Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about UNC Kenan-Flagler's MBA Program, as well as pointers to other sources of information about:
Q: I'm interested in getting an MBA, but I don't know whether I'm competitive for UNC's Program. May I schedule an appointment with an admissions director to discuss my credentials?
A: During the admissions season from September through May, the directors have interviews to evaluate applicants. To schedule an informational session to discuss your credentials, contact the Admissions Office between June and August. Check the information the Graduate Management Admission Council offers about MBA programs and the GMAT.
Q: I applied last year. Do I have to re-submit all the items again this year?
A: Your admission decision from last year determines what items you might need to re-submit this year. Check the instructions for re-applicants carefully to see exactly what you need to do. All re-applicants must send the application fee again.
Q: I sent my GMAT/TOEFL score last year. Do you still have my scores?
A: Kenan-Flagler keeps a GMAT or TOEFL score for two years after the date on which it was sent. If your score was sent last year, and has not expired, you do not need to re-submit it this year.
Q: I submitted my application before I took the GMAT. I scored lower than I thought and now I want to retake the GMAT. How can I make sure that you will only consider my application when I get my new scores?
A: Contact the MBA Admissions Office as soon as possible and notify us that you are retaking the GMAT. If necessary, your application may be moved to a later application cycle.
Q: My spouse/partner and I both are applying and plan to enroll together. Will you evaluate us as a package deal?
A: We evaluate each individual based on his/her credentials. No attempt is made to send the same decision to both spouses/partners. Couples looking at UNC Kenan-Flagler should not hesitate to let the Admission Office know if there is a mutual interest in Kenan-Flagler. The School will be happy to provide insights from partners who have gone through the program together.
Q: If I am admitted this year, may I defer my enrollment until next year?
A: Generally, we will not defer your enrollment unless there are medical or other emergency reasons.
Q: Will my internships during college, or other types of short-term work, be considered as part of the two-year minimum work experience?
A: Only full-time, permanent positions count towards the two-year minimum work requirement. Applicants' initiative in landing internships and the experiences gained in these assignments are certainly considered when we evaluate your overall package. While we are aware that many international applicants work full time while attending university, we prefer that they also present a minimum of two years of work experience after completing the first degree.
Q: If I have less than two years of full-time work experience, will my application be considered?
A: We review every application we receive, regardless of the amount of work experience. But applicants with less than two years of experience are not likely to be competitive in comparison to other candidates at UNC Kenan-Flagler.
Q: I worked full-time before I received my college degree. Will you consider that work experience?
A: Your full-time work before you earned a bachelor's degree can be considered. The quality of work experience is as significant as the quantity. The Admissions Committee will evaluate the degree and progression of your responsibility, supervisory roles and the managerial promise of that work.
Q: How can I arrange an interview?
A: Interviews are by invitation only. We have a well-defined interview policy. Once you have submitted Part I of the application, the admissions committee typically has enough information to determine if you will be invited to interview. If you are offered an invitation, it is a positive indicator no matter when you receive it. Invitations are extended by email anytime before the decision release date.
Q: Is an interview required?
A: Interviews are a very important part of the Kenan-Flagler admissions process. For this reason, we will not offer admission to anyone who has not completed an interview. Interviews are by invitation only.
Q: How much weight does the interview carry?
A: The interview is an opportunity for you to learn more about UNC Kenan-Flagler, and it gives the Admission Committee a chance to hear from you in person. Admission decisions at Kenan-Flagler are not based on a strict formula. The interview, the GMAT, academic accomplishments, work experience, recommendations and application essays all count-it's the combination of these elements that help Admissions get acquainted with you and better evaluate your application.
Q: If I live outside the U.S. and I plan a visit to campus, will I be allowed to interview during my visit?
A: If you are based outside of the U.S. and are planning to travel to Chapel Hill for a campus visit, contact mba_interview@unc.edu to find out if you have been approved for an on-campus interview during your visit.
Q: I live in the U.S., but I am a foreign national. Can I still contact you to be considered for an on-campus interview during my planned visit?
A: If you currently reside in the U.S., we ask that you wait for an invitation to interview, like other applicants.
Q: How long does an interview last?
A: Interviews are usually 30 minutes. We would like to spend even more time, but the heavy demand for interviews limits the amount of time we can spend with each person. Allow at least 45 minutes in case your interview runs a little longer.
Q: What are interviews like at Kenan-Flagler?
