Admissions

The Full-time MBA application is now open.

To get started, click the apply now button below, go to the “New Applicants” section, and click the “new admissions system” link. If you submitted an application for Autumn 2024 admissions or later, please go to the “Returning Applicants” and click on the “new admissions system” under for admission to program beginning in Autumn 2024 and beyond.

From here, create your online application profile by selecting the “First-time Users” option or log into your account under “Returning Users”.

Please note that our Autumn 2025 application is on a new application system. If you’ve started an application or applied prior to 2024, you will need to create a new user account and a new application in the new system.

Once in the application system, applicants should follow the prompts to start a new application. After creating an application, ensure that you follow these steps to select the correct program:

• Under “Program Selection” select “Graduate”
• Select search “By Campus”
• Select “Seattle” under filter by campus
• Select “Business Administration – Foster School of Business – Seattle Full-time MBA”

You may save your information and return as often as you’d like until you submit your completed application. All aspects of your application, including the fulfillment of these requirements, are subject to verification.

Apply Now

For all essays, we ask that you add your full name and the title of the essay at the top of each page. We encourage you to select a professional font, use a 10- or 12-point font size, and double-space your text. Please ensure you carefully proofread your essays before submitting them.

Two essays are required and must be uploaded to your online application. The first optional essay allows you to tell us more about yourself, or to explain any areas of concern. The second optional essay allows you to share ways you have been involved with diversity, equity and inclusion in your professional or personal life, or within your community.

Essay 1: Post-MBA Plans (750 words maximum)
Tell us your ideas about what lies ahead in your career. What are the gaps or deficiencies currently preventing you from pursuing these potential career paths? How do you plan to use your time in the Foster MBA program to fill these gaps and advance your career?

Essay 2: Personal Resilience (500 words maximum)
Resilience is one of the most important values of a successful Foster student. Tell us about what resilience means to you and share some of the ways that you have demonstrated resilience in overcoming personal or professional challenges. How do you anticipate showing resilience during your time as an MBA candidate?

Essay 3: Optional Essay (500 words maximum)
Include this essay if you have additional information you believe would be helpful to the admissions committee in considering your application.

Essay 4: Optional Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Essay* (500 words maximum)
At the Foster School of Business, we embrace diversity as one of the foundations of both successful business strategy and a world-class educational experience. We share the University’s dedication to promoting the understanding and appreciation of human differences, and the constructive expression of ideas. We welcome you to share some of the ways you have practiced inclusion, promoted equity or supported the advancement of underrepresented groups.

*No separate scholarship application is required to be considered for Full-time MBA merit scholarships. However, we recommend that if you would like to be considered for the ROMBA Fellowship or Forté Fellowship, you may indicate your qualifications and interest in these scholarships through the Optional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion essay question.

Outline your work experience in reverse chronological order. Be sure to include company name, a brief description of the organization (or a web address), your job title, and detailed information about your responsibilities and achievements.

Feel free to use up to three pages for your resume and include all significant work experience since graduating from high school. Include educational background as well as your activities and community involvement.

Letters of recommendation consist of two parts: a set of short-answer questions and a written assessment. In the written assessment your recommender will be asked to write about your strengths, discuss areas where you could improve, discuss your leadership abilities, interpersonal skills, motivation and initiative and comment on your accomplishments, managerial potential, and other personal qualities.

Two recommendation letters are required as part of your application; however, you are permitted to submit up to three. Preferably, recommendations should be provided by professional contacts rather than academic or personal contacts. You may designate your recommenders at any time after starting your application. When you designate your recommenders in your online application profile, recommenders will receive an email directing them to the online recommendation form.

Your recommendations should be submitted by the application deadline for the round you are applying to. When necessary, you can use the online application system to send your recommender a reminder email. When your recommender has submitted the recommendation, you will receive a confirmation email.

All MBA applicants are encouraged to take a standardized test of their choice. We accept all Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT); both the GMAT 10th Edition and GMAT Focus Edition. We also accept the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Any exam type is encouraged, and it is the applicant’s choice which to select, we have no preference. Applicants also have the option to apply “Test Optional” to the Full-time MBA Program without a standardized test score.

Applying with a GMAT or GRE Score

For the GMAT and GRE, all sub-scores are evaluated. Scores should indicate a strong aptitude for business studies. You can review score averages on our Class Profile.

GMAT and GRE exams are offered year-round and can be taken multiple times. Tests are available at in-person testing centers as well as online. Scores are valid for five years. There is no departmental preference for the GMAT or GRE exam.

