Frequently Asked Questions

At the time of application submission, only a self-reported transcript is required. Upon admission, all official transcripts must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Management Admissions. Boston College reserves the right to withdraw any offer of admission already made if there is any discrepancy between the self-reported transcript and the official transcript. back to top

Do you need a copy of my official GMAT scores with my application?

Please self-report test scores on the application form and arrange for official reports to be sent directly to Boston College. If you have not taken the GMAT, please indicate your planned test date. On the day of the test, please fax the unofficial score report to the Office of Graduate Management Admissions (fax: 617-552-8078) and arrange for an official report to be sent directly to Boston College. back to top

What is the minimum GMAT score and minimum GPA needed to be accepted into the program?

GMAT, but there is no minimum score requirement for admission. There is also no minimum GPA requirement for admission. We recommend that applicants benchmark themselves against the the statistics of current students by visiting the class profiles section on the website. back to top

Do I need to have work experience to apply for the Full-Time MBA program or can I apply right after I receive from Bachelor's degree?

For the MBA program, at least two years of professional work experience is recommended and the average work experience in recent classes has been four and a half years. Applicants are evaluated on a number of criteria including transcripts, GMAT scores, essays, recommendations, and employment history. However, only a small number of students are accepted directly out of undergraduate school and it is preferred that students gain professional experience before applying to the program. Please feel free to visit the class profiles section on the website to review the statistics of current students. back to top

Does my undergraduate background need to be in business?

Boston College aims to create a diverse class each year from different backgrounds and experiences. More than half of the students in the MBA Program did not major in business or a related field. Please feel free to visit the class profiles section on the website to review the statistics of current students. back to top

Do I need to take the TOEFL?

All students whose first language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). This requirement is waived for applicants who have completed a four-year course of study or have been enrolled for the past two years in a college or university in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Australia or New Zealand. It is also waived if you have been working for two or more years in the US and are currently employed in the country. The minimum required score on the TOEFL is 600 on a paper-based test, 250 on a computer-based test, or 100 on an internet-based test.

If the medium language of instruction at your school was strictly English, then the TOEFL requirement would be waived. You should indicate on your self-reported transcript that the language of instruction at your school is English. Upon acceptance, we will need a letter from your school (on their official letterhead) stating that the medium language of instruction was English. back to top

Do you offer class visits?

Yes. We encourage you to learn more about the program by touring our facility, sitting in on a class and speaking with current students. Boston College has a beautiful campus just outside the city of Boston. Class visits may be arranged by registering online or by calling the Office of Graduate Management Admissions directly at (617) 552-3920. back to top

If I am unable to visit campus, is there an opportunity to speak with an Admissions representative?

We hold regularly scheduled on-line chats with current students and Admissions representatives. Please see our schedule for specific dates. back to top

When will I find out about Assistantships/Scholarships?

The MBA Scholarship Committee meets on a regular basis to conduct reviews of accepted MBA candidates. Scholarship offers are typically made in conjunction with acceptance decisions. At times, the Scholarship Committee may make a decision regarding an award in the weeks following an acceptance decision. back to top

How do I apply for Financial Aid?

The Office of Student Services at Boston College is able to assist you by providing the necessary forms for federal graduate student financial aid. Please contact them directly at (617) 552-3300 for additional information about federal financial aid, as well as alternative loan sources. Please note that federal student aid is available for United States citizens only. International students may contact the Office of Student Services for information regarding alternative loan sources. back to top

What are the estimated tuition and expenses for the MBA Program?

Tuition for the 2009 – 2010 academic year is $1,220 per credit hour for Full-Time and Evening MBA students. Other expenses include books, supplies, and fees estimated at $1,500. NOTE: Tuition rates, fees, rules and regulations, courses and course content are subject to revision by the President and Board of Trustees or School Dean at any time. back to top

Do you have a catalog, view book, brochure, etc.?

Please click here to request information about Graduate Management Admissions. By completing the Request for Information form, you will be mailed a program brochure and begin to receive correspondence about our programs, our students, our faculty, and our alumni. You will also be notified of upcoming Admissions events, on campus or in your area, that will help you gain a first hand look at all that the Carroll School of Management has to offer. back to top

Can I receive course credit for courses taken as an undergraduate or in another masters program?

