UCI Merage MBA News

Get the latest MBA news from UCI Merage.

Published: November 13, 2024

Round 2 MBA Application Deadlines 2024-2025

To help you stay organized, we’ve compiled all of the Round 2 MBA application deadlines (and some Round 3 ones) all in one place. You’ll find links to our corresponding Essay Topic Analysis in the “Essay Analysis” column. School Deadline Decision Essay Analysis Application Live? INSEAD (R2 August Intake) 11/5/2024 1/10/2025 Yes Yes Michigan State Broad 11/15/2024 1/31/2025 Yes Yes Minnesota Carlson 12/1/2024 2/1/2025 Yes Yes Indian School of Business Read more

Published: October 27, 2024

The Week Ahead: MBA Decisions, Deadlines & Interview Invites, October 28-November 1, 2024

Welcome back to the series, The Week Ahead, in which we provide a brief rundown of what is happening in MBA admissions this week! Round 1 Continues The 2024-2025 MBA admissions season is underway. Interview invites are also rolling out, and final decisions continue for early action round candidates. Wednesday, October 30, Georgetown / McDonough is scheduled to release its Early Action round decisions. Friday, November 1, Cornell / Johnson is scheduled to release its Round 1 interview invites. UC Irvine / Merage has its Round 1 application deadline. Oxford / Saïd has its Stage 3 application deadline. Maryland / Read more

Published: September 19, 2024

Webinar: Unlock Your MBA Future: Exploring Top West Coast MBA Programs

Join us for an exclusive virtual webinar hosted by Clear Admit, where we’ll dive deep into the vibrant world of MBA programs on the West Coast! Whether you’re eyeing Silicon Valley or the scenic coastlines, this event is your gateway to discovering the unique opportunities and advantages offered by leading business schools in this dynamic region. Date: October 16th Time: 12 pm-1 pm Panel & 1 pm-1:30 pm Breakout Q&A with Individual Schools (all times Eastern) Event Highlights: Insider Insights: Hear directly from admissions officers from top West Coast MBA Read more

Published: August 29, 2024

A Guide to Test Waivers: Should You Request a Waiver for Submitting a GMAT or GRE Score?

It is no secret that standardized tests are not the part of the MBA application process that applicants most cherish. Some applicants simply aren’t good at standardized testing; others feel they do not have the time to invest in studying properly. Due to COVID-19 and the related impact on testing centers and availability, test waivers became a more prevalent option in b-school admissions. Whether you’re hesitant or excited about the GMAT or GRE, what are valid reasons to request a test waiver? Even if you have a valid reason, does it make sense to request a test waiver? In this Read more

Published: August 22, 2024

Weekly Refresh: Latest MBA Essay Questions, Analyzed – Plus Deadlines & Rec Forms

We’re back with another Weekly Refresh, in which we list this week’s admissions advice and updates on the Clear Admit site. Essay Tips Drafting your application essays? See the latest of our experts’ advice in our Essay Topic Analysis. The following schools recently released their essays—click for our advice: UCI Merage WUSTL Olin Deadlines Released See the admissions deadlines that have rolled out: Boston College / Carroll You can also bookmark our deadlines page for reference. Recommendation Questions Let your recommenders know, the following MBA program has released their Read more

Published: August 15, 2024

Weekly Refresh: Latest MBA Essay Questions, Analyzed – Plus Deadlines & Rec Forms

We’re back with another Weekly Refresh, in which we list this week’s admissions advice and updates on the Clear Admit site. Essay Tips Drafting your application essays? See the latest of our experts’ advice in our Essay Topic Analysis. The following schools recently released their essays—click for our advice: ASU Carey Babson Olin CEIBS CMU Tepper Esade Florida Warrington HEC Paris Maryland Smith Minnesota Carlson The Ohio State Fisher Deadlines Released See the admissions deadlines that have rolled out: ASU Carey Babson Olin CEIBS Read more

Published: August 14, 2024

MBA Degrees & Majors with a STEM Designation

The past few years have seen a surge in business schools that run MBA programs with a STEM designation. MBAs, that is, that are now classified as a science, technology, engineering or mathematics degree. The new STEM MBA designation is promising students a multitude of new opportunities – but what is it, really? Read on to find out what a STEM MBA is, which schools offer it, and what this all might mean for you. What Is a STEM MBA? The structure of a STEM MBA is relatively simple. The foundational knowledge and core concepts of Read more

Published: August 8, 2024

Weekly Refresh: Latest MBA Essay Questions, Analyzed – Plus Deadlines & Rec Forms

It’s time for another Weekly Refresh, in which we list this week’s admissions advice and updates on the Clear Admit site. Essay Tips Drafting your application essays? See the latest of our experts’ advice in our Essay Topic Analysis. The following schools recently released their essays—click for our advice: Rice Business UNC Kenan-Flagler Deadlines Released See the admissions deadlines that have rolled out: Carnegie Mellon Tepper UCI Merage UNC Kenan-Flagler You can also bookmark our deadlines page for reference. Recommendation Questions Let your recommenders know, the following MBA Read more