Take the test as early as possible to allow time to re-test if necessary. The GMAT or GRE must be completed by the application deadline, and official scores should be reported by the deadline. If you have taken a test more than once, the admissions committee will use your highest overall total score to evaluate your application. Please note, we do not accept the Executive Assessment test for admission to the Full-time MBA Program.

Applying Test Optional

All applicants who choose to apply Test Optional agree to complete the “Test Optional Summary of Qualifications” in the application questions section of the online application.

• If you select “yes” to applying without test scores, you are required to answer this short answer prompt: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)

Please review the Test Optional FAQ section for a complete overview of the requirements for applying Test Optional and crafting a competitive application.

You must have completed the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university to be considered for admission. Transcripts are required for all undergraduate and graduate-level institutions attended. You are not required to complete academic courses in any particular topics to be eligible for admission. An academic background in business is not required. Consistency in achievement is considered, but more weight is given to the last two years of study and courses within your academic area of focus.

Required Format for All Transcripts
Do not send official transcripts to our office via mail. Scan copies of your original transcripts in PDF file format and upload them to the online application. Make sure to include 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.

The following information must be on all transcripts:

• Full name of applicant (former names are acceptable if indicated on application)
• Name of degree-granting institution
• Title(s) of academic degree(s) awarded
• Dates of enrollment, including date of graduation/degree conferral
• Names of individual courses
• Grades, marks, or ratings of individual courses
• International transcripts must include an official English translations
• Both marks sheets and degree statements are required, if applicable

Please note: Official transcripts sent directly from institutions are required only after an offer of admission is accepted by the applicant.

GPA Requirements
Applicants should review our Class Profile for GPA averages for admitted students. Although Foster does not have a minimum requirement, a GPA of 3.0 (B) or better is generally the standard we look for in a competitive candidate. We holistically review all aspects of your application when making an admissions decision. Should your GPA fall below a 3.0 average, we closely evaluate your performance on the GMAT or GRE, as well as other aspects of your application, to assess your ability to succeed academically in our program. If you have specific concerns related to your undergraduate GPA, please contact one of our admissions counselors to discuss.

Reporting your Grade Point Average
The Graduate School application asks applicants to report their cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 0.0 – 4.0 scale. Specific instructions are provided on the Graduate School Application for converting and calculating your GPA if your university was not on such a system, and for converting from an international grading system to a 4.0 scale. Please read and follow the instructions carefully for converting your GPA to a 4.0 scale to complete this question. If you’d like to assess your GPA ahead of applying, the application refers applicants to the Foreign Credits website, and to use the GPA calculator for this process.

If you attended a university that does not grade courses or provide a GPA, check the “No” box when asked if your “institution provides letter and/or numeric grades” when entering academic history details.

Proficiency in English is required for admission to a graduate program at the University of Washington. If your native language is not English, you are required to demonstrate English language proficiency in one of the following ways:

• Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or from an institution in Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, or the United Kingdom.

• Official documentation from the institution verifying that your undergraduate degree is from an institution (in a country other than those listed above) where all instruction is in English. The undergraduate degree must be equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. Documentation must be presented to the University of Washington Graduate School. The Graduate School will determine grade equivalency and validate foreign transcripts.

• Complete an English Language Proficiency Exam. Refer to the below table for accepted exams and score requirements.

Most test scores are valid for two years. Applicants with scores below the minimum score requirements are highly encouraged to retake the exam before submitting an application. Official test scores must be sent directly to the University of Washington Graduate School by the application deadline.

All applicants will be asked to submit a video interview, and will receive an email 1-3 business days after the application deadline to which they applied with instructions on recording the video interview. The video interview allows us to get to know you better and to assess your communication skills and your ability to think on your feet as we review your application and consider your candidacy.

Once applicants receive the video interview invitation via e-mail, they will have approximately one week to complete this requirement. Applicants can test their video and sound, answer practice video interview questions, and ask for technical support if needed within the video interview system before recording their video interview. The email instructions will include the deadline to submit the video interview. Applicants must complete this requirement in order for their application to remain under review.

Applicants will be contacted if they are selected for an admissions interview later in the application review process.

A non-refundable application fee of $90 must be paid by credit card through the online application system.

As a partner school of The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, Foster welcomes your application. If you plan to apply through The Consortium, please do not create a UW Online Application profile. Instead, proceed directly to the The Consortium website to start your Consortium application profile.

We look forward to reviewing your application once received from The Consortium and will communicate with all Consortium applicants via email while your application is under review by the Foster admissions committee.

