Admissions FAQ

The application asks for my GPA in several sections. Should I report my cumulative GPA or my last 60/90 credits?

We recommend that you report and enter your cumulative GPA, as stated on your bachelor’s degree transcript, in all sections that ask for your GPA on the application.

Should I calculate my GPA based on my last 60/90 credits?

We recommend that you report your cumulative GPA throughout your application. You do not need to calculate the last 60 semester/90 quarter credits, which is typically the coursework within your major, unless you have that information readily available on your transcript.

Do I need to calculate my GPA on a U.S. 4.0 scale?

Yes. We ask you to calculate your cumulative GPA on a U.S. 4.0 scale if your institution’s grading scale is not on a 4.0 scale. Please use the Scholaro GPA conversion resources provided in the application portal to calculate your GPA to the best of your ability. If you submit your application without a GPA, we will contact you directly to ask you to provide this.

I attended a school outside of the United States. How do I report my GPA if it is not on a U.S. 4.0 scale?

All applicants should calculate their GPA to a U.S. 4.0 scale if the GPA isn’t already on this scale. Please use the Scholaro GPA conversion resources provided in the application portal to calculate your GPA to a U.S. 4.0 scale. If you submit your application without a GPA, we will contact you directly to ask you to provide this.

My school does not provide grades. How do I report my GPA?

Most schools provide some form of letter or number grades, marks, percentages or other form of scoring. Please calculate your institution’s scoring methods to a U.S. 4.0 scale. If your university does not provide grades, or a GPA, check the “I do not have a GPA” box.

My GPA is below a 3.0. Can I still apply?

Yes, you are welcome to apply if your GPA is below a 3.0. Each year we admit applicants with GPA’s that may fall below a preferred 3.0 GPA who have strong MBA qualifications. We recommend that you refer to our Class Profile and consider how you can strengthen your application and demonstrate your academic readiness in other parts of your application. Our admissions counselors would be happy to talk with you more about this if you’d like to make an appointment by emailing us at [email protected].

What happens if my recommender has not submitted their letter of recommendation by the deadline?

Please plan to submit a complete application by the deadline, which includes two required letters of recommendation. You may designate your recommenders at any time after starting your application. We advise you reach out to your recommenders well in advance and give them gentle reminders of the deadline! However, you can submit your application even if your recommendations have not been received. Please connect with your recommenders and let them know that your recommendations should be submitted by the deadline. Please contact us if you are experiencing a delay with your recommender so we can make a note of that.

How should my essays be formatted?

Your full name and the title of the essay should be at the top of each page. Select a professional looking font and use a 10- to 12-point size. Ensure you double-space your essay to ensure ease of reading. Lastly, we highly recommend you take the time to carefully proofread your essays before saving and uploading to the application system.

Guidelines for submitting application essays.

All essays, required and optional, are submitted in the “Application Materials” section of the application.

For the two required essays, navigate to the section labeled “Writing Sample or Essay” and ensure you upload two documents, one for the required Post-MBA Plans Essay, and one for the required Personal Resilience Essay.

Please ensure both essays are uploaded before submitting your application by following these additional steps:

• To upload the files, select the “Choose File” button to upload your first essay and then scroll to the bottom and press “Save and Continue.”
• Return to the Application Materials section to upload your second essay and repeat the steps above.
• Once both essays are submitted, we recommend you return to the Application Materials tab to preview this section and ensure both required essays are submitted. You should also ensure your resume and optional essays are submitted at this time.

The process is similar for the Optional Essays. Ensure you upload the correct documents and click “Save and Continue” at the bottom of the page to return to the Application Materials section. We highly recommend you verify your essays are uploaded before proceeding to the next application section.

Do I need to submit an official or unofficial transcript in my application?

We recommend that you scan copies of your original transcripts and upload them as a PDF file to your application. Make sure to include all pages and any transcript keys that describe the institution’s grading scale. These are typically found on the back side of most domestic transcripts. Self-generated online grade reports or versions that have been cut and pasted into a Word document will not be accepted.

Where do I send my official transcript?

Please do not send official transcripts to our office by mail or digitally. You may submit your application using copies of your original official transcripts. We will provide further instructions on how to submit your official transcripts to the University of Washington Graduate School should you be admitted to Foster.

How do I submit my transcript if the file is too large to upload to my application?

Please attempt to compress your transcript file size using tools such as Adobe Acrobat or other PDF compressors and upload it to your application. If your transcript is still too large, please email [email protected] for assistance.

Does my transcript need to be translated if it is not in English?

Yes, transcripts and degree documents that are in a language other than English must be accompanied with an official English translation (translated by a university, government official/organization, or a certified translation service, example: American Translators Association).

