Graziadio School of Business and Management Admissions

Dr. Paul Pinckley, Sr., Executive Director of Student Recruitment, Full-Time Programs at Pepperdine University's Graziadio School of Business and Management recently took time to answer a few questions about Graziadio School of Business and Management and the MBA admissions process. This interview is a must-read if you are thinking about applying to this graduate-level business school.

Can you provide a general overview of the Graziadio School of Business and Management MBA admissions process?

The Graziadio School of Business and Management application process operates on a rolling basis, with the final deadline being May 1 (applications from international students are due on April 1). There is also an early application deadline of December 15. This is not a binding admission decision date. Applications may be accepted and reviewed until June 15, on a space-available basis. The priority deadline for scholarship review is April 1; applications submitted by this date will automatically be reviewed for Merit Scholarships.

Some important admissions information to keep in mind:

• All applications are submitted online. The online application may be accessed via our website, www.bschool.pepperdine.edu. In addition to the application, essays, résumé, and recommendations may be submitted online. While we prefer that your recommenders utilize the online recommendation format, we will accept hard copy recommendations. If the applicant submits the letter of recommendation, it must be in an envelope with the recommender’s signature across the sealed envelope flap.
• The Graziadio School of Business and Management requires an official copy of an applicant’s academic transcript from ALL colleges/universities attended. If these applications are in a language other than English, we must receive a certified English translation. If an official copy is submitted by the applicant, it must be in a university envelope with a signature of a university official or university stamp across the sealed envelope flap.
• Strong English proficiency is required. International students whose first language is not English, who have not worked in the U.S. for at least one year, or who have not graduated from a university in an English-speaking country, must sit for the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.
• All applicants will submit a GMAT or GRE.
• Interviews are not required, but they are HIGHLY recommended. Once a prospective student has begun the application process, he/she is encouraged to contact the Graziadio School of Business and Management via email (gsbmadm@pepperdine.edu) to schedule an interview.
• International students, prior to submitting an application, should to go to MYCOLLEGEi to upload a video response to the Graziadio interview questions. Detailed instructions and interview questions are available on the MYCOLLEGEi site. This service is free.

The admissions committee reviews applications as they are completed. Typically, the process consists of reviews by admission staff, career staff, alumni, and current students. Their review notes are added to the applicant file and are used by the admissions committee in making decisions.

The admissions committee will first review the four tangibles:

• Undergraduate grades and quantitative preparation
• Quality and quantity of work experience
• Volunteerism and community involvement
• Standardized test score

Second, the committee will look over the essays, letters of recommendation, interview evaluation, and application reviews, in order to assess the intangibles:

• Program fit
• Personal characteristics
• Promise of contribution to the quality of the Graziadio experience for classmates

Is it better to apply early in the process?

Strong applicants will be admitted, whenever they apply (before the final deadline). The advantage to applying early is the early notification of admission. Having a decision early in the year allows you more time to make your decisions, as well as make plans for transition to business school.

Who conducts Graziadio School of Business and Management admissions interviews?

Recruitment staff, alumni, and select current students will conduct admission interviews. These interviews could be done on campus, at off-site locations, or via Skype. One type of interview does not have an advantage over another. All are viewed as equal.

Do you have any interview tips for Graziadio School of Business and Management applicants?

• Relax! This is an opportunity for the reviewer to get to know you and assess your fit with the school. You can’t do this fully if you are tense and nervous.
• Be honest! You want the reviewer to be honest with you, and so you should be honest with them.
• Do your research! You’ll want to have the basic program knowledge. This will inform your questions, as well as your responses.
• Be on time! No explanation needed.
• Dress for success! See above.
• Smile! It really does make a difference, and a friendly disposition can only improve the process.