Interested in the UNC Kenan-Flagler Full-Time MBA Program? Great! Here are answers to some frequently asked questions as well as links to other sources of information.
Q: Is UNC Kenan-Flagler a general management program? Are concentrations offered?
A: Yes, to both. Our Full-Time MBA is a general management program in which you will master numerous business disciplines. We also offer several optional concentrations and focus areas, which approximately 80% of our students pursue. If you choose to concentrate, you’ll take elective courses specific to your concentration starting in the second half of your first year in the program.
Q: Can I transfer to UNC Kenan-Flagler from another MBA program?
A: We’ll certainly evaluate any prior coursework during our holistic admissions process and many students have enrolled in our program after starting elsewhere. Unfortunately, however, we cannot accept transfer credits into the Full-Time MBA Program.
Q: Is it possible to pursue a dual-degree program along with the MBA?
A: Yes! We have dual-degree programs arranged with six graduate schools at UNC, as well as with two programs at Duke University. We generally can accommodate dual degrees with most other graduate programs requiring two or more years of study.
Q: I’m interested in getting an MBA, but I don’t know whether I’m competitive for UNC Kenan-Flagler’s Full-Time MBA Program. Can I get feedback on my resume or have an evaluation of my chances of admission?
A: Our students come from many different backgrounds and bring a wide range of experiences, interests, and career aspirations. Our holistic admissions process reviews each applicant’s strengths individually and also considers the overall pool of applicants. Because of these variances, it’s not possible for us to speak to admission chances or provide individual resume reviews. This said, we do offer numerous information sessions on campus, online, and in locations around the globe where you can ask questions of our admissions staff and learn more about the application process.
Q: My spouse/partner and I both are applying to your Full-Time MBA Program. Will you evaluate us as a package deal?
A: We evaluate all applicants based on their individual credentials, so, no, we’ll review each of you separately. Do let us know, however, that you and your spouse/partner share a mutual interest in UNC Kenan-Flagler so that we can provide insights from partners who have completed the program together.
Q: I’ve applied in the past and I plan to reapply this year. Do I have to start a new online application with new essays and new recommendations?
A: Yes, you will need to start a new application, with new essay responses, recommenders, and an updated resume. However, your transcripts will rollover to the new application, as will your test scores, if they are still valid. Please use the same login information you used in the previous application year.
Q: If I am admitted this year, may I defer my enrollment until next year?
A: Generally, we will not defer your enrollment.
Q: How does the waitlist process work?
A: If you receive a waitlist decision, you are high-potential candidate who we’d like to consider further. In a subsequent admissions round, we’ll review your application again, comparing you to others who have applied. At that point, you may receive an offer of admission. Because we review the previously waitlisted applicants in each round, it is possible – and not uncommon – for you to receive more than one waitlist decision.
Q: What is the application fee?
A: The nonrefundable application fee is $150 (USD) for all application rounds and can be paid by credit card.
Q: Do you offer application fee waivers?
A: Yes. You may qualify for an application fee waiver if you are currently serving in the U.S. military or are a military veteran, or an active participant in the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or Teach for America. Indicating your military experience or your participation in one of the qualifying programs within your application will activate the fee waiver, which will be applied after you submit your application. In some cases, supporting documentation may be requested. Unfortunately, refunds cannot be issued for application fees already paid.
Q: What is the enrollment deposit amount?
A: The enrollment deposit for the Early Action (round 1) is $3,000. If you are certain that you wish to attend UNC Kenan-Flagler if you’re admitted, Early Action is an excellent option because you’ll receive your admission decision by mid-December. The enrollment deposit for rounds 2, 3, and 4 is $1,500.
Q: Can I receive a refund of my application fee or my enrollment deposit?
A: Unfortunately, neither the application fee nor enrollment deposit is refundable.
Q: What are the program codes for the GMAT, GRE, and language exams (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE Academic)?
A: Our GMAT program code is D40-HL-72. Our GRE program code is 5046. And our program code for any of the language exams is 5816.