A: Your interview will be conducted by a member of the admissions committee. Interviewer bios are available on our Web site. Your interviewer will not have read or reviewed your admissions application, but will have a copy of your resume. Each interviewer’s interviewing style is different, but all of our interviewers aim to create a positive and engaging interview conversation. Dress for interviews is business professional.
Q: If I am coming to campus for an interview, can I visit a class or meet with current students?
A: Absolutely. When you are invited to interview, you will also be given the opportunity to select a class visit, lunch with current students and a tour of the business school. We hope you are able to take advantage of these other visit components in order to get a feel of our school’s special culture and environment. You also may want to reach out on your own to one of our current students. Our MBA Ambassadors have a Web page specifically for prospective students.
Q: Can I visit campus even if I haven’t been invited to interview?
A: We always welcome applicants to visit our campus. During this visit, you can choose to visit a class, have lunch with current students and tour the business school facility. Feel free to schedule a campus visit by logging into Application Central and selecting “Schedule an Interview or Campus Visit.” If you have not yet been invited to interview, you will only be able to schedule a campus visit.
Q: What if I schedule a visit to campus (without an interview) and then receive an email notification that I have been invited to interview?
A: Due to the variable timing of interview invitations, this may occasionally happen. If it does, you may change your visit to now include a campus interview. Alternatively, you can come back to campus a second time for your interview. Or if these options are not convenient, you can conduct a phone or alumni interview at a later date.
Q: What if I am waitlisted and have not been invited to interview?
A: All waitlisted applicants are automatically invited to interview and will receive interview scheduling instructions by email shortly after receiving their waitlist letter.
Q: Do Kenan-Flagler students secure internships successfully between their first and second years?
A: Each year, nearly 100% of our first-year students secure meaningful work experiences over the summer.
Q: How many career management people are there to help me with my job search?
A: Career management staff supporting the MBA job search with individual counseling include five full-time counselors with assigned areas of responsibility for specific functional areas of career focus. In addition, four other members of the Career Management staff provide individual attention and counseling - particularly for those whose career goals require independent job search support. In addition, 38 second-year students are selected and trained by the Career Management Center as Peer Counselors. The Peer Counselors conduct at least one mock interview and resume critique with every first-year student. They also provide career counseling support.
Q: How many recruiters come to Kenan-Flagler?
A: More than 200 recruiting companies visit campus each year.
Q: What is the estimated tuition and required fees for the academic year?
A: See the detailed breakdown of estimated tuition and fees for more information.
Q: How can I qualify for North Carolina Residency for tuition purposes?
A: Residency for tuition purposes is determined on a case-by-case basis. For details about residency, visit UNC's Residence Status for Tuition Purposes.
Q: How do I apply for school fellowships? What are the selection criteria?
A: Candidates who submit UNC Kenan-Flagler applications by the third deadline will be considered automatically for fellowships. Selection criteria include exceptional academic performance, progressive work experience, leadership and potential for success in business careers. Past recipients have demonstrated superior performance in all of these areas.
Q: May I apply for a graduate assistantship or research assistantship?
A: The School does not offer graduate or research assistantships to MBA students. The MBA Program workload, especially in the first year, precludes employment.
Q: Can MBA students live in UNC dorms or apartments on campus?
A: Almost all the MBA students at UNC Kenan-Flagler live off campus in apartments, condominiums or houses. MBA students can apply to live in campus dormitories and in a campus apartment complex, Baity Hill and Mason Farm Communities, for students with families. The waiting list for these apartments is long, however, and you should have a back-up plan in case a suitable opening does not become available to you through campus housing.
Q: How much does the typical MBA student spend for rent and utilities?
A: The average monthly rent for an unfurnished two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment is US $750, according to the Chapel Hill Chamber of Commerce. Utilities usually cost about US $100 to US $150 a month. Costs vary depending on the size of the apartment and location. For guides to apartments: check www.apartmentguide.com/ and www.apartments.com.
Q: Do I need a car?
A: Owning a car is not essential for getting to your classes. The bus system is quite efficient and provides transportation service to many apartment complexes in the area. You may find, however, that having access to a car will increase your mobility around town.
Note: International students should keep in mind that car ownership entails the purchase, maintenance and upkeep, mandatory insurance and registration. You must have a Social Security number to obtain financing if you purchase a car.
Q: How much does a campus parking pass cost and can I get one?
A: A student parking permit for the 2008-2009 academic year for Kenan-Flagler's Business School deck is US $398.97. We ask students to form carpools, and we assign parking passes to each carpool of students. Students in a carpool share the cost of the parking pass.
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Full-Time MBA