FAQS

How long does the Three-Year MBA Program run?
When is the deadline for applications?
If I fulfill the minimum criteria of admission to the Rotman MBA Program, what are my chances of entry?
What are the most heavily weighted factors?
Do I have to write the GMAT? And what is a competitive GMAT score?
Is a selection interview required?
How many applications are submitted each year?
How many spaces are available each year?
If I’m admitted, how long do I have to make a decision?
If I’m admitted this year, can I defer my admission to next year?
Given that I will be balancing my job with the program, what happens if I have to miss a class?
What are the tuition fees?
How do I pay tuition?
How can I finance my Rotman MBA?
What's the difference between the Full-Time MBA and the Three-Year MBA programs?
Q: Can I complete the program in less than three years?
Q: Can I transfer to the Full-Time MBA?
Does my undergraduate degree have to be in business or commerce?
If my file is missing just a few materials, will it still be assessed?
Can I transfer to the Rotman MBA Program from another MBA school?
Can I enter directly into the second year of the program if I have an undergraduate business degree?
Do employers recognize the value of a Three-Year MBA?
Can I waive courses based on my undergraduate degree?
Tell me about recruiting and career services.
Do I have to own a laptop computer to enter the Rotman MBA program?

Q: How long does the Three-Year MBA Program run?
A: The Rotman Three-Year MBA program begins annually with a September start date and runs for three years, with terms divided as follows: beginning of September to mid-December; January to April; and May to end of July. (Subject to approval by Rotman governance committees)

Q: When is the deadline for applications?
A: The early deadline is February 1st for applications into the three-year program beginning in September of the same year. However, given that we make offers of admission on a rolling basis, the earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting in. So apply early!

Q: If I fulfill the minimum criteria of admission to the Rotman MBA Program, what are my chances of entry?
A:Fulfilling the minimum criteria only guarantees you consideration for admission to the program. Successful admission often depends upon both your application and the comparative applications of the other candidates who are vying for the same program. Due to the competitive nature of the application process, successful applicants tend to significantly exceed the admissions criteria both quantitatively and qualitatively.

Q: What are the most heavily weighted factors?
A: There are no one or two most heavily weighted factors in the application. At Rotman, we take a holistic approach, looking at all factors of an application and weighing each according to the individual’s total file. We look at the quantitative features of the application such as the GPA and GMAT/GRE score, but also at the quality of the essays, references, interview, academic background, work and extra-curricular experiences.

Q: Do I have to write the GMAT?  And what is a competitive GMAT score?
A: Yes. The GMAT score forms a fundamental part of an application into business school. Studies continue to show that GMAT scores reflect how an individual will perform in their first year of the program. We believe that our GMAT scores reflect the calibre of students that make up our prestigious MBA program. TThe average score for the Evening and Morning MBA classes entering in 2011 was 633. In order to assess how competitive your GMAT score is, it’s important to assess how well it fits with our average and ranges (540 – 780) as well as the competitiveness of your application overall. The GMAT score is only one factor in a very comprehensive application review process.

Q: Is a selection interview required?
A: An interview may be requested by the Admissions Committee. The interview may be conducted either in person or via telephone, by invitation of the committee.

Q: How many applications are submitted each year?
A: For the 2011 start, we received approximately 250 applicants for the Morning and Evening programs.

Q: How many spaces are available each year?
A: There are approximately 60 spaces in each of the Evening and Morning MBA programs.

Q: If I’m admitted, how long do I have to make a decision?
A: You generally have one month to make a decision and secure your spot with a CDN$3,000 deposit.

Q: If I’m admitted this year, can I defer my admission to next year?
A: Yes, you can do so if there are extenuating circumstances beyond your control. You will need to supply documentation to support your request by the appropriate deadline.

Q: Given that I will be balancing my job with the program, what happens if I have to miss a class?
A: We understand that you will be faced with more demands than the average MBA student. As such, if you find that you won't be able to attend a class, it is possible to have the class recorded, using Rotman equipment. In terms of your group work, we hope that groups understand this reality, and are prepared to compensate for one another as need be. That said, this is an arrangement made on trust, and taking advantage of it will not be looked on kindly. Should you find that you have any issues or concerns please connect with MBA Program Services office.

Q: What are the tuition fees?
A: Tuition fees for the Morning program are detailed here and the tuition fees for the evening program are detailed here.