Can I submit a WES evaluation as part of my application?
Applicants may choose to submit a WES ICAP evaluation in addition to a PDF copy of your original transcript. WES ICAP evaluations submitted alone as part of your application, without an accompanying copy of your original transcript and diploma, are not considered complete and we will reach out to you upon review of your application if we do not have a complete transcript. Please note that this is not a requirement, and there is an additional cost associated with the WES ICAP evaluation.

Do I need to submit transcripts for every school I have attended, including schools that I transferred from or where I did not earn a degree?

Please submit your transcript from the undergraduate institution where you earned your bachelor’s degree at a minimum. We also recommend that you include transcripts for all other coursework that you would like to be considered with your application, including community colleges with transfer credits. You should also include transcripts for any graduate degrees earned or additional course work taken.

Do I need to submit a transcript if I took classes to earn a certificate or pursued continuing education?

Please include transcripts for all pertinent coursework and academic history that you would like the admissions committee to consider with your application.

I have a 3-year bachelor’s degree. Can I still apply?

The University of Washington Graduate School requires that all graduate students have the equivalent to a 4-year undergraduate degree from the United States for admission. This is typically the equivalent of 8 semesters of academic coursework in a degree-seeking program. In some situations, additional course work, such as a master’s degree, or a postgraduate diploma held in addition to a 3-year degree may meet the requirement.

If you have questions about your degree prior to applying, please inquire at [email protected]. In some situations, we may be able to provide guidance by reviewing your transcripts. If you would like us to review your transcripts, please send a complete PDF copy of your undergraduate transcript and any additional coursework you have completed.

I have been offered admission to the program and am planning to enroll in the Evening MBA Program. I have already submitted my transcript as part of my application. Do I need to submit another copy of my transcript?
Transcripts submitted as part of your application to Foster are considered unofficial. Once an offer of admission is made, the University of Washington Graduate School requires all enrolling graduate students to submit official transcripts for verification. Official transcripts must be sent directly from your university to the UW. Please follow the instructions listed on the UW Graduate School website and on your Application Status page for submitting official transcripts.

Can I have the TOEFL or IELTS requirement waived?

All applicants must meet the University of Washington’s English Language Proficiency requirement. This requirement cannot be waived and therefore no waivers are provided for the TOEFL/IELTS. However, you may choose a method other than the TOEFL or IELTS exam to meet the requirement, if applicable. There are several ways to demonstrate English Language Proficiency outlined in the UW Graduate School Policy 3.2 if English is not your native language. You may demonstrate English language proficiency by providing test scores (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo), or by providing proof of English being the language of instruction for the entirety of your undergraduate degree.

My transcript is in English. Does this satisfy the English Language Proficiency requirement?

No, transcripts in English do not satisfy the English Language Proficiency requirement for a Medium of Instruction document. Your transcript or an official letter from your college or university must clearly state that the Medium of Instruction of your coursework and degree program was 100% in English to fulfill the requirement.

My university conducts all courses in English, do I still need to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam?

You do not need to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam if the Medium of Instruction of your entire degree program was in English and your transcript clearly states that the Medium of Instruction was English. If not explicitly noted on your transcript, you may provide an official letter from your university stating that the Medium of Instruction was English to meet the English Language Proficiency requirement.

English is not my native language, but I am living and working in the United States. Do I still need to take the TOEFL or IELTS Exam?

You must submit documentation of English Language Proficiency as outlined in the UW Graduate School Policy 3.2 if English is not your native language. Living and working in the United States does not satisfy the English Language Proficiency requirement.

Do I need to submit my official TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores? How do I report my official scores to Foster?

Official test scores are required and must be received before our program can make an admission decision. Please use the institution codes below to reports your official scores by the application deadline.

English is not my native language, but I attended university in the United States or another English-speaking country. Do I still need to take the TOEFL or IELTS?

You will not be required to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam if you have earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an institution in Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, or the United States, and where English is the Medium of Instruction. Please be sure to submit complete transcripts with your application as documentation.

Does Foster accept the TOEFL My Best Score?

Yes, we accept the TOEFL My Best Score.

Does Foster accept the Duolingo English Test?

Yes, we accept the Duolingo English Test. Applicants should have a minimum score of 120.

I don’t have any work experience; can I still apply to the Evening MBA Program?

Admissions to the Evening MBA Program is competitive and work experience is highly valued. While you are welcome to apply with no work experience, the average student enters the program with strong work experience. Please refer to our current Class Profile for information on the average work experience of admitted students.

Does Foster require GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, GRE or Executive Assessment (EA) scores?

