Thinking about your candidacy and fit for Carroll School of Management graduate programs? The graduate application process can be a daunting one with numerous degrees to choose from, not to mention varying requirements for each program.

Understanding how well you fit the profile for a program and how you can strengthen your candidacy is crucial to getting an acceptance letter and taking the next step in your academic and career journey.ÌýHere are some tips and tactics to assess your candidacy for the Carroll School’s MBA, MSA, and MSF programs and ensure your application process is as seamless as possible.

1. Review our class profile information to get a sense of where you stand in comparison to currently enrolled students. You can review the class profile for the full-time MBA, part-time MBA, MSF, and MSA programs to see which profile best fits your current interests and strengths. Within these profiles, you can view and compare average GMAT/GRE scores, GPAs, and years of work experience.Ìý

2. Keep in mind that our application review process is a holistic one. For example, if your GPA is below the class average, think of ways you may strengthen other parts of the application. You may consider aiming for a competitive GMAT score, putting together a strong essay that realistically lists your short and long-term goals, including a resume that clearly outlines your professional experiences and accomplishments, and getting a letter of recommendation that speaks to your individual strengths and potential in detail and with authenticity.Ìý

Adding personality and highlighting the unique qualities you can bring to your peers will bolster your application and help the committee understand how you can fit into and be an asset to the Carroll School of Management community.

3. Take note of our application requirements. Here are our core requirements (and ways to potentially waive them):

  • If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you are required to submit an English language proficiency exam score with your application, including a TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE score (we do not accept the Duolingo English Test). Note that some applicants may be eligible to waive the language test requirements. For more information on test waiver eligibility, see our page for international students.Ìý
  • Applicants with undergraduate degrees from non-US institutions must ensure that their degrees are equivalent to a four-year American bachelor’s degree before applying to our programs. If admitted, international students are required to submit an official English translation of all academic credentials, along with a third party degree verification from an agency such as or .
  • The GMAT or GRE is required for admission to all our programs. However, qualified candidates applying to our MBA and M.S. programs may submit a GMAT/GRE waiver request. Learn more about:
  • Please remember that as long as you have an undergraduate degree, we don’t have requirements for minimum GPAs or GMAT/GRE scores, work experience, or specific undergraduate majors. Regardless, we encourage you to review the Class Profile sections in individual program pages to give you a sense of how your background compares to that of our enrolled students.


4. Lastly, make sure to read this Q&A with a member of the Graduate Admissions team. Looking for answers about essay questions, letters of recommendation, work experience, or student life? Check out this Q&A with Christine Collins, who is an Admissions Specialist in the Carroll School Graduate Admissions team.

Back To Top