Frequently Asked Admissions Questions
The Application
When is the application deadline?
- Spring: January 2, 2024
- Summer: April 29, 2024
- Fall: August 12, 2024
For part-time students we admit on a rolling basis, which means that as your application is complete, we review you for admission. We offer admissions for the summer, spring, and fall terms. This offers our part-time students the best way to start their program when it’s right for them and when it fits their busy lives. The earlier you have your application complete the better selection of courses you will have.
Are there deadlines for applications if you are applying for merit-based financial aid?
Students applying for Marquette financial aid, such as scholarship or graduate assistantships, have the following application deadlines
February 15th For fall, file all materials by this date.
April 15th For Summer Session, file all materials by this date.
November 15th For Spring Semester, file all materials by this date.
These deadlines do not apply for students applying for federal financial aid (i.e., Stafford Loans).
How can I access the application?
Complete the online application at www.marquette.edu/grad/apply. This will lead you to the Graduate School of Management application for all programs in business.
Can I waive the application fee?
The application fee is waived if you were a former student or alumni of Marquette University. Applicants that attend an information session will also receive a waiver of the application fee.
What if I cannot complete the application at one time?
If you cannot complete the application in one sitting, you are able to save your information and log back in later with the username and password that you created. Once all sections of the application are complete, click “submit.”
What if my name is different than what is on my transcripts?
If you have a previous or different name by which you were known at a previous institution, make sure you note that name in the appropriate place on the application.
I attended a number of institutions while completing my undergraduate degree, do I need to send in all transcripts?
When listing the institutions that you have previously attended, please keep these things in mind: 1) you must list all institutions you have attended where you took courses for credit; if you audited a class, or took a class for no credit, it is not necessary to list that institution. 2) If you neglect to list all institutions where you took courses for credit, the admission committee does not get an accurate picture of your background and you may be required to take unnecessary prerequisites.
Do I have to wait to submit my application until I take my GMAT/GRE test and have my transcripts ready to be mailed?
No. It's a good idea to submit your application as soon as you have finished it. If your supporting materials arrive in our office before your application we store them until your application is submitted.
Where do I mail my application materials (i.e., transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.)?
USPS mailing address
Marquette University Graduate School
Zilber Hall 205
PO Box 1881
Milwaukee, WI. 53201-1881
Courier / street address
Marquette University Graduate School
1250 W. Wisconsin Ave, Room 205
Milwaukee, WI. 53233
How can I find out the status of my application?
After submitting your complete online application, you may log in to your online application status page to see to see what items were received and what still needs to be submitted. Expect to receive a weekly reminder email about the materials that you still need to submit before the application deadline.
I have moved since submitting my application how do I change my mailing address?
Just e-mail our admission coordinators at gradadmit@marquette.edu and give them your full name and student ID number. We will change your address in the database. You can also call our office at (414) 288-7145.
How will I know if I need to take any prerequisite courses for the program?
There are no prerequisite courses for the MBA program. Students are required to have a four-year degree, but it can be in any major.
There are two paths within the MBA degree program. Those with sufficient undergraduate business coverage within the past 10 years may be admitted to the 33-credit path. Those without needed coverage may be admitted to the 39-credit path. The admission committee will review all of your transcripts and other items in your file to determine your path. Your advising letter from the Graduate School of Management will indicate your path and if appropriate note waivers or exceptions.
Prerequisites for the masters programs will be listed on your advising letter.
What if I apply to the GSM and cannot start the program right away?
You have a 1 year time frame in which to start your program. If you wish to defer your admission you may do so by contacting the Graduate School of Management Office. If you do not start your program within one year, your file will be destroyed and you will need to re-apply.
I am a temporary student, how do I apply for degree status?
After taking the GMAT, contact our office with your test scores. We will pull your temporary file and send it back to the admission committee for degree review.
I have been admitted on probation. What does that mean?
Probationary status means that your past academic performance was slightly below admission standards, yet there is other evidence of your potential for successful graduate study. After completing your first nine credits of course work, you automatically will be transferred from probationary to regular degree status if you meet the following conditions:
1) 3.0 overall GPA or better in the first nine credits of graduate work.
2) No grade lower than a “B-”, and
3) All credits must be taken at the graduate level.
Do I have to have work experience to apply and be admitted to the GSM?