Applicants are encouraged to apply with a GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, GRE, or EA score (if applicable), and scores from these three tests are accepted. However, applicants also have the option to apply with no test score. For Autumn 2024 entry, Foster will provide applicants the option to apply “Test Optional” to the Evening MBA Program without a standardized test score.

While applicants are welcome to apply without test scores, admission to the Evening MBA Program is competitive, and we still strongly encourage applicants to consider submitting GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, GRE or EA scores for a number of reasons, including demonstrating academic preparedness, and future career screenings that rely on GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment scores. Please review the Test Optional FAQ section for information on requirements for applying without a GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, GRE or EA score.

How do I report my official GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, GRE or EA scores to Foster?

If you are applying with GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, GRE, or EA scores for consideration with your application, please be sure to report your official test scores to the University of Washington Graduate School in order to complete your application. We will conduct an initial review of all applications with self-reported scores, but official test scores are required before an admission decision will be made.

Use the program codes below to report your official test scores.

When do I need to report my official GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, GRE or EA scores?

Please submit your official GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, GRE, or EA test scores as close to the application deadline as possible. While we can conduct an initial review of your application with your self-reported scores, official scores are required before an admission decision can be made.

I have taken the GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, GRE or EA more than once. Which score will Foster consider?

We will always consider your highest overall test score. We do not consider the highest combined test section scores from multiple exams.

Am I eligible to take the Executive Assessment (EA) exam?

Applicants with 6 or more years of full-time work experience are eligible to take the Executive Assessment (EA). If you would like to learn more about the Executive Assessment and if it’s right for you and your work experience, please schedule an informational interview with an admissions counselor by emailing [email protected].

Can I have the GMAT, GRE or EA requirement waived?
While we do not waive application requirements, Foster will provide applicants the option to apply “Test Optional” to the Full-time MBA Program for Autumn 2024 entry without a standardized test score. Please review the Test Optional FAQ section for information on requirements for applying without a test score and tips from our admissions team on crafting a competitive application.

I plan on re-taking the GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, GRE or EA after the application deadline. Will my new scores be considered?

You are welcome to report updated test scores. We recommend you contact us with this information and the date which we can expect the new scores at [email protected].  Please keep in mind that while the admissions committee will do their best to consider updated scores, scores submitted after the application deadline are not guaranteed to be considered with your application.

Does Foster prefer one test over another?

No, there is no preference toward the GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, GRE or EA exam. The choice is the applicant’s. In our holistic review process, we consider a number of factors to determine your ability to handle the academic rigors of the program, achieve success in the career development process, and contribute actively and positively to our community. Test scores are just one piece of information considered in the review process.

I’m having trouble accessing a testing site due to COVID-19, what are my other options to take an exam?

The GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, GRE and EA exams are offered in an online, at-home test format to provide options to test takers unable to take a test center-based exam.

I can’t get an online GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, GRE or EA exam date until after the application deadline. Can I apply with no test scores and update my application after the deadline?

Applicants should apply to the earliest application deadline to which they can submit their strongest complete application. If you are unable to take the GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, GRE or EA before the application deadline, we advise looking ahead to preparing a strong and complete application for the next application round.

Any applicant who is able to demonstrate strong quantitative skills through their prior academic work and/or recent professional experiences may apply for admission to the Evening MBA for Autumn 2024 entry without a standardized test score.

Which standardized tests does the Evening MBA Program accept?

The Evening MBA Program accepts the GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, GRE and EA standardized tests. For Autumn 2024 admission, Foster will provide candidates with the option to apply without a standardized test score.

Should I consider applying without a test score? What factors make an applicant well-suited to submit an application without a test score?

All candidates are required to meet the following criteria:

• Have a four-year undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited university in the U.S. or equivalent international degree.
• Have a 3.0 GPA or higher in the most recent degree earned, per the University of Washington Graduate School’s minimum GPA requirements.

For a candidate to be competitive without a test score, they must demonstrate quantitative and program readiness by meeting several of the following criteria:

• Strong quantitative or analytical ability demonstrated throughout educational records, with a GPA at or above average as listed on the class profile.
• An undergraduate, masters, or advanced degree in STEM or a business-related major, with strong performance and multiple quantitative or analytical courses.
• Clearly demonstrated quantitative or analytical professional work experience. Professional certifications in a quantitative-related field, e.g., CPA, CFA, PE, etc.
• Four or more years of progressively responsible professional work experience which demonstrates deep quantitative or analytical aptitude.
• A University of Washington undergraduate or graduate degree with a strong academic record.

These criteria will be considered in holistic review along with other elements of the application including transcripts, resume, essays, recommendations and admissions interview, in the context of the competitiveness of the overall applicant pool.

