Admissions Criteria

Points of Excellence

At BYU Marriott, we believe in a holistic admissions process that considers a candidate’s entire profile rather than relying solely on a single metric. While we do evaluate GPA, standardized test scores, professional work experience, and essays, we understand that each of these are just pieces of the puzzle.

Our goal is to build a cohort that is both diverse and cohesive. We seek students from a variety of backgrounds with diverse experiences, skills, and perspectives. This enriches the academic experience for all students and prepares them to be successful leaders in a competitive global marketplace.

By considering a candidate’s entire profile, we can identify those who have the potential to excel in our program and contribute meaningfully to our community.

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Application Requirements

Undergraduate Transcripts

Your undergraduate academic record plays a vital role in our admissions process. We look for evidence of your ability to succeed in a rigorous academic environment.

Here’s what we consider when evaluating your undergraduate background:

• GPA: A strong GPA is a positive indicator of your academic preparedness; successful applicants can be found within a range of 3.0 to 4.0. We also recognize the importance of the rigor of your chosen undergraduate program and the analytical courses you took and take that into consideration.
• Coursework: We value a strong foundation in analytical and quantitative skills. Consideration is given to the types of courses you took during your undergraduate studies.
• Previous graduate work (if applicable): If you have completed previous graduate studies, we will also consider your academic performance from those programs.
• Degree: We require a four-year, 120-credit hour bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions are required. By carefully examining your undergraduate record, we gain valuable insights into your academic potential and preparedness for the challenges of the BYU Marriott MBA program.

Requirements for Application

• A four-year, 120-credit hour undergraduate degree from an accredited university
• Transcripts for all undergraduate institutions attended and any graduate institutions
• Transcripts with a credential evaluation (international students only)

Standardized Test Score

We are committed to help you achieve your personal and career goals through our rigorous, world-class program. To prepare you for this transformative experience, we encourage you to begin your academic preparation now.

A standardized test score is required, with few exceptions, to apply for the full-time BYU Marriott MBA program.

We ask for a standardized test score because it gives us a consistent, objective read on your readiness for the analytical and quantitative demands of graduate business education.

We accept several exams so you can choose the one that best fits your background and how you prepare, and we consider your results alongside your academic record, professional experience, and goals rather than as a single cutoff.

Accepted Exams

• GMAT
  • The standard, business-specific entrance exam, built to measure the analytical, quantitative, and data-reasoning skills central to management education.
  • The test takes 2 hours 15 minutes. It contains 64 questions across three sections, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights.
  • Most applicants prepare for roughly 60 to 100 hours over two to three months.
• GRE
  • A general graduate admissions test accepted across many disciplines.
  • The test takes about 2 hours. It has 55 questions. We look at two scores, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. The analytical writing section is not evaluated by BYU MBA.
  • Most applicants prepare for roughly 60 to 80 hours over six to eight weeks.
• Executive Assessment
  • A readiness assessment from the makers of the GMAT that measures the same core business-education skills in a focused, efficient format.
  • The test is about 90 minutes and contains 40 questions across three sections, Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.
  • Suggested preparation time is 20 to 40 hours of preparation, over two to four weeks.
• Also accepted:
  • LSAT — The law school admissions test, relevant for applicants pursuing a joint JD/MBA.

Information on requesting a test waiver

Questions?

If you have questions about preparing for the GMAT or your GMAT score please contact our MBA recruiting director, Shawn Butler, at shawn_butler@byu.edu. He can also provide our recommended test preparation methods and resources.

Work Experience

To be admitted to the BYU Marriott MBA program, you need at least two years of full-time, professional work experience after you complete your undergraduate degree. This experience helps you understand course concepts. It also prepares you for internships and job offers.

We count your work experience from the date the program starts, not the date you apply. On average, admitted students have four years of experience.

We are especially interested in applicants who have managed budgets, led teams or projects, and achieved strong results at work. Be sure to quantify and describe these achievements clearly in your résumé.

You can show your career growth and leadership skills in several places: your statement of intent, résumé, letters of recommendation, and interview.

Interviews are conducted by invitation only for applicants deemed competitive for admission.

Needed for Application

• A minimum of two years of post-graduate, full-time work experience at the time of program enrollment.
• A detailed résumé highlighting your work history, career progression, and accomplishments.

Video Response

As part of your application, you will complete a short video response. This assessment is designed to help the admissions committee evaluate your leadership approach, decision-making style, and executive communication.

How it works

• You will answer three questions.
• Questions appear on screen one at a time.
• For each question, you have 30 seconds to prepare and 2 minutes to record your answer.
• You may record each answer twice, then submit the version you prefer.
• The full assessment takes about 10 minutes.

How to prepare a strong response

• Keep it concise. Two minutes goes by quickly, so focus on your strategy, the actions you took, and the results — not on technical details.
• Be yourself. We are looking for your natural presence, your composure, and your professional judgment, not a rehearsed script.

