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Hi -

I just got done with my GMAT, and I am looking to apply to UC-Berkeley and UCLA for part time MBA programs. I am currently an Arizona resident. My question is, what do ADCOMs think about out of state applicants who are interested in their part time programs?

Why only part time programs for me? I am in Corporate Finance, and would like to get an MBA in Finance only. Both of these schools offer really good programs and the state has plenty of opportunities specially in Finance. Since I am not looking for a career change, I believe part time MBA is a better fit for me.

My goal is to apply in Round 1, and get the decisions by February 2011, and start job hunting in the area thereafter.

I am just a little apprehensive about what the ADCOM may think about an out of state part-time applicant.

Please advise.

Thanks,
Pragya.

Nice score.. im thinking along similar lines as you..... out of state program part time... hoping for an expert reply on this one.

by the way how did the actual gmat compare to the prep you have done? harder? easier? right in line?

HPengineer wrote:Nice score.. im thinking along similar lines as you..... out of state program part time... hoping for an expert reply on this one.

by the way how did the actual gmat compare to the prep you have done? harder? easier? right in line?

Somewhat harder I think.. Its all a blur now.. you can check out my detailed debrief here https://www.beatthegmat.com/finally-done ... 67179.html

I can't specifically answer your question, but I will say that my friend just started the part-time program at UCLA, and was surprised by how many of his classmates live in Northern California and will be flying in every weekend for classes. So I don't think it's all that unusual to be an out of area applicant, especially if you're a commuter flight away. I'm not sure if the part-time applications ask you to disclose your plans in this respect though.

BTW...when I first responded I forgot I was in the "ask a consultant" forum...sorry if I stepped on any toes! To be clear, I'm not a consultant.

Several of my clients have applied and been accepted to part-time programs out of state including one who lives in California and is going to Chicago. You ought to be able to find out from the school what percent of the class has a long-distance commute.

The feasibility depends to a great extent on the program. One that meets twice a month is much easier to deal with than one that meets weekly. A week night program might be considered impossible. You will have to convince the school that you are serious and have considered how you will make the commute. They don't want to have someone either miss half the classes or drop out because of the travel. Also, if the school has a cohort system that requires working in teams outside of class they may be concerned that your inability to meet during the week would be a problem for your classmates.