I’m graduating from Saint Leo University June 21st, I have a 3.38 GPA and 9 years work experience at age 25. 7 years of “professional work experience” Bookkeeper for an attorney for 4 years and a welder for 3 years. My work pays for my education so tuition is not a problem and I’m pretty positive I could get into Saint Leo’s MBA program very easily, however I am applying to William and Mary’s online MBA program that starts in August. I’m wondering what my chances are at even getting into this program are? Or can anyone recommend an online MBA from a top school that may be easier for me to get accepted into? I have not taken the GMAT and W&M told me they would most likely waive it for me, waiting to officialy hear back. They also told me I would be a great candidate? Doesn’t add up to me, but not sure why they would lie lol. Am I setting myself of for failure or are online MBA’s that much easier to get into?
I am glad you are suspicious. Most online MBA have very low standards and probably will accept anyone who can pay.
It seems like you are a non-traditional student and you can google some tips for admission to better MBA programs.
http://www.■■■■■■■.com/blog/test-prep/10-tips-for-nontraditional-applicants-applying-to-business-school/
Good luck.
Yeah I have 2 children and work 60 hours a week so online is the only realistic way for me to obtain a degree at this time in my life. However I’ve been told their is no difference in the online program versus full time and the actual degree is the same as well.
I’m still suspicious because of something sounds too good to be true then it usually is lol. Am I missing something? W&M seems to have a great reputation, maybe I won’t get in and they are just seeking applicants to make the program appear to be more sought after?
Feel free to try for the W&M MBA program and apply, but you’re right to want to want to thorougly do research on it. I know their online MBA program is relatively new - it just started this year (https://www.wm.edu/news/stories/2015/raymond-a.-mason-business-school-launches-online-mba123.php) so it could be a result of them wanting to attract many different people and get the word out there
“Most online MBA have very low standards and probably will accept anyone who can pay.” I mean, it’s William and Mary, not Phoenix or Liberty. He may get his GMAT waived, but he still has to have good grades,good references and be able to write a powerful essay. He was probably talking to a customer service rep within the admissions department, not someone on the actual admissions committee. From what I’ve seen, online programs may have slightly less stringent admissions standards, but schools like Indiana, NC etc are pretty close with their admissions selections. I don’t see why W & M would be too much different.
At the end of the day, if its really something you are worried about, the degree doesn’t say “online MBA” and we live and work in a virtual world. In the near future, most programs will offer at least a mixture of their classes online; many already do. Shortly after that, watch the schools start selling real estate.
By all means, apply to the program!