Q: How do I pay tuition?
A: Tuition fees are due before your program starts and are accepted at any chartered Canadian bank or via wire transfer. Some banks may accept payment by credit card. Students with professional student loans through the Bank of Montreal or the Royal Bank of Canada are able to make payments directly into their student account.

Q: How can I finance my Rotman MBA?
A: The Rotman School, in conjunction with RBC and BMO, offers an interest-subsidized program available to domestic students. This loan covers the full cost of tuition while enrolled in the three-year program. In order to qualify for the loan, students must meet the requirements of RBC/BMO annually, and sign a declaration that they require the loan in order to register in and complete the Rotman MBA program. Entrance scholarships and fellowships are offered on the basis of exceptional merit and need. All applicants to the Rotman MBA program are automatically assessed for entrance scholarships unless otherwise specified.

Q: What's the difference between the two and three-year MBA programs?
A: The two and three-year MBAs contain the same academic content within their core curriculums. Students will learn base knowledge in each traditional functional area of business administration/management. Students continue their studies in a cohort of fifty to sixty students, with a significant percentage of the studying and evaluation done in study groups.

The core terms of the three-year program (five terms) are pre-determined, meaning the students remain together as a cohort. Studying and learning in a small, social cohort of networked students has been the foundation of a wonderful learning environment here at Rotman and we are proud to build on it.

The elective terms (four terms) allows students to choose from a range of elective courses, from corporate finance, e-business/marketing, new ventures and more general management courses. Classes are conducted jointly with the two-year program. Some electives are offered in the evening specifically for three-year MBA students; however, three-year students may elect to take courses in the daytime as well, if work schedules permit.

Q: Can I complete the program in less than three years?
A: Yes, you can take extra courses when you get to the elective stage of the program. However, you graduate as the same time as the rest of the class.

Q: Can I transfer to the Full-Time MBA?
A: Yes, you may if work, personal or other crcumstances require you to do so.

Q: Does my undergraduate degree have to be in business or commerce to apply to the program?
A: Definitely not! While approximately 20 per cent of candidates have undergraduate business or commerce degrees, the majority of our candidates come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines. This diversity is one of Rotman’s greatest strengths.

Q: If my file is missing just a few materials, will it still be assessed?
A: We cannot review files unless they are fully complete. This means that we must receive:

• the formal application (completed online)
• the application fee of USD$175
• transcripts of all post-secondary academic programs attended, sent directly from the institution
• completed essays
• original GMAT score
• two professional reference letters
• English facility test score reports, in applicable circumstances
• An interview, if requested by the admissions committee.

Please note that it is necessary to have received a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Additionally, a completed GMAT test along with a minimum of two years of work experience is required in order to be considered for admission.

Q: Can I transfer to the Rotman MBA Program from another MBA school?
A: No. This is due to the cohort nature of the program, in which entering classes move through each class of their programs together. We do not accept transfer credits or provide exemptions for courses done at other MBA programs.

Q: Can I enter directly into the second year of the program if I have an undergraduate business degree? Can I waive courses based on my undergraduate degree?
A: The Rotman MBA is a comprehensive program that must be completed in full. No exemptions are given for courses previously completed towards another undergraduate or graduate degree, nor is any advanced standing given for previously completed degrees.

Q: Do employers recognize the value of a Three-Year MBA?
A: Many employers look at three-year MBA graduates as very attractive candidates given their vast work experience, maturity and potential contribution to their organization.
At the same time, when you graduate from the Rotman program, you will receive a Rotman MBA, not a three-year MBA or a two-year MBA, as it were. Your degree will not reflect the path you took to complete it.

Q: Tell me about recruiting and career services.
A. Dedicated career coaches will provide you with an assessment to help structure your job search, advice on how to position yourself in the market, leads on local and international placements, plus an array of online career tools and resources to help you achieve your potential. Once you graduate, you will receive lifelong support through alumni job postings and other resources to assist you as your career progresses.

Q: Do I have to own a laptop computer to enter the Rotman MBA program?
A: Yes, all students entering the MBA program must own an IBM-compatible (not Apple) laptop computer as an entrance requirement. Students taking a combined MBA program (i.e. JD/MBA, SKOLL) must have the laptop prior to starting any MBA courses and should check with the other department for any laptop requirements that they may have. This laptop must be able to connect to the Rotman wireless network. If you wish to purchase a laptop, the Rotman School has arranged special purchase prices for Rotman students with Dell computers. For more information, visit Rotman Wireless Laptop Program.