UCLA's MBA program considers students' past academic experience and test scores during the admissions process. Students must take the GMAT, and the average GMAT score for the class of 2011 was 712, according to the school's website. The middle 80 percent of admitted students earn between a 670 and 760 on the test. In addition, students must present a competitive academic profile to earn admission to the program. The admissions committee considers the student's grade point average, course load and academic trends. The selectivity of a student's undergraduate school is another factor the admissions committee takes into account when analyzing transcripts. Although there is not a minimum grade point average for applicants, the class of 2011 had an average GPA of 3.6.
Since MBA programs seek to build on students' professional business knowledge, many students enter the programs after gaining professional experience following their bachelor's degree. Sixty-four percent of UCLA MBA students in the class of 2011 had between four and seven years of working experience. Therefore, the school's admissions committee takes into account a student's professional experience. Even though students do not have to have years of professional experience, the admissions committee wants to see some work experience to see the progress of a student's career and how it aligns with his or her goals. Students can earn this experience in any field or industry.
Students complete essays and submit recommendation letters to complete their application for admission into UCLA's MBA program. The admissions committee considers the student's tone, topic selection and writing abilities when evaluating the essays. When asking for recommendations, students should choose former professors or employers who can touch on their strengths, ability to work with others and analytical abilities, according to the school's website.
As it evaluates a student's application, UCLA's MBA admissions committee also considers a student's personal traits. It considers the student's organizational skills, professionalism and ability to engage the committee through the essays. As the school's website explains, "Becoming an admitted candidate from this strong pool of qualified applicants largely depends upon presenting a compelling argument for admission."