Work experience is recommended but not required for the regular part-time MBA degree. The average experience for students beginning the part-time program is 6-7 years. It is only required for the Executive MBA program.
I applied to the GSM two years ago. Is my application still available or do I need to reapply?
If you were admitted and took classes you will need to be re-admitted to your program. You should contact your advisor for specifics. If you did not take classes after being admitted you will need to reapply and re-submit all materials for admission. Files are only held for one year after the original admission date and if you took no further action, the documents were destroyed.
What are the application requirements?
Admission Requirements: 3.0 minimum GPA, GMAT or GRE with even distribution in the quantitative and verbal sections (no section under 30%).
On line application, $50 application fee, all transcripts and test scores. In addition, international students are required to submit: three letters of recommendation and TOEFL test scores. International students must have a TOEFL score of at least 90 on the internet-based version (a minimum of 21 on each section)
Transcripts
Can I submit unofficial transcripts?
You can submit copies of transcripts for all colleges or universities that you have attended, whether or not you received a degree or transferred the credits from the school. Foreign transcripts must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Marquette University transcripts need not be submitted.
What is considered an “official transcript”?
If you are admitted you must submit an official transcript to the Graduate School.
- Domestic transcripts (from colleges/universities in the United States): Final official transcripts should be sent to the Marquette University Graduate School directly from your previous institution. Transcripts that pass through the applicant's hands will not be considered official, and neither will transcripts stamped "Issued to Student." If an institution distributes transcripts electronically, please have them send the transcript to gradadmit@marquette.edu.
- Foreign transcripts that are issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation in addition to an official transcript. Please note that evaluations such as those from WES and ECE are not official transcripts.
Official transcripts should be sent to:
USPS mailing address
Marquette University Graduate School
Zilber Hall 205
PO Box 1881
Milwaukee, WI. 53201-1881
Courier / street address
Marquette University Graduate School
1250 W. Wisconsin Ave, Room 205
Milwaukee, WI. 53233
Are official transcripts required for international applicants?
Yes, official transcripts are required for international applicants. We realize many international schools only issue one original copy of the transcript and degree. Therefore, we will not ask you for the original. But we do need: 1) an attested or notarized copy of the original transcript and degree in the native language and 2) a notarized translation of the transcript and degree.
Letters of Recommendation
How many letters of recommendation are required for my program?
The number of recommendation letters varies for each program. Please review how many letters are required by your program.
Should my letters be professional or academic?
The Economics program requires the letters of recommendation to address academic concerns. Letters of recommendation for financial aid or to strengthen your application can be professional, academic or a combination of both. You should pick people that can genuinely speak about why you are a good candidate for Marquette Graduate School of Management admission and your specific program.
Are there guidelines that my recommenders should follow when drafting my letters of recommendation?
There are no specific guidelines that need to be followed in how your recommenders should write the letter. It is basically a one-page letter detailing how the person knows you, the reasons why this person thinks you would be a good fit in the Marquette Graduate School of Managements program, and how (based on the experiences shared with you) they know you will be an asset to our highly-interactive graduate school classrooms.
How should I submit my letters of recommendation?
Ideally you will have the recommenders complete the on-line letter of recommendation as part of the application process. Recommendation letters may also be emailed to gradadmit@marquette.edu
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Business Essentials Waivers
The Marquette MBA Business Essentials courses provide foundational knowledge in the areas of statistics, accounting, economics, finance, information systems, marketing, and supply chain. Students who have completed prior coursework in these areas may be considered for Business Essentials course wavers.
Prior learning and Business Essentials waivers will be considered as part of the MBA application review process. Students approved for Business Essentials waivers will receive a summary of course(s) waived within their MBA admission letter. Each Business Essentials course is 1.5 credits, so students may be waived from up to 10.5 credits of the MBA curriculum. A student waived from all Business Essentials courses will complete a 31.5 credit MBA.
Prior learning needs to be represented through documentation on a college-level transcript. Courses need to have been completed with a grade of B or better and within the past 10 years. Learning documented through college credit or requirement fulfillment based on Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores may be considered for Business Essentials waivers.
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Business Essentials Course
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Course content needed for a course waiver.
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MBA 6010 – Quantitative Analysis
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A course in statistics with content addressing descriptive statistics, probability, and sampling.