Please review our Consortium Applicants page for information on the application process and timeline, as well as answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from Consortium applicants. If you have any questions regarding your Consortium application, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

The application asks for my Cumulative GPA. Should I report my cumulative GPA or the GPA from the last 60/90 credits?
We recommend that you enter your cumulative undergraduate GPA, as stated on your bachelor’s degree transcript. If you provide additional transcripts, please do the same and enter the cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale when asked to enter a GPA. The application provides guidance on calculating your GPA on a 4.0 scale. If necessary please use the “Help with GPAs” tool in the application.

Do I need to calculate my GPA on a U.S. 4.0 scale?
Yes. We ask all applicants to calculate their cumulative undergraduate GPA on a U.S. 4.0 scale if your institution’s grading scale is not on a 4.0 scale.

What tools can I use for calculating my GPA on a 4.0 scale?
You are welcome to use the Scholaro GPA calculator, Scholaro GPA conversion tool, or WES iGPA Calculator to calculate your GPA on a 4.0 scale.

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 calculator, Scholaro GPA conversion or WES iGPA Calculator resources provided in the application portal to calculate your GPA to a U.S. 4.0 scale.

I am calculating my GPA on a U.S. 4.0 scale, but my university’s grading scale is not listed in the Scholaro GPA conversion resource. How do I calculate my GPA using this tool?
If your university is not listed on the Scholaro GPA conversion tool, you may select the grading scale that most closely matches your university’s grading scale.

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 “No” box when asked if your “ institution provides letter and/or numeric grades” when entering academic history details.

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 required essays, navigate to the section labeled “Statement of Purpose” to upload your Post-MBA Plans Essay and the “Personal Statement” section to upload your Personal Resilience essay.
• To upload the files, select the “Choose File” button, navigate to your essays and then scroll to the bottom and press “Save and Continue.”

The process is similar for the Optional Essays.

To upload the files, select the “Choose File” button at the bottom of the Additional Materials section, upload your first essays and then scroll to the bottom and press “Save and Continue.”

If you need to upload the second optional essay, return to the Application Materials tab, go to the Additional Materials section. Click Add Another, then click Choose File, navigate to your essays and then scroll to the bottom and press “Save and Continue.”

Once your 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.

Do I need to submit an official or unofficial transcript with 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.

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 by 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 recommend that you include transcripts for all other coursework that you would like to be considered with your application, including other colleges or universities where you have earned transfer credits or completed other coursework. You should also include transcripts for any graduate degrees earned or additional coursework 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 one or more full academic years of coursework, a Master’s degree or postgraduate diploma, in addition to a 3-year degree, meets the requirement.

If you have questions about your degree prior to applying, you may 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 Full-time 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 Graduate School. You will receive an email with steps for submitting your official transcripts once you have accepted your offer of admission. You may also 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, IELTS, or Duolingo exam 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 TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo. 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 instructions 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 was 100% in English to fulfill the requirement.

My university conducts all courses in English, do I still need to take the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo exam?
You do not need to take the TOEFL , IELTS or Duolingo exam if the Medium of Instruction of your entire undergraduate degree program was English and your transcript clearly states this. If not explicitly noted on your transcript, you may provide an official letter or documentation 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, IELTS or Duolingo exam?
You will not be required to take the TOEFL,IELTS, or Duolingo 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.

I don’t have any work experience; can I still apply to the MBA Program?
Admissions to the Full-time 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 or GRE scores?
Applicants are encouraged to apply with a test score of their choice. We accept all GMAT Exam types and the GRE. Either is accepted and we have no preference, it is the applicants choice which exam to select. However, applicants also have the option to apply with no test score. For Autumn 2025 entry, Foster will provide applicants the option to apply “Test Optional” to the Full-time MBA Program without a standardized test score.

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

How do I report my official GMAT or GRE scores to Foster?
If you are applying with GMAT or GRE 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 or GRE scores?
Please submit your official GMAT or GRE 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.

How long will it take for my official scores to be received and processed by the University of Washington?
It can take the testing company 1-3 business days to deliver your official scores to the University of Washington once you’ve requested they be sent. Once received, it may take 7-14 days for your official scores to be processed and synced with your application. If you sent your official scores ahead of submitting your application, please allow several days for the scores to match to your application. As part of our application review process, our team verifies your official test scores are received. We will reach out to you directly if your scores have not been received or if we have any questions.

I have taken the GMAT or GRE 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.

Can I have the GMAT or GRE 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 2025 entry without a standardized test score. Please review the Test Optional FAQ section for information on requirements for applying without a GMAT or GRE score and tips from our admissions team on crafting a competitive application.