Meeting the above criteria does not ensure admission to a Foster MBA program. If you believe your academic readiness is best demonstrated by an exam, we encourage you to provide an exam score.

Are there circumstances in which it might be helpful to submit test scores?

Yes, if you had weaker performance as an undergraduate student with a GPA below the class average, a strong test score can help demonstrate quantitative aptitude or mitigate concerns regarding academic readiness.

How do I apply without a test score?

To apply test optional, complete the “Test Optional Summary of Qualifications” under the “application questions” section of the online application. You will be asked the following question prompts:

• Are you applying without test scores (meaning test optional)? Upon selecting yes, you will be prompted to answer the following required short answer question.
• Please detail the specific evidence in your academic and/or professional experience that supports your analytical and quantitative preparedness for success in the program. (150 words maximum)

Applicants applying Test Optional are not required to self-report GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, GRE or Executive Assessment scores. Please skip the score reporting sections in the application.

Does the admissions team have guidance for completing the short response question?
The short answer question asks you to outline your academic and/or professional experience that prepares you for the quantitative and analytical rigor of the program. This response is required, and asks for a short, 150 word response. We encourage you to type your response in a Word Document first to ensure accurate spelling and grammar, and that your responses meets the word limit, and then to copy and paste your responses into your application.

I have reported test scores to the University of Washington, but I do not wish for these to be considered in my Evening MBA Application. What do I do?

If you previously reported a test score to the University of Washington and do not want any test scores considered in your application for Autumn 2024, then select yes to applying test optional and complete the Test Optional Summary of Qualifications. Your test scores will not be used in review of your application.

Can you use an expired score in the evaluation of my application?

GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, GRE, and EA scores are valid for five years, but you may point to the results of an expired test score as evidence of quantitative or verbal aptitude in your request to be considered without a standardized test score.

Please self-report the test scores in your application and upload a PDF copy of the GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, GRE or EA score report to the “Optional Essay” section of the application along with a note that you would like us to consider your expired test scores.

Who do I contact if I have questions that are not addressed here about applying Test Optional?

If you have questions about how to submit your strongest application, you can schedule an informational interview with an admissions counselor by emailing [email protected].

When can I expect to receive my invitation to complete the required video interview?

You can expect an email invitation to complete your required video interview from Kira Talent 3-5 business days after the application deadline.

When can I expect a decision on my application?

Please refer to the Admissions webpage for application decision notification dates by round.

Can Foster provide me feedback on my application if I am denied admission?

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide denied candidates with feedback. There normally is not a single deciding factor that led to a denial, and the decision is usually dependent on the competitiveness of the entire applicant pool. If you are interested in reapplying for the program next year and wish to speak with an admissions counselor about ways to strengthen your application, you may contact [email protected] to schedule an appointment.

What if I want to defer my acceptance and attend the following year?

If you are admitted to the program and need to defer for one academic year, you can formally request to defer. The admissions committee considers these requests on a case-by-case basis.

Does Foster offer an application fee waiver?

Unfortunately, Foster is unable to offer fee waivers as our application portal and fee is managed by the UW Graduate School. A limited number of fee waivers are available through the Graduate School based on financial need. Please visit the Graduate School website for more information.

What is the Post-Application Questions section showing up in the Applicant Checklist after I submit my application?
The Post-Application Questions section will appear within a few minutes of submitting your application. We encourage all applicants to submit the Post-Application questionnaire. The questions asked in the Post-Application Questions section are not a part of the review of your application for admission.

Can I apply to multiple Foster MBA programs?

You are welcome to apply to multiple MBA programs at Foster. Each MBA or master’s program has its own application and admissions process, so you will need to complete an application to each individual program you wish to apply to.

Do you have rolling admission?

We review applications at the deadline to which they were submitted and generally send out admission decisions within 2-3 months after the deadline. Please see the Admission Notification dates for the date to which you can expect to hear a final admission decision.

Can I apply to start in the winter/spring/summer term?

Our program starts once a year in the fall. No other program starts are offered.

I am having technical issues submitting my video interview. What do I do?
The video interview is hosted by Kira Talent, and applicants can request technical support 24/7 from Kira Talent in the online video interview platform.

Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you have any issues completing your video interview by the deadline. Our team will work with you to provide options for submitting your video.

The application review section allows me to “Save for Later” but not submit my application. How do I complete my application and submit it?
The review section shows a list of any incomplete items in your application. You must complete all items labeled as “Required Field or Error” to submit your application. If an application item is labeled with “Warning” the item may be required but can be updated in the application portal post submission of your application.