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PreMBA Status

This is a quick way to "try out" the MBA-PM Program or to get started in classes if you haven't had time to complete the formal application process before classes begin. It allows you to:

  • Enroll in the same classes as admitted students
  • Earn graduate credit that counts toward your degree upon admission
  • Benefit from the same faculty, staff, and level of support as admitted students

PreMBA status is a temporary student status. If you choose this option, you will eventually need to complete the formal admission process, and receive a positive admission decision, in order to continue in the program.

PreMBA approvals are processed up until the beginning of classes in each semester. There is no "deadline" but classes may fill and selection of classes may be limited closer to the semester start.

PreMBA Advantages

  • Students complete classes with formally admitted students; there are no PreMBA-only courses.
  • University of Iowa graduate credit is earned and credits are applied toward the MBA upon formal admission.
  • Provides additional time to prepare for the GMAT while completing courses toward the degree.

Subject to advisor approval, applicants who have earned a graduate degree from an accredited U.S. institution may be exempted from taking the GMAT.

PreMBA Approval

To be considered for PreMBA status, complete the mini-application at https://apply.admissions.uiowa.edu/admissions/login.page and upload the following materials along with your application:

Resume: Include educational background with the dates of degrees awarded and employment history with job titles, dates of employment (including month and year), company names, and employment summaries.

Academic Transcripts:

U.S. Institutions: An unofficial copy of your academic transcripts from all previous institutions attended (both undergraduate and graduate) is sufficient for PreMBA review. If you are a graduate of the University of Iowa, you do not need to submit your University of Iowa transcript.

(Note: Official transcripts will be required when submitting an application for formal admission. If you choose to send official transcripts now, please ask your U.S. institution to send them to the Office of Admissions, 107 Calvin Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242-1396. If your previous U.S. institution sends official transcripts electronically, the email address for the Office of Admissions is admissions@uiowa.edu.)

Non-U.S. Institutions: You need to submit your official marks sheets (transcripts) and diploma, as well as translated copies if the originals are not in English. The originals are required for review but will be returned to you. To make arrangements with the MBA-PM staff to pick up the documents, deliver them to the Office of Admissions, or personally return them to you, please contact us.

PreMBA Review

PreMBA materials are reviewed on the same basis as an application for formal admission (professional, postbaccalaureate work experience, demonstrated leadership, and successful academic performance). Candidates are notified by mail of a decision within three weeks after all necessary documents are received. Typically, the review committee expects the following:

  • 18 months of postbaccalaureate, professional work experience
  • Partial credit may be given for internships and professional work experience gained while in college. Nontraditional students may have acquired a bachelor degree after beginning professional experience; in these cases, this work experience will be considered.
  • Satisfactory cumulative grade-point average—typically a 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Examples of strong work experience and leadership activities as described on the resume
  • Review of additional materials on file, including letters of recommendation and GMAT score

Some individuals may be asked to provide additional information, such as a completed GMAT score (to demonstrate academic potential at the graduate level), to obtain additional work experience, to interview with the review committee, or to complete the formal admission process.

PreMBA Limitations

  • PreMBA course registration begins following that for admitted students. PreMBA students are encouraged to act quickly, given many classes fill early in the registration period.
  • PreMBA students may enroll in a maximum of 3 courses (9 semester hours) over a 12-month period of time.
  • The maximum enrollment per semester, which includes the Intersession, is two courses.
  • Each semester of PreMBA status, students must take at least one of the following courses: 6N:213 Managerial Economics, 6N:215 Corporate Financial Reporting, 6N:216 Business Analytics (formerly Data and Decisions), or 6N:225 Managerial Finance. These courses are determined to be strong indicators of a student’s potential for success in the program and enable the committee to make a more informed admission decision.
  • PreMBA students must earn a minimum grade of B (3.0 out of 4.0) in each course taken.
  • PreMBA students are not classified as admitted by the University of Iowa for loan purposes and are in no way guaranteed formal admission upon application.

Questions

If you have any questions about PreMBA status, contact us via email at mbapm@uiowa.edu or by phone at 800-MBA-IOWA (800-622-4692).