Q: Does UNC Kenan-Flagler accept the GRE score in place of the GMAT?
A: We accept the GRE in place of the GMAT. We do not have a preference for which exam you take, but we do not offer waivers so you must submit a test score.
Q: I sent my test score to UNC Kenan-Flagler last year. Do you still have my scores?
A: UNC Kenan-Flagler will keep your scores for two years from the date it was sent. If your score was sent last year, and has not expired, you do not need to re-submit it this year. GMAT and GRE scores are valid for five years.
Q: I submitted my application before I took the GMAT. Unfortunately, I scored lower than I’d hoped, and I’d like to retake it. Can I make sure that you won’t consider my application until after I send you my new scores?
A: Yes, that’s fine, and good luck on the test! Simply contact our admissions team at mba_info@unc.edu or 919-962-3236 as soon as possible and let us know that you plan retake the test. If necessary, we’ll move your application to a later admissions round.
Q: Does UNC Kenan-Flagler accept any English-language tests in place of the TOEFL?
A: Yes, we also accept the IELTS, the PTE, and the University of Cambridge Test of English.
Q: Who is required to submit an English-language test score, such as the TOEFL?
A: You’ll need to provide an English-language test score if English is not your native language, unless: (1) you’ve earned an undergraduate or graduate degree at a U.S. college or university, (2) your education was completed exclusively in English in an English-speaking country, or (3) you received an undergraduate or graduate degree from a university in Hong Kong or India*. (In some cases, we may request test scores from Indian candidates.)
Q: Is work experience required for admission to the full-time MBA program?
A. Work experience is not required; however, the most competitive applicants have at least two years of full-time, post-undergraduate professional experience by the time they begin the MBA program.
Q: Will the full-time work I completed before I earned my bachelor’s degree, internships I had during college, or other types of short-term work, be considered as part of my work experience?
A: While work experience is not required, it’s best if you’ve worked full-time in a professional setting for at least two years after you earned your undergraduate degree. The quality of work experience is as significant as the quantity and, as such, we will evaluate the progression of your responsibility, your supervisory experience, and your managerial potential. While we’re most interested in your full-time work experience, we do consider your initiative in landing internships or other short-term roles as well as the experience gained in these assignments.
Q: Is an interview required?
A: All candidates offered admission to the MBA program will have completed an admissions interview. We strongly recommend taking advantage of the Campus Open Interview Season since this is the only way to guarantee that you complete an admissions interview.
Q: Is it possible to visit the campus and sit in on a class? Will I be able to meet current students?
A: Absolutely! You can visit us with or without scheduling an interview. We offer a Campus Visit Program on many Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays when school is in session. On a campus visit, you can visit a live class, grab lunch with current MBA students, tour our facilities, and meet with a member of our admissions team. During the Open Interview Season, you can also register for an admissions interview, space permitting, in conjunction with your visit.
Register early to find a date when your preferred activities are offered. The Campus Visit Program doesn’t run during the summer months or during some school breaks and special events. If your only opportunity to visit our campus falls during one of these times, contact our admissions team at mba_info@unc.edu or 919-962-3236 so that we can provide you information on a self-guided tour and a parking pass.
Q: When will I be able to schedule my interview?
A: Registration for the Campus Open Interview Season is open in September and October and you’ll need to upload a resume to schedule your interview. You can register for an interview without an application; however, you’ll need to start your application prior to the date of your scheduled appointment. Open Interview Season slots are first come, first serve, so register early to ensure availability. If you are unable to interview during Campus Open Interview Season, you will be considered for an interview by invitation after submitting their application.
Q: I’d like to apply for the Early Action round (round 1). The application deadline is before the end of the Campus Open Interview Season. After I’ve submitted my application, can I still register for a Campus Open Interview slot, or do I need to wait to see if I receive an interview invitation?
