MBA Application Process

The UC Davis MBA Application

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 Score Report

  • You may be eligible for a GMAT/GRE waiver for our Full-Time MBA program. Check your eligibility.
  • Testing is optional for our Part-Time MBA programs. Learn more about testing.
  • We currently reimburse up to $800 for prep materials for enrolled students. Learn more about test prep reimbursement.
  • We accept scores from the original 10th and 11th edition GMAT exam.
  • Test scores should be valid through September 1 of the year you plan to start your program. 

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

Essays

We’re looking for authentic, thoughtful responses that help us get to know you; there truly is no one “right” answer to our personal insight questions. While you should answer each question thoroughly, you should not exceed the specified lengths.

Written essay

Candidates are asked to complete one written personal insight question. 

If applicable, you will be asked to submit an additional statement addressing GPA less than 3.0, academic discipline/probation/dismissal/suspension, unemployment, or other necessary topics. 

Please provide thorough answers while staying within the specified lengths.

Video essay

Full-Time MBA candidates are required to record and upload a one-to-two-minute video. Please note that the video essay is optional for Part-Time MBA candidates. 

Your response should help us get to know you better on a personal level. Once recorded, upload your video to Google Drive and ensure the link is not password protected.

Letters of Recommendation

We require two professional letters of recommendation and strongly encourage you to submit one from your current direct supervisor. Recommendations are submitted through our online system, and they help provide us with qualitative accounts of your leadership potential and of the impact you’ve made at work.

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)

Applicants who received their degrees from institutions in which the official language is not English must submit official evidence of English language proficiency. 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.