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MBA Application Guide
Frequently Asked Questions - Two-Year and One-Year Residential MBA Programs
Thank you for your interest in the Johnson School at Cornell University. We invite you to explore our website and to request additional literature. This page provides answers and resources to frequently asked questions.
Applying to the Johnson School
Admission Criteria and Requirements
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
English Language Proficiency Assessment
Visits and Interviews
Online Application Technical Questions
Applying to the Johnson School (index)
Admission Criteria and Requirements (index)
General Management Admission Test (GMAT) (index)
English Language Proficiency Assessment (index)
Visits and Interviews (index)
Online Application Technical Questions (index)
I want to be sure that the application I'm completing and the application you receive look the same. How can I print a hard copy of my application?
If I do not own the latest version of Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer, will the online application still work?
What should I do if there is not enough space for me to enter my information in some of the data fields?
I went to more than one university. How can I distinguish between them on the transcript template? How will you know whether the work was undergraduate or graduate?
Applying to the Johnson School
Q: Should I apply online or send in a paper application?
A:Please complete your application online. We now accept electronic applications only. To begin the application process, you will need to register and set up a login account. Once you begin your application process online, you can print a PDF copy for your personal use - but not to submit to the Johnson School.
A:Please complete your application online. We now accept electronic applications only. To begin the application process, you will need to register and set up a login account. Once you begin your application process online, you can print a PDF copy for your personal use - but not to submit to the Johnson School.
Q: Must I complete my entire application at once?
A:No. You will be assigned a login account and password, which you can use to access your application, view your application status report, schedule class visits and information sessions, and register for events at any time.
A:No. You will be assigned a login account and password, which you can use to access your application, view your application status report, schedule class visits and information sessions, and register for events at any time.
Q: Do I need to submit transcripts from every college or university I have attended?
A:Yes. We require an official transcript from all institutions, and translation into English if these are in another language. The same requirement applies to any exchange or other specialized programs you undertook as part of your degree.
A:Yes. We require an official transcript from all institutions, and translation into English if these are in another language. The same requirement applies to any exchange or other specialized programs you undertook as part of your degree.
Q: Who should I ask to provide my letters of recommendation?
A:You should seek letters of recommendation from two people who know you well and can comment on your professional, leadership, and academic abilities. If you are or have been employed, we encourage you to ask someone (such as a supervisor) who is in a position to evaluate your performance, leadership, and character. If you are still in school, we prefer that you seek one recommendation from a professor and one from a summer employer or an individual who knows you from a leadership role you have held.
A:You should seek letters of recommendation from two people who know you well and can comment on your professional, leadership, and academic abilities. If you are or have been employed, we encourage you to ask someone (such as a supervisor) who is in a position to evaluate your performance, leadership, and character. If you are still in school, we prefer that you seek one recommendation from a professor and one from a summer employer or an individual who knows you from a leadership role you have held.
Q: Can I begin an MBA degree at any time during the year?
A:We have deliberately structured our programs to help you develop your skills in a meaningful sequence. " Our two-year program begins in August " Our one-year Accelerated MBA program (formerly the Twelve-Month Option) begins in June. " Both of our EMBA programs begin in July.
A:We have deliberately structured our programs to help you develop your skills in a meaningful sequence. " Our two-year program begins in August " Our one-year Accelerated MBA program (formerly the Twelve-Month Option) begins in June. " Both of our EMBA programs begin in July.
Q: Can I transfer to the Johnson School from another MBA program?
A:No. Our curriculum is carefully designed to build skills from the beginning to the end of the MBA program. In addition, we cultivate an intense, collaborative, environment in which relationships are formed and developed throughout the Johnson School experience.
A:No. Our curriculum is carefully designed to build skills from the beginning to the end of the MBA program. In addition, we cultivate an intense, collaborative, environment in which relationships are formed and developed throughout the Johnson School experience.
Q: What are the deadlines for admission to enter in 2007?
A:For our two-year and one-year Accelerated residential MBA programs, we have four admissions cycles. Deadlines for both are: October 10, November 14, January 9*, March 19. * Please note: January 9 is the last deadline to apply for scholarship consideration and the recommended deadline for all international students.
