In a technical sense, the admissions process starts when a prospective student submits an application package. In reality, the EMBA Program admissions process is more than just the application and decision-making process, because admissions staff members are there to help students from the first point of contact.

When students first contact the program, it may be to attend an information session, to talk with an admissions staff member, or to take a closer look at the program. Sometimes a current student will bring a prospective student for a class visit.

When EMBA Programs receive the application package, admissions staff members review the package and may contact candidates if any pieces are missing. The initial review also may include feedback from faculty members.

At this point, most programs invite applicants for an interview. The interview process offers both parties the opportunity to learn more about each other.

After completing the interview, an admissions committee meets to discuss applicants and make the final decision. The committee considers the experience and background of applicants, their readiness for the experience, their potential contributions to the classroom, evidence of teamwork, their motivational level, and other personal and professional factors.

From preparing the application to the final decision, the process can take anywhere from six to eight weeks to two to three months, depending on the program and testing requirements. In general, programs make their final decisions and notify applicants about two weeks after completing interviews.

Each program sets its own application deadline. Prospective students should begin preparing their application months before the program’s actual application deadline to help ensure that they will be considered in time for start of the class. Some programs only may start a class once a year; others may have additional start time options. For timing purposes, keep in mind that if the program requires test results, they must be completed before submission of the application package.