How To Get Into UCLA’s
Anderson School of Management
Important Insights about UCLA-Anderson
The school is on the quarter system, with three 10-week quarters making up the first year, meaning Anderson students head into their summer internship with more classes than their peers from other schools. Curriculum includes a focus on leadership and communication along with flexibility for up to two specializations in areas such as Technology Leadership, Marketing Analytics, Entertainment and Global Management.
The capstone of the Anderson MBA program is the real-world master’s thesis frequently fulfilled by the Applied Management Research (AMR) project in the second year. This 20-week project which is now in its 50th year involves working with a team of Anderson students on a consulting engagement for a ‘real’ company. Through this experience, students can apply their classroom learning to conduct primary research to solve strategic challenges, explore new markets or launch new products.
Beyond AMR, there are a few industry specific options for the capstone including the coveted role of managing the UCLA Anderson Student Investment Fund, founded in 1987, for which 10-15 students are selected. The Business Creation Option (BCO) provides students an opportunity to start their own business while still in school with support of the Anderson Accelerator Mentors Program and access to on campus working space with the Anderson Venture Accelerator. Last year, of the 23 BCO teams, more than half got some sort of funding for their projects. A select group of students can participate in the NAIOP Real Estate Competition for their capstone.
With over 50 student clubs, there are endless opportunities to learn and grow both professionally and personally while having fun getting to know classmates. Despite having a lower percentage of women than most top-tier programs, through Women’s Business Connection Anderson women have strong, loud voices. In fact, Anderson recently sent 59 women to the Forte event. In addition to the obvious wine tastings, Anderson Wine Club partners with Parker Career Management to bring in executives from top California wineries. AnderTech, the Anderson Tech Business Association, provides career support for students interested including Tech Treks, Career Nights and conferences. Not surprisingly, the Entertainment Management Association (EMA) leverages the LA location to build industry relationships and help students develop industry knowledge. Anderson Afternoons, hosted by different clubs and organizations, provide an opportunity to wind down and engage with classmates on Thursday afternoons after a week of classes. Beach bonfires and trips to Las Vegas are other benefits of Anderson’s LA location.
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Important Facts about UCLA-Anderson
Round 1:
Submission Deadline: Oct. 6, 2017
Decision Release: Dec. 15, 2017
Round 2:
Submission Deadline: Jan. 5, 2018
Decision Release: Mar. 29, 2018
Round 3:
Submission Deadline: Apr. 12, 2018
Decision Release: May 24, 2018
Class Size: 370
Average Age: 29
Average Work Experience: 5 years
Women: 30%
Minority: 25%
International Citizenship: 33%
Average GMAT: 715
80% GMAT Range: 680-750
80% Undergraduate GPA Range: 3.2-3.8
By Industry:
- Consulting: 21.4%
- Consumer Products: 10.5%
- Energy: 1.1%
- Entertainment/Media: 6.5%
- Financial Services: 19.6%
- Health Care: 2.9%
- Manufacturing: 1.4%
- Non-Profit: 1.1%
- Real Estate: 3.3%
- Retail: 1.8%
- Technology: 28.6%
- Other: 1.4%
By Geography:
- Outside US: 9.8%
- Northeast: 7.2%
- Mid-Atlantic: 1.2%
- South: 0.8%
- Midwest: 1.6%
- Southwest: 1.6%
- West: 77.6%
UCLA-Anderson Resources
Admissions Tips & Advice for Getting Accepted
Essay Questions
First-Time Applicants
Essay Question: Describe your short-term and long-term career goals. How can the UCLA Anderson experience add value to your professional development? (500 words maximum)
Short Answer Question: Describe how you would contribute to the UCLA Anderson community. (250 words maximum)
Reapplicants
(For applicants who applied for the MBA program in the previous two years)
Reapplicant Question: Please describe your career progress since you last applied and how you have enhanced your candidacy. Include updates on short-term and long-term career goals, as well as your continued interest in UCLA Anderson. (750 words maximum)
Optional Question: Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions Committee should be aware? Please use your best judgment. (250 words maximum)
No preference is given in the evaluation process to applicants who submit a response to the optional question.