A:For our two-year and one-year Accelerated residential MBA programs, we have four admissions cycles. Deadlines for both are: October 10, November 14, January 9*, March 19. * Please note: January 9 is the last deadline to apply for scholarship consideration and the recommended deadline for all international students.
Q: Are there any advantages to applying for any particular admissions cycle?
A:Whenever you submit your application, you can be assured that it will be reviewed thoroughly and receive fair consideration. We do encourage you to apply as early as you feel prepared to submit a complete, thoughtful, well-prepared application. Since we cannot predict the quality of applicants for each cycle, we generally offer admission to well-qualified applicants in the early cycles. We strongly recommend that international students apply by January 9. Please note: If you are seeking a scholarship or fellowship for one of our residential MBA programs, you must apply by January 9.
A:Whenever you submit your application, you can be assured that it will be reviewed thoroughly and receive fair consideration. We do encourage you to apply as early as you feel prepared to submit a complete, thoughtful, well-prepared application. Since we cannot predict the quality of applicants for each cycle, we generally offer admission to well-qualified applicants in the early cycles. We strongly recommend that international students apply by January 9. Please note: If you are seeking a scholarship or fellowship for one of our residential MBA programs, you must apply by January 9.
Q: Where and when can I attend a Johnson School Admissions Event?
A:We host events in multiple locations throughout the year. Please check our Events webpage frequently for updated information.
A:We host events in multiple locations throughout the year. Please check our Events webpage frequently for updated information.
Q: How can I get your program brochures?
A:Please fill out our Materials Request Form and we'll mail them to you.
A:Please fill out our Materials Request Form and we'll mail them to you.
Q: If I have applied to the Johnson School in the past, must I submit a new application to reapply?
A:Yes. Re-applicants must submit a new application with all supporting materials. Applications from previous years do not remain on file.
A:Yes. Re-applicants must submit a new application with all supporting materials. Applications from previous years do not remain on file.
Admission Criteria and Requirements
Q: What are your criteria for admission?
A:We seek to fill our classes with individuals who not only will succeed in our program, but also will go on to make a real impact in their organizations and on the world around them. Thus in our admissions process, we look for individuals with a proven record of academic achievement, demonstrated leadership and decision-making abilities, and outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
A:We seek to fill our classes with individuals who not only will succeed in our program, but also will go on to make a real impact in their organizations and on the world around them. Thus in our admissions process, we look for individuals with a proven record of academic achievement, demonstrated leadership and decision-making abilities, and outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
Q: Must I have work experience to be accepted to the Johnson School MBA program?
A:For our two-year MBA program, full-time work experience is not required, but most of our students have two to five years of full-time experience prior to enrolling. We do accept a very small number of outstanding students who are just completing an undergraduate degree. Our one-year Accelerated MBA (formerly the Twelve Month Option) program is designed specifically for individuals with advanced degrees and work experience.
A:For our two-year MBA program, full-time work experience is not required, but most of our students have two to five years of full-time experience prior to enrolling. We do accept a very small number of outstanding students who are just completing an undergraduate degree. Our one-year Accelerated MBA (formerly the Twelve Month Option) program is designed specifically for individuals with advanced degrees and work experience.
Q: Must I have a business background in order to apply to a Johnson School MBA program?
A:No. We have graduated many successful MBAs who came to the Johnson School from varied backgrounds. Since our curriculum requires strong quantitative skills, we encourage candidates to undertake preparation that will enable them to succeed.
A:No. We have graduated many successful MBAs who came to the Johnson School from varied backgrounds. Since our curriculum requires strong quantitative skills, we encourage candidates to undertake preparation that will enable them to succeed.
Q: What percentage of applicants do you accept?
A:This varies from year to year. Over the past several years, we have accepted about 15 percent of the applicants for our two-year residential MBA program, and between 20 and 35 percent of the applicants for our one-year program. For year-by-year data about applications, see Johnson School Facts.
A:This varies from year to year. Over the past several years, we have accepted about 15 percent of the applicants for our two-year residential MBA program, and between 20 and 35 percent of the applicants for our one-year program. For year-by-year data about applications, see Johnson School Facts.