I plan on re-taking the GMAT or GRE after the application deadline. Will my new scores be considered?
You are welcome to report updated test scores. Please indicate in the Optional Essay that you plan to retake the exam and include the date of your scheduled exam. Reach out to us at [email protected] once you have received your initial score report to let us know you have new scores available for review. Please also ensure you update your application with new self-reported test scores and report official scores to the University of Washington. 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?
There is no preference between the GMAT or GRE. We accept the GMAT 10th Edition, GMAT Focus Edition and the GRE. 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.

Do you accept the Executive Assessment (EA) for admission to the Full-time MBA Program?
No, we do not. Applicants to the Full-time MBA Program may submit GMAT or GRE test scores.

I can’t get an online GMAT or GRE 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 or GRE 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 recent professional experiences may apply for admission to the Full-Time MBA without a standardized test score (GMAT or GRE). International applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a valid standardized test score as part of the application process given the competitiveness of the international applicant pool.

Which standardized tests does the Full-Time MBA Program accept?
The Full-time MBA Program accepts all forms of the GMAT Exam, both the GMAT 10th Edition and GMAT Focus Edition, and the GRE Exam. For Autumn 2025 admission, Foster will provide candidates 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 demonstrate deep quantitative or analytical aptitude.

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

Meeting the above criteria does not ensure admittance 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, there are several reasons to submit a test score:

• 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.
• Though recruiting practices vary, a strong GMAT or GRE score can be a consideration in finding employment. Employers in some industries, particularly finance, investment banking, and consulting, could request GMAT or GRE scores in their screening and hiring process.
• A strong standardized test score can strengthen your qualification for fellowships and scholarships.

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 or GRE scores. Please skip the “Self-Reported Test Scores” section 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 Full-time 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 2025, 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 and GRE 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 or GRE 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.

Can I apply as a test optional applicant if I am applying through The Consortium for Graduate Studies in Management?
Yes, applicants applying through The Consortium can also apply test optional. Applicants will be asked to complete the same Test Optional Summary of Qualifications questions as part of the application through The Consortium.

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 the required video interview 1-3 business days after the application deadline.

When will I know if I am invited to an admission interview?
Admission interviews are by invitation only and will be sent by email to select applicants 3-5 weeks 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.

I haven’t received an admission interview invitation yet. Does that mean I am not being invited to interview at all?
We continue to review applications and communicate with applicants regarding next steps in the admissions process throughout the application round. All communication in delivered via email, please ensure you are accepting communication from [email protected] and [email protected].

What are the merit scholarships available to the Full-time MBA Program?

Each year we award a significant number of merit scholarships, ranging from $10,000 to $70,000 for the duration of the 2-year program. We may also award Tuition Waivers to out-of-state students, which reduces the non-resident tuition obligation to the lower, in-state tuition rate, in addition to merit scholarships. Additionally, Consortium applicants who are awarded Consortium Fellowships receive a full-tuition and fees scholarship for the duration of the 2-year program.

How do I apply for merit scholarships?
All applicants are considered for merit-based scholarships upon application to the Full-time MBA Program. Your application for admission is also your application for scholarship consideration, and we consider all aspects of your application when awarding merit-based scholarships. There is no separate or additional application to be considered for Foster scholarships.

How do I apply to be considered for ROMBA or Forté Fellowships?
If you are interested in being considered for ROMBA or Forté Fellowships, we encourage you to complete the Optional Diversity, Equity & Inclusion essay as part of your application to indicate how you might be a strong candidate for consideration of these fellowship awards. The Option Diversity, Equity & Inclusion essay states:

“At the Foster School of Business, we embrace diversity as one of the foundations of both successful business strategy and a world-class educational experience. We share the University’s dedication to promoting the understanding and appreciation of human differences, and the constructive expression of ideas. We welcome you to share some of the ways you have practiced inclusion, promoted equity or supported the advancement of underrepresented groups.”

How do I apply for a Consortium Fellowship?
To be considered for a Consortium Fellowship, applicants must apply through The Consortium for Graduate Studies in Management. Please visit The Consortium website to learn more about the application process and requirements and the benefits of Consortium membership.

Does Foster offer an application fee waiver?
Unfortunately, Foster is unable to offer application fee waivers. The application 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.

What is the application deadline for international students?
The Round 2 application deadline is the final deadline for international applicants. This ensures proper time for enrolling students to obtain the necessary visas by the start of the academic year.

Can I apply to multiple Foster MBA programs?
Yes, you are welcome to apply to multiple MBA programs at Foster. Each MBA or master’s program has its own application and admissions process. 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 send out admission decisions in general 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 spring term?
Our program starts once a year in the fall. No other admission 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.