Published: July 9, 2024

GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation Analysis for MBA Applicants and Recommenders

Applying to business school entails a great deal of work for prospective students – and almost as much effort for the people writing their letters of recommendation. An effective MBA recommendation provides rich information about the candidate’s strengths, key accomplishments, and leadership abilities. It’s also important that a recommendation fully address every question that is asked by the admissions committee. So, when an applicant is targeting six schools that ask different questions across their recommendation forms, this can translate to a great deal of time and effort for already-busy recommenders. To alleviate some of this pressure, Read more

Published: May 29, 2024

Real Humans of Amazon: Harshita Pal, UCI Merage MBA ’23, Senior Product Manager Tech

In this edition of our Real Humans: Alumni series, we meet Harshita Pal, whose fascination with the intersection of technology and business lured her from software engineering to product management. Read on to learn how the MBA program at UCI Merage and its focus on leadership for a digitally driven world guided her on the journey into a new career in the tech industry, and how an internship prepared her for an exciting opportunity at Amazon. Harshita Pal, UCI Merage MBA ’23, Senior Product Manager Tech at Amazon Age: Read more

Published: April 24, 2024

Real Humans of PepsiCo: Beeta Shahnazari, UCI Merage MBA ’22, Associate Finance Manager

In this installment of Real Humans: Alumni, PepsiCo Associate Finance Manager, Beeta Shahnazari, shares her journey to the leading CPG firm with the help of an MBA from the University of California, Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business. The small class sizes and personal attention she found at UCI Merage allowed Shahnazari to step out of her comfort zone and learn more effective leadership and teamwork skills. Read on to see how her experience at UCI Merage prepared her for success at PepsiCo. Beeta Shahnazari, UCI Merage MBA ’22, Associate Finance Manager at PepsiCo Age: Read more

Published: April 8, 2024

UCI Merage MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 3 / Virtual

1. Tell me about yourself. 2. Why the school? 3. What other schools are you applying to and what factors will you consider when deciding? 4. Specific feedback/criticism you got at work, how you resolved it and lessons learned. 5. A time you led collaboration/team work. 6. How will you be an authentic member of the community? 7. Do you have other companies you’re considering besides the one mentioned? Read more

Published: March 11, 2024

Real Humans of Johnson & Johnson: Sophia Fischer, UCI Merage MBA ’22, MLDP Marketing Manager

In this installment of Real Humans: Alumni, Sophia Fischer shares her story of how and why University of California, Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business became the right place for her MBA and how the program prepared her to be an MLDP marketing manager at Johnson & Johnson. For Fischer, pursuing an MBA was an investment in personal growth, one that required choosing a school that would make that same investment in her as a student and also ensure she would find a company to continue that growth. Sophia Fischer, UCI Merage MBA ’22, MLDP Marketing Manager Read more

Published: February 27, 2024

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Average GMAT Scores at Top U.S. MBA Programs

See where your GMAT score lands among the top U.S. MBA programs, as we report the average GMAT scores in the chart below. If you have yet to take the GMAT, you can also get a sense of what score you need to target. Business school admissions use the GMAT score as a sign of applicants’ academic abilities and a high score can help you stand out in admissions. Also, average GMAT scores play a role in schools’ rankings. Review the average GMAT scores for your b-schools in the U.S. below. Median scores and ranges presented as Read more

Published: February 14, 2024

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: International Student Statistics

International students statistics can showcase an element of diversity at leading business schools. In the chart below, see the percentage of international students at U.S. business schools. U.S. Business School % International Arizona State University W.P. School of Business 39% Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business 53% Columbia Business School 47% Cornell University SC Johnson Graduate School of Management 42% Dartmouth College Tuck School of Business 33% Duke University Fuqua School of Business 47% Eli Broad Graduate School of Management at Michigan State University 33% Emory University Goizueta School of Business 49% Georgetown University McDonough School of Read more

Published: February 12, 2024

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Percentage of Women MBA Students

Over the past decade, the percentage of women MBA students has been on the rise across leading business schools. USC Marshall was the first leading business school to achieve gender parity while others have achieved or continue to strive for that benchmark. The Forté Foundation has also consistently reported that women are either gaining or holding their ground on b-school campuses–and, most recently, reported record highs. Look at the chart below to see the percentage of female MBA students at leading business schools around the Read more

