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.

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.

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 US. Please take this factor 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

   If you are an International student with a US Domestic education, use CSU Mentor. If you are an International student entering the US, use CSU Mentor. 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 USA * The amount of this fee is subject to change. Verify the current fee amounts on the CSU Mentor website.

5. Submit official transcripts from all previous colleges you've 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/university you've attended so that your degree status can be verified, and GPA calculated. Note: All official documents must be submitted in the native language and accompanied by a certified English translation. the translator must be certified by one of the following: - Institute for International Education (IIE) - AMIDEAST - Saudi Arabian Education Mission - United States Embassy or Consulate Send the transcript(s), and translation(s) (if needed), directly to the following address: Admission Office Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0031 USA After documents are received, an independent evaluation of your international academic credentials may be required. The Admissions Office will notify you if an evaulation is required. You will be responsible for arranging the evaluation of your international academic credentials and having the evaluation sent to the Admissions Office. Agency Cost and Report Required AACRAO $75.00 (Basic Statement of Comparability) ACEI $100.00 (Basic Report) 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 USA 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.

9. Take the TOEFL

   Applicants whose undergraduate work consist primarily in a language other than English, must take the combined TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and TWE (Test of Written English) examinations. TOEFL Scores must be at least 550 on a paper-based test, at least 213 on a computer-based test, or at least 80 on the new internet-based exam and 4.5 on the TWE. These scores must be submitted directly to the following address: Admission Office Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0031 USA TOEFL Scores are waived for the following countries: Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Barbuda, Belize, Canada (except Quebec), Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Mauritus, New Zealand, St. Lucia, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Educational Testing Service (TOEFL) P.O. Box 6155 Princeton, NJ 08541-6155 Phone: (609) 771-7670 Website: http://www.toefl.org

10. Additional Admissions Requirements

    The Admissions Office requires that all international students complete and submit the following forms. Failure to submit these forms will result in the application not being processed. All forms must be submitted directly to the Admission Office by the application deadline. Health Insurance Contract Financial Responsibility Spouse/Dependent Declaration Banking Statement Have a current banking statement sent from a United States bank, verified by your sponsor's banking institution in the amount of funds available to support your educational expenses (must show minimum of $27,000.00 US).