Admissions

Application Form

Ready to apply? Start here. Once your application is complete, you’ll be considered for an interview with one of the core MSMS faculty and staff members. Your completed application should include a resume, responses to four video essays and unofficial undergraduate transcripts. GMAT or GRE scores are optional. Be sure to look over our admissions checklist for all the details you’ll need. Feel free to contact us with any questions along the way. We want the admissions process to be as simple and transparent as possible. Reach out to the Graduate Admissions & Financial Aid Office at (617) 353-2670 or msms@bu.edu.

Re-applicants

The Graduate Admissions & Financial Aid Office keeps all records on file for one year. We welcome your re-application. Each re-applicant is required to submit a new application form and fee ($125); an essay discussing updates or changes since the time of the previous application, as well as reasons for re-applying; an updated resume; university-level transcripts (if the re-applicant has taken new coursework since the time of their first application); and updated GMAT or GRE results (if applicable).

(Optional) GMAT/GRE

The MS in Management Studies (MSMS) is a hands-on program that attracts a wide variety of students with non-business degrees. While the MSMS program curriculum contains quantitative components, we do not require the GMAT or GRE as part of the application. The Admissions Committee reviews applications holistically, meaning that we consider academic performance, writing and communication, leadership and involvement, and many other factors in our evaluation. You will not be penalized in the application review process if you choose to not submit a GMAT/GRE test score.

• • Things to consider:
    • Students are welcome to submit test scores to strengthen their applications, and test scores submitted will be considered in the admission decision process.
    • For students with a low grade point average, a test score can provide admissions officers with additional information about their potential to succeed in the classroom. If you feel that you do not have sufficient evidence in your previous coursework that demonstrates your true academic aptitude, you may want to consider submitting a GMAT or GRE score to enhance your application.

Application Fee Waiver

The Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office will waive the application fee for current BU employees, as well as for those who attended select admissions events. In addition, we will waive the application fee for those who are members or alumni of the following programs:

Instructions: To take advantage of this waiver, please fill out this form once your application has been started. Your CAS ID can be found at the top right of the online application. Once we process your fee waiver request, you’ll receive a follow-up email with additional instructions on how to submit your application. DO NOT click “submit and pay for programs” prior to receiving these instructions. We are unable to offer application fee refunds.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, your application fee waiver may take a few business days to process. As such, we encourage you to submit your application fee waiver request as soon as you have started your application. If you wait until the application deadline to submit your waiver request, you will still be considered “on time” for that deadline as long as you submit your application within 48 hours of receiving your waiver code. You must submit your waiver request before you submit your application in order for the fee waiver to be applied. Please note: If you have been approved for an application fee waiver and are applying to one of our dual degree programs, the application fee waiver will be applied to your Questrom application only.  You will still need to pay the required application fee for the other school at BU to which you are applying.

Fee Waiver Request Form

Please note: due to the evolving circumstances surrounding COVID-19, our ability to process mailed application materials may be significantly delayed. Because of this, please plan to also send electronic copies of all necessary documents to questromappdocs@bu.edu. The Boston University Questrom School of Business Graduate Admissions Committee conducts a rigorous and holistic review of each application. Students admitted to our graduate degree programs must provide proof of an earned bachelor’s degree or equivalent international credential. Boston University does not require official transcripts with the submission of an application. Should a student decide to enroll at Boston University Questrom School of Business, official transcripts must be submitted and verified prior to the point of matriculation. We are an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution.

Video Essay

We know that you are more than what’s on paper. During the online application process, all MS in Management Studies candidates are asked to submit four video essays, which allow us to get to know you on a more personal level. Within the “Documents” section of the “Program Materials” portion of the application, you will find your personalized link to the video essay website. Clicking this link will bring you to the Kira Talent website, our partner for the video essay process. When you register, you must use the same email address that you used to create your admission application account. Upon creating your account with Kira Talent, you can begin your video essays. You’ll need to use an internet-connected computer with a webcam and microphone. You’ll have 30 seconds to prepare, and then 60 seconds to record your answers. You can practice an unlimited number of times with Kira Talent’s example questions, but once you start the formal video essay questions, you are only allowed one opportunity. This allows the committee to see your candid responses. We want your video essay recording process to be as easy as possible. As such, we encourage you to dress in business casual attire – no need for a suit. The admission committee will review your response as part of the application process, and are interested in your presence, personality, and fit with our community. We recommend trying out a few of the sample Kira questions prior to recording your formal video essay.

Written Essay

Applicants to the MSMS program will be required to answer three, short-answer questions. Your answers should be no more than 250 words, and should help explain your decision to pursue an MS in Management Studies program. The prompts will be displayed in the “Program Materials” section under the “Questions” tab within your application.  Your responses are to be recorded directly in the application.

