Admissions Advice: Wisconsin MBA

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Betsy Kacizak
University of Wisconsin-Madison

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NathanWenk: Can you tell us about the JD/MBA program?

BetsyWisconsin: Wisconsin has a JD/MBA joint degree. I would suggest if you have an interest in the joint program to apply to both programs in the same year. Admission to law is separate from business. If admitted to both programs, you will complete your first year in law, second year in business, and third and fourth years in a combination between the programs.

elda: What is the minimum TOEFL score you need?

BetsyWisconsin: For IBT, the minimum score is 95, CBT is 250.

khouck: Is there a list of companies to do internships with, or if we know a company we would like to work for, may we do that?

BenWisconsin: There is not a specific list of companies that you must interview/intern with. Career Services encourages you to seek whatever opportunities you are interested in.

neelaabh: Would it be possible for me to get in touch with a SMILES student through you? What kind of scholarships or fellowships does the school offer, and does the school help in acquiring loans for international students?

BetsyWisconsin: Yes, please feel free to contact me at ekacizak@bus.wisc.edu or the director of SMILES, Dan Olszewski at dolszewski@bus.wisc.edu for an alumni contact.

We offer merit aid in all of our career specializations. It is based on the merit of your application. Merit aid comes in different forms. Scholarships are straight cash awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, assistantships require you to work but will pay for all your tuition, provide a monthly stipend and health insurance. Fellowships are the best because there is no work and your tuition is paid in full, you are provided a monthly stipend and health insurance. About 50% of admitted students are provided some form of merit aid.

khouck: Does the internship have to be the summer between the first and second year? Or could we do it the summer after our second year and graduate later if wanted?

BenWisconsin: I am not familiar with a situation like the one you suggest. A summer internship is not required but is strongly suggested. The program lasts four semesters and students graduate after completing four semesters.

dvillegas1: I received a degree in graphic design and have been fortunate enough to hold all senior designer positions for my first three years out of college. I've worked for top ad agencies and branding companies. I'm currently the art director for a food company. What kind of chance would I have to get into your brand management program, keeping in mind I'm 25 and lack a business background?

BetsyWisconsin: Sounds like you have a great background for brand. Having the design background, along with agency work, is good. We are looking for candidates to have at least two years of professional work experience post-undergrad. The experience does not have to be business-specific. Your current role has many transferable skills, which will add a lot of value to a brand career.

Devyani: What can I do to get in touch with an ASAP [Applied Security Analysis Program] ACFIN [Nicholas Center for Applied Corporate Finance] student to know more about the programs, class work, projects, and class schedule?

BetsyWisconsin: You can contact us at MBA@bus.wisc.edu if you would like to speak with a current student in the program, or you can contact the center director. Each career specialization has a specific person who works with the current students, alumni, and advisory board members for the career specialization. For ASAP, it is Kevin Spellman at kspellman@bus.wisc.edu, and for ACFIN it is Cindie Adams at cadams@bus.wisc.edu. Here is a link to a list of our career specializations and more detail on each program.