MBA@UNC: The application process

Here is the application process for those of you that are interested in applying to the MBA@UNC:

0. Take the GMAT. UNC is a tough program to get into so, make sure you get a decent score (at least 680+). There are tons of online resources that will help you prepare. I used PagalGuy.com and Gmatclub.com a lot when I was studying for the GMAT.

Note: If you do not have a degree from an English speaking country such as the US/UK or, a degree from an Indian university, then you may be required to do TOEFL/IELTS as well to demonstrate English proficiency

1. Checkout the admissions criteria and program costs. Register yourself and start your online application here. Set yourself a goal as to when you will be done with the application. Remember to set aside a good chunk of your time for the essays.

Admissions calendar for 2013-14

2. Fill in your personal and professional details.

3. Get strong personal recommendations from people who know you well and who will be willing to take the time for you to fill out the forms. MBA@UNC requires 3 professional recommendations. It is usually prudent to get one from your immediate supervisor and 2 others from colleagues who know you well. Make sure that the people who fill out these forms know you well enough to be able to answer the questions on the recommendation form. If there is anything in particular you would like them to mention in your recommendation make sure you talk to them about it beforehand.

4. Complete your essays (take your time here). During this process really try to think about what the questions are asking you and address those questions with examples. For example - if you are asked about your strengths - provide meaningful examples of why a particular characteristic is a strength for you. Do ensure that you get others to proofread your essays. MBA@UNC requires 3 essays (1 optional).

5. Send your exam scores and university transcripts to the university. Contact the admissions department for the address to send these to. The transcripts should go directly from your university/college - so if you have received them from your university, make sure that they are in a sealed envelope with your universities seal on the envelope.

6. Submit the application. You have to submit a non-refundable application fee of US $145 along with the application. Make sure that you keep the admissions counselor abreast of what you have been doing throughout this entire process so that they can confirm receipt of the various components of the application.

7. Prepare for your interview - Although you may not be sure about getting invited to interview, make sure that you prepare thoroughly for it. If you do get an interview, you will be interviewed via video conference. Dress up for the interview as you would if you were to attend it in person. Go through the typical list of MBA interview questions and know you application well. Pagalguy and Gmatclub are good starting points for the kind of interview questions people get asked. Prepare an elevator pitch (~2-3 minutes) about yourself.

8. If you make it through the interview you will be offered a place @ Kenan-Flagler. Take a moment to congratulate yourself for a job well done! You will get an admissions packet from the admissions office. Acceptance is confirmed by digitally signing the acceptance form and mailing it back to the admissions counselor. You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of $1,500 to hold your place. This amount will be credited towards your first quarter's tuition.

If you are eligible for a fellowship you will automatically be enrolled for it. You may have to pay your non-refundable deposit before you get any information about receiving the fellowship.