Q: What is the Johnson School doing to attract diverse candidates?
A:The Johnson School was the first Ivy League graduate school of management to establish an Office of Women and Minorities. We have since widened its scope to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Our Five Year Plan outlines our initiative to lead in Diversity and Inclusion. For additional information, please contact our Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 607-255-1437.
A:The Johnson School was the first Ivy League graduate school of management to establish an Office of Women and Minorities. We have since widened its scope to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Our Five Year Plan outlines our initiative to lead in Diversity and Inclusion. For additional information, please contact our Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 607-255-1437.
Admission Requirements: General Management Admission Test (GMAT)
Q: What is the deadline for receiving my GMAT scores?
A:Your application is not considered complete until we receive the official test scores directly from the Educational Testing Service. Hence, you must ensure that your official scores reach the Johnson School by the application deadline for which you wish to be considered: October 10, November 14, January 9*, March 19.
A:Your application is not considered complete until we receive the official test scores directly from the Educational Testing Service. Hence, you must ensure that your official scores reach the Johnson School by the application deadline for which you wish to be considered: October 10, November 14, January 9*, March 19.
Q: What GMAT scores must I have in order to be accepted?
A:The median GMAT score for students entering our two-year MBA Class of 2009 was 690. The median for students entering our one-year MBA Class of 2008 was 710. Applicants to both of our Executive MBA programs are not required to take the GMAT. Please remember that the GMAT is one of many factors considered for acceptance.
A:The median GMAT score for students entering our two-year MBA Class of 2009 was 690. The median for students entering our one-year MBA Class of 2008 was 710. Applicants to both of our Executive MBA programs are not required to take the GMAT. Please remember that the GMAT is one of many factors considered for acceptance.
Q: If I take the GMAT more than once, which scores will you use in considering my application?
A:If you have tested more than once, we will consider the highest officially reported scores from ETS.
A:If you have tested more than once, we will consider the highest officially reported scores from ETS.
Q: How long are GMAT scores valid? If I took them awhile ago, must I take them again this year?
A:GMAT scores are valid for five (5) years. If the date of your test is greater than five years from the date of your application, you will need to retake the GMAT.
A:GMAT scores are valid for five (5) years. If the date of your test is greater than five years from the date of your application, you will need to retake the GMAT.
Q: How can I take the GMAT?
A:To schedule your test, visit the Graduate Management Admission Council website, or in the US and Canada call: 1-800-717-GMAT. International applicants may call: 952-681-3680.
A:To schedule your test, visit the Graduate Management Admission Council website, or in the US and Canada call: 1-800-717-GMAT. International applicants may call: 952-681-3680.
Q: What is Cornell's School Code for the GMAT?
A:For the two-year Cornell MBA program is 5JW-BM-96. For the one-year Accelerated (formerly the Twelve Month Option) Cornell MBA program, it is 5JW-BM-11.
A:For the two-year Cornell MBA program is 5JW-BM-96. For the one-year Accelerated (formerly the Twelve Month Option) Cornell MBA program, it is 5JW-BM-11.
Q: Who can answer my specific questions about the test itself?
A:All questions about testing should be addressed to General Management Admission Council.
A:All questions about testing should be addressed to General Management Admission Council.
Admission Requirements: English Language Proficiency Assessment
Q: Who is required to prove proficiency in English through a test?
A:The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS, academic module) is required of all applicants whose native language is not English.
A:The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS, academic module) is required of all applicants whose native language is not English.
There are two exceptions:
- If you hold a four-year degree from a university in which the curriculum is taught exclusively in English, you will be exempt from taking the test.
- If you have worked full time for the past three consecutive years in a country whose native language is English, you may request the admissions office to waive the requirement to take the test. Please be aware that the waiver is not automatically guaranteed.
Q: What scores are required for admission to the Johnson School?
A:On the TOEFL, a minimum score of 250 on the CBT (600 paper) is required, with a preferred minimal score of 5 on the TWE. On the IELTS, a minimum score band of 7 is required with preferred minimal scores of 7 on the speaking and writing modules.
