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.

If one of these areas is lower than our typical standards, we may consider a higher score or level of excellence in another value to determine a candidate’s overall suitability for the program. For example, a candidate with a lower GMAT score but exceptional leadership experience and a strong academic record might still be considered a strong applicant.

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.

Undergraduate GPA

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. We typically seek a GPA of 3.5 or higher, however, 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 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 MBA program.

Needed for Application

• A four-year degree from an accredited university.
• Transcripts for all undergraduate institutions attended and any graduate institutions.
• International students must submit transcripts with a credential evaluation.

GMAT/GRE Score

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

A standardized test score (GMAT, GRE, LSAT, or MCAT) is required with few exceptions for application for the full-time BYU Marriott MBA program. Test results help us to assess your critical thinking and quantitative analysis capabilities, skills which are essential both in the MBA program and in today’s global economy.

Needed for Application

• GMAT
  • Average Score: 680 (prior to 2024 test) or 615 (current test)
  • Successful Applicant Range: 555 – 775 (current test)
• GRE
  • Percentile: 85^th percentile average
  • Successful Applicant Range: 60^th to 99^th percentile
• Test Waivers
  • Waivers are available for exceptional candidates who have demonstrated strong academic and professional qualifications.
  • See below for instructions on applying for 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

A preferred minimum of two years of full-time professional work experience after completing your undergraduate degree is required for admission to the BYU MBA program. This practical experience will not only enhance your understanding of course concepts but also provide a solid foundation for internships and job offers.

Please note that the amount of work experience is calculated at the time you start the program, not at the time you apply.

The average admitted student has four years of experience.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have demonstrated their ability to manage budgets, lead teams, and achieve strong results in their professional roles. We recommend that you make sure that you clearly communicate these types of accomplishments in your resume.

Evidence of your career progression and leadership skills can be showcased through your statement of intent, résumé, letters of recommendation, and interviews with members of the admissions committee.

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

Needed for Application

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

Letters of Recommendation

Two professional letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your abilities and character traits. We recommend seeking recommendations from supervisors, colleagues, or direct reports, rather than professors or religious leaders.

Statement of Intent

The statement of intent is your opportunity to tell us more about you. This carefully crafted one-to-two-page essay gives the admissions committee an opportunity to learn more about you.

Please address the following in your statement:

1. Your preparation and background for the program to which you are applying and the special emphasis you hope to pursue.
2. Your academic and professional goals (both short and long-term) and reasons for your career choice
3. Your academic and professional reasons for applying to the BYU 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) 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, improved academic qualifications, etc.)

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 about BYU’s sponsoring institution.

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 resume
3. Statement of intent
4. Test scores (or waiver request)
5. Two letters of recommendation
6. Ecclesiastical endorsement
7. 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 Instructions

Waiver Application Process

If you believe that your complete application demonstrates excellent critical thinking and quantitative aptitude without the submission of a standardized test score, you may choose to request a test waiver in your MBA application.

1. You request a test waiver within your BYU 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, resume, 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 and release a waiver decision within two weeks.
   • NOTE: Your letters of recommendation and ecclesiastical endorsement do not need to be received for the waiver review.
   • While you wait for a decision on your waiver application, we strongly encourage you to continue to prepare for the GMAT or GRE in case your waiver request is not granted.
5. If your waiver request is granted, you will be notified via email and we will move your application forward to committee review once all applications documents are received including letters of recommendation and ecclesiastical endorsement.
6. If your waiver request is not granted, you will receive an email letting you know that the admissions committee is requiring a standardized test score to fully evaluate your application for admission. We will hold your application until we receive your official GMAT or GRE test scores, your letters of recommendation, and ecclesiastical endorsement. Then, your application will be moved forward to committee review for admission to the MBA program.

Successful Waiver Applications

Based on our experience, candidates who are most likely to be granted a waiver and be successful in the classroom have one or more of the following qualifying attributes:

• Academic Grades: Undergraduate or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.6 or greater in degreed majors in science, engineering, technology, or mathematics. Undergraduate or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.8 in degrees in other majors. You must have your bachelor’s degree transcript evaluated via International Education Research Foundation (IERF) if the degree was earned from an institution outside of the US. The academic rigor of the degree-granting institution may be considered along with your GPA.
• Coursework: In our experience, the rigor of your coursework, the number of quantitative courses and your performance in those courses indicates probability of success in the MBA classroom. Applicants who have successfully received undergraduate or graduate-level quantitative coursework with a minimum grade of “B” or better in multiple rigorous classes (e.g. economics, finance, accounting, statistics, calculus, advanced math, engineering, or physics) are preferred.
• Certifications: CPA or CFA (or international equivalent) or other quantitatively rigorous certificates. 
• Work Experience: Significant post-undergraduate full-time work experience in a quantitative, mathematical, or analytical field where the majority of your job responsibilities require rigorous quantitative analysis. Please note that working in Excel and pivot tables for simple analysis does not qualify. Additionally, undergraduate seniors applying for the Graduate +2 program do not qualify for a waiver.
• Demonstrated Grit: Professional and academic experiences that demonstrate grit and the ability to be successful in quantitative coursework. 
• Demonstrated Excellence: Candidates have articulated in their essay and resume achievements that demonstrate excellence in achieving a result that placed them among the top 1% in their field. This can include professional and academic fields and others such as athletics, performing arts, community service, entrepreneurship, research, and others.
• BYU Marriott School of Business Undergraduate degree with a GPA greater than 3.8 will be heavily weighted toward a waiver.

Waiver Request

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Deadlines

The BYU Marriott MBA program reviews applications on a rolling basis. This means that applications submitted before each deadline round are given priority review. Incomplete applications are not held until the next deadline but will be reviewed as completed.

• Applications open on 1 September 2024, for the Fall of 2025.
• Applications submitted before 15 October 2024, will receive priority consideration for scholarships.
• For international students, the final application deadline is 1 March 2025.
• For domestic students, the final application deadline is 1 May 2025.

NOTE: International applicants wishing to apply for CIS sponsorship must have all MBA application pieces submitted by the 1 March 2025, deadline to be eligible for CIS consideration.