September 12, 2008 - 12:30PMDocument Actions
MBA and MS Admissions Criteria
Up one levelFAQ overview
- Do I have to take the GMAT?
- Can I start taking classes without taking the GMAT?
- How long is my GMAT test score valid?
- What is the minimum GMAT score I need to gain admission?
- Do I have to take the TOEFL/TWE?
- How long is my TOEFL test score valid?
- What is the minimum TOEFL score I need to gain admission?
- What is the minimum GPA to gain admission?
- What is the Advanced Business English program (ABE) and which international applicants must take it?
Do I have to take the GMAT?
YES We do not waive the GMAT requirement for any reason. We do allow MS in Statistics or Quantitative Methods and Modeling applicants to substitute GRE scores.
Can I start taking classes without taking the GMAT?
NO We do not offer conditional or probationary status that would allow you to take courses before taking the GMAT, completing the application process and being offered admission.
How long is my GMAT test score valid?
GMAT scores are good for 5 years, after which they must be retaken.
What is the minimum GMAT score I need to gain admission?
Many factors beside the GMAT are considered, but the following indicates the
current levels of competition for our programs:
| Average GMAT score of those admitted | GMAT Score below which few students are admitted | |
| Full-Time Honors MBA | 645 | 600 |
| All other full-time and part-time MBA and MS programs | 590 | Mid 500's |
Do I have to take the TOEFL/TWE?
All applicants whose native language is not English and who have not completed a U.S. undergraduate or graduate degree by the application deadline must submit TOEFL/TWE scores, whether or not they are US citizens or permanent residents and/or have lived in the US or other English speaking country for extended periods. These scores, along with the GMAT verbal and analytical writing scores, are the primary indicators of English proficiency. They help determine not only who is offered admission but whether or not admitted applicants are required to take Advanced Business English and other remedial English courses at Baruch before they begin their masters program.
How long is my TOEFL test score valid?
We will accept TOEFL and TWE scores that are up to 2 years old, after which they must be retaken.
What is the minimum TOEFL score I need to gain admission?
The following data indicates the scores that are preferred
(averages) and those that approximate the minimums required. *Note: Paper
based scores are shown in parentheses.
Please note that the admissions committee reviews each section of the TOEFL separately. Regardless of the total score, weakness in one area may cause the committee to deny admission.
| Full-Time Honors MBA | All other full-time and part-time MBA and MS programs | |
| Average TOEFL/TWE score of those admitted | 263 / 4.8 (628 / 4.8) | 253 / 4.5 (610 / 4.5) |
| Minimum TOEFL/TWE score | 253 / 4.5 (610 / 4.5) | 243 / 4.0 (590 / 4.0) |
| iBT Total Preferred (R/L/W/S) | 102 (27/26/24/25) | 102 (27/26/24/25) |
| Minimum iBT Total (R/L/W/S) **ABE Required** | 96 (26/25/22/23) | 96 (26/25/22/23) |
What is the minimum GPA to gain admission?
- Average GPA for honors MBA admits is approximately 3.4; very few are admitted below 2.9
- Average GPA for all other programs, approximately 3.2; very few admitted below 2.7
- Older grades which are low can be more easily offset by solid GMAT scores than those of recent graduates
- The selectivity and stature of the school attended is an important consideration
- The Admission Committee adjusts for grades in technical programs/majors which tend to be lower (for example math, science, engineering)
What is the Advanced Business English program (ABE) and which international applicants must take it?
ABE is a one-month, full-time English and cultural immersion program given in
August for new fall students and in January for the spring. It has been very
well received by students who have participated and has become a major factor
helping new international students begin their programs successfully at Baruch.
Based on standards established by the faculty the Admission Committee reviews
the TOEFL and GMAT verbal scores and imposes this requirement on
all new students except those whose scores place them in approximately the top
2/3 of admitted applicants. The following scores are those below which the ABE
usually must be taken (scores in parentheses are for the paper-based version of
the test):
- TOEFL - 253 (610)
- TWE (essay rating) - 5.0 (5.0)
- iBT total - 97
- GMAT verbal percentile - 40%
- GMAT analytical writing percentile - 43%
All students required to take the ABE course will be admitted conditionally pending the completion of the program. Notification of this requirement will be in the letter of admission. New students required to complete this program must arrive on campus in mid July for fall and late December for spring.