A:On the TOEFL, a minimum score of 250 on the CBT (600 paper) is required, with a preferred minimal score of 5 on the TWE. On the IELTS, a minimum score band of 7 is required with preferred minimal scores of 7 on the speaking and writing modules.
Q: How does the Johnson School get the test scores?
A:If you take the TOEFL, you must ensure that the Educational Testing Service (ETS) sends the scores directly to the Johnson School, using our code: 2098-02. If you take the IELTS, you must request the testing center where you took the exam to send a test report directly to the Johnson School.
A:If you take the TOEFL, you must ensure that the Educational Testing Service (ETS) sends the scores directly to the Johnson School, using our code: 2098-02. If you take the IELTS, you must request the testing center where you took the exam to send a test report directly to the Johnson School.
Q: Where can I get more information about the English Language Proficiency exams?
A:See the TOEFL website, www.toefl.org for information regarding their exam, and the IELTS website, www.ielts.org for information on theirs.
A:See the TOEFL website, www.toefl.org for information regarding their exam, and the IELTS website, www.ielts.org for information on theirs.
Q: For what period of time are my language test scores acceptable?
A:Results of both exams are valid for two years.
A:Results of both exams are valid for two years.
Visits and Interviews
Q: How can I arrange to visit the Johnson School?
A:We encourage you to visit the Johnson School and talk with students, sit in on classes, tour the campus, and attend information sessions about our application process, admission criteria, and an overview of our MBA program. To register for class visits please log onto our website for available dates and times. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information on available information sessions as well as a downloadable visitors guide and other information to help you get the most out of your visit.
A:We encourage you to visit the Johnson School and talk with students, sit in on classes, tour the campus, and attend information sessions about our application process, admission criteria, and an overview of our MBA program. To register for class visits please log onto our website for available dates and times. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information on available information sessions as well as a downloadable visitors guide and other information to help you get the most out of your visit.
Q: How can I schedule an interview?
A:The Johnson School extends an invitation for an interview to select candidates after a complete review of the written application. The decision to grant an interview is at the discretion of the admissions committee and may not be arranged by the candidate. Interviews will not be conducted at the forums or tours.
A:The Johnson School extends an invitation for an interview to select candidates after a complete review of the written application. The decision to grant an interview is at the discretion of the admissions committee and may not be arranged by the candidate. Interviews will not be conducted at the forums or tours.
Q: If I come for an interview, where should I stay?
A:For information about lodging, recreation, parks, restaurants, shopping, events and area attractions, visit The Chamber of Commerce at or see Visit Ithaca. We encourage applicants to explore Ithaca thoroughly. Many are delighted to find a community that is very multi-cultural, with an abundance of good restaurants, cultural and athletic venues, in the midst of the very beautiful Finger Lakes region, with easy access to several major cities.
A:For information about lodging, recreation, parks, restaurants, shopping, events and area attractions, visit The Chamber of Commerce at or see Visit Ithaca. We encourage applicants to explore Ithaca thoroughly. Many are delighted to find a community that is very multi-cultural, with an abundance of good restaurants, cultural and athletic venues, in the midst of the very beautiful Finger Lakes region, with easy access to several major cities.
Q: How should I prepare for my interview?
A:We want to get to know you, so we encourage you to be yourself. The primary purposes of the interview are to allow us to learn more about your particular strengths, your leadership capabilities, and your communication skills, and to enable you to learn more about the Johnson School. We are likely to ask you some questions based on the information you provide in your application, and we may ask you some hypothetical questions that require you to reflect your reasoning. We hope you will come prepared to ask specific questions about our school and program.
A:We want to get to know you, so we encourage you to be yourself. The primary purposes of the interview are to allow us to learn more about your particular strengths, your leadership capabilities, and your communication skills, and to enable you to learn more about the Johnson School. We are likely to ask you some questions based on the information you provide in your application, and we may ask you some hypothetical questions that require you to reflect your reasoning. We hope you will come prepared to ask specific questions about our school and program.
Online Application Technical Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I want to be sure that the application I'm completing and the application you receive look the same. How can I print a hard copy of my application?
A:Use the print option on your Internet toolbar to print each page of your application separately. At present, there is no way for you to print a copy of your entire application at once.