A: Early Action (round 1) applicants can take advantage of the Campus Open Interview Season, space permitting. If you haven’t interviewed on campus by the end of Campus Open Interview Season, you’ll be considered for an interview by invitation after you submit your application.
Q: When will I receive an interview invitation?
A: An invitation is not required to register for an on-campus interview during the Campus Open Interview Season. During the Invitation-Only Interview Season, you will be considered for an interview invitation after you submit your application. You can receive an invitation to interview at any time after you apply up until the decision release date for your application round.
Q: If I’m invited to interview during the Invitation-Only Interview Season, can I still combine my interview with the Campus Visit Program?
A: Yes! The Campus Visit Program is typically offered in conjunction with on-campus interviews to help you get a feel for our school’s culture and community. When you register for an on-campus interview, you will also be able to register for any visit activities available that day. You also may want to contact one of our MBA Ambassadors ahead of your visit.
Q: Am I at a disadvantage because I cannot travel to campus for an interview during the Campus Open Interview Season?
A: Every application will be reviewed closely. If you’re among the most competitive, you’ll be invited to interview during the Invitation-Only Interview Season. During the Invitation-Only Interview Season, options for interviewing include on campus, Skype/webcam, telephone or with an alumnus in select international locations. Regardless of which interview format you choose, you will not be at a disadvantage.
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 us a chance to hear from you. We review each candidate holistically. Your interview, test scores, academic accomplishments, work experience, recommendations, and essay responses are all considered and it’s the combination of these elements that help us best evaluate your application.
Q: How long does an interview last?
A: Interviews usually take 30 minutes, although we recommended planning for at least 45 minutes in case your interview runs a little long.
Q: How are the interviews conducted?
A: Your interview will be conducted by a member of the admissions team. UNC Kenan-Flagler conducts blind interviews and your interviewer will only have access to your resume. The purpose of the interview is to get to know you more as an applicant. Dress for interviews is business professional.
Q: Do students secure internships successfully between their first and second years?
A: Yes, nearly all of our students participate in meaningful internship experiences over the summer between their first and second year in the program.
Q: Will any career management experts be available to help me with my job search?
A: UNC Kenan-Flagler has full-time career coaches with responsibility for specific functional areas of career focus. We provide important career and leadership programming, executive coaching, and networking events. In addition, around 40 second-year students serve as Career Mentors who conduct mock interviews, critique resumes, and offer one-on-one coaching with each first-year student.
Q: How many recruiters visit UNC Kenan-Flagler?
A: More than 150 recruiting companies visit campus each year.
Q: How do I apply for fellowships? What are the selection criteria?
A: Candidates who submit UNC Kenan-Flagler applications by the round 3 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: We do not offer graduate or research assistantships to MBA students.
Q: Are Consortium applicants considered for all fellowships offered?
A: Yes. All applicants who submit an application before the round 3 deadline will be automatically considered for one of the merit-based fellowships we offer. Candidates applying via the Consortium will be considered for all of the fellowships we offer at UNC Kenan-Flagler, including the Consortium Fellowship.
Q: Can MBA students live in UNC dorms or apartments on campus?
A: While the majority of MBA students at UNC Kenan-Flagler live off campus in apartments, condominiums, or houses, the proximity and convenience of campus housing makes it an appealing option. You can apply for on-campus graduate student and family housing in apartments.
Q: How much does the typical MBA student spend for rent? Is it hard to find off-campus housing?
A: Costs vary depending on the size of the apartment and its location. Our students usually find cost of living very reasonable with typical rents far below those in large U.S. cities. We provide a helpful housing guide to all admitted students and can facilitate connection with graduating students who are vacating their apartments. Many apartment complexes allow online applications and electronic lease signing so you can secure housing prior to moving to Chapel Hill. Check out The Daily Tar Heel’s Heels Housing site to review apartment options.
Q: Do I need a car?
A: Owning a car is not essential for getting to your classes. The free Chapel Hill bus system is quite efficient and provides transportation service to many apartment complexes in the area. You may find that having access to a car will increase your mobility around town.