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Welcome to the UW Foster School of Business, one of the top business schools in the United States. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the MBA program and the application process. Whether you are a prospective student or just curious about the program, this article will guide you through all the essential information you need to know.
Located in Seattle, Washington, the UW Foster School of Business offers a world-class MBA program known for its rigorous curriculum and strong emphasis on real-world applications. Foster's outstanding faculty, combined with the vibrant business community of Seattle, creates an environment that nurtures innovation and fosters leadership skills.
UW Foster Class Profile (2025)
- Location: Seattle, Washington
- Class Size: 111
- Average Work Experience: 6 years
- Average GMAT Score: 710
- Average GRE Score: 164 (Quant); 158 (Verbal)
- Average GPA: 3.3
- Women: 47%
- International: 56%
- First Generation: 19%
- LGBTQ+: 9%
- U.S. Students of Color: 53%
- Acceptance Rate: 42%
Each year, the UW Foster MBA program attracts a diverse and talented group of individuals. The class of 2026 had an average GMAT score of 710 and an average GPA of 3.3. The cohort consisted of professionals from various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and consulting, bringing a wealth of experience and perspectives to the classroom.
Within the technology sector, the class of 2026 included individuals who had worked at some of the most innovative companies in the world. From software engineers at leading tech giants to product managers at cutting-edge startups, these students brought a deep understanding of the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Their experiences ranged from developing groundbreaking technologies to leading cross-functional teams in delivering successful products to market.
2024-2025 Application Overview
Applying to the UW Foster School of Business requires careful attention to detail. Here is an overview of the UW Foster MBA application for the 2024-2025 academic year:
UW Foster Deadlines
Round 1: October 1, 2024
- Decisions released December 20, 2024
Round 2: January 7, 2025
- Decisions released March 28, 2025
Round 3: March 12, 2025
- Decisions released May 15, 2025
GMAT/GRE Scores
The Foster School accepts both GMAT and GRE scores. A competitive score is crucial to demonstrate your readiness for the program. GMAT and GRE exams are available year-round and can be taken multiple times, either at in-person testing centers or online, with scores remaining valid for five years. There is no preference between the GMAT and GRE for admissions. It is advisable to take the test early to allow for a retake if necessary, ensuring that the exam is completed and official scores are reported by the application deadline. If you have taken the test multiple times, the admissions committee will consider your highest overall score. Note that the Executive Assessment test is not accepted for admission to the Full-time MBA Program.
To read more, click here: GMAT vs. GRE for Business School—Which to Take and How to Ace Both
- Essays: The application includes a set of essays designed to evaluate your writing skills and assess your fit with the program. Make sure to craft thoughtful and compelling responses.
- Letters of Recommendation: You will need to secure two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your work experience and academic abilities.
- Interviews: Selected applicants will be invited for an interview to further assess their qualities and compatibility with the program.
Read: The Ultimate MBA Application Guide (2024)
UW Foster Essays
Another important component of the application is the set of essay. UW Foster requires two essays and must be uploaded to your online application. The school will ask you to add your full name and the title of the essay at the top of each page. Select a professional font, use a 10- or 12-point font size, and double-space your text.
These essays are designed to evaluate your writing skills and assess your fit with the program. It is crucial to approach these essays thoughtfully and craft compelling responses. Take the time to reflect on your experiences, goals, and how the Foster School aligns with your aspirations. This is your opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and convince the admissions committee that you are the right fit for their program.
