Helpful Information
Undergraduate and Graduate Academic Transcripts
The Admissions Committee will review an applicant's undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Individuals with a combined junior/senior grade-point average of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale and appropriate course backgrounds will be considered for admission. An applicant's area of concentration and the balance of communication and analytical courses are also considered. Periodically, exceptions to the minimum grade-point average may be made for individuals with special backgrounds, abilities, and interests.
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Résumé
A current résumé gives the committee information about an applicant's relevant work experience. Penn State Great Valley generally considers candidates with a minimum of three to five or more years of professional experience. An applicant's leadership skills, aptitude for a management career, and general knowledge of the business environment are also reviewed.
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Statement of Intent
A one-page statement of intent should outline personal career goals and reasons for applying to the program. This statement should be specific and include information about short- and long-term goals and how enrolling in the program may help achieve them. The statement of intent also offers applicants the opportunity to demonstrate writing and communication skills, specify examples of leadership, and provide pertinent information to help the committee select candidates who can benefit from and contribute to the program.
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Confidential Evaluations
Two current evaluation recommendations provide a more complete personal understanding of an applicant's technical and leadership abilities. The recommendation should specifically address current employment or recent academic experience, as well as an applicant's potential to successfully complete the program. Evaluations should cite examples of speaking, writing, quantitative, and analytical abilities, as well as how an individual interacts in a group setting.
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GMAT
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), used by approximately 1,300 graduate management programs around the world, helps assess the qualifications of applicants by measuring the general verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills associated with success in the first year of study.
To register and prepare for the test, read the GMAT Bulletin. When evaluating GMAT scores, the admissions committee looks for a balance between verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing strengths. Typically, applicants with a minimum score of 500 will be considered for admission. Tests taken within five years of application will be considered. Test scores are to be supplied by the Educational Testing Service and sent directly to Penn State Great Valley (Code 2723).
A GMAT preparation course is offered by Penn State Great Valley's Continuing Professional Education Department.
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