Full-Time students can receive equivalency credit for up to two courses and substitute those courses with elective courses. Evening Students can receive equivalency credit for up to two courses. Evening students also have the option of receiving advanced standing credit for up to two courses and will thus be waived from those credit hours. All students interested in receiving equivalency credit or advanced standing credit must complete a course waiver form to be evaluated by the dean and must have received a grade of B or better in the course. back to top

Does Boston College offer housing for Graduate Students?

Boston College does provide limited graduate student housing, available by application through the Housing Office. The Housing Office typically hosts a Housing Fair for BC graduate students in June of each year. If you are visiting from out of town for this event, then short-term on-campus housing can be made available to you. Please call (617) 552-4723 for more information about this event and the resources available through the university to assist with your search. Information regarding the housing fair will be sent to accepted and enrolled MBA students. back to top

How long does it take to complete the Evening MBA Program?

Typically, evening students complete the program in 2.5 – 4 years. Most students take two courses each semester. Classes meet once a week from 7:00 to 9:30 PM during the academic year, with a limited number meeting from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM and on Saturdays. Summer courses meet twice a week from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Boston College requires that you take four courses per year and summer coursework is at your own discretion. back to top

In what industries are graduates employed?

The Boston College MBA program is a cross-functional degree with a strong emphasis on teamwork and a global perspective. Because Boston College graduate management students have an average of approximately four-and-a-half years of work experience prior to admission, representing a range of career fields, they are able to make immediate contributions to the organizations where they are employed in a wide range of industries. For more information on placement please visit the Career Strategies section of our website. back to top

Does the MBA program at Boston College have a diverse student body?

Our students bring a wealth of diverse experiences from a variety of ethnic, international and varied personal and professional backgrounds. This diversity contributes to a rich cultural and global perspective on teams, in case studies and classroom discussions. Please feel free to visit the class profiles section on the website to review the statistics of current students. back to top

When do I have to notify Boston College that I will be attending?

Acceptance decisions are accompanied by a reply date and a form you must return to the Office of Graduate Management Admissions to confirm your decision to enroll in the Boston College MBA Program. back to top

Can I have an extension of my reply deadline?

The Director of Graduate Management Enrollment, Shelley Burt, approves all extensions. Please contact the Office Graduate Management Admissions directly at (617) 552-3920 to make this request. back to top

When/How do I register for classes?

Accepted students will receive access to an Admitted Student website which will explain the registration process and provide details regarding all other facets of enrollment at Boston College (including Orientation, Computer Access, BC Facilities, Students IDs, Parking, Athletic Tickets). back to top

When does the Fall semester start?

Orientation to the Full-time MBA program traditionally begins the Wednesday before Labor Day. Evening MBA Orientation is held on an evening in late August. Classes university-wide begin the Tuesday after Labor Day. back to top

I am an international student...How do I get a visa?

The Office of International Students and Scholars prepares and processes all necessary visa documentation. Confirmed students will receive the required Declaration and Certification of Finances form via email which will outline the necessary steps required to obtain a visa. back to top

I am an international student...How do I handle financial aid?

International students are not eligible to apply for federal student financial aid. Students may, however, explore some alternative loan sources available for international students. Information about these alternative sources is available from The Office of Student Services by calling (617) 552-3300 or by visiting http://www.bc.edu/offices/stserv/. back to top

Can I take the IELTS exam instead of the TOEFL?

We do not accept the IELTS exam. Students must take the internet-based, paper-based, or computer-based TOEFL. back to top

Do I need to submit financial documents with my application?

No. Financial documents are only required for admitted students. Once students receive the DCF form they will be required to submit original financial documents at that time. back to top

What is LCC and am I required to attend?

All international students are required to register for and attend the Language, Culture and Careers (LCC) program, a mandatory one-credit prerequisite course designed to support professional development and career advancement. This program is required for all international students and begins in August, prior to the start of the Program. back to top

Graduate Management Association