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MBA 6040 – Accounting
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A course or courses addressing managerial accounting and financial accounting.
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MBA 6050 – Economics
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A course or courses addressing microeconomics and macroeconomics.
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MBA 6060 – Finance
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Introduction to Finance
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MBA 6070 – Information Systems
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Introduction to Information Systems or Management Information Systems
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MBA 6080 - Marketing
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Introduction to Marketing
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MBA 6090 – Supply Chain
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Introduction to Operations and/or Supply Chain Management
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Essay Questions and Resume
Are the essay questions and resume required?
The essay questions portion of the application gives the admission committee the chance to see why you wish to join the program and what you hope to accomplish with the degree. Make note of any professional and/or community activities and any special awards and distinctions. We hope the essays will be well-written, but they are evaluated on the basis of the information within.
Question four asks about any special circumstances and gives you the opportunity to speak about things that were not previously covered in the application or something you feel could use some explanation. This is your opportunity to share reasons behind a tough semester as an undergraduate, or a gap in your employment. This question is not a requirement, but gives you a chance to volunteer any information the admissions committee should consider. Please review what is required by your program.
How long should the essay responses be?
We are typically looking for a few paragraphs of reasonable length to answer each of the questions. Questions two and three may simply be a listing of accomplishments and activities rather than putting them into paragraph form.
The entire essay should be 1-2 pages.
Can I submit a statement of purpose and if so, are there guidelines you can give me?
A statement of purpose is not required. However, you may submit a statement of purpose if you feel it adds something not already covered in the essay questions. There are no specific guidelines as the personal statement is your opportunity to formally ‘introduce’ yourself to the admissions committee since there is no formal interview as part of the Graduate School of Management’s admission process (except for the Executive MBA Program). However, some topics that should be addressed are:
1) The program you are interested in pursuing.
2) Your reasons for seeking further education, especially at Marquette. How this program will help you to reach your educational, personal, and career goals through summarizing “where you have been, where you are now, and where you want to be”.
3) The reasons you feel you will be an asset, in the classroom. The Graduate School of Management’s classroom and learning environments are very interactive and you will be expected to participate in class discussions, case studies, and group work. Portray your characteristics or experiences that will enable you to contribute in this type of environment.
4) Any other information that you believe to be relevant in assessing your application.
Testing
Is the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or GRE required?
Yes, you may take either the GMAT or GRE for all Graduate School of Management Programs.
The GMAT/GRE requirement may be waived in some cases. See our GMAT/GRE waiver policy.
Can the GMAT or GRE be waived?
Yes, in some cases subject to approval. See our GMAT/GRE waiver policy
Are there any options for waiving the GRE/GMAT for Executive MBA students?
Yes, in some cases. See the EMBA Admissions Info page.
Is the GMAT required to be submitted before my application will be reviewed?
The GMAT is required as part of the degree application process, unless waived. We will not review your application for degree status without GMAT scores on file. However, you can apply for temporary status, which gives you a one semester head start. Once you complete the GMAT you can reapply for degree status. You are encouraged to complete the on-line application process prior to completing the GMAT. We can then begin to build your file prior to the arrival of your GMAT scores.
What is the average GMAT score?
Our average GMAT score for the MBA program is a 580. We look for a balanced score between the verbal, quantitative and written section. Anything below the 30th percentile in any of the categories is problematic.
What is the minimum GMAT score?
While we do not have a strict minimum, a score under 500 is typically problematic. Additionally, any portion of the GMAT (verbal, quantitative or written) below the 30th percentile is problematic.
If I submit the unofficial printout score, will you use this to review my application?
We will accept the unofficial printout of scores that you receive at the end of the exam. We will use these, if necessary, to review your application since official scores may take 2 – 3 weeks to arrive. If you are admitted with unofficial scores, the decision will be contingent upon the Graduate School of Management receiving your official test scores.
What are some reliable websites that I can visit to gain more information about the GMAT?
www.mba.com and www.gmac.com
Do you have any advice for how to prepare for the GMAT?
There are different ways to prepare for the exam and you should allow adequate time to prepare. You can purchase books, or contact a test-prep company if you want to consider taking a review course or hiring a tutor. This is a personal decision, and you should choose to study for the exam in a way that is most productive for you.
Where can I test for my GRE/GMAT/TOEFL?