Published: January 5, 2024

Upcoming: Ask Us Anything! Live Chat with UC Irvine Merage Current MBA Students

Interested in the UC Irvine Merage MBA program? This UC Irvine Live Chat is for YOU! In this ‘Ask Me Anything’ style live chat, current Merage MBAs will answer your questions about the program. Learn how the UC Irvine Full-Time MBA program in partnership with the MBA Career Center prepares you for the internship process, landing a full-time offer and long-term career resiliency. Bring all of your questions for this interactive chat session and, whether you are in the research phase or trying to make a final decision on which MBA program to join, we promise you Read more

Published: August 24, 2023

Weekly Refresh: Latest MBA Essay Questions, Analyzed – Plus Deadlines & Rec Forms

Welcome to Weekly Refresh, a roundup of admissions advice and updates on the Clear Admit site. In this edition, we round up the essays, recommendation questions and deadlines from the week of August 21st, 2023. Essay Tips Drafting your application essays? See the latest of our experts’ advice in our Essay Topic Analysis. The following schools recently released their essays—click for our advice: Carnegie Mellon / Tepper UCI Merage Vanderbilt / Owen WashU / Olin Deadlines Released See the admissions deadlines that have Read more

Published: July 27, 2023

Weekly Refresh: Latest MBA Essay Questions, Analyzed – Plus Deadlines & Rec Forms

Welcome to Weekly Refresh, a roundup of admissions advice and updates on the Clear Admit site. In this edition, we round up the essays, recommendation questions and deadlines from the week of July 24th, 2023. Essay Tips Drafting your application essays? See the latest of our experts’ advice in our Essay Topic Analysis. The following schools recently released their essays—click for our advice: ASU Carey Cambridge / Judge Rice / Jones Yale SOM Deadlines Released See the admissions deadlines that have rolled out: Read more

Published: January 26, 2023

Upcoming: Ask Us Anything! Live Chat with UC Irvine Merage Current MBA Students

Published: January 24, 2023

UCI Merage MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 2 / Adcom / Zoom

1. Walk me through your resume. 2. ST goal (specific company/position) & Plan B. 3. Why Merage & what other schools? 4. TMAT working with difficult people. 4. TMAT receiving feedback & how you dealt with it. Read more

Published: December 29, 2022

Real Humans for the Holidays: Cozy Fireplace Edition

Cozy up to the fireplace with another edition of our festive short series, Real Humans for the Holidays, inspired by Real Humans: MBA Students! See what students of top MBA programs like to do during the December holidays and their advice for our readers. Scroll down to see what six MBA students chose in a “This or That” game. You can also win a gift this season by participating in the Clear Admit Giveaway on LinkedIn! Tyler Kelley, UVA Darden School of Business MBA Class of 2023 What Read more

Published: August 24, 2022

Associate Director of Admissions Q&A: Lindsay Haberman of UCI Merage

We head to California to learn about University of California, Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business (UCI Merage) from Lindsay Haberman, Associate Director of Recruitment and Admissions for the Full-Time MBA Program, in this edition of our Admissions Director Q&A series. Lindsay joined the Merage School in April 2015 and has worked primary with the FEMBA and Full-Time MBA students. She has held multiple roles, starting as a coordinator and now in her current role working with MBA Recruitment and Admissions. Her main responsibilities include recruitment, event management and marketing. Prior to the Merage Read more

Published: November 17, 2021

Real Humans of UCI Merage’s MBA Class of 2023

In this edition of our Real Humans: MBA Students series, we head to the University of California, Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business. Fifty-one students comprise the UCI Merage MBA Class of 2023. Forty-three percent are women and 27 percent are international. The new class represent 10 different countries. During their undergraduate years, Merage MBA students averaged a GPA of 3.47. Twenty-nine percent had majored in business/commerce followed by 20 percent in science. Nineteen percent had studied engineering and 14 percent had pursued humanities/social sciences. Six percent each had majored in economics, finance or Read more

Published: January 12, 2021

Real Humans of UCI Merage’s MBA Class of 2022

The University of California, Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business is located in the center of Southern California’s Tech Coast. This edition of Real Humans: MBA Students introduces new members of their MBA Class of 2022. Half of the MBA class at UCI Merage are women. A third of the student body is comprised of international students. Merage MBAs have an average age of 29 and earned an average of five years of work experience before matriculating. During their undergraduate years, they averaged a GPA of 3.43. Thirty percent had earned degrees Read more

UCI Merage

Class Size: 40

Women: 35%

Mean GMAT: 675

Mean GPA: 3.44

Livewire Decisionwire Interview Reports Essay Topic Analysis MBA Admissions Deadlines View Full Profile

MBA Applywire

November 16, 2024 5:16pm ET

Applying: ESADE, IE Business School, IESE

Intake Year: 2025

Pre-MBA Career: Tech

Post-MBA Target Industry: Technology, Pharmaceutical Companies: Apple , Facebook , Google , Microsoft , Oracle , Johnson & Johnson , Novartis , Pfizer , Roche

GMAT: 525

GPA: 2.79

Years of Work Experience: 4

Post MBA Location: Europe

Notes:

Asian, female, USA. Top 10 Undergraduate school in USA, majored in Biomedical Engineering. Worked for Salesforce, Accenture, and Microsoft within sales department. Major accomplishments within sales roles. Strong personal essays. Letters of Recommendations from direct managers. Founder and held multiple leadership positions in school clubs during Undergrad. Just a really bad test taker and cannot seem to get my scores up no matter how many times I take it specifically in the quant section. American trying to stay in Europe post MBA and only applying to European B-schools.

