FAQ

DISCOVER MBASOLVAY and MEET US

• I am interested in pursuing an MBA? How can I get general information about
  your MBA programme?
  
• Do you have both full-time and part-time MBA programmes?
  
• It is not possible for me to come to Brussels to attend an MBA Information Session?
  
• How else could I have information about MBA Solvay?
  
• Can I visit the campus at any time?
  
• Can I attend a class?
  

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

• I do not have an academic degree. Will you consider me as an applicant?

ADMISSIONS and APPLICATION

• I want to apply for the MBA. What is the deadline for application?
  
• I am interested in your full-time/part-time MBA programme. Can you send me a brochure?
  
• I have some specific questions about your MBA programmes. To whom should I pose my questions?
  
• What are the admissions requirements for the MBA programme?
  
• Is there an admission fee?
  
• Can I submit more than two recommendations?
  
• Do my referees have to come from my current company?
  
• Do I require any languages other than English to qualify for entry to the Programme?
  
• How can I submit my English Proficiency test results?
  
• Although English is not my native tongue, I've lived and worked in an English speaking country for many years. Am I still required to take a TOEFL/IELTS?
  
• Will you consider my application if I have not yet taken my GMAT or TOEFL/TOEIC/IELTS/Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)?
  
• How soon will I receive a decision? And how is it going to be communicated?

AGE LIMIT

• Is there an age limit for entry to your programme?

Alumni

• I am planning to apply for the full-time/part-time MBA programme but I would like to find out first-hand MBA Solvay experience? Who can I contact?
  
• Is it possible to meet an alumna/alumnus from my country?

GMAT

• Is GMAT compulsory for the MBA Solvay?
  
• For how long is my GMAT score valid?
  
• What is the minimum GMAT score MBA Solvay requires?
  
• Where can I get my GMAT exam?
  
• Is it possible to be waived from GMAT?
  

FINANCING YOUR MBA

• What are the costs involved?
  
• Can my company sponsor me?
  

PROGRAMME INFORMATION

• How long is the MBA programme?
  
• Can I start the programme a little bit late?
  
• Do you accept credit transfers from previous schools?
  
• Is the programme accredited?
  

WORK EXPERIENCE

• I do not have any work experience. Can I still apply?
  
• How many years of work experience does MBA Solvay require?

DISCOVER MBASOLVAY and MEET US

• I am interested in pursuing an MBA? How can I get general information about your MBA programme?
  The website of MBA Solvay, www.solvay.edu/mba has all the information you might need regarding the full-time and the part-time MBA programmes Solvay Business School offers. We also organize Information Session which is a great opportunity for the candidates to get detailed information about the MBA programme and also to meet some of the faculty, alumni and staff. To learn about the dates and register, please check our website.
  
  
• Do you have both full-time and part-time MBA programmes?
  MBA Solvay offers both full-time and part-time MBA programmes. Please check our website for detailed information on the programmes.
  
  
• It is not possible for me to come to Brussels to attend an MBA Information Session? How else could I have information about MBA Solvay?
  You can always contact the Admissions Manager to get more information or if you have specific questions about the programme.
  
  MBA Admissions Manager
  Phone : +32 2 650.65.17
  Fax : +32 2 650.41.99
  E-mail : mba.admissions@solvay.edu
  
  
• Can I visit the campus at any time?
  We strongly encourage you to attend the Information Sessions were you will have the opportunity and possibility of discussing the programme fully with someone from the MBA Department. If however you are unable to make it for the Information Session, then you may arrange to visit the campus by contacting mba.admissions@solvay.edu in advance. You can make an appointment with the Admission Manager who will provide you with detailed information.
  
  
• Can I attend a class?
  It is possible to attend a class; however this should be organized with the Admissions Manager in advance. As you would appreciate, the courses and the time of the courses may vary depending on the Semester and the confirmation of the professor.
  
  MBA Admissions Manager
  Phone : +32 2 650.65.17
  Fax : +32 2 650.41.99
  E-mail : mba.admissions@solvay.edu

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

• I do not have an academic degree. Will you consider me as an applicant?
  Academic degree is one of the requirements of the MBA programme. However, rarely, we accept the application of a candidate without an academic degree on the condition that the candidate has got exceptionally good profile with outstanding GMAT score, sound work experience, great references, as well as strong motivation and need for an MBA. It is advisable to note that such cases are rare and only a very exceptional profile will be allowed to send an application file.

ADMISSIONS and APPLICATION

• I want to apply for the MBA. What is the deadline for application?
  The deadline for 2009 September in-take is 18 of August, 2009.
  
• I am interested in your full-time/part-time MBA programme. Can you send me a brochure?
  You can download our MBA Brochure on our website, www.solvay.edu/mba
  
• I have some specific questions about your MBA programmes. To whom should I pose my questions?
  Our Admissions Manager can provide you with all the relevant info about the full-time and the part-time MBA programmes.
  
  Please contact our Admissions Manager to ask your specific questions:
  
  MBA Admissions Manager
  Phone : +32 2 650.65.17
  Fax : +32 2 650.41.99
  E-mail : mba.admissions@solvay.edu
  
• What are the admissions requirements for the MBA programme?
  MBA Solvay follows a strict admission policy to ensure a constant standard of high calibre participants. Applicants are required to have significant and valuable work experience; an outstanding academic record; proficiency in business English; a desire to work in an international environment and openness for diversity; professional ambition; leadership skills and diligence, coupled with the ability to work under stress.
  
  We aim to create a community of participants that would contribute to the diversity and uniqueness of the MBA programme. Therefore, the Admission Committee will meticulously examine the biographical and academic background information, GMAT and TOEFL scores, achievements, awards and honours, employment history, and letters of recommendation.
  
