Application Instructions
The Graduate School of Management welcomes applications from students with both business and nonbusiness academic backgrounds. Every application is considered individually, and admissions decisions are based on each applicant's ability and motivation to complete the program.
It is the policy of Kent State University to actively support equality of education and employment opportunity. No person shall be denied admission to any educational program on the bases of any illegal discrimination. Personal interviews are not required, although informational interviews to help students understand the program are welcomed.
The Graduate School of Management has a self-completing application process for domestic students as detailed below. Please prepare the application forms with considerable thought. Type or neatly print your answers. Indicate "not available" or "not applicable" where appropriate. You may add extra pages of supportive information if needed. You may wish to use the following list while you complete the forms and collect the necessary documentation. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Graduate School of Management.
Regular Admission
The following documentation is required for regular admission to a degree-granting master's programs in the Graduate School of Management:
Application Form
Please complete both sides of the application form and include the $30.00 application fee.
Ethnic Data Form
The information on racial/ethnic status and sex is requested to meet the requirements of the United States Department of Education. Institutions of higher education receiving federal assistance must report this information to the Department of Education. This page will be retained but will not be sent to your department or appropriate committee where admission decisions are made.
Transcripts
Official transcripts of all academic records must be obtained from colleges, universities, and professional schools which you have attended. The sealed and signed transcripts must be included in the application return envelope.
Essay Question
Each applicant should include an answer to the following question: "Discuss your objectives and reasons for pursing an advanced degree. Indicate your career plans upon completion of graduate study." Answers should be typed, double-spaced and are typically one to two pages in length. If there are additional factors you would like the Admissions Committee to know about you, please include this information in your essay.
Letters of Recommendation
The Admissions Committee considers letters of recommendation on the basis of how your recommenders are acquainted with you and your capabilities. If you have been out of college for several years, you should ask a recent supervisor to complete a recommendation form for you. Recent graduates should include at least one letter from a professor who knows your work or an academic advisor. It is to your advantage to select recommenders who know your work best and not select relatives and family friends.
Be sure to indicate your decision regarding your "right to review" the recommendation on each form. Fill in the applicant's section at the top of each form before giving it to the recommender. Also include an envelope addressed to you. The person completing the form should complete it, seal it, sign across the seal of the envelope and return it to you. Upon their return, do not open the sealed envelopes. Enclose them in the application return envelope.
The full-time MBA program requires three letters of recommendation. The Professional MBA program requires two.
Graduate Assistant Form (optional)
Merit-based Graduate Assistantships are available for full-time students. If you are interested in applying for this award, please complete the application and return it with your application.
GMAT or GRE Scores
The GMAT is required of all applicants to the MBA and MS in Accounting programs. The GRE or GMAT is acceptable for applicants to the MA in Economics and MS in Financial Engineering programs. When registering for the GMAT, you should request that the Educational Testing Service send a copy to your score to the Graduate School of Management at Kent State University.
The institution code for Kent State is 1367.
If you took the exam previously, you can have your scores sent to Kent State by contacting ETS at (609) 771-7330. Only those tests taken within the past five years are considered valid. In the case of multiple tests, the highest score will be used.
You should plan to take the exam at least one month before the application deadline. Although you will receive your score the day of your exam, allow ten days for your score to arrive at the University. For information about the GMAT, or to register for the exam, contact ETS at: 1-800-GMAT-NOW or visit their website at http://www.gmat.org.
The application and all supporting documentation must be received by the deadline listed below.
Full-time MBA, MS and MA Programs
MS Financial Engineering Program
Applications submitted after March 1 will be considered on an available basis.