Optional Essay

If you have any additional information to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee, you may address it in an optional essay of no more than 250 words. Acceptable topics for the optional essay include gaps in post-college work experience, choice of recommenders, and concerns about academic/test performance. If you plan to retake any admissions tests (GMAT or GRE; TOEFL, IELTS or PTE), please provide the date of your scheduled test here. To upload an optional essay, please scroll to the “Essay” section and click “Add Document.”

Questions?

If you have questions about the video essay process, please send us an email at msms@bu.edu or call us at 617-353-2670. If you need technical assistance with the Kira Talent system, please contact them directly at support@kiratalent.com

GMAT Code

MS in Management Studies: P42-5K-30

GRE Code

MS in Management Studies: 3087

(Optional) GMAT/GRE

The admissions committee may, in rare cases, still ask you to submit a GMAT or GRE score to aid in evaluating your candidacy for the MSMS program. In the event we need this additional information, we will inform you once your application has been initially reviewed. The MS in Management Studies (MSMS) is a hands-on program that attracts a wide variety of students with non-business degrees. While the MSMS program curriculum contains quantitative components, we do not require the GMAT or GRE as part of the application. The Admissions Committee reviews applications holistically, meaning that we consider academic performance, writing and communication, leadership and involvement, and many other factors in our evaluation. You will not be penalized in the application review process if you choose to not submit a GMAT/GRE test score.

• • Things to consider:
    • Students are welcome to submit test scores to strengthen their applications, and test scores submitted will be considered in the admission decision process.
    • For students with a low grade point average, a test score can provide admissions officers with additional information about their potential to succeed in the classroom. If you feel that you do not have sufficient evidence in your previous coursework that demonstrates your true academic aptitude, you may want to consider submitting a GMAT or GRE score to enhance your application.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY:

Candidates who have earned or will have completed at least two years of a bachelor’s or master’s degree at an institution in which the language of instruction was solely based in English are eligible for an automatic TOEFL/IELTS/PTE waiver. Candidates must present evidence of language of instruction with the application for admission. Appropriate documentation includes a transcript coversheet, an official statement from the university, or a link to the institution’s website that specifies that the mode of instruction is English. Additionally, candidates who have or will have worked for at least two years in a full-time, post-bachelor’s degree position in the US are eligible for an automatic waiver. If you do not meet this criteria but would like to be considered for a waiver, you can submit a written request highlighting your experience with and proficiency in the English language to msms@bu.edu prior to the submission of your application. The admissions committee will consider these requests on a case by case basis. If you are submitting test results with your application, please be advised that tests are valid for two years. We are currently accepting Duolingo scores in addition to TOEFL and IELTS. To access the Duolingo test, go to https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants.  Select Boston University Graduate & Professional Programs as a score recipient, and email questromappdocs@bu.edu with your name and the date you have taken the Duolingo test.

• TOEFL: BU’s TOEFL code is 3087. Minimum Scores of 600 on the PBT or 90 on the iBT are recommended.
• IELTS: Competitive applicants typically score a minimum of 6.5 on each band
• PTE: As more candidates submit the PTE, we are developing updated standards for our requirements. As new information becomes available, it will be posted here.
• Duolingo: A minimum score of 110 is recommended.

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES:

We require that applicants hold a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited US institution or its international equivalent. If you have earned a three-year degree that is the equivalent of a four-year degree in the US, it will be accepted in the admissions process. For example, if you earned a three-year degree in India, your degree will qualify you to be considered for admission. If you are uncertain whether your undergraduate degree meets our qualifications, please contact msms@bu.edu before starting the application process.

PERMANENT RESIDENTS:

Permanent residents should submit a copy (front and back) of their permanent resident card.

PAYMENT:

Boston University no longer accepts wire transfer payments for application fees. In order to pay your application fee, please do so with a debit or credit card when submitting your application.

*Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice.

Looking to see tuition rates in another currency? To convert the US dollar amounts into other currencies, such as Euros, Great Britain Pounds, Chinese RMB, and Indian Rupees, and see current exchange rates, click here. Massachusetts law requires all students who carry at least 75 percent of the full-time curriculum to have medical insurance. Students who cannot demonstrate coverage under a qualifying medical insurance plan are required to purchase the University’s student health insurance plan. The cost of BU Medical Insurance for the 2022-2023 academic year is $3,235.

Scholarships

Through our merit-based scholarship program, we provide a number of awards for candidates with outstanding academic aptitude and who contribute to diversity in the classroom. A separate application for scholarship consideration is not needed. Both domestic and international candidates will be considered for these awards.