  
  Applicants for the Full-time MBA Programme must provide the following:
  • Completed Application Form
  • Copy of a University degree and Official Transcript
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • TOEFL score (code 0550) or IELTS
  • GMAT score* (code F5D-MR-24) or On-Campus Assessment
  • Evidence of at least 3 years of work experience

  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Applicants for the Part-time MBA Programme must provide the following:

  • Completed Application Form
  • Copy of a University degree and Official Transcript
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • TOEFL score (code 0550) or IELTS
  • GMAT score (code F5D-MR-06) or On-Campus Assessment **
  • Evidence of at least 3 years of work experience
  • Evidence of current professional activity
    
    
• Is there an admission fee?
  There is no admission fee for the application.
  
• Can I submit more than 2 recommendation letters?
  If you have a good reason to do so (and you make it clear to us), then we will look at more than two recommendations. However, in most cases two is enough.
  
• Do my references have to come from my current company?
  We prefer at least one recommendation to be sent from your workplace: your current supervisor or manager is will be a good choice. The other recommendation is likely to be from someone who has had a chance to evaluate you in a professional setting: a client, a former supervisor, etc. If you have a particularly insightful academic recommendation, please feel free to submit it. However, it is better to have a professional relation with the referee as we expect to have an idea about managerial aptitudes and your potential for senior management.
  
• Do I require any languages other than English to qualify for entry to the Programme?
  Our MBA programme is in English; therefore no other language other than English is required.
  
• How can I submit my English Proficiency test results?
  TOEFL and/or IELTS test results should be sent by these organisations directly to Solvay Business School. Our code for TOEFL is 0550. Under no circumstances will the test results sent by the applicant be taken into consideration.
  
• Although English is not my native tongue, I've lived and worked in an English speaking country for many years. Am I still required to take a TOEFL/IELTS?
  Candidates are expected to have a good level of English in order to be able to perform well in the programme. Therefore, if you have studied and/or worked in English for many years and you have a proof, you might be exempt from an English Proficiency test. However, MBA Solvay reserves the right to ask candidates who studied and worked in English to take an English proficiency test.
  
• Will you consider my application if I have not yet taken my GMAT or TOEFL/TOEIC/IELTS/Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)?
  An application file is considered when all the requirements are fulfilled and all the documents are complete.
  
• How soon will I receive a decision? And how is it going to be communicated?
  Within a week after the Admission Committee makes a decision on the application file of a candidate, candidates will be informed. The decision of the Admission Committee will be communicated to the applicant by the Admissions Manager either by mail or e-mail.

AGE LIMIT

• Is there an age limit for application to your programme?
  There is no minimum or maximum for age for application. However, we expect our applicants to have certain work experience, which we believe would enrich the MBA experience for everybody in the class.

ALUMNI

• I am planning to apply for the full-time/part-time MBA programme but I would like to find out first-hand MBA Solvay experience? Who can I contact?
  You can contact the Admissions Manager to find out the possibility for a contact with an alumna or alumnus. This opportunity depends on the availability of an alumna or an alumnus at the time.
  
  MBA Admissions Manager
  Phone : +32 2 650.65.17
  Fax : +32 2 650.41.99
  E-mail : mba.admissions@solvay.edu
  
• Is it possible to meet an alumna/alumnus from my country?
  You can contact the Admissions Manager to find out the possibility for a contact with an alumna or alumnus. This opportunity depends on the availability of an alumna or an alumnus from that specific country at the time.
  
  MBA Admissions Manager
  Phone : +32 2 650.65.17
  Fax : +32 2 650.41.99
  E-mail : mba.admissions@solvay.edu

GMAT

• Is GMAT compulsory for the MBA Solvay?
  The GMAT is compulsory for candidates with less than 3 years of work experience. On-Campus Assessment is compulsory for candidates who do not have GMAT scores within the last 3 years. The Admission Committee reserves the right to invite candidates with a valid GMAT score for an interview.
  
• For how long is my GMAT score valid?
  We accept GMAT scores which are valid for 3 years: there should be less than 3 years between your test date and your application to the MBA Solvay.
  
• What is the minimum GMAT score MBA Solvay requires?
  We do not have a minimum GMAT requirement. The average score for class 2007 is about 600.
  
• Where can I get my GMAT exam?
  Please visit the official website www.GMAC.com or http://www.mba.com/mba/TaketheGMAT to get information about the GMAT exam.

FINANCING YOUR MBA

• What are the costs involved?
  The below sample budgets for the full-time and part-time MBA programmes are merely estimates and may vary according to your circumstances. (All prices are given in Euro and a year is considered as the academic year which is 10 months.)

• Can my company sponsor me?
  Yes.
  

PROGRAMME INFORMATION

• How long is the MBA programme?
  Full-time MBA programme is a one year programme which starts early September and finishes late June. (10 months). The academic year consists of five periods of courses and seminars. Each period lasts for 8 weeks ending with exams. Classes are given during the day.
  
  The Part-time MBA Programme starts early September and finishes late June. The two academic years consist of ten periods of courses and seminars (two times five periods). Each period lasts for 8 weeks ending with exams. Classes are given 2 or 3 evenings a week (6-9 pm) and Saturday.
  
• Do you accept credit transfers from previous schools?
  No, we do not accept such credits.
  
• Is the programme accredited?
  MBA Solvay is accredited by the Association of MBAs and EQUIS.
  

If you have any other questions which have not been answered here or elsewhere in our website, please contact us: mba.admissions@solvay.edu