Required Essays
- Essay #1: Tell us your ideas about what lies ahead in your career. What are the gaps or deficiencies currently preventing you from pursuing these potential career paths? How do you plan to use your time in the Foster MBA program to fill these gaps and advance your career? (750 words)
- Essay #2: Resilience is one of the most important values of a successful Foster student. Tell us about what resilience means to you and share some of the ways that you have demonstrated resilience in overcoming personal or professional challenges. How do you anticipate showing resilience during your time as an MBA candidate? (500 words)
Optional Essay
Include this essay if you have additional information you believe would be helpful to the admissions committee in considering your application. (500 words)
Optional Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Essay
At the Foster School of Business, we embrace diversity as one of the foundations of both successful business strategy and a world-class educational experience. We share the University’s dedication to promoting the understanding and appreciation of human differences, and the constructive expression of ideas. We welcome you to share some of the ways you have practiced inclusion, promoted equity or supported the advancement of underrepresented groups. (500 words)
Learn more here: How to Write a Powerful MBA Essay—With Examples
Letters of Recommendation
In addition to the essays, you will also need to secure two letters of recommendation. These letters should come from individuals who are familiar with your work experience and academic abilities. It is important to choose recommenders who can speak to your strengths and provide valuable insights into your qualifications for the program. Make sure to give your recommenders enough time to write the letters and provide them with any necessary information to support your application.
Learn more here: How to Get the Perfect MBA Recommendation Letter—With Examples. Also, click here for our free Leland Recommender Prep Template.
UW Foster Interviews
Lastly, selected applicants will be invited for an interview as part of the application process. All applicants are required to submit a video interview. You will receive an email with instructions on recording the video interview 1-3 business days after the application deadline. Once you receive the invitation via email, you will have about one week to complete the video interview. The email instructions will specify the submission deadline.
It is important to prepare for the interview by researching the Foster School and thinking about how your experiences align with their values and goals. Practice answering common interview questions and be ready to articulate why you are a strong candidate for their program.
Read more here: How to Ace Your MBA Interview: With Prep Questions & Answers and How to Nail Your Virtual MBA Interview.
Other UW Foster Application Items
In addition to the requirements mentioned above, there are a few other items you need to include with your application:
- A Non-Refundable $90 Application Fee
- Online Application Profile
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Resume
- Official Transcripts
UW Foster Program Overview: Year-by-Year Overview
The UW Foster MBA program is a comprehensive two-year curriculum that prepares students for success in the business world. Let's take a closer look at each year of the program:
First Year:
In the first year, students establish a strong foundation in business fundamentals through a core curriculum. Subjects covered include accounting, marketing, finance, operations, and strategy. The year also includes experiential learning opportunities, such as case competitions and consulting projects, to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Second Year:
During the second year, students have the flexibility to tailor their coursework to their career goals and interests. Electives cover a wide range of topics, allowing students to specialize in areas such as entrepreneurship, consulting, or finance. The second year also offers opportunities for international study and experiential learning through internships and capstone projects.
UW Foster Deferred MBA Program
The UW Foster School of Business offers a deferred MBA program for college seniors who want to secure their spot in the MBA program before gaining professional work experience. This unique program allows students to pursue their passions immediately after completing their undergraduate studies, knowing they have a spot reserved for them at Foster's esteemed MBA program.
UW Foster Joint Degree Programs
For individuals interested in interdisciplinary education, the Foster School offers several joint degree programs. These programs enable students to earn an MBA alongside another professional degree, such as a law degree or a master's in public health. Dual-degree students gain a broader skill set and a unique perspective that combines business acumen with expertise in another field.
UW Foster Experience & Campus Life
Life at UW Foster goes beyond the classroom. Students have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities, networking events, and guest speaker series. The school also fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment, encouraging students to build relationships and support one another. Additionally, being located in Seattle, students can take advantage of the city's vibrant tech and business scene.
UW Foster FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the UW Foster School of Business:
- How long does the application process take? The application process typically takes a few months from submission to final decision.
- What is the acceptance rate for the UW Foster MBA program? The acceptance rate varies from year to year, but on average, it is around 25%.
- Is work experience required to apply? While work experience is not mandatory, most successful applicants have at least two to five years of professional experience.
Thank you for exploring the UW Foster School of Business MBA Program and Application Overview with us. We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into the program and the application process. For more information, visit the official UW Foster School of Business website.
