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Post MBA

Maximize the value of both your MBA and Thunderbird Master of Global Management. Take advantage of special advising available through the Thunderbird Admissions Office by contacting admissions@thunderbird.edu.


How to apply


Index of Contents:

1. Required Application Documentation
2. Undergraduate and Graduate/MBA Transcripts
3. References (2)
4. Scores from GMAT or GRE Revised Test (taken after Aug. 1, 2011)
5. TOEFL and IELTS Scores
6. Personal Essays (3)
7. Submit Your Completed Documents
8. Application Fee Payment
9. Application Review Periods
10. Review

1. Required Application Documentation

To start the process, you may wish to contact the Office of Admissions to answer any questions you may have. After that, prepare and submit the following documents:

  • A completed application form (apply online).
  • Three personal essays answering specific questions.
  • Test scores: GRE Revised Test (taken after August 1, 2011) or GMAT, and TOEFL or IELTS (if applicable).
  • References: a minimum of two evaluations completed and sent to Thunderbird through the "Personal Potential Index", preferably from a professional colleague or supervisor.
  • Official transcripts from all institutions you attended to complete your undergraduate and MBA degrees (or equivalent).
  • A resume: a current, chronological (uninterrupted) summary of the period between completing your undergraduate degree and now. Include your professional experience, accomplishments and education.

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2. Undergraduate and Graduate/MBA Transcripts

Your transcripts should show that a degree was awarded to you for undergraduate study, as well as for your MBA. You must have received your undergraduate degree and MBA from accredited or recognized institutions.

  • A transcript from every college or university you attended must be sent directly to Thunderbird.
  • Each transcript must list the courses you took, grades received and, if applicable, the date and title of the degree you received.
  • Each transcript must carry the official seal or imprint of the institution.
  • Applicants with education credentials from outside the U.S. must submit all documents in both the original language and a certified English translation.

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3. References (2)

  • Each reference must be sent to Thunderbird through the "Personal Potential Index" directly from the person who recommends you to Thunderbird.
  • Recommendations must be from your current or previous supervisor and accurately comment on your management and leadership ability. If it’s not possible to obtain a letter from a past or current supervisor, please explain why.
  • Recommendations from sources not qualified to evaluate you on a professional basis are not acceptable.
  • References aren’t considered part of a matriculated student's permanent record and are not accessible or subject to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.

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4. GMAT Scores or GRE Revised Test (taken after August 1, 2011) Scores

Thunderbird requires a copy of your GMAT scores - even if they were taken more than five years prior for admission into your previous MBA program. Scores must be comparable to current Thunderbird admission GMAT requirements. These are mandatory — and used to assess your qualifications for advanced study in business and management.

All sections of the GMAT-verbal, quantitative, AWA must be completed and documented on the score report for the test to be valid.

  • Scores should be sent directly to Thunderbird by Pearson VUE-GMAT Testing Service (Code P5K-H3-14).
  • Typically – in the mid 80% range -- entering students score between 550 and 760.
  • Learn more about the GRE Revised Test

Note: Thunderbird offers a GMAT Prep program. For more information: GMAT-Prep Program

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5. TOEFL and IELTS Scores

If you are not a U.S. citizen/resident, you must submit TOEFL scores as part of your application packet. The only exceptions are:

  • English is the legal native language of your country or citizenship.
  • You completed an undergraduate degree at a school where the instructional language was English, in a country where English is the native language.

Thunderbird courses require excellent English language abilities in reading, writing and speaking proficiency. TOEFL or IELTS waivers are never granted.

Applicants whose native language is not English and who did not receive the qualifying degree in a country where English is the native language are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS Test).

Non-native English speakers can satisfy the MBA program English requirement in the following ways:

  • Score a 261 or higher on the TOEFL computer-based exam (621 on the paper-based exam, 106 on the Internet-based exam)
  • Score 250-260 on the TOEFL and have a GMAT verbal score of 26 or higher
  • Successfully complete the Pre-MBA in Intensive English Program, if directed by the Office of Admissions. Students who must complete the Pre-MBA in Intensive English Program are those with:
  • Scores of 223-249 on the TOEFL
  • Scores of 250-260 on the TOEFL and a GMAT verbal of 25 or less.
  • TOEFL scores are valid for two years, and must be sent directly to Thunderbird (Code 4003) by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
  • IELTS scores of 6.0 or lower are not admissible. A score of 6.5, 7.0, and 7.5 will be required to take Pre-Masters English. 8.0+ is directly admissible to the program.

A two-week English refresher course is offered during pre-term sessions and is highly recommended for people scoring between 250 and 267 on the TOEFL, with GMAT verbal between 26 and 30.

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6. Personal Essays (3)

You are required to write three personal essays. Your admissions packet provides questions you should answer. It also explains how to present information about yourself. Each essay should be 500 to 1,500 words (1-3 pages). Topics are:

  • What international/cross-cultural background do you bring to Thunderbird and how will it add value to your classmates and to your future management assignment?
  • What are your short- and long-term career objectives? How and why will the MBA-GM or M-GM Degree, combined with your past educational and professional experience, help you achieve these objectives?
  • Describe a professional situation that you would define as an "ethical dilemma." Define the "ethical conflict," how you resolved it and what you learned from it.
  • OPTIONAL: If there’s something you think the admissions committee should know about your credentials and experience that has not already been explained, you may write a fourth essay on that topic.

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7. Submit Your Completed Documents

When you complete all necessary documents, mail your completed packet with a $USD 125 application fee (payable to Thunderbird School of Global Management) to:

Admissions Office
Thunderbird School of Global Management
1 Global Place
Glendale, AZ 85306-6000 U.S.A.

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8. Application Fee Payment

Your non-refundable $USD 125 application fee may be paid by check, money order, a cashiers check, (in the U.S.) payable to Thunderbird School of Global Management.

You may also use a credit card. If paying by credit card, be sure to provide your full name, credit card number, card expiration date, the amount to charge your card, the purpose of the charge (Thunderbird Post- MBA Full-time M-GM Application) and your signature.

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9. Application Review Periods

You are encouraged to submit applications within the review period for each trimester. Once your completed application is received, it is presented to the Executive Admissions Committee. Decisions take four to six weeks and official decisions are mailed to you.

If you receive a letter of acceptance, you should submit your $USD 300 tuition deposit as soon as possible to reserve your space. Admission is granted for the designated term only. Admission deferrals are discouraged. A non-refundable deposit is required on the rare chance that a deferral is granted.

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10. Review

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Non-U.S. citizens must complete the financial certification procedure before an I-20 document can be issued. This process begins 120 days before the start of each trimester.

If you've submitted an application and want to check the status, e-mail maureen.cameron@thunderbird.edu for an update.

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