Admissions

Click ‘Apply Now’ and select ‘New Applicants’.

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

Once in the application system, 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 Evening 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.

Include your full name and essay title on each page. Use a professional font (10- or 12-point) and double-space your text. Proofread carefully before submitting.

Essay 1 (Required): Post-MBA Plans (550-750 words recommended)
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 (Required): Foster Mission Statement (350-550 words recommended)
TOGETHER – WE FOSTER LEADERS, WE FOSTER INSIGHTS, WE FOSTER PROGRESS – TO BETTER HUMANITY.
This is the Foster School’s mission statement, and it serves as the north star for how we do business here. Please select one part of our mission statement and describe how it resonates with you in your personal or professional life. Please describe a specific experience in which you put this into practice.

Essay 3 (Optional): 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): Optional Nurturing Our Community Essay (350-550 words recommended)
At the Foster School of Business, we embrace inclusion and belonging as two 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 and promoted belonging.

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.

Please 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.

We accept the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT); both the GMAT 10th Edition and GMAT Focus Edition. We also accept the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). If you have six or more years of full-time work experience, you may take the Executive Assessment (EA). We encourage you to select the exam of your choice; we have no preference.

Applying with a GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment (EA) Score

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

GMAT, GRE, and EA 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.

Take the test as early as possible to allow time to re-test if necessary. The GMAT, GRE, or EA 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.

Applying Without an Exam (Test Optional)

You also have the option to apply to the Evening MBA Program without an admissions exam score. If you choose to apply without an exam score, 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 without an exam and crafting a competitive application.

You must hold, or be eligible for, a U.S.-equivalent four-year bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Upload transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate institutions you attended. No specific major or business background is 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:

• Your full name (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 you accept your offer of admission.

GPA Requirements
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, GMAT Focus Edition, GRE or Executive Assessment (if applicable), 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 Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 0.0 – 4.0 scale for the last 90 quarter or 60 semester graded credits. 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 to indicate that institution did not provide letter or numeric grades when entering your 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:

• An earned and bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree (or an internationally recognized academic degree at the same level) from an accredited institution for which English was the medium of instruction.
• Residency: If you plan to use an English medium of instruction (MOI) degree to meet the English Language Proficiency requirement, the following residency conditions apply [Note: non-native English speakers will be asked if they meet these residency requirements in the Graduate School application]:
  • For institutions located in an English-speaking country: You must have been in residence in that country for the full duration of enrollment in the degree program.
  • For institutions located in countries where English is not the official or dominant language: You must have been in residence on, or in close proximity to, the degree granting campus for the full duration of enrollment. Remote, distance, online, or primarily offsite enrollment does not satisfy the residency requirement.
• English Language Documentation: Official documentation from your degree-granting institutions verifying that all instruction is in English (as described in the Graduate Admissions page) is required, except for degrees from accredited institutions in the following countries: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Canada, Dominica, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Montserrat, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Kingdom, the United States, or the Virgin Islands.
• Complete English Language Proficiency exam and send official scores electronically to the University of Washington via testing center. An offer of admission cannot be extended prior to the receipt of official scores. Test scores are valid for two years and must be valid on the date the application is submitted. Refer to the table below for accepted exams and score requirements.

NOTE: Most test scores are valid for two years. If you score below the minimum score requirement, it is highly recommended that you retake your chosen exam before submitting an application. Official test scores must be sent directly to the University of Washington Graduate School by the application deadline.

You will be asked to submit a video interview and will receive an email within 1-3 business days after the application deadline to which you 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 you receive the video interview invitation via e-mail, you will have approximately one week to complete this requirement. You can test your video and sound before recording your video interview, answer practice video interview questions, and ask for technical support if needed within the video interview system. The email instructions will include the deadline to submit the video interview. You must complete this requirement for your application to remain under review.

If you are selected to move forward, you will be contacted for an admissions interview later in the application review process.

You must pay a non-refundable application fee of $90 by credit card through the online application system.

Each academic program at UW independently makes admissions decisions. To apply to a dual/concurrent degree, submit application materials separately to both programs. Additional admissions tests may be required. You must gain admission to both programs to enroll in a concurrent degree.

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 Foster Mission Statement 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 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 you receive an offer of admission, the University of Washington Graduate School requires that you 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?
You must meet the University of Washington’s English Language Proficiency requirement. This requirement cannot be waived. There are several ways to demonstrate English Language Proficiency as 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 that English was 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 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 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 a country listed in Graduate School Policy 3.2 where English is the Medium of Instruction. Please be sure to submit complete transcripts with your application as documentation.

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 report 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 a country listed in Graduate School Policy 3.2 where English is the Medium of Instruction. Please be sure to submit complete transcripts with your application as documentation.

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, GRE or Executive Assessment (EA) scores?
While you are welcome to apply without test scores, admission to the Evening MBA Program is competitive, and we still strongly encourage you to consider submitting GMAT, GRE or EA scores for a number of reasons, including demonstrating academic preparedness and future career screenings that rely on GMAT, GRE, or EA scores. We have no preference among these exams; it’s entirely your choice which exam to select. Please review the Test Optional FAQ section for information on requirements for applying without a GMAT, GRE, or EA score.

How do I report my official GMAT, GRE or EA scores to Foster?
If you are applying with GMAT, GRE, or EA scores for consideration with your application, please be sure to report 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, GRE or EA score?
Please submit your official GMAT, 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.

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, 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.

Can I have the GMAT, GRE, or EA requirement waived?
While we do not waive application requirements, you have the option to apply to the Evening MBA Program 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, GRE or EA 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, GRE, or EA. We accept the GMAT 10th Edition, GMAT Focus Edition, the GRE and the Executive Assessment. 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 can’t get an online GMAT, 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 which includes having test scores to submit by the deadline. If you are unable to take the GMAT, GRE, or EA before the application deadline, we advise looking ahead to preparing a strong and complete application for the next application round.

How do I apply without a test score?
Complete the “Test Optional Summary of Qualifications” in 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)

If you have taken an exam and prefer to apply without submitting an exam score, please skip the score reporting sections in the application.

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 1-3 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 you 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 book time to meet with an admissions counselor.

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 you 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 when 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 you 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.