UK MBA Programs and the TOEFL

A stir was caused in the application world a few months ago when news surfaced that the TOEFL test would no longer be accepted as a component of the visa process that accompanied successful applications to top MBA programs in England. This caused some MBA programs based there to announce that they were no longer accepting TOEFL as an element of their admissions process as well. This left applicants scrambling at the time to investigate other tests, such as IELTS.

Shortly after this occurred however, London Business School representatives stated publicly that they could continue taking the TOEFL both as a requirement of admission, and as a part of the visa process. Cambridge Judge, after initially posting on their admissions website that a test other than TOEFL would be required for admission to their program, are now saying that TOEFL is acceptable, both for their own admissions process and for the visa process as well.

Not all school have followed in that lead however. Here's a quick summary of the TOEFL landscape amongst MBA programs in England that I consider the top schools. Each school name can be clicked through to the page on their admissions website that contains instructions on assessing English proficiency.

London Business School:
Accepting TOEFL for admissions, no language requirement needed for the visa

Cambridge Judge:
Accepting TOEFL for admissions, no language requirement needed for the visa

Oxford Said:
Accepting TOEFL for admissions, no word on the language requirement for the visa

Manchester Business School:
Accepting TOEFL for admissions, no word on the language requirement for the visa

Warwick Business School:
apparently not accepting TOEFL for admissions

Cranfield School of Management:
accepting TOEFL, but including a note that the TOEFL is not accepted by the UK Home Office for Tier 4 visas

I am monitoring this situation and will post on it further when I have more information.

John Couke
john.couke@gmail.com

Oxford Said MBA Admissions Deadlines and Essays for 2013-14

The Said Business School at the University of Oxford has released deadlines and essay questions for those aiming to enter their MBA program starting in early August 2014.

Deadlines:

Stage 1 -
Deadline: 9/13/2013
Interview Decision by: 9/27/2013
Final Decision by: 10/18/2013

Stage 2 -
Deadline: 10/25/2013
Interview Decision by: 11/8/2013
Final Decision by: 11/29/2013

Stage 3 -
Deadline: 1/10/2014
Interview Decision by: 2/7/2014
Final Decision by: 2/28/2014

Stage 4 -
Deadline: 3/14/2014
Interview Decision by: 3/28/2014
Final Decision by: 4/11/2014

Stage 5 -
Deadline: 4/25/2014
Interview Decision by: 5/9/2014
Final Decision by: 5/23/2014

Stage 6 -
Deadline: 5/30/2014
Interview Decision by: 6/13/2014
Final Decision by: 6/27/2014



Essays:

(1) What should Oxford expect from you? (Maximum 500 words)

(2) How do you hope to see your career developing over the next 5 years?  How will the MBA and Oxford assist you in the development of these ambitions? (Maximum 500 words)

(3) Please choose and answer one of the two essays below:

Sport is pure competition.  What does it teach us about companies, individuals, and markets? (Maximum 500 words)

OR

The business of business is business.  Is this true? (Maximum 500 words)

Re-applicants will need to complete the three essays mentioned above and a fourth essay on the topic:

What improvements have you made in your candidacy since you last applied to the Oxford MBA? (250 words)

The Said deadlines can be confirmed here, and the essay prompts here.

John Couke
john.couke@gmail.com

Oxford Said MBA Admissions Deadlines and Essays for 2012-13

Oxford Said has released its deadlines and essay prompts for applying to the program beginning in 2013.

Deadlines:

Stage 1:
Deadline - 10/12/2012
Interview Decision on -  11/9/2012
Admissions Decision by - 12/7/2012


Stage 2:
Deadline - 1/11/2013
Interview Decision on -  2/1/2013
Admissions Decision by - 3/15/2013

Stage 3:
Deadline - 3/8/2013
Interview Decision on -  3/22/2013
Admissions Decision by - 4/19/2013

Open Field (rolling):

Deadline - 3/23/2013 up to 6/28/2013
Decision - within four weeks of applying

Essays:

1. Explain why you chose your current job. How do you hope to see your career developing over the next five years? How will an MBA assist you in the development of these ambitions? (750 words)

2. What should Oxford expect from you? (750 words)

Reapplicants will need to complete the two essays mentioned above and a third essay on the topic:
3. What improvements have you made in your candidacy since you last applied to the Oxford MBA? (250 words)


Ensure you confirm all information directly at the Oxford Said admissions website.

John Couke
john.couke@gmail.com