November 15, 2024 9:32am ET

Applying: Cornell / Johnson, Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua, Michigan / Ross, Minnesota / Carlson, UVA / Darden, Yale SOM

Pre-MBA Career: Insurance

Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting Companies: Bain , BCG , McKinsey , Other

GMAT: 505

GPA: 3.44

Years of Work Experience: 3

Post MBA Location: Midwest, Northeast

Notes:

GMAT Note:
* The score is an unofficial practice test. I am beginning my studies for the real thing now.

Undergrad Majors:
* Economics
* Business Management

Work Experience Notes:
* Insurance experience is at a family business
* I implemented data analytics into business operations since that was not a practice beforehand.
* I help with sales, customer service, bookkeeping, and marketing.

Extracurriculars & Volunteer Activities:
* Worked as an economics research assistant during my undergrad where I consulted public and private entities
* Was part of an economics research project that won a national award for its work in community economic development
* Published 2 university-sponsored economics articles
* During my senior year, I was appointed to a university faculty committee to help plan university award ceremonies and delegate student scholarships
* Won a leadership award from my university
* Economics honor society member
* President of a student club (1 year) and a club's Senior Advisor (1 year)
* Started and led 2 initiatives that installed free smoke alarms in rural area homes (received a leadership award from the American Red Cross for this)
* Ironman triathlete

November 14, 2024 8:16pm ET

Applying: Berkeley / Haas, Cambridge / Judge, Columbia, Cornell / Johnson, emlyon, IESE, Imperial, INSEAD, London Business School, Manchester / AMBS, Northwestern / Kellogg, NYU Stern, UPenn / Wharton

Intake Year: 2025

Pre-MBA Career: Hospitality

Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Technology, Consumer Goods, Other Companies: Amazon , Apple , Google , Coca Cola , LVMH , Nestle , Nike

GRE: 326

GPA: 3.46

Years of Work Experience: 6

Post MBA Location: Consultancy

November 14, 2024 6:29am ET

Applying: Berkeley / Haas, Columbia, Cornell / Johnson, Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua, Georgetown / McDonough, UVA / Darden

Intake Year: 2025

Pre-MBA Career: Consulting, Capital Project Development (Renewable Energy/CCS)

Post-MBA Target Industry: Investment Banking, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Commercial Banking, Family Business, Entrepreneurship

GMAT: 664

GPA: 2.9

Years of Work Experience: 7

Notes:

Pakistani male, looking to get into the financial services industry short term, and long-term make a significant contribution to the family business or pursue entrepreneurship. Studied engineering from UT Austin for undergrad followed by three jobs (roughly 2 years each) and a nine month break in between job 2 and 3. Planning to take the GMAT again in 3 weeks to offset GPA. Goal score is 695. Mitigating circumstances around GPA are just illness and general family/self issues but doubt they will be very convincing.

November 13, 2024 11:52am ET

Applying: Berkeley / Haas, Columbia, Dartmouth / Tuck, Georgetown / McDonough, Michigan / Ross, UNC Kenan-Flagler, USC / Marshall

Intake Year: 2025

Pre-MBA Career: Real Estate Development Analyst and Acquisitions Project Manager

Post-MBA Target Industry: Private Equity, Family Business, Entrepreneurship Companies: Other

GPA: 3.44

Years of Work Experience: 3

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MBA LiveWire

November 17, 2024 12:58am ET

Rejected at Columbia

Round: Round 1

Received via portal on November 14, 2024

GPA: 3.49

GMAT: 740

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Target Career: Consulting

Application Location: India

November 17, 2024 12:46am ET

Interview Invite to Duke / Fuqua

Round: Round 1

Received via email on November 12, 2024

GPA: 3.49

GMAT: 740

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Target Career: Consulting

Application Location: India

November 16, 2024 12:19pm ET

Interview Invite to Northwestern / Kellogg

Round: Round 1

Received via email

GRE: 320

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Application Location: India

November 16, 2024 10:45am ET

Accepted to Boston College / Carroll

Round: Round 1

Received via phone on November 12, 2024

GPA: 3.91

GRE: 318

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Target Career: Consulting

Application Location: Texaa

November 16, 2024 9:42am ET

Accepted to Ohio State / Fisher

Round: Early Decision

Received via email on November 14, 2024

GRE: 316

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

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