Looking to apply to William & Mary Business School? We’ve got you covered on how to apply to one of the best MBA schools.
The College of William & Mary is located in Williamsburg, Virginia and was established in 1693, making it the second-oldest higher education institution in the United States. In 1919, William & Mary founded a Department of Business, which developed into the Raymond A. Mason School of Business which offers four MBA pathways today.
The Mason School of Business full-time MBA program spans 22 months and allows students to specialize in areas like business analytics, consulting, finance, innovation and entrepreneurship, marketing, and supply chain management. With its high MBA acceptance rate, William & Mary is a reliable school that can push you toward your business goals.
Our tips to get into the William & Mary Business School can help you tailor your application to what the admissions committee seeks and give you the best chance of acquiring an excellent education in the form of an MBA.
William & Mary Business School Acceptance Rate: 67%
The acceptance rate for William & Mary's full-time MBA program is 67%. This means just over half of applicants are admitted to the program.
How Hard Is It to Get Into William & Mary Business School?
With an acceptance rate of 67%, William & Mary is moderately competitive compared to other top business schools. Applicants with strong academic backgrounds and work experience have a good chance of admission.
William & Mary Business School Admissions Statistics
William & Mary requires students to have excellent GPA, GMAT/GRE scores, and work experience. Here are some key stats about the MBA profiles of admitted William & Mary MBA students:
William & Mary Business School Average GPA: 3.3
The average undergraduate GPA for incoming William & Mary MBAs is 3.3. This provides a benchmark to aim for in your undergrad studies.
William & Mary Business School Average GMAT Score: 620
The average GMAT for William & Mary’s MBA programs is 620, a score on the higher end for MBA programs. The middle 80% of GMAT scores for admitted students ranges from 530 to 670.
William & Mary Business School Average GRE Score: 317
The average GRE score for students admitted to the William & Mary full-time MBA program is 317. Scoring above 320 on the GRE will make an applicant more competitive compared to the average accepted student score of 317.
William & Mary Business School Average Work Experience: 5 Years
The average work experience for students enrolled in William & Mary's MBA program is 5 years. Exposure to leadership roles, international assignments, and diverse industries helps applicants stand out.
What is William & Mary Business School Looking For In Applicants?
The William & Mary MBA program values professional experience. William & Mary has a competitive MBA acceptance rate, so ideal candidates must demonstrate several years of work history, increasing responsibility, leadership potential, and significant impact on their organizations.
Exceptional candidates may be admitted straight from undergrad. However, over 90% of enrolled full-time MBA students have at least 2 years of work experience. William & Mary evaluates applications based on professional achievements and leadership trajectories, which is vital to demonstrate regardless of your years of experience.
William & Mary Business School Admissions Requirements
To be considered for William & Mary's prestigious MBA program, you'll need to show your potential both academically and professionally. Here are the key items needed to apply to the William & Mary MBA:
- GMAT/GRE Scores
- Application fee of $100
- An official transcript from your degree-granting institution
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- A written response to the first essay question
- An optional response to a second essay question
- A professional resume
- Scheduled interview with the admissions team
- Five years of work experience
William & Mary Business School Application Deadlines
To apply for admission to William & Mary's Class, submit your complete application materials by the deadline of January 5th at midnight in your local time zone. Meeting this deadline will ensure your application is received and processed without delays.
William & Mary Business School Regular Decision Deadline
The Regular Decision deadline for the Full-Time MBA program falls on January 5th, 2024. Applications for the Online and Part-Time MBA programs have rolling deadlines, so check the specific program for current dates.
William & Mary Business School Early Decision Deadline
William & Mary offers two Early Decision rounds: Round I has a deadline of November 1st, and Round II has a deadline of January 5th. Remember, Early Decision is binding, so only apply if you're certain William & Mary is your top choice.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Into William & Mary Business School
Getting into a top program with a high MBA acceptance rate like William & Mary Business School requires extensive preparation across multiple facets of your application. From test scores and academics to professional experience and essay writing, each component matters.
William & Mary takes a holistic approach in evaluating applicants, looking at both hard numbers and qualitative factors indicating one’s leadership abilities and fit with the program’s culture. Here are 10 tips to bolster your application:
1. Demonstrate Self-Awareness
Explain clearly your reasons for pursuing an MPP and what strengths you would bring while identifying any skill or knowledge gaps the program can help address. A letter of intent would be a great way to lay this out on paper.
2. Highlight Quantitative Skills
Showcase previous success with quantitative courses and economic concepts or explain why you now recognize needing to gain those skills.
3. Provide Writing Evidence
Submit a compelling personal statement free of errors that demonstrates your strong writing aptitude along with other examples of communication abilities. Look for examples of a good personal statement to learn how to craft the perfect piece.
4. Enrich the Student Cohort
Describe your background and experiences such as community service that would allow you to positively contribute to peer learning and group success.
5. Craft an Impactful Statement of Purpose
Draft a statement of purpose that shows why the program's professional outcomes matter to you, demonstrating what skills and experience you bring rather than just telling the reader.
6. Emphasize Your Field-Related Goals
Discuss why you are drawn to the field even if you do not have a specific career goal yet to share your story and aspirations with reviewers.
7. Revise Your Essay Thoroughly
Revise the essay for clarity in both argument and syntax and get a second reader to review your points and answer the prompt questions.
8. Align Resume and Essay in Your Cover Letter
Cover letters aren’t just for jobs - they can be for schools too! This is a great opportunity to combine both your resume and essay prompts in one document, but don’t repeat ideas. In your cover letter, make an additional case as to why you’re the perfect fit.
