A direct equivalency to a George Washington University course
• No direct course equivalency but awarded credit in a relevant subject area
• No direct course equivalency but awarded general elective GW credit

GWSB also accepts many domestic and international exams for credit, including Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and International Exam Credit. Students may apply up to 24 credits earned through exams.

For students who wish to take courses outside of GW, they must use a Transfer Credit Approval form and receive prior approval for the credits to be transferred. The appropriate GW academic department must specify a GW equivalent course, and the student's Advising Office and/or Dean's Office must approve the taking of the course for the transfer of academic credit.

Transfer of Credit for Study Abroad

Students interested in pursuing study abroad opportunities outside of GW's offerings should be aware of the transfer credit policy. An official transcript from the institution should be sent to the School of Business for evaluation and assignment of credit. Students must also comply with the University Travel Policy and submit an International Travel Proposal to the Office of International Programs.

Transfer Credit for International Exchange Partners

Credits earned through GWSB graduate international exchange partner universities are directly transferable back to the university. The six-credit transfer limit does not apply to these programs. Depending on the student's home graduate program, they can transfer up to 12 credits from a partner institution, provided they receive a grade of B or higher in each course.

Transfer Credit for GW School of Business Study Abroad Programs

Students who participate in short-term Global & Experiential Education courses, as well as the Global MBA Consultancy Projects, and the GW-CIBER Global Business Consulting Project, earn direct GWSB credits, so the transfer credit policy does not apply to these programs.

Scholarships

The George Washington University School of Business (GWSB) offers a variety of scholarships for MBA students. While the admissions committee does not require applicants to submit a GMAT or GRE score report, doing so may strengthen an application. The admissions committee bases decisions on an applicant's academic preparation and performance, work experience, and strength of recommendations, essays, and interviews.

GWSB offers both merit-based scholarships and endowed scholarships. For merit-based scholarships, primary factors considered include academic performance, standardized test scores, professional experience, and an evaluative interview. Applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, and no separate application is required.

Endowed scholarships have varying criteria, eligibility, and application processes based on individual endowments. However, applicants are automatically considered for these awards, and no separate application is required. Examples of endowed scholarships include:

• The Oliver T. Carr, Jr. Scholarship for GWSB graduate students interested in real estate
• The Daewoo Endowment for graduate students who are citizens of Vietnam or China
• The Leo and Lillian Goodwin Endowment Scholarship for MBA candidates
• The Rita H. Keller Scholarship Fund for graduate students interested in international business

In addition to the scholarships offered by GWSB, there are also external scholarship opportunities. For example, the National Society of Hispanic MBAs offers scholarships to US citizens or legal permanent residents pursuing a full-time Global MBA, with preference given to students of Hispanic heritage or those with a demonstrated commitment to the Hispanic community.

Application fees

The George Washington University School of Business (GWSB) charges an application fee of $80 for its MBA program. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid at the time of application submission. However, the university offers application fee waivers for certain applicants to promote class diversity. Additionally, GWSB regularly waives application fees for those who attend their Info Sessions.

For undergraduate transfer applicants, the application fee is also $80. This fee is payable via the Common App. Students seeking a fee waiver can request one from the Profile screen of the Common App. If they do not meet the specified criteria but still desire a fee waiver, they can have their counsellor contact the university's admissions office.

Frequently asked questions