7 Most Common Questions Students Ask when Applying to Thunderbird

In my four years as an enrollment advisor at Thunderbird, I've found that students seek answers to a whole variety of questions before they even start the application process. I understand! Choosing the right graduate program can be a daunting experience. Many prospective students don’t even feel they have a reliable road map to follow.

Let me help! I have compiled a list of answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you have a question that isn't addressed here, please feel free to email me directly at Sogol.Homayoun@thunderbird.asu.edu.

Thunderbird's Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

1. What exactly is a Master of Global Management (MGM) and how is it different than an