Admissions

Two video essays are required as part of the application process.

Video essays allow you to present yourself in a more personal and authentic way, giving the admissions team a better sense of your personality, communication style, and enthusiasm.

You will have two minutes to answer each question. You will use the platform Spark Hire to submit the essays. (Get tips for creating video essays in this podcast.)

Note: The admissions team will not start reviewing an application until the video essay requirement is complete.

Include past work experience, educational accomplishments, demonstrations of leadership, and ways in which you have grown professionally.

Your past academic history—particularly your four-year degree—indicates to us your ability to succeed in a structured study program.

• Bachelor’s degree from an approved (accredited) institution is required.
• You can submit your application with unofficial transcripts; certified copies of transcripts from your degree institution are required once admitted.
• The preferred method to receive official transcripts is electronically from your institution. Please access the Parchment website or contact your institution to make this request and send to masters@wsb.wisc.edu. Official transcripts may also be mailed directly from your undergraduate institution in a sealed and stamped envelope sent to:

  MBA & Master’s Program Office
  Wisconsin School of Business
  2450 Grainger Hall
  975 University Avenue
  Madison, WI 53706

  Official transcripts must be received on or before August 1.

International applicants are required to have the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree. View the minimum degree equivalents for different countries. You may wish to have your transcript evaluated by World Education Services (WES) to ensure you meet the four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree equivalency requirements.

• $75 for both domestic and international students (additional $6 processing fee for international students).
• Fee waivers available if active duty in the U.S. military within five years of applying.
• Payment by credit or debit card through the online application system; receipt required to learn of the admissions decision.

• The GMAT Focus/GMAT and GRE are optional for candidates who earned an accredited U.S. undergraduate.  You can apply for the test waiver by completing the waiver request form.

  Candidates who are below a 3.0 GPA are strongly encouraged to take either the GMAT Focus or GRE to show the admissions committee they have the academic ability to handle the rigors of the master’s program.

• A TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE score is required for international students. The requirement can be waived if you have an undergraduate or master’s degree that was taught in English.

You may submit a letter of recommendation as part of your application; however, it is not required. Select a recommender who is qualified to evaluate your potential for leadership or management. They should have a strong understanding of your abilities and be familiar with solid examples of your accomplishments. This individual may be a current or past supervisor or manager, a client or vendor, or a representative of a volunteer or community organization in which you are involved.