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 ("OCOB") Master of Science in Accounting — Taxation Program ("MSA — Taxation" or "Program") is designed so that students holding an undergraduate degree in Accounting, or, who hold an undergraduate degree in another discipline and who: (i) have successfully completed a minimum of (i) one (1) course in federal taxation in undergraduate school; plus (ii) either a minimum of eight (8) quarter units in accounting (in addition to the federal taxation course) or two (2) years of full-time work experience in accounting**), may qualify for admission provided the applicant successfully completed the undergraduate program/degree (or will finish that degree/program) by June. **If you are an applicant contending that you have two years of full-time work experience in accounting, see No. 6 below for what you need to do.

2. Possess a competitive grade point average (GPA)

   The University requires that you have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or above to be accepted into any graduate program on campus. Applicants admitted into the Program will collectively have a mid 80% range GPA of 3.0 to 3.7. 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 the OCOB Graduate Programs Office will consider and make adjustments for students coming from programs/schools without grade inflation or with a reputation for academic rigor. We will also evaluate the GPA in conjunction with your GMAT score, i.e., the higher the GMAT score, the more latitude available for the GPA.

3. Possess a competitive GMAT score

   Applicants successful in gaining admission into the Program will collectively have a mid 80% range GMAT of 540 to 680. 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 (OCOB Graduate Program Office, 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* fee to California State University is required for the admissions office to process your application. Payment may be made online via the CSU Mentor system or may be sent directly to the Admission Office at the following address: Admission Office Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0031 * 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 attended

   Do NOT send your transcripts until you have submitted your application. Unsolicited transcripts will not be processed by the Admissions Office. The OCOB Graduate Programs Office requires official transcripts from every college you've attended so that your degree status can be verified, GPA calculated, and a decision made whether you possess the required prerequisites for admission to the Program. 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. Optional: Submit Proof of Accounting Related Work Experience

   If you are an applicant contending that you have two (2) years of full-time work experience in accounting in lieu of a degree in Accounting, submit the following items: A current resume A statement explaining the details of how and why the items listed in your resume equate to two years of full-time work experience in accounting A letter from your employer confirming the foregoing Mail to: Graduate Programs Office The Orfalea College of Business Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0712

7. Optional: Have two (2) 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. Optional: Submit the name and location of the firm that is sponsoring you for this program

   If you are an applicant who's firm is sponsoring your education, please indicated on the CSUMentor application in the "Statement of Purpose" section your firm name and location in CAPITAL LETTERS .