The Orfalea College of Business receives applications from a wide variety of applicants. The factors considered in the admission process are listed below. You can expand () each item for additional information.

1. Possess an acceptable Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited institution

   The Orfalea College of Business MBA Program is designed so that students holding an undergraduate degree in any discipline may qualify for admission. You must have successfully completed your undergraduate program/degree (or you will finish that degree/program by June).

2. Possess a competitive grade point average (GPA)

   Our mid 80% range GPA is 2.8 to 3.75. The GPA is calculated using the last 90 quarter units (or last 60 semester units) of study. GPA requirements vary with the undergraduate degree, and we therefore consider and make adjustments for students coming from programs/schools without grade inflation or with a reputation for rigor. We also evaluate the GPA in conjunction with the GMAT - the stronger the GMAT, the more latitude available for the GPA. Applicants seeking admission into the MBA in Architectural Management or MBA in Landscape Architecture Management track ** must also submit a list of ALL remaining courses needed to complete their undergraduate degree. This list must include the course tile, number of units and expected quarter and year it will be completed. ** These programs are restricted to existing Cal Poly students currently in the related undergraduate program.

3. Possess a competitive GMAT score

   Our mid 80% range GMAT is 580 to 690. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is administered by Pearson VUE. The test dates, times, and location can be found at this website. In addition, free tutorial and test preparation downloads are available. Note this exam costs approximately $250 and can be taken once per calendar month. Please take these factors into account as you prepare for the GMAT. Click here for GMAT study tips. Pearson VUE (GMAT) Website: http://www.pearsonvue.com An official copy of your scores must be sent to Cal Poly (Program Code: JQL-CM-82). If the testing service offers an unofficial copy of your score, you can fax it to us for a preliminary review (Graduate Program fax number: (805) 756-0110).

4. Complete the CSU Mentor application

   The application for admission is completed and submitted via CSU Mentor's website. A non-refundable $55* check made payable to California State University is required for the admissions office to process your application and should be sent directly to the Admission Office at the following address: Admission Office Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0031 For students interested in our MBA in Architectural Management or MBA in Landscape Architecture Management**, you can begin the application process by downloading the paper application (located on the CSU Mentor website) and submitting it directly to the Graduate Programs office (address below), along with all other application materials. Graduate Programs Office The Orfalea College of Business Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0712 * The amount of this fee is subject to change. Verify the current fee amounts on the CSU Mentor website. ** These programs are restricted to existing Cal Poly students currently in the related undergraduate program.

5. Submit official transcripts from all previous colleges attended

   Do NOT send your transcripts until you have submitted your application. Unsolicited transcripts will not be processed by the Admissions Office. We require official transcripts from every college you've attended so that your degree status can be verified, and your GPA calculated. Send transcripts directly to: Admission Office Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0031 Note: Transcripts are not needed from students who received their undergraduate degree from Cal Poly and have not attended any other colleges or universities since their graduation from Cal Poly.

6. Submit a supplemental application

   The supplemental application provides additional information about our applicants that we would not otherwise get from the regular application. Download the information below and mail your responses directly to: Graduate Programs Office The Orfalea College of Business Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0712 Supplemental Application

7. Have two confidential letters of recommendation submitted on your behalf

   Letters of recommendation can be from an academic source or your employer. Select individuals with whom you have had considerable professional or academic interaction such as your supervisor, a major client or a professor who has worked closely with you. The letter of recommendation should include the name of the recommender, their position/title, organization and address, how long they have known the applicant and under what circumstances. Topics of discussion recommended as useful in our admission decision include your: Drive, persistence and initiative Intellectual and leadership ability Maturity Ethics and character, in both an academic and professional context Major professional and/or academic accomplishments Motivation to pursue a graduate degree Interpersonal skills Analytical ability Planning and resource management skills Oral and written communication skills General strengths and weaknesses RECOMMENDER SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR RECOMMENDATION DIRECTLY TO Graduate Programs Office The Orfalea College of Business Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0712 Recommendations are not subject to the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. The applicant will not have access to recommendations under that law.

8. Demonstrate prior work experience

   Although not required, we prefer students to possess some prior work experience.

Students interested in a Dual Degree Program

Applicants must apply to each program separately and meet the admission requirements for both programs. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply to and be accepted by the MBA program first. In addition to the above listed MBA program requirements, applicants are advised to contact the other graduate program coordinator/advisor for specific information on application requirements.