GMAT
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) exam is administered by Pearson Vue. Information about the exam and on-line scheduling can be found at gmat.com. The GMAT code for the Marquette University Graduate School of Management is: 1448.
GRE
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). For information about the GRE, contact the GRE website at www.gre.org The GRE code for the Graduate School of Management programs is: 1448.
TOEFL
Information about the TOEFL examination can be located online at www.toeflgoanywhere.org/
The Graduate School of Management code for the TOEFL is: Department 02 and Institution 1448.
What score do I need on the test of English as a second language (TOEFL)?
International students whose language of instruction for their bachelor’s degree education (or master’s, if applicable) was not English must take the TOEFL.
International students should have an adequate command of both written and spoken English, usually evidenced by a TOEFL score of at least 90 on the Internet-based version (a minimum of 20 on each section).
Test scores may not be more than two years old. International students are strongly encouraged to include a copy of their TOEFL test scores in their application packets.
Do you accept photocopies of my test scores?
We encourage you to include photocopies of your test scores with your admission materials but you are still required to submit official scores directly from the testing agencies (e.g. GRE, GMAT, TOEFL). Any admission decisions made based on photocopies will be contingent upon receipt of official test scores.
I took the GMAT more than 5 years ago. Do I need to retake it?
Send us a copy of your scores first. The admission committee will determine if you need to retake the exam.
If I retake the GMAT, what happens with the scores? Do you take the best score or average them?
We don’t average the scores. We will look at all exams taken and evaluate them independently. We typically consider the best of each section across all retakes. Don’t retake the GMAT without first submitting the exam scores to us for review. We like to prevent students from retaking the exam unless absolutely necessary.
I took the GMAT previously but don’t have a copy of my scores. How can I get them?
You will need to contact the testing agency for your scores. Generally, it would be the Educational Testing Service for GRE test scores & TOEFL test scores, and PearsonVue for GMAT test scores.
I had my GMAT scores sent to Marquette previously. Do you still have them?
If you were admitted and took classes, we will have copies of your scores. If you submitted test scores more than a year ago and did not apply or were denied admission, we would no longer have them on file. Documents for applicants who do not begin classes are only held in our office for one year.
Financial Aid
How do I apply for merit-based financial aid?
You apply directly on your application when you apply for admission to the GSM. Simply answer the question that asks, “Are you applying for financial aid from the Graduate School?” Then check the box yes or no. Indicate the type of award you wish to be considered for. The choices are scholarship or assistantship. Assistantships are for full-time students only and require two letters of recommendation.
When should I apply for financial aid?
The financial aid deadlines are as follows: Feb 15 for academic year aid, November 15 for aid for spring only, and April 15 for aid in the summer. All of your admission documents must be received by the Graduate School by the deadlines so we can review your file and (ideally) make the aid recommendation at the time of the admission decision.
How will I find out if I have received financial aid through the department?
If you receive a financial aid award, you will receive an email from the Assistant Director of Financial Aid in the Graduate School
How do I find out about other forms of financial aid?
If you are interested in student loans, you should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid via Marquette Central at (414) 288-4000 or on Marquette University’s website: www.marquettecentral.edu.
I am a current student. How do I apply for financial aid?
You need to complete the application on the Graduate School Website.
International Visa Questions
I am an international student and need an F-1 visa to study. What is the financial verification and how do I know how much my program will be?
You are required to show that you have the financial means to pay tuition and complete your course work here in the United States. After you are admitted you will receive a detailed email containing the current advance deposit amounts and financial verification amounts.
When will I receive my I-20?
Federal law and university policy permit us to send the Federal Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) as soon as you complete an acceptable Financial Verification Form and send us an advance deposit. The first semester of health insurance will be deducted from this amount. You should plan to pay the balance of your tuition upon your arrival.
How do I pay for my advance deposit?
If you are outside of the United States you must pay your tuition deposit via Flywire.com. If you are in the United States you must submit a check (from a bank in the United States) or a money order made payable to Marquette University. Your deposit payment can by mailed to the Graduate School.
What happens if I pay my advance deposit and cannot get a visa?
All but $15 of your deposit will be refunded if you cannot get a visa.
What happens if I pay my advanced deposit and then decide not to attend Marquette University?
All but $500 of your deposit will be refunded if you choose not to attend.
