FAQs

Frequently asked questions

GENERAL STUDENT FAQs

Q. What is the difference between the One-Year and Two-Year Programs?
Q. What are the application deadlines?
Q. What is your average GMAT score, GPA and Work Experience?
Q. Do you have a "cut-off" GMAT score, GPA or minimum work experience?
Q. I'm applying directly from my undergraduate. Hence, I will have no work experience. Do I stand a chance of being admitted?
Q. If I take the GMAT multiple times, what score will you use?
Q. Do you offer a start date in the Spring?
Q. Do I stand a better chance of admission if I apply early/late?
Q. So is there an advantage to applying early?
Q. Can I transfer credits from another MBA program or from my Undergraduate to Notre Dame?
Q. What are my chances of getting into your program?
Q. Can I send my GRE score in lieu of a GMAT?
Q. How do I apply for Scholarships/Fellowships?
Q. I have a copy of my official transcript. Do I still need to do the Transcript Request Form?
Q. Are the essays 2 pages total or 2 pages each?

International student FAQS

Q. I am an international student. When should I apply by?
Q. Do I have to take the TOEFL/PTE?
Q. The language of instruction throughout my education has been English. Do I still need to take the TOEFL/PTE?
Q. I have taken the IELTS, but not the TOEFL/PTE. This is enough?
Q. Do you have a minimum TOEFL/PTE score?
Q. I have a three-year degree from an accredited University in India. Does this satisfy the educational requirements?
Q. Do you have any loans available to international students without a US-based cosigner?

GENERAL FAQs

Q. What is the difference between the One-Year and Two-Year Programs?

A. Along with our Two-Year MBA Program, Notre Dame offers a fast-track One-Year MBA for candidates that have a business undergraduate degree who will not need an internship. students with an undergraduate degree in business from an accredited US, Canadian, UK, Australian or New Zealand University and who meet the prerequisites may apply for the One-Year.

Q. What are the application deadlines?

Please check here for our application deadlines:

Application Deadlines

Q. What is your average GMAT score, GPA and Work Experience?

A. On average, our entering students received a GMAT score of 692, a 3.3 GPA and have worked for approximately 60 months (5 years).

Q. Do you have "cut-off" GMAT scores, GPA or minimum required work experience?

A. Applications are considered in their entirety. For this reason, we do not require a minimum score or work experience. Be informed, however, that low GMAT/GPA and limited or non-existent full-time work experience can hinder your candidacy.

Q. I'm applying directly from my undergraduate. Hence, I will have no work experience. Do I stand a chance of being admitted?

A. We do not require a minimum amount of full-time experience. Every year, we accept a small number of candidates (usually no more than 3 or 5 in an incoming class of 135) with no work experience. These candidates tend to have a very high GMAT score and a high GPA to balance out their lack of experience. Additionally, they will exhibit leadership through activities they have participated in throughout their undergraduate experience.

Q. If I take the GMAT multiple times, what score will you use?

A. Notre Dame wants to see how well you can do. For this reason, we will look at your highest score only. We will not average or penalize you for multiple takes.

Q. Do you offer a start date in the Spring?

A. No. The Full-time MBA program begins in mid-August for the Two-Year Program, in late May for the One-Year.

Q. Do I stand a better chance of admission if I apply early/late?

A. The timing of your application does not influence the final decision. The Admissions Committee will consider your candidacy in comparison to the total applicant pool only. You will be compared only to those who have applied at the same time as you. We strongly suggest you apply when you feel your candidacy will be strongest. If that means you apply later rather than sooner, that will not hinder your application.
Merit-based fellowships are available throughout the year. However, we suggest that you apply by February in order to ensure ample availability.

Q. Is there an advantage to applying early?

A. Applying early, if successful, can end your MBA search early. Furthermore, fellowships are fully available in the first round of applications, decreasing in subsequent deadlines.

Q. Can I transfer credits from another MBA program or from my Undergraduate to Notre Dame?

A. NO. We do not accept transfer credits under any circumstance. We believe it is important for each individual student to complete all required courses. The strength of the program is derived from the expertise of its students. Your knowledge of a particular subject will be valuable to your fellow classmates and class discussions.

Q. What are my chances of getting into your program?

A. It is virtually impossible to give an assessment of a candidacy without seeing a completed application packet. There are more factors than just GMAT, GPA and work experience that go into determining a successful application. For orientation purposes, please refer to our average scores for an average candidate profile.

Q. Can I send my GRE score in lieu of a GMAT?

A. Yes, we also accept the GRE.

Q. How do I apply for Fellowships?

A. Merit-based fellowships are open to all candidates, regardless of citizenship. These are determined by the Admissions Committee at the same time your application is being evaluated. To apply, please check the appropriate box in the application form. No additional information is required.

Q. I have a copy of my official transcript. Do I still need to do the Transcript Request Form?

A. So long as the transcript is official (not a photocopy) and has not been altered, you can send it directly to us without filling out the Request Form.

Q. Are the essays 2 pages total or 2 pages each?

A. The essays should be no longer than two pages EACH. Remember, this is your time to be creative and to tell us about you and your individuality: use the space carefully.

International student faqs

Q. I am an international student. When should I apply?

A. In order to ensure that there is enough time to process your visa application, we strongly urge international candidates to apply by April 2nd. International applications are accepted after this date, but visa processing is not guaranteed to be completed by the start of the program.

Q. Do I have to take the TOEFL/PTE/IELTS?

A. If your native tongue is English, you can waive the TOEFL/PTE/IELTS. Furthermore, if the entirety of your education has been carried out in English, you are eligible to waive the requirement as well (see below).

Q. The language of instruction throughout my education has been English. Do I still need to take the TOEFL/PTE/IELTS?

A. Provided you can prove that your education has been carried out entirely in English, you should be able to waive the TOEFL/PTE/IELTS. Please contact the Admissions Office before you apply to receive a waiver. The Admissions Committee will need an official letter from the school indicating that all academic instruction was conducted in English.

Q. I have taken the IELTS, but not the TOEFL/PTE. Is this enough?

A. Yes. The Notre Dame MBA Program now accepts the IELTS.

Q. Do you have a minimum TOEFL/PTE/IELTS score?

A. While we do not have a cut-off TOEFL score, the vast majority of applicants have scored above a 250. The average score of the entering students is approximately 270. In regard to PTE and IELTS, we do not have required scores.

Q. I have a three-year degree from an accredited University in India. Does this satisfy the educational requirements?

The Admissions Committee will consider candidates with non-traditional educational records (i.e. less than 16 years of education) on a case-by-case basis.

In most situations, eligible candidates have completed a three-year university degree and are currently enrolled in or have also completed a one year masters/certificate.

In select cases, the requirement for a 16th year can be waived if the candidate has extensive, high-quality work experience and outstanding academic aptitude. High-quality work experience typically includes direct management of people and resources, accountability to senior management and accelerated career progression. The only way for a candidate to be assessed for a waiver is to submit a complete application.

Q. Do you have any loans available to international students without a US-based cosigner?

A. At this time, we do not offer non-cosigned loans at this time. Loans are generally available to international students who have a co-signer who is a US citizen.