How to crack University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business

Robert H. Smith School of Business is a highly acclaimed B-school in the US. Its parent institution, the University of Maryland, is one of the top universities in Maryland.

Popularly known as UMD Smith, the B-school’s main building is located in College Park, Md., inside the University of Maryland’s main campus. In addition, the college has four other campuses in Baltimore, Md., Rockville, Md., and Beijing, China.

Smith’s proximity to Washington makes it a hotbed of numerous professional opportunities, diverse culture, and recreational resources. Besides, the University of Maryland Smith MBA program can provide unparalleled opportunities to take part in cutting-edge research projects.

Recently, UMD Smith joined hands with Deloitte to launch the Deloitte Initiative for AI and Learning (DIAL). The artificial intelligence (AI) research initiative has the potential to make a big impact on the development and learning opportunities for faculty and students of Smith and other colleges across the university.

UMD Smith Ranking

UMD Smith regularly finds a place in the top 50 US B-Schools by major publications. The B-school is ranked 36 in Bloomberg’s Best B-schools 2022-23. The US News ranked the University of Maryland MBA 45 in the list of best business schools in 2022, and its part-time MBA program ranked 25.

UMD Smith MBA Program Types

There are four types of MBA programs at the Robert H. Smith School of Business- Full-time MBA, Flex MBA, Executive MBA, and Online MBA. All Smith MBA programs are well known for their top-notch course structure, innovative teaching methods, and post-MBA employability. However, we’ll mainly discuss the full-time MBA program, which is most popular among international applicants.

The internationally recognized full-time University of Maryland Smith MBA program stresses students develop strong analytical skills. The 54-credit program offers various specialization tracks such as finance, supply chain, operations, marketing, consulting, etc.

Robert H. Smith MBA program has some of the best faculty and comprehensive career services. It can offer a transformational learning experience where students grow as future business leaders. The course curriculum is a fine balance between the theoretical base and career specializations.

University of Maryland MBA Class Profile

MBA aspirants should study the class profile to understand an average student’s profile at a particular b-school. It also helps them realize their own strength and potential areas for further improvement. Following is the University of Maryland MBA class profile for the class of 2023.

University of Maryland MBA Acceptance Rate

UMD Smith MBA doesn’t publish its acceptance rate. Forbes reported the University of Maryland’s MBA acceptance rate to be 36% in 2019. So, applicants can assume Robert H. Smith School of Business’s current acceptance rate to be in the range of 36-42 percent.

However, consider the acceptance rate and the B-school’s latest class profile to gauge your chances of sailing through the admission process.

University of Maryland MBA Application Deadline

Following are the University of Maryland MBA application deadlines for the Robert H. Smith MBA fall 2023 admission. International students should apply by Round 3 to be considered for scholarship benefits.

Disclaimer: The dates are retrieved from Smith’s official website. However, keep visiting the official website for any latest updates regarding the dates

University of Maryland MBA Fees

Before proceeding further, it’s vital to have an estimate of how much a University of Maryland MBA costs you. Following are the annual University of Maryland MBA fees for its full-time MBA program for the academic year 2022-23.

Disclaimer: The above fee structure is provided to help you calculate an estimate. Actual costs may vary at the college’s discretion.

UMD Smith Scholarships

A University of Maryland MBA degree is worth investing your energy, time, and finance as it can catapult your career to new heights. But, many applicants may find the cost of an MBA high. UMD Smith understands this perennial dilemma and doesn’t want deserving candidates to fret over tuition costs.

Therefore, the college offers financial awards to almost 99% of its full-time MBA students. Following are the important financial aids available for full-time MBA students.

Merit Awards

These financial awards are given to students based on their undergraduate scholastic merit, quality of work experience, GMAT, etc.

Scholarships & Fellowships

The Dean’s scholarship covers the tuition and fees for the entire two-year duration. Additionally, there is the Smith Scholarship that can award $20,000- $60,000 for tuition and fees. Similarly, financial aid for students is available through Dean’s fellowship and Smith fellowship.

