FAQs

What should I know about writing essays for the GSCM application?

Essay responses are an important component of applications to the GSCM program. Students may want personal advice about their essays. However, the program has a policy that prohibits any GSCM faculty member from giving personalized essay advice to applicants. Instead, the following general advice is given to all applicants:

Essays should provide specific examples about what students have done to prepare for or to gain interest in GSCM. Essays stating “I really love GSCM and want to be admitted,” are fine, but details on why and how you enjoy GSCM should be provided.

Recent essay questions include:

  • Why do you want to be a Global Supply Chain major?
  • What career path is of greatest interest to you?
  • What is unique about you that we cannot ascertain from your grades and résumé? Focus on things that have specifically prepared you for the Global Supply Chain major. You might include your contributions in clubs, jobs, or internships, etc.
  • What else would you like us to know about you that we don’t see in your other application materials?

Essays should be sincere, grammatically correct, and personally written. Flamboyant and flowery language will not impress the admissions committee. Note that essay answers are limited to 100–200 word responses.

What should I know about GPA for the GSCM application?

We evaluate multiple aspects of grades as explained below, with understanding that not every semester’s grades reflect who you truly are as a student. Course difficulty levels are often considered when weighing GPA. While GPA is an important factor in an application, it is not the overall determining factor for GSCM admissions.

1. PREREQUISITE GPA

  • IS 201: Introduction to Management Information Systems
  • MKTG 201: Marketing Management
  • 3.0 credits from the following list:
    • ACC 200: Principles of Accounting
    • ACC 310: Principles of Accounting 2
    • ECON 110: Economic Principles and Problems
    • FIN 201: Financial Management
    • GSCM 305: Intro to GSCM; & GSCM 310: SCM in International Business
    • IS 303: Introduction to Computer Programming
    • STAT 121: Principles of Statistics

2. LAST 30-CREDIT-HOUR GPA*

3. OVERALL BYU GPA*

*Calculations will use the posted university grades, adjusted for transfer credits.

What courses are recommended for GSCM preparation and application?

GSCM 305 (Intro to GSCM) and GSCM 310 (Supply Chain Management in International Business) are not required prerequisites for application to the program, but successful completion of these courses can influence admissions decisions. Taking these courses and performing well is one way to demonstrate understanding of the field of GSCM; however, there are other ways to demonstrate that understanding.

Other courses that are helpful but not required before admissions include:

  • M COM 320: Communications in Organizational Settings
  • IS 110: Spreadsheet Skills & Business Analysis
  • STAT 121: Principles of Statistics

Note that these courses (M COM 320, IS 110, STAT 121) will not impact admissions decisions other than how their grade goes into the overall BYU GPA.

Although not required, we recommend that admitted students have some basic understanding of statistics sometime prior to joining the program. Students who need a refresher on or are learning statistics for the first time are encouraged to complete the following free Khan Academy statistics and probability modules before entering the GSCM core:

What should I know about résumés and work experience for the GSCM application?

We value your work experience. While we do not expect that applicants have had detailed work experience in GSCM fields, it is a plus if students have had some work and experience that relate to aspects of GSCM. 

Your résumé should list related work experience, and your essays (see section below) should tell how the experience relates to your understanding and interest in GSCM.

Prior to admittance to the GSCM program, it is appropriate to describe yourself as “a student who is applying to the global supply chain program.” That way, employers should have reasonable expectations about your academic experience and progress.

Where can I get additional advice for the GSCM application?

One excellent way to learn about the GSCM program is to join the Global Supply Chain Association (GSCA) and interact with other GSCM students, through both the club and other informal discussions with fellow students. Students can learn more about the GSCA here.

Students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor from the BYU Marriott undergraduate advisement center prior to applying to the GSCM program or any other BYU Marriott programs. 

We also encourage applicants to have others review application materials before applying; the advisement office and students currently in the program are helpful sources of feedback. Keep in mind that current or former students are not involved in actual admissions decisions.

GSCM faculty and the GSCM placement director are prohibited from giving students advice on application essays or résumés in order to prevent bias in application review. However, additional direction and assistance can be found through GSCM student guides who can be contacted by emailing GSCMguide@byu.edu to help all interested students.

GSCM Guide Office Hours:

  • Mon, Wed, Fri: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
  • Tue, Thur: 11:00 am to 1:30 pm

Office Zoom Link: https://byu.zoom.us/j/92498098545 

We wish each individual success in achieving their goals.