MBA Admissions Q&A: UO Lundquist College of Business

The Lundquist College of Business at the University of Oregon (UO) is located in the US state of the same name, in the city of Eugene. This fall, 57 MBA students enrolled in its entering class of 2015, with a further 41 students starting out on the school's executive MBA program offered in Portland - Oregon's largest city.

Here to tell us about the application process to the Lundquist College of Business MBA is Paul Allen, the school's associate director for admissions and recruiting. Allen advises interested parties to take up the chance to visit UO by saying: "considering the magnitude of investment for an MBA, the cost to make a trip to campus is nominal but offers a high return." He also warns applicants not to limit their GMAT focus to the two sections that make up a candidate's 'total score' as all four of the exam's sections will be looked at by the admissions team. Read on to learn more...

What is the typical acceptance rate to the Lundquist MBA program?

Our acceptance rate is just over 30%.

What are the most important aspects of the Lundquist College of Business MBA application process besides GMAT score, prior GPA, and current job position?

Applicants will hear it again and again, but no single element of the application for admission is decisive. We will always do our best to consider applications holistically. Apart from the (required application) materials, we believe that a positive attitude, drive and initiative are common traits among our most successful Oregon MBA candidates. These characteristics can be discovered in a thorough review of an applicant's materials and a thoughtful interview. 

What is a common mistake you see applicants make?

We ask that applicants address specific questions in their statement of purpose (essay) – too often applicants do not answer these questions. The statement of purpose is an excellent opportunity for applicants to not only introduce themselves, but also to demonstrate that they can follow directions.

What is something you would like to see applicants do more often?

Invest in a campus visit; ideally for the interview. Considering the magnitude of investment for an MBA, the cost to make a trip to campus is nominal but offers a high return.

What does the Lundquist application process look like?

Our application process isn’t uncommon. There are three application rounds. Candidates are encouraged to apply early. Candidates begin by submitting their application online with the following materials; transcripts, GMAT or GRE scores, résumé, two letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, English proficiency exam (if applicable) and an application fee. Once the application is complete, some candidates will be invited to interview. Ultimately, all admitted candidates will have been interviewed.

How can a candidate overcome a lower GMAT score?

Prospective applicants can get hung up on their 'total score' in the GMAT.  The total score is only comprised of two of the four sections; verbal and quantitative. But, each of the four individual sections are important and will be considered in the admission committee’s final decision. Applicants should not focus all of their attention on the two sections that comprise the total score, running the risk that their performance in the Analytical Writing and Integrated Reasoning sections suffer.

Additionally, the most common ways to overcome a weak GMAT are through strong/relevant academic performance and work experience. Many of the skills and qualities we look for in successful MBA candidates are more fully demonstrated over years of professional work, or weeks of study in a relevant course at the local community college rather than a few hours spent taking an exam.

MBA admissions tips

Essay(s): Have a friend read the essay(s) without telling them the questions or prompts then ask them to identify the questions or prompts. This is a good indicator of how well you have answered them.

Interview: Support your answers with evidence. You may say that you have dealt with stressful situations in a positive way, but be prepared to give an example of when and how.

Letter(s) of recommendation: Select a professional reference – someone who can vouch for your quality of work and character. The title of the recommender does not necessarily matter, especially if that person cannot give a relevant recommendation, supported by their experience in working with you.

CV/résumé: Do not submit a résumé that is longer than two pages.

School visit: Campus visits are highly recommended, when possible. It will give you a better sense of the campus culture and experience when making your decision. Visits also give us a chance to get to know you in a more personal way.