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Merage MBA Program Guide 2025

Merage Class Profile

Merage Class Profile
Average GPA:
Average Work Experience:
yrs
Applicants:
Class Size:
Acceptance Rate:
%
Yield Rate:
%

Merage Deadlines

Official Merage Application
Submit by:
Interview Invite by:
Decision by:
School
Status
Round
Year
GMAT GRE
GPA
YOE
Years of Experiance
Post-MBA industry
Location
Date
Merage
Full Time MBA
Admitted, ($$$)
2023 680 GMAT Classic 3.7 8 Consumer Electronics India
09 Feb 2024 08:35 PM
Merage
Full Time MBA
Denied with Interview
2023 710 GMAT Classic 3.6 6 Consulting India
21 Jan 2023 11:52 PM
Merage
Full Time MBA
Admitted, ($$$$)
2023 316 GRE 3 3 Consumer Packaged Goods India
17 Dec 2022 01:40 AM
Merage
Full Time MBA
Admitted, ($$)
2022 3.4 0 Internet and New Media Viet Nam
07 Apr 2022 11:48 AM
Merage
Full Time MBA
Denied with Interview
2022 640 GMAT Classic
690 GMAT Classic
3.3 6 Consumer Packaged Goods India
16 Feb 2022 07:12 PM
Merage
Full Time MBA
Admitted, ($$$)
2022 320 GRE 3.6 7 India
13 Feb 2022 01:00 PM
Merage
Full Time MBA
Admitted, ($$)
2022 660 GMAT Classic 3.7 4 United States
17 Dec 2021 03:49 PM
Merage
Full Time MBA
Admitted
2021 680 GMAT Classic 4 Retail Banking India
18 Apr 2021 01:22 AM
Merage
Full Time MBA
Interviewed
2021 700 GMAT Classic India
16 Apr 2021 12:27 PM
Merage
Full Time MBA
Denied with Interview
2021 690 GMAT Classic 3.5 1 United States
20 Mar 2021 05:49 PM
Merage
Full Time MBA
Admitted
2021 660 GMAT Classic 1 Consulting India
17 Mar 2021 09:05 AM
Merage
Full Time MBA
Admitted
2021 670 GMAT Classic 6 India
14 Dec 2020 12:19 PM
Merage
Full Time MBA
Interviewed
2021 500 GMAT Classic 10 United States
27 Oct 2020 01:24 PM
Merage
Full Time MBA
Withdrawn Application
R4 2020 500 GMAT Classic
580 GMAT Classic
610 GMAT Classic
2.7 7 Computer Software United States
13 Jul 2020 08:58 PM
Merage
FEMBA
Invited to Interview
R1 2020 660 GMAT Classic 0 Manufacturing United States
04 Jun 2020 11:40 PM
Merage
Full Time MBA
Admitted
R4 2020 710 GMAT Classic Consulting United States
07 May 2020 04:43 PM
Merage
Full Time MBA
Admitted
R2 2020 650 GMAT Classic 3.4 3 United States
10 Apr 2020 02:30 AM
Merage
Full Time MBA
Interviewed
R2 2020 700 GMAT Classic 8 Energy India
06 Mar 2020 12:09 PM
Merage
Full Time MBA
Admitted
R1 2020 700 GMAT Classic 3.8 5 Consulting India
20 Feb 2020 04:29 PM
Merage
Full Time MBA
Denied without Interview
R3 2020 540 GMAT Classic Korea, Republic of
11 Feb 2020 08:40 PM
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Sep 22, 2024 09:09
Status:
Online with Adcom
Interviewed on:
Feb 24, 2023
Final Decision:
Interviewed
I had submitted my application on the 1st feb deadline. Just gave my interview yesterday. It was wit... Read More
I had submitted my application on the 1st feb deadline. Just gave my interview yesterday. It was with Lindsay Haberman, She was quite friendly. The questions asked were: 1) Tell me about yourself and walk me through your resume 2) Why UCI 3) Short term goals 4) A situation when you had to face a difficult team mate 5) What is that is required for an MBA aspirant 6) What other schools have you applied to and what factor matters to you the most 7) Feedback The interview lasted for 30 min Read Less
India
FEMBA
Posted:   Apr 30, 2024 03:04
Status:
Online with Adcom
Interviewed on:
Apr 30, 2024
Final Decision:
Interviewed
I had a meeting with Christina Lampley, the head of their Flex MBA program. Interviewer was so incre... Read More
I had a meeting with Christina Lampley, the head of their Flex MBA program. Interviewer was so incredibly kind and the focus on the interview was conversational and very pleasant. Questions included the following: 1. Walk me through your resume 2. Why Merage and why an MBA? 3. Can you give me an example of your ability to celebrate/showcase diversity? 4. If you had to pick the 3 ideal characteristics of a successful team, what would they be? She then took a brief interruption to answer any questions I had before coming back in for a couple more perfunctory questions before wrapping the interview up. Interview was intentionally conversational and she was a lovely person to speak to! Read Less
User avatar
Posted Privately
United States
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Apr 8, 2024 04:04
Status:
Online with Adcom
Interviewed on:
Apr 8, 2024
Final Decision:
Interviewed
1. Tell me about Yourself 2. Why the school? 3. Other schools I’m applying to and what factors I c... Read More
1. Tell me about Yourself 2. Why the school? 3. Other schools I’m applying to and what factors I consider when deciding? 4. Specific feedback/criticism I got at work, how I resolved and lessons learned 5. A time I led collaboration/team work 6. How I will be an authentic member of the community 7. Do I have other companies i’m considering asides the one mentioned Read Less
Nigeria
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Jan 15, 2023 03:01
Status:
Online
Interviewed on:
Jan 12, 2023
Final Decision:
Interviewed
It was on expected lines. I was interviewed by Lindsay Haberman. 1. Walk me through your resume. 2. ... Read More