A:Use the print option on your Internet toolbar to print each page of your application separately. At present, there is no way for you to print a copy of your entire application at once.
Q: I do not have Adobe Acrobat on my computer. How can I get it?
A:You can download a free copy of the software at www.adobe.com. Look for the Acrobat product and follow the directions for downloading.
A:You can download a free copy of the software at www.adobe.com. Look for the Acrobat product and follow the directions for downloading.
Q: If I do not own the latest version of Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer, will the online application still work?
A:The online application has been tested on most of the newest browsers (Opera, Mozilla, FireFox, IE and Netscape. If you encounter problems, we recommend downloading the latest version of your browser. If this fails, please contact us for further assistance at mba@cornell.edu or call 607-255-4526.
A:The online application has been tested on most of the newest browsers (Opera, Mozilla, FireFox, IE and Netscape. If you encounter problems, we recommend downloading the latest version of your browser. If this fails, please contact us for further assistance at mba@cornell.edu or call 607-255-4526.
Q: What should I do if there is not enough space for me to enter my information in some of the data fields?
A:Some fields are deliberately restricted in space. Others, such as the application essays, have no limitations. For those fields with limited space, please focus on answering the question as succinctly as possible, using supporting detail as space allows. You are welcome to use standard numeric and word abbreviations.
A:Some fields are deliberately restricted in space. Others, such as the application essays, have no limitations. For those fields with limited space, please focus on answering the question as succinctly as possible, using supporting detail as space allows. You are welcome to use standard numeric and word abbreviations.
Q: How can I enter the name of my college or university if it does not appear on the drop-down menu?
A:Please just manually enter your school's name in the field below the drop-down list. When you get to the transcript template portion of the application, your school will be listed there.
A:Please just manually enter your school's name in the field below the drop-down list. When you get to the transcript template portion of the application, your school will be listed there.
Q: I do not have a list of my college courses and grades. How can I complete the transcript template?
A:Contact each college or university you attended to obtain an unofficial transcript. You will need an official copy of your academic records only if you receive an offer of admission from the Johnson School.
A:Contact each college or university you attended to obtain an unofficial transcript. You will need an official copy of your academic records only if you receive an offer of admission from the Johnson School.
Q: I went to more than one university. How can I distinguish between them on the transcript template? How will you know whether the work was undergraduate or graduate?
A:Once you list all universities or colleges you attended on the Online Application, a separate template will be generated in the transcript template portion. You will be asked to complete one transcript for each of institution. Within each transcript template, there is a place for you to indicate whether the courses you list were taken for undergraduate or graduate credit. Only studies undertaken in the United States are eligible for template reporting. Studies undertaken outside of the U.S. should be reported by sending transcript copies directly to the admissions office at: 114 Sage Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853-6201.
A:Once you list all universities or colleges you attended on the Online Application, a separate template will be generated in the transcript template portion. You will be asked to complete one transcript for each of institution. Within each transcript template, there is a place for you to indicate whether the courses you list were taken for undergraduate or graduate credit. Only studies undertaken in the United States are eligible for template reporting. Studies undertaken outside of the U.S. should be reported by sending transcript copies directly to the admissions office at: 114 Sage Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853-6201.
Q: How will I know if the Johnson School receives my letters of evaluation?
A:We will send you an email when your evaluator receives and accepts the online evaluation form. We will send you another email when an evaluation has been submitted on your behalf. At any time, you can check the status of application and your letters of evaluation at any time by logging into your online application.
A:We will send you an email when your evaluator receives and accepts the online evaluation form. We will send you another email when an evaluation has been submitted on your behalf. At any time, you can check the status of application and your letters of evaluation at any time by logging into your online application.
Q: I'm having trouble with my password.
A:We suggest you begin troubleshooting by reviewing these common problems:
A:We suggest you begin troubleshooting by reviewing these common problems:
- Passwords are case sensitive. Be certain you are entering your password using the same capitalizations and lower cases that appear in your confirmation email.
- If there is no activity in your login account for 180 days, it will be purged from our database. You can call 607-255-4526 to verify your status.
- If all else fails, please call 607-255-4526 to verify your password.
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