Before you begin

• Find a quiet place with a stable internet connection and a working webcam.
• You can take this assessment only once. Select “Start” only when you are fully ready, you will not be able to redo it.

Letters of Recommendation

Submit two professional letters of recommendation. Choose people who know you well and can speak to both your work and your character.

What we are looking for
These letters provide information about you that a resume and transcript cannot. We are most interested in your soft skills and personal qualities: how you work with others, how you handle pressure and setbacks, your integrity, and your professional judgment.

Who to ask
Choose people who have worked with you closely and can share specific examples of what you are like on the job. Good choices include supervisors, colleagues, and people who have reported to you. Please do not ask professors or religious leaders.

A helpful tip
Pick recommenders who know you well enough to give real examples, not just general praise. Ask them early, and share your goals and résumé so they can write something specific and detailed.

Statement of Intent

The statement of intent is your opportunity to tell us more about you. Submit a carefully crafted, one to two-page essay.

Please address the following in your statement:

1. Describe your preparation and background for the program to which you are applying and the special emphasis you hope to pursue.
2. Describe your academic and professional goals (both short- and long-term) and reasons for your career choice.
3. Tell us about your academic and professional reasons for applying to the BYU Marriott MBA program and the scholarly or professional contributions you expect to make to the program.
4. Briefly describe a time that a goal was not accomplished, or an aspiration was not achieved, or your leadership efforts have fallen short. What steps did you take to recover from this defeat? What resources did you use? How and why are you different today?
5. (Optional) Specify any special circumstances you wish the admissions committee to consider, such as circumstances that may have affected undergraduate academic performance, test scores, job gaps, etc.
6. (Required for reapplicants only) How have you strengthened your candidacy if you previously applied to this program and were denied admission? (e.g., changes in your professional development or improved academic qualifications)

Start Your Application Today

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Ecclesiastical Endorsement

Commitment to Live the BYU Honor Code

The BYU Marriott MBA program is committed to developing individuals who will be an influence for good in the world through service to their families, professions, and communities. All enrolled BYU students are required to sign and commit to live by the BYU Honor Code while attending the university.

While the university is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, membership in the Church is not required for admission to BYU. Applicants who are unfamiliar with the Church are encouraged to visit comeuntochrist.org to learn more.

Needed for Application

• Signed Honor Code commitment [learn more]
• Ecclesiastical endorsement [learn more]

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Application Checklist

Required Materials

1. Transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate programs attended
2. Professional résumé
3. Statement of intent
4. Test scores (or waiver request)
5. Video response questions completed
6. Two letters of recommendation
7. Ecclesiastical endorsement
8. Honor code commitment

NOTE: You can submit your application before your endorsement and letters of recommendation have been received.

International Applicants

Additional materials needed in addition to those listed above.

1. Transcript evaluation, if your undergraduate institution is outside of the United States (learn more)
2. English proficiency exam, if you are not a native English speaker (learn more)

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Test Waiver

Not every applicant needs to submit a standardized test score. If you believe that your complete application demonstrates excellent critical thinking, quantitative aptitude, and a strong career trajectory, you may choose to request a test waiver in your MBA application.

Who should request a waiver

A waiver is best suited to applicants whose complete application already demonstrates these strengths, for example, through a strong academic record, quantitative work responsibilities, and clear progress in your career. The clearer this evidence, the more likely your request is to be approved.

Possible outcomes

After reviewing your request, the committee will respond in one of three ways:

• Approved: Your application will continue in the admissions review process without a test score.
• Approved with a condition: The committee approves your waiver but asks you to complete an additional requirement first, such as a specific course, before you enroll.
• Not approved: The committee asks for a test score before it continues reviewing your application for admission. Your application is held until you submit one.

Timeline

The committee usually decides on waiver requests within one to two weeks.

Waiver Application Process

1. You request a test waiver within your BYU Marriott MBA admissions application.
   • On the “Test Score” page of the application, click on “Add a Test Score.”
   • Then in the pop-up window, select “GMAT Waiver Request – MBA” for Type and “Waiver Request MBA Applicants Only” for subtype.
2. Complete the rest of your application including uploading transcripts, résumé, and statement of intent, and request your letters of recommendation and ecclesiastical endorsement.
   • Requesting two letters of recommendation includes entering both names and email addresses of your recommenders in the recommendation portion of your application.
3. Submit your completed MBA application including application fee.
4. The admissions committee will review your application and waiver request.

Waiver Request

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Deadlines

Applications are accepted throughout each round until the deadline. Once the round deadline passes, all applications are reviewed together, ensuring every candidate is evaluated fairly against the full applicant pool.

Following the deadline, interview invitations and admission decisions are released on a rolling basis, so you can expect to hear from us quickly rather than waiting for a single notification date.

BYU MBA is committed to a thoughtful, timely process that respects your time and keeps you informed every step of the way.

NOTE: International applicants wishing to apply for CIS sponsorship must have all MBA application pieces submitted by the Round 3 deadline to be eligible for CIS consideration.