9. Choose Strong Recommenders
Select recommenders who know your abilities best to write compelling reference letters arguing for your admission.
10. Inform Recommenders of Your Goals
Share your goals and application materials with references to help them tailor compelling letters supporting your candidacy.
Applying to any business school can be challenging, but with these tips in mind tailored specifically to William & Mary’s MBA program, you’ll be sure to receive admission in no time.
William & Mary Business School Essay Prompts
William & Mary's MBA requires one response to an essay prompt and an optional response to an additional prompt. The main essay focuses on your goals and reasons for choosing William & Mary while the optional provides space to highlight strengths.
These essays are your chance to showcase your ambitions and why their program is the perfect fit.
Required Essay (800 words max): Why is an MBA the next logical step towards achieving your short-term and long-term professional goals? Why is the William & Mary MBA the right program for you?
Optional Essay (250 words max): Is there any additional information that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee which would be helpful in reviewing your application?
Here is a concise example of how to answer the first prompt:
“Short-term, an MBA will provide me with the business acumen, leadership capabilities, and career opportunities to transition from an individual contributor role to a product management leadership position over the next 3 years. In the long term, the analytical expertise and executive perspective gained through an MBA will enable me to achieve my goal of leading the product development strategy for a technology company.
Specifically, William & Mary's MBA concentration in business analytics aligns with my desire to leverage data and insights to inform product innovation. The program's emphasis on collaboration and ethical leadership will further strengthen interpersonal skills critical for cross-functional technology roles. With many alumni in relevant fields, William & Mary's distinguished yet accessible program offers the ideal foundation for my professional ambitions.”
William & Mary Business School Interview
Interviews at William & Mary are by invitation only after your application is reviewed. In-person is preferred when possible, but remote options are also available.
How to Prepare For the William & Mary Interview
Making a strong impression during your William & Mary admissions interview is vital for showcasing your unique experiences and fit with the university community. By following these key preparation tips, you can feel confident and ready to have an engaging discussion.
1. Demonstrate Genuine Interest
Have a real interest in attending William & Mary rather than just interviewing because your parents want you to apply. These interviews directly impact admissions decisions.
2. Arrive on Time
Be punctual to ensure you receive your full allotted interview time out of respect for the interviewer's schedule.
3. Greet Appropriately
Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake, smile, and good eye contact to demonstrate confidence.
4. Dress Comfortably
No need to wear a suit - dress in a way that fits your personality and makes you feel like your best self.
5. Accept Nervousness
It's normal to feel anxious. Don't let nerves overtake you and know the interviewer relates to that feeling.
6. Prepare Self-Reflection
Be ready to speak comfortably about yourself since that's the main interview focus. Feel free to appropriately brag!
7. Share Unique Stories
Surprise the interviewer by sharing something unique about yourself instead of giving common answers they always hear.
8. Focus on You
No need to bring documents - just bring your personality, stories, and a positive mindset that reflects who you are.
FAQs
1. Do all of William & Mary’s MBA programs require GMAT and GRE scores?
No, GMAT/GRE scores are not required for all of William & Mary's MBA programs. The Full-Time MBA program requires these tests, but the Online MBA and Part-Time MBA programs do not.
2. How much is in-state and out-of-state tuition for the Full-Time MBA program?
William & Mary's Full-Time MBA tuition has different rates for in-state and out-of-state students:
In-State Tuition: Approximately $30,391 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: Approximately $41,660 per year
3. What’s the Alumni Referral Program?
William & Mary's Alumni Referral Program encourages graduates to recommend promising candidates for their MBA programs. If an alumnus refers a student who is subsequently accepted, that student receives a $5,000 Alumni Referral Scholarship.
4. Are admissions requirements different if I pursue the part-time program?
Yes, admissions requirements for the Part-Time MBA program at William & Mary differ from their Full-Time program. Here's an overview:
- Work Experience: The Part-Time MBA generally requires more work experience (minimum of two years is often preferred).
- GMAT/GRE: Not required for the Part-Time MBA, though strong scores can bolster your application.
- Focus: The admissions committee looks for candidates who can balance the program's demands alongside their professional careers.
5. How likely am I to be employed after I complete my full-time MBA?
According to William & Mary’s data, 91% of students had full-time job offers within three months of graduation, and MBA graduates reported an average approximate salary of $95,000 per year.
6. How can the Part-time MBA impact my salary?
William & Mary University states that 72% of students received a pay raise before graduation, and 49% received a promotion before graduating.
7. How do I know which MBA program is right for me?
Choosing the right MBA pathway depends on your lifestyle and goals. Full-time MBAs are great for those looking to switch industries, who want an immersive MBA experience, and who can afford to take two years off to pursue their education.
Part-time and online MBAs are well-suited if you want to stay in your current role and not take time off, are not looking to switch industries, and have other commitments or responsibilities to plan around.
Executive MBAs are best for those already in management positions with years of experience looking to focus on more advanced business aspects.
Conclusion
The Raymond A. Mason School of Business at William & Mary University is an excellent option to add to your business school list. With four MBA options, you can pursue the pathway that fits best with your lifestyle.
To be on the successful side of William & Mary’s high MBA acceptance rate, you’ll need to gather many materials before you submit your application, so ensure you start the process as early as you can. Give your recommenders enough time to write stellar letters, and give yourself enough time to draft memorable MBA essays. Remember to update your resume and condense the length to one page if possible.
Using this guide’s tips, you’re sure to have a better chance of acceptance at William & Mary Business School and be one step closer to realizing all your professional goals.
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