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Frequently Asked Questions About The Pre-MBA Program

1. Am I guaranteed admission to the full time MBA Program at Northeastern if I take the Pre-MBA Program?

No, you are not guaranteed admission to the full time MBA Program at Northeastern. You will have to apply, achieve satisfactory results on the TOEFL and GMAT tests and satisfy other requirements for admission. However, the Admissions Committee views favorably and with great interest applications from students enrolled in the Pre-MBA Program. Students who work diligently and successfully to improve their skills in the Pre-MBA Program have the best success rate for acceptance into the Northeastern MBA Program. Although rates vary yearly, on average about 50% or more of the Pre-MBA students gain admission to Northeastern's MBA Program. In addition, the Pre-MBA Program has excellent results helping students gain admission to other MBA programs in the Boston area and throughout the United States.

2. Should I take the Pre-MBA Program at Northeastern if I am interested in going to an MBA Program at another school?

Yes, you should consider taking the Pre-MBA Program even if you plan to apply to another school. About 50% of program graduates go to other MBA programs in Boston, across the United States and internationally. The program has an excellent reputation for its expert instructors, success in helping students improve their English skills and solid foundation courses in business. Other schools recognize this training and are happy to accept applications from graduates of the Pre-MBA Program. 

3. Why should I apply to the full time MBA Program at Northeastern University instead of another MBA Program?

You should consider applying to the MBA program at Northeastern because of its modern curriculum. You will benefit from the emphasis in all your classes placed on developing the interpersonal, team-working and oral communication skills, so highly prized by potential employers. You will choose one of three career tracks: finance, marketing or operations/supply chain management. You will gain from the opportunity to participate in a corporate residency for six months after you complete two semesters. You will be working in MBA-level positions at top-notch companies on a full-time paid basis. In addition, if you do very well in your classes, you will have the chance to apply to work for a CBA professor. You will receive free tuition and a small salary, which can significantly reduce the cost of your MBA degree.   

4. Do I still have to take the TOEFL and GMAT tests if I am accepted into the Pre-MBA Program?

Yes, you will still need to take the TOEFL and GMAT tests in order to complete your applications for just about all of the well-known MBA programs in this country. Many American schools are looking for scores of 600/250/100 or better on the TOEFL and 550 or better on the GMAT. However, as with all MBA applicants, Pre-MBA applicants to the Northeastern MBA Program are evaluated on a variety of factors. These include: performance in Pre-MBA courses, work experience, academic transcripts, recommendations, and overall leadership and communication skills. In many cases, good performance in the Pre-MBA Program can be a decisive factor that enables students whose qualifications are on the borderline to gain admission into Northeastern's MBA.


Pitchaya (Kate) Hiranpradit, Pre-MBA Program
2008, has just received her letter of acceptance
to the Full-time MBA Program at Brandeis University

5. Do I still need to take the TOEFL test if I have studied in the United States as an undergraduate?

Students who have studied two years or more in the United States do not need to take the TOEFL test when they apply to the MBA Program at Northeastern. However, students with prior study in the United States should communicate with the Coordinator of the Pre-MBA Program or the MBA Admissions Office to verify that they are exempt from the TOEFL requirement.

6. Will I get an I-20 if I apply to this program?

Students who apply and are accepted to the Pre-MBA Program will be issued an I-20 for the 10-month program. Of course, it is necessary that students apply before the deadline in order to receive an I-20. Students are responsible for completing the I-20 process at a US Consulate on a timely basis. Obtaining a student visa to study in the United States now takes much longer. Students need to apply early in order to allow American consulates sufficient time to process visa applications.

7.  How long will it take for me to get my I-20?

It will take about two weeks to process your I-20 after you have submitted a completed application and it has been approved by the Admissions Committee. If you are in Boston, you may come to the ELC office to pick your I-20 up. The ELC can also send your letter of acceptance, I-20 and other information to you by regular mail. If you wish to receive your acceptance packet  more quickly, please send a credit card number and expiration date to the ELC at spcselc@neu.edu. Your I-20 will be sent to you by international express such as DHL to get it to you quickly and safely. You will also receive the tracking number so that you will know the location and expected delivery time for your I-20 and acceptance material.

8. Can I get a dormitory room at Northeastern University if I apply to the program?

There is a great demand for dormitory rooms, especially in September. However, if you apply early to the Pre-MBA Program and are accepted, you can submit your request to the university housing office at www.housing.neu.edu. You will very likely obtain a room. You can also use that website to get information about renting an apartment. In addition, the English Language Center supplies material about Homestay agencies for students who are interested in living with an American family in the Boston area.

9. Do I have to pay my tuition bill for the Pre-MBA Program before I start classes?

You do not have to pay your tuition before coming to Boston. Three weeks after classes start you will receive a bill with tuition charges for the semester you are attending. You can pay the entire bill at the time you receive it, or for a fee of $35 you can enroll in the Tuition Payment Plan, which breaks the bill into smaller monthly payments. You will receive an e-mail attachment with information about joining the Tuition Payment Plan in July. Entrance into the Tuition Payment Plan is not automatic; you must apply before the semester begins in order to join the plan.

10. Do I have to buy insurance through the university if I am in the Pre-MBA Program?

No, you do not. You can use the University Health Center for free as a Northeastern University student. However, if you become seriously ill and need to go to a hospital, you will be responsible for hospitalization costs. For this reason, the university requires that all students have a health insurance policy. You may buy an insurance policy through the university (September to August or January to August). The cost of the insurance policy will be added to your tuition bill. You may also buy your own insurance in your home country with American coverage. You will need to bring proof of your policy with you when you come to register at the beginning of the semester.

11. How can I find out my grades or check my tuition bill?

Northeastern University has a web-based self-service site called www.MYNEU.neu.edu. As soon as your name is entered into the system soon after your acceptance, you can go on-line to take care of many tasks. This saves time and money; moreover, it is now required that students set up accounts using this system. With MYNEU, you can buy the Husky Meal Card for eating meals on campus. You can also make arrangements for tuition bills and obtain grades and transcripts from your courses. You will need a university ID number or an American Social Security number and a postal code to open your account from overseas. If it is not possible to open an account from your home country, you should go to Snell Library to the Help Desk for assistance in establishing your MYNEU account soon after you arrive at the university.