It was on expected lines. I was interviewed by Lindsay Haberman. 1. Walk me through your resume. 2. Why MBA 3. Why Merage 4. Leadership 5. Feedback received from supervisor Read Less
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Feb 26, 2021 09:02
Status:
Interviewed on:
Mar 28, 2017
Final Decision:
Admitted
My interview was with Jon Kaplan. Mostly straight forward questions. - Walk me through your resume -... Read More
My interview was with Jon Kaplan. Mostly straight forward questions. - Walk me through your resume - Why MBA, why now? Short-term, long term goals. - Why Merage? Then was later asked about weakness I might have and how I have handled conflicts earlier. That's about it. It wasn't confrontational. Overall pleasant experience. Lets wait for the results. Read Less
India
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Feb 26, 2021 09:02
Status:
Interviewed on:
Mar 25, 2017
Final Decision:
Admitted
I ws interviwed by Christian Hansen. The interview was just like any other Typical interview.. Go th... Read More
I ws interviwed by Christian Hansen. The interview was just like any other Typical interview.. Go through esume, what do you do , ST and LT goals, Why MBA , Why Now, What companies are you looking for , Didi u talk to any current student etc etc. No curve balls or I got you!! questions . Just make sure ypu have prepared for the interview .. I prepared for 2 hours ( browsing website , talking with a current student etc) and my interview went fine .. All the best Read Less
User avatar
PGN
India
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Feb 26, 2021 09:02
Status:
Interviewed on:
Feb 12, 2017
Final Decision:
Admitted
I got a skype invitation after the video one. I chose Ashley for the discussion. It went on for arou... Read More
I got a skype invitation after the video one. I chose Ashley for the discussion. It went on for around 40-45 minutes where we touched upon multiple things such as my current role, how was my experience with previous employers, how will merage help, other schools and how would i chose and so on. There was no surprise elements, but I must say She came up with interesting questions. I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation. And now, waiting for the results. Read Less
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Feb 26, 2021 09:02
Status:
Interviewed on:
Nov 17, 2016
Final Decision:
Admitted
I had an interview last night on Skype (India Time 11:30 P.M.). The questions were asked from the se... Read More
I had an interview last night on Skype (India Time 11:30 P.M.). The questions were asked from the set of questions list. Christian Hansen was my interviewer; he was friendly and made me feel relax. I am quite excited about knowing the depth of the culture, and UC Irvine ecosystem from Christian. Now, I am waiting for the admission result outcome. Fingers crossed. Read Less
India
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Feb 26, 2021 09:02
Status:
On Campus
Interviewed on:
Nov 15, 2016
Final Decision:
Admitted
I had an in person interview and it went really well. It was with Christian Hansen who was extremely... Read More
I had an in person interview and it went really well. It was with Christian Hansen who was extremely welcoming and friendly. He had a set list of standard questions but it was really more of a conversation to build understanding both for him in terms of my vision and for me in terms of what the school has to offer. It was scheduled for 30 minutes and lasted about 45 because we had plenty to keep chatting about. Later that day I joined a current first year student for a class which was very insightful. She was able to give me a brief tour and introduce me to a number of classmates and faculty, all of whom were extremely warm and open. Merage truly has built a good culture and it is now even higher up on my list of consideration for attending. Read Less
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Feb 26, 2021 09:02
Status:
Interviewed on:
Feb 10, 2016
Final Decision:
Interviewed
If its the video interview with recorded questions interview on kira talent platform, that you are t... Read More
If its the video interview with recorded questions interview on kira talent platform, that you are talking about, I gave it couple of weeks ago. There were 3 questions. The questions were pretty normal and non-standard. My internet connection got AWOL while I was on 3rd question so when I connected back, I got a new question. Q1- If we talk to your colleagues , what all would we get to know about your strengths and weaknesses? Q2- What is the most challenging aspect of managing a team? Q3- Who is your most favorite innovator and why?(Discarded due to net connection) Q4- In your line of work when did you provide an innovative solution to a problem?(Might come re-phrased) But most probably, since these are non-standard questions, you might not get any of these. In any case, the questions wont be nothing you wont be able to imagine an answer to, in 30 seconds. All the best :) Read Less

Merage MBA Employment Report

Full-time graduates:
Full-time graduates known to be seeking employment:
Full-time graduates employed at graduation:
%
Full-time graduates employed three months after graduation:
%
Average base salary:
Average signing bonus:
Consulting (3.6%)
Finance: Diversified Financial Services (14.3%)
Technology(32.1%)
Retail: E-commerce (3.6%)
Healthcare/Pharmaceuticals (7.1%)
Consumer Packaged Goods (10.7%)
Energy (7.1%)
Manufacturing (10.7%)

Merage Recommendation Questions

Full Merage Recommendation Form
Briefly, how long have you known the applicant, and in what capacity? (255 character limit) Please comment on the applicant’s managerial and leadership skills. What do you see as the applicant’s strengths and areas for growth in this regard? [If included in optional attachment, enter “see attachment”.]

Do you feel graduate study is appropriate for the applicant at this time? Why? [If included in optional attachment, enter “see attachment”.]

How would you compare the applicant to his/her peer group? Describe the peer group to which you are referring (e.g., applicant’s peers, other candidates, other professionals)

Merage MBA Essay Questions

Essay 1 Applicants are required to provide a link to a 1 minute (60 second) video as part of their application. In your video, please introduce yourself to the admissions committee, telling us about your professional experience, including a brief overview of your short-term career goals and how an MBA from UCI’s Merage School will positively impact that direction.

Most applicants use websites such as YouTube, Vimeo, Dropbox, or Google Drive to upload their video essays. On all these platforms, be sure to mark the video as “Unlisted” rather than “Private”. Unlisted means only people with the link will be able to see it. Just click “Get Shareable Link” in your privacy settings and paste into the FTMBA application. If your video is listed as private, we will not be able to view it and your application processing will be delayed.

Essay 2 Our students enjoy a wide range of student-led organizations that provide opportunities for leadership development and personal fulfillment, as well as an outlet for contributing to society. Our student-led government, clubs, centers, and events are an integral part of the student experience and to the development of leaders. Based on your understanding of the UCI Merage culture, what are 3 ways you expect to contribute? (500 words or less)

Optioonal Essay

Merage MBA Program Cost

Per Year
Tuition:
Req Fees:
Room and board, books, & miscellaneous expenses:
Avg Indebtness of FT students:
Graduates with Debt:
%

Merage YouTube Videos

More from YouTube

About Merage Moderator

Merage MBA Application Deadlines 2025

Official Merage Application
Submit by:
Interview Invite by:
Decision by:
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Sep 22, 2024 09:09
Status:
Online with Adcom
Interviewed on:
Feb 24, 2023
Final Decision:
Interviewed
I had submitted my application on the 1st feb deadline. Just gave my interview yesterday. It was wit... Read More
I had submitted my application on the 1st feb deadline. Just gave my interview yesterday. It was with Lindsay Haberman, She was quite friendly. The questions asked were: 1) Tell me about yourself and walk me through your resume 2) Why UCI 3) Short term goals 4) A situation when you had to face a difficult team mate 5) What is that is required for an MBA aspirant 6) What other schools have you applied to and what factor matters to you the most 7) Feedback The interview lasted for 30 min Read Less
India
FEMBA
Posted:   Apr 30, 2024 03:04
Status:
Online with Adcom
Interviewed on:
Apr 30, 2024
Final Decision:
Interviewed
I had a meeting with Christina Lampley, the head of their Flex MBA program. Interviewer was so incre... Read More
I had a meeting with Christina Lampley, the head of their Flex MBA program. Interviewer was so incredibly kind and the focus on the interview was conversational and very pleasant. Questions included the following: 1. Walk me through your resume 2. Why Merage and why an MBA? 3. Can you give me an example of your ability to celebrate/showcase diversity? 4. If you had to pick the 3 ideal characteristics of a successful team, what would they be? She then took a brief interruption to answer any questions I had before coming back in for a couple more perfunctory questions before wrapping the interview up. Interview was intentionally conversational and she was a lovely person to speak to! Read Less
User avatar
Posted Privately
United States
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Apr 8, 2024 04:04
Status:
Online with Adcom
Interviewed on:
Apr 8, 2024
Final Decision:
Interviewed
1. Tell me about Yourself 2. Why the school? 3. Other schools I’m applying to and what factors I c... Read More
1. Tell me about Yourself 2. Why the school? 3. Other schools I’m applying to and what factors I consider when deciding? 4. Specific feedback/criticism I got at work, how I resolved and lessons learned 5. A time I led collaboration/team work 6. How I will be an authentic member of the community 7. Do I have other companies i’m considering asides the one mentioned Read Less
Nigeria
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Jan 15, 2023 03:01
Status:
Online
Interviewed on:
Jan 12, 2023
Final Decision:
Interviewed
It was on expected lines. I was interviewed by Lindsay Haberman. 1. Walk me through your resume. 2. ... Read More
It was on expected lines. I was interviewed by Lindsay Haberman. 1. Walk me through your resume. 2. Why MBA 3. Why Merage 4. Leadership 5. Feedback received from supervisor Read Less
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Feb 26, 2021 09:02
Status:
Interviewed on:
Mar 28, 2017
Final Decision:
Admitted
My interview was with Jon Kaplan. Mostly straight forward questions. - Walk me through your resume -... Read More
My interview was with Jon Kaplan. Mostly straight forward questions. - Walk me through your resume - Why MBA, why now? Short-term, long term goals. - Why Merage? Then was later asked about weakness I might have and how I have handled conflicts earlier. That's about it. It wasn't confrontational. Overall pleasant experience. Lets wait for the results. Read Less
India
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Feb 26, 2021 09:02
Status:
Interviewed on:
Mar 25, 2017
Final Decision:
Admitted
I ws interviwed by Christian Hansen. The interview was just like any other Typical interview.. Go th... Read More
I ws interviwed by Christian Hansen. The interview was just like any other Typical interview.. Go through esume, what do you do , ST and LT goals, Why MBA , Why Now, What companies are you looking for , Didi u talk to any current student etc etc. No curve balls or I got you!! questions . Just make sure ypu have prepared for the interview .. I prepared for 2 hours ( browsing website , talking with a current student etc) and my interview went fine .. All the best Read Less
User avatar
PGN
India
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Feb 26, 2021 09:02
Status:
Interviewed on:
Feb 12, 2017
Final Decision:
Admitted
I got a skype invitation after the video one. I chose Ashley for the discussion. It went on for arou... Read More
I got a skype invitation after the video one. I chose Ashley for the discussion. It went on for around 40-45 minutes where we touched upon multiple things such as my current role, how was my experience with previous employers, how will merage help, other schools and how would i chose and so on. There was no surprise elements, but I must say She came up with interesting questions. I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation. And now, waiting for the results. Read Less
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Feb 26, 2021 09:02
Status:
Interviewed on:
Nov 17, 2016
Final Decision:
Admitted
I had an interview last night on Skype (India Time 11:30 P.M.). The questions were asked from the se... Read More
I had an interview last night on Skype (India Time 11:30 P.M.). The questions were asked from the set of questions list. Christian Hansen was my interviewer; he was friendly and made me feel relax. I am quite excited about knowing the depth of the culture, and UC Irvine ecosystem from Christian. Now, I am waiting for the admission result outcome. Fingers crossed. Read Less
India
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Feb 26, 2021 09:02
Status:
On Campus
Interviewed on:
Nov 15, 2016
Final Decision:
Admitted
I had an in person interview and it went really well. It was with Christian Hansen who was extremely... Read More
I had an in person interview and it went really well. It was with Christian Hansen who was extremely welcoming and friendly. He had a set list of standard questions but it was really more of a conversation to build understanding both for him in terms of my vision and for me in terms of what the school has to offer. It was scheduled for 30 minutes and lasted about 45 because we had plenty to keep chatting about. Later that day I joined a current first year student for a class which was very insightful. She was able to give me a brief tour and introduce me to a number of classmates and faculty, all of whom were extremely warm and open. Merage truly has built a good culture and it is now even higher up on my list of consideration for attending. Read Less
Full Time MBA
Posted:   Feb 26, 2021 09:02
Status:
Interviewed on:
Feb 10, 2016
Final Decision:
Interviewed
If its the video interview with recorded questions interview on kira talent platform, that you are t... Read More
If its the video interview with recorded questions interview on kira talent platform, that you are talking about, I gave it couple of weeks ago. There were 3 questions. The questions were pretty normal and non-standard. My internet connection got AWOL while I was on 3rd question so when I connected back, I got a new question. Q1- If we talk to your colleagues , what all would we get to know about your strengths and weaknesses? Q2- What is the most challenging aspect of managing a team? Q3- Who is your most favorite innovator and why?(Discarded due to net connection) Q4- In your line of work when did you provide an innovative solution to a problem?(Might come re-phrased) But most probably, since these are non-standard questions, you might not get any of these. In any case, the questions wont be nothing you wont be able to imagine an answer to, in 30 seconds. All the best :) Read Less

Merage MBA Essay Questions

Essay 1 Applicants are required to provide a link to a 1 minute (60 second) video as part of their application. In your video, please introduce yourself to the admissions committee, telling us about your professional experience, including a brief overview of your short-term career goals and how an MBA from UCI’s Merage School will positively impact that direction.

Most applicants use websites such as YouTube, Vimeo, Dropbox, or Google Drive to upload their video essays. On all these platforms, be sure to mark the video as “Unlisted” rather than “Private”. Unlisted means only people with the link will be able to see it. Just click “Get Shareable Link” in your privacy settings and paste into the FTMBA application. If your video is listed as private, we will not be able to view it and your application processing will be delayed.

Essay 2 Our students enjoy a wide range of student-led organizations that provide opportunities for leadership development and personal fulfillment, as well as an outlet for contributing to society. Our student-led government, clubs, centers, and events are an integral part of the student experience and to the development of leaders. Based on your understanding of the UCI Merage culture, what are 3 ways you expect to contribute? (500 words or less)

Optioonal Essay

Merage Recommendation Questions

Full Merage Recommendation Form
Briefly, how long have you known the applicant, and in what capacity? (255 character limit) Please comment on the applicant’s managerial and leadership skills. What do you see as the applicant’s strengths and areas for growth in this regard? [If included in optional attachment, enter “see attachment”.]

Do you feel graduate study is appropriate for the applicant at this time? Why? [If included in optional attachment, enter “see attachment”.]

How would you compare the applicant to his/her peer group? Describe the peer group to which you are referring (e.g., applicant’s peers, other candidates, other professionals)

FAQ

What GMAT score do I need for Merage?

The average GMAT score for Merage is around 660 (Classic) / 605 (Focus Equivalent) for the latest incoming class. As score is just one component of the application it does not mean that you can get in with 740 and someone will get dinged with 700.
Here is what you can use as a guide:
1) Are you from an over-represented demography? If yes, add 30 points to the average to arrive at a competitive score for your peer group.
2) Are you from a unique background or disadvantaged group such as a refugee or first-time college grad? You can subtract 30 points from the average and still get in.

What is the average GRE score for Merage?

Merage average GRE score for the latest incoming class is 320. The dynamics for most schools with GRE admissions is that a great profile with a lower-caliber GRE score seems to be acceptable but a below average profile will usually not be able to get in with above-average GRE score. As the result, the average GRE score may look very tenable but it may not result into an Admit. This is just an average score and schools admit a spectrum of applicants.

Does Merage accept without GRE or GMAT?

GMAT/GRE waiver requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis for those who have 2+ years of full-time professional work experience and a strong record of academic performance as an undergraduate or masters student. Other criteria that can strengthen your case for GMAT/GRE waiver eligibility: -An advanced degree (Graduate or professional degree) -Professional certifications with a quantitative focus (CPA, CFA, or other certification) -Strong performance in previous analytical or quantitative coursework -U.S military personnel

What GPA do you need to get into Merage?

Merage average GPA is 3.46 note that the GPA is only calculated for the domestic US applicants and international GPA equivalents are not converted or included in this average. As the result, there is more leeway for international applicants as their GPA does not impact school's average but keep in mind that GPA's vary based on the prestige of the institution and rigor of the program attended. If your GPA is below 3.4 but is competitive for your program or background, you should address and explain this fact in the optional comments/essay available in the application specifically specifically for this purpose.

When is Merage MBA program application deadline?

Merage has 4 application deadlines:
Round 1 is November 1, 2024
Round 2 is January 15, 2025
Round 3 is March 1, 2025 (Final deadline for international applicants)
Round 4 is May 1, 2025 (Domestic candidates only) Round 1 is best for admissions and scholarships. Round 2 tends to be the most competitive. Round 3 is not for friendly for most applicants and has the least chances of financial aid.

How long is the FT MBA program at Merage?

Merage Full Time MBA program is 24 months long.

Does Merage have a Part Time MBA program?

In addition to Full Time MBA program, Merage also has A competitive Executive MBA and Flex MBA Programs

How much is Merage MBA tuition?

MBA is expensive! Merage MBA Program costs $50,593 per year. In addition, you will need an additional $37,873 per year for room and board (living expenses).

How many years of work experience do you need to get into Merage Business School?

Merage Requires at least 2 years of work experience for their Full Time MBA program. Two years is minimum and the recommended / ideal work experience is 5-6 years, which gives you more content for the application and is more likely to result into admission. More experience also offers a stronger resume and better chances for recruiting.
Keep in mind that having too much work experience such as 10 or more years, is often detrimental to your chances.

What is the starting salary for MBA from Merage?

Average starting salary for Merage is $122,201 per year. Many graduates report receiving a sign on bonus of $25,846 on average. In addition, many qualify for annual incentive, retention, or performance bonuses up to 20% of their annual pay.