Admissions

Applying begins with our secure online application. Once you create an account, you may enter, update, and save your information at any time. Please click "submit" once you are done. Your application must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on the day of the deadline. We confirm receipt of applications and supplemental materials via email.

Application Fee

A $125 application fee is required to submit an application. Application fee waivers are available for those who attend one of our MBA Admissions events, class visits or consultations. Please visit our calendar for an opportunity to connect.

Transcripts

You may submit unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate programs you have attended or are currently attending in pursuit of a degree with your application.

Official transcripts are required upon admissions into the program. You may send your official transcripts to our office electronically or through the mail. 

If your institution offers e-transcript services through Parchment, you may release your official transcript directly to our institution. Visit Transcript and Test Score Codes and Account Names for information. 

If the institution provides official electronic transcripts through another third-party service or directly from the registrar's office, please have your official transcript to: GSM-MBA-Applicant@ucdavis.edu.

If your university does not offer electronic transcript services, please mail your official, sealed transcript to our mailing address.

Please note, all coursework for your bachelors degree needs to be completed by June 30, and final degree conferred prior to the start of the MBA program.

The UC Davis MBA Program requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate grade point average or its equivalent if not on a 4.0 scale. Applicants can request an exception with their application for admission.

If you have already completed an MBA degree you are not eligible for admission to the UC Davis MBA program.

Resume

To review the progression and milestones of your career, we ask that you upload a current resume through the online application. Include work history, military status, education history and honors and awards or recognitions. We prefer chronological resumes no longer than two pages in PDF format. 

GMAT or GRE Test Score

The Graduate School of Management does not consider GMAT or GRE scores for admission or scholarship decisions. Applicants may submit official test scores to waive the required quantitative preparation course. Instructions for submitting official scores are available by visiting Transcript and Test Score Codes and Account Names.  

For more information, visit the Quantitative Preparation for MBA and Master of Management page. 

Essays

We’re looking for authentic and thoughtful responses that help us get to know you. There is no single “right” answer to our personal insight questions. While each question should be answered thoroughly, please stay within the specified word limits.

The prompts are available within the application. Your progress is automatically saved at the end of each session, so you can log in multiple times to complete your application.

Personal statement (350 words max)

Candidates are asked to complete one written personal insight question. 

Conditional essay (200 words max)

Candidates are required to complete a conditional essay if:  

• Your undergraduate GPA is <3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent if not on a 4.0 scale) 
• You have experienced a hardship 
• You have employment gaps 
• You have ever been subject to academic discipline, placed on probation, suspended, dismissed, or otherwise required to withdraw from any college or university for any reason). 

Video essay

MBA applicants are required to record and upload a video essay as part of the application process.

• Purpose: To help us get to know you better on a personal level—beyond your resume and transcripts. 
• Recording: You will have up to 3 attempts to record your video. 
• Time Limit: Each video must be no longer than 3 minutes. 

Letters of Recommendation

Please provide contact information for two professional recommenders. At least one should be your current direct supervisor, and professional email addresses are strongly encouraged. Academic recommendations may be accepted for students who primarily have volunteer or internship experience only.

Recommendations are submitted through our online system and offer valuable insights into your leadership potential and workplace impact. Recommenders will have the ability to see whether or not you have waived access to reviewing the recommendation after it has been completed.

Note: Recommenders will receive an automatic notification of your recommendation request once you save their information in the application. Please check in with them to ensure they have received the recommendation form.

You may update or replace your saved recommender after you submit your application.

Virtual Interview (by invitation only)

After an initial application review, selected candidates will be invited to a virtual Zoom interview. This is a positive indicator of our interest in your application but does not guarantee admission.

English Language Proficiency Requirement (if applicable)

The UC Davis Graduate School of Management’s requirements may differ from what is listed on the UC Davis Graduate Studies website given the specific needs of the curriculum. Where different policies exist, please adhere to the UC Davis Graduate School of Management’s requirements. 

Visit Transcript and Test Score Codes and Account Names for information. 

Academic Preparation (after enrollment)

To ensure preparedness for the quantitative rigor of our MBA programs, all MBA candidates are required to complete the Quantitative Fundamentals online course prior to the start of classes. There is no charge or academic credit for this course.