Federal Financial Aid

We strongly recommend that all U.S. citizens and permanent residents apply for federal student loans before pursuing other loan options.  Student must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) to qualify for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Interest begins accruing at the time of the loan disbursement. Students can elect to pay the interest while in school or have it capitalized into a repayment schedule that starts six months after you leave school. The Standard Repayment term extends up to 10 years, with deferments available during unemployment, economic hardship, or continued education. Loan funds are issued in two disbursements each year, typically timed to coincide with the start of each semester. Please note the following:

• Students are eligible to borrow up to $20,500 per academic year
• Students must remain enrolled at least half-time (6 or more credits).
• Interest rate on the UNSUB loan is currently 6.54% fixed.

HOW TO APPLY – FALL 2022/SPRING 2023

1. Obtain a FSA ID. Students will need a FSA ID to complete and electronically sign the FAFSA.
2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (2022-2023 FAFSA) Boston University’s FAFSA school code is 002130.
3. Complete the 2022-2023 Federal Unsubsidized Loan Application. First time BU applicants may be asked to provide their SSN through secure email.
4. Submit the Master Promissory Note (MPN)* and Entrance Counseling for your loan (first time BU borrowers only)

*Be sure to complete the first option given, “MPN for Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans”. The Graduate PLUS MPN is specifically for the Graduate PLUS Loan and not the unsubsidized loan.

*For students starting their program in Fall 2024, you must complete the 23-24 FAFSA which will be available October 1, 2022. You must also complete the 2023-2024 Federal Unsubsidized Direct loan application which will be available in October 2022.

Questions regarding federal loan funding can be sent to questromfa@bu.edu

Private Loans

For students who need financing beyond what is available through the federal student loan programs or choose not to borrow a federal loan, we offer a list of options here. A co-signer with a strong credit history will increase your chances of being approved for an alternative/supplemental loan.

Loan Options for International Students

Student loans are available to international students with a credit-worthy U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident co-applicant. We have a list of recommended loans and lenders. You are in no way limited to loans/lenders on our list of options. Additional financing options for international graduate students may be available from MPOWER Financing if students are unable to obtain a valid U.S. cosigner. We use the following criteria in developing our list of recommended loans and lenders:

• Loan terms and cost to borrower
• Borrower benefits
• Differentiated options (fixed rate versus variable rate loans, for-profit versus nonprofit organizations, regional versus national lenders)

You are in no way limited to loans/lenders on our list of options. Boston University will process a loan from any lender, and it is your right to apply for loans through the lender of your choice.

Private Scholarships

The scholarship search engines below can help you to find the scholarships that are most applicable to your strengths, interests, and skills:

• International Student-Resource website for Full Time international students looking for funding
• The College Board
• FastWeb​
• Federal Student Aid​
• ​Fin Aid! Guide to Financial Aid
• Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA)​
• Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance​
• Peterson’s College Quest
• The Wily Network​– support services for youth with foster care experience​

In addition, Questrom Financial Aid updates the list below as we are made aware of scholarships that may be applicable to some or all of our students. This list is not comprehensive but can also be a good place to start your search:

• Golden Key Scholarships– Golden Key offers unique scholarships, awards and grants to members, alumni and advisors all over the world.
• Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program – The Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program is available to students who are studying accounting, business administration, finance, or criminal justice. Students must also express an interest in fraud examination or a similar anti-fraud profession in order to be eligible. Applicants must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 semester hours.
• FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship Program – The FINCAD women in Finance Scholarship Program offers an annual award of $10,000 to support a woman student of graduate study in the field of finance, particularly relating to the use of derivatives in capital markets and/or financial risk management. The scholarship is open to women of any age and citizenship.
• Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship – The GFOA’s Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship of $9,000 is available for award to an upper-division undergraduate or graduate student of public administration, (governmental) accounting, finance, political science, economics, or business administration (with a specific focus on government or nonprofit management)

Payment Plan Options

Students may choose to budget all or part of their semester balance in five monthly payments with the Payment Plan administered by Nelnet. Participants must complete an enrollment agreement and pay a nonrefundable enrollment fee per semester. For more information about the  Payment Plan or learn how to enroll enroll online, please visit the Student Accounting Services website. The deadline to enroll in the Payment Plan is mid-August for the Fall Semester, and mid-December for the Spring Semester. Payments for fall term begin in May and enrolling after May would require making back payments upon enrollment.

Veterans and military personnel are eligible for educational assistance. If you are interested in taking advantage of this assistance, please contact 1-888-GI-BILL (1-888-442-4551) and speak with a Veterans Benefits Counselor or visit the GI Bill website.