Graduate Assistantships

University of Maryland MBA program provides financial assistance to qualified students through departmental work/study. The selected students can receive a partial tuition waiver, earn a stipend, and get many other aids under the graduate assistantships

Additional Awards

University of Maryland MBA Requirements

One of the University of Maryland MBA requirements is for applicants to must possess a US bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or an equivalent degree. Additionally, admitted students should be able to demonstrate strong quantitative skills before the admission committee.

Applicants from non-quant backgrounds must complete additional calculus and statistics coursework before enrolling in the Robert H. Smith MBA program.

University of Maryland MBA Application Process

UMD Smith adopts a highly competitive and holistic review process to admit students from a diverse and academically talented pool. Applicants must submit their application through Smith’s online application portal through the following steps.

1. Create an Account

Every new applicant has to create an account in Smith’s Graduate Application portal. Once the account is created, you can start filling up the application form.

2. Academic Transcripts

Upload scanned copies of the official transcripts of every degree/diploma you have ever attended. The transcripts should have the full details regarding the courses with respective grades. You’ll be required to submit the official transcript if admitted to the MBA program.

3. Professional Resume

Upload your professional resume on the online application portal. Your resume should contain all the details of your academic achievements and professional milestones. While a typical resume is one page long, you can extend yours to two pages if you have a robust professional history.

4. GMAT Score

A GMAT score is not compulsory for a full-time Robert H. Smith MBA program unless you’re applying for a dual degree, where the second program might require a GMAT score. However, it is recommended to secure a solid GMAT score to increase your selection chance.

Besides, a strong GMAT score and an overall strong application can also help you secure scholarships.

5. English Language Proficiency Test

Non-native English speakers must submit a valid TOEFL/IELTS score to prove their English language proficiency.

6. Letter of Recommendation

You must submit one recommendation letter with your Smith MBA application form. Just provide your recommender’s name and email address in the online application portal. The college will send your recommender an online form with a list of questions. Alternatively, your recommender can choose to answer the questions in a separate document and upload it.

7. Personal Essay

You’ll need to submit one personal essay. You’ll know the topic and word limit during the application process. The personal essay is an excellent opportunity to explain your goals and motivations behind pursuing an MBA program.

Moreover, the college admission officers would like to know your reasons for choosing the University of Maryland MBA program and how the Robert H. Smith School of Business degree can help you achieve your goals.

8. Application Fee

Complete your application by paying the requisite application fees.

9. Personal Interview

After carefully assessing your application, the college admission officers may invite you for an interview which can be conducted virtually. They would like to know the interesting aspects of your personality and the diversity and experience you can bring to your cohort.

The admission committee will make one final assessment of your profile based on your interview. You’ll receive a confirmation mail if selected for the program.

Apart from a quality curriculum and acclaimed faculty, UMD Smith has centers of excellence known for their breakthrough research. Whether it’s The Center for Excellence in Service, The Center for Financial Policy, or any other research facility, there are many options for the University of Maryland MBA students to indulge in quality research.

Finally, the numerous Graduate Clubs and the MBA association create regular opportunities to connect with Smith Alumni and enhance career prospects post-MBA. The entire Robert H. Smith MBA experience can help you develop an international perspective on businesses and grow as a global business leader.

FAQs about MBA in University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business

1. I have a three-year bachelor’s degree from India. Am I eligible for the University of Maryland MBA?

Yes. You can apply to the University of Maryland Smith MBA program with a three-year bachelor’s degree from India. Contact the admission council to know more about the specific guidelines.

2. How do I apply for UMD Smith scholarships?

There is no separate application procedure for scholarships. You’ll be automatically considered for UMD Smith scholarships during the admission process.

3. Is work experience required for the University of Maryland MBA program?

Work experience is not a mandatory requirement. However, a few years of post-bachelors work experience is desirable. The average work experience in a full-time UMD Smith MBA program is six years.

4. Does the University of Maryland require GMAT?

A GMAT score is not compulsory for a full-time Smith MBA program unless you’re applying for a dual degree, where the second program might require a GMAT score. However, securing a solid GMAT score is recommended to increase your selection chance.