Frequently Asked Questions
Mondana Hamniaz, Master of Science in Real Estate, Class of 2008 Application
- Where can I get an application to apply to the program?
- When is the application deadline?
- Are late applications considered?
- When will I be notified of a decision?
- Can I use the GRE for admissions?
- When should I start to pursue the GMAT?
- Can I take the GMAT after the application deadline?
- Which GMAT score should I report if I took the test more than once?
- If I took the GMAT/TOEFL/TWE in the past, how long will those scores be considered valid?
- What is the minimum GMAT score?
- What is the minimum GPA for acceptance in to the MSRE program?
- My e-mail and/or mailing/contact information have changed since I applied. How can I update this information?
- Can I request an interview with an admissions representative?
- How will I know if my application has been received?
- Will my application be considered in the current round if it is not complete?
Admissions:
- What are the requirements for admissions?
- Do you have spring admission?
- What are the most important criteria for admissions?
- Can I take MSRE courses without being an admitted student?
- Can I apply to other USD graduate programs and the MSRE in the same year, or move from one program to another?
- Can I waive a course in the first year of the program?
- Are transfer credits accepted?
- What is your deferral policy?
- When will MSRE be hosting general information sessions?
- What is the breakdown for tuition and fees?
Programs and Procedures:
- What is a cohort-based program?
- How long is the program?
- Is the MSRE program part-time?
- What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
- How many students will be admitted each year and what is the average size of the classes?
- How many classes will be offered each semester?
- Do I have to take all the core classes in one semester?
Financial Aid and Scholarships:
- Does USD offer scholarships/ fellowships? How do I apply for one?
- What are the qualifications to receive Financial Aid if offered?
- When should I start to pursue student loans?
Experience and Background:
- I am still an undergraduate student. How long do I need to work before applying?
- Does my undergraduate degree need to be in business?
- Does my work experience need to be in business?
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Answers
- Where can I get an application to apply to the program?
Our application is online. We no longer accept hard copy applications.
- When is the application deadline?
For first priority consideration all application materials must be submitted by March 13, 2009. Second priority round deadline is June 5, 2009.
- Are late applications considered?
Yes, late applications are considered on a space-available basis.
- When will I be notified of a decision?
First round applicants will be notified of the admissions decision by May 1, 2009.
- Can I use the GRE for admissions?
No, the GMAT is required for admissions.
- When should I start to pursue the GMAT?
Take the GMAT as soon as you are prepared. The Web site for a preparation course offered by USD is: www.sandiego.edu/testprep. The following is the GMAT Web site: www.mba.com/mba/TaketheGMAT.
- Can I take the GMAT after the application deadline?
No, the GMAT must be completed before March 13, 2009 for first round applicants.
- Which GMAT score should I report if I took the test more than once?
All of your scores should be reported and we will consider your best score.
- If I took the GMAT/TOEFL/TWE in the past, how long will those scores be considered valid?
GMAT scores are valid for five (5) years. TOEFL/TWE scores are valid for two (2) years.
- What is the minimum GMAT score?
550 is the minimum on the GMAT.
- What is the minimum GPA for acceptance in to the MSRE program?
Minimum 3.00 GPA (on a 4.00 scale) on the equivalent of the last 60 semester hours.
- My e-mail and/or mailing/contact information have changed since I applied. How can I update this information?
Please submit changes to your application in writing to MSRE Admissions, Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate, USD, 5998 Alcalá Park, San Diego, CA 92110 or by e-mail to realestate@sandiego.edu.
- Can I request an interview with an admissions representative?
An invitation to interview will be offered to select candidates after a complete review of the online application. The decision to grant an interview is at the discretion of the admissions committee and may not be arranged by the candidate. A committee comprised of alumni, staff, and faculty conduct interviews. All interviews are conducted in English regardless of the interviewer's or applicant's native language..
- How will I know if my application has been received?
We will notify you via e-mail when we have received your application and we will also inform you if you are missing any application materials prior to the deadline.
- Will my application be considered in the current round if it is not complete?
No, all application materials must be submitted by 5:00 PM PST on March 13, 2009.
- What are the requirements for admissions?
In order to apply for admissions in the MSRE program, applicants need the following:
- Completed application form
- College/university degree transcripts (officially sealed) with minimum of 3.00 GPA (on a 4.00 scale) on the equivalent of the last 60 semester hours
- GMAT score with a minimum of 550 taken within five (5) years
- Three (3) recommendation forms: at least one academic and one professional preferred
- Statement of interest in a real estate career (no longer than 500 words)
- Resumé showing two (2) years of relevant work experience
- Application Fee of $45.00
- Completed application form
- Do you have spring admission?
No, this is a cohort-based program beginning only in the fall semester.
- What are the most important criteria for admissions?
Each individual’s academic and professional background will be comprehensively reviewed and considered. No one criterion is more important than another for admission.
- Can I take MSRE courses without being an admitted student?
No, only MSRE students are allowed to enroll in MSRE courses.
- Can I apply to other USD graduate programs and the MSRE in the same year, or move from one program to another?
Yes, based on your qualifications and the application process of the other programs.
- Can I waive a course in the first year of the program?
There is some possibility for courses to be waived if the courses are similar but it will be at the discretion of the faculty member for the individual course on a case-by-case basis.
- Are transfer credits accepted?
Transfer credits will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- What is your deferral policy?
Candidates should submit applications only for the year they plan to enter the MSRE program. Postponements and deferrals will be considered only on a case-by-case basis.
- When will MSRE be hosting general information sessions?
Information sessions will be held on campus one time each semester. Please check our Web site “events” section to confirm date and time.
- What is the breakdown for tuition and fees?
- Application fee of $45.00, which is non-refundable.
- The 2008-2009 tuition is $1130/unit. You will be taking 32 units. The tuition for the 2009-2010 school year is expected to increase.
- Graduate student association fee of $25.00 (subject to change).
- Application fee of $45.00, which is non-refundable.
- What is a cohort-based program?
A cohort-based program is designed so that the students begin and end the program together and are in the same classes throughout the program. This type of program builds strong networks and a feeling of camaraderie between students that often continues into their real estate careers.
- How long is the program
The full-time program is 11 months and the part-time program is 22 months.
- Is the MSRE program part-time?
Yes, we now have 10 part-time seats in the program.
- What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
University of San Diego’s average ratio is 15-1.
- How many students will be admitted each year and what is the average size of the classes?
There will be up to 30 students in each cohort.
- How many classes will be offered each semester?
Four to five classes are offered each term for full-time students while two to three classes are offered each term for part-time students. Classes may also be offered within the January intersession and during the summer session.
- Do I have to take all the core classes in one semester?
All core, specialized, and capstone courses will be integrated into the 11-month or 22-month program.
- Does USD offer scholarships/ fellowships? How do I apply for one?
Please see the Web site for information on scholarships available through the Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate and various trade associations. Last year, we granted a total of $20,000 in scholarships to graduate and undergraduate students. In addition, you will find information on graduate fellowships or assistantships, which are available through the USD MBA office.
- What are the qualifications to receive Financial Aid if offered?
Please log on to the Financial Aid office Web site at www.sandiego.edu/admissions/financialaid.
- When should I start to pursue student loans?
Please log on to the Financial Aid Web site www.sandiego.edu/admissions/financialaid.
- I am still an undergraduate student. How long do I need to work before applying?
Students accepted into the program will have a minimum of two years of relevant work experience. Some exceptions may be made for undergraduates who have had significant exposure to the real estate industry while they were completing their undergraduate degree program. These determinations on work experience relevancy will be made on a case-by-case basis.
- Does my undergraduate degree need to be in business?
It is preferred but not mandatory for you to have a business or economics undergraduate degree. However, to aid your success in our program, you will need to have taken a basic business financial course.
- Does my work experience need to be in business?
Yes, you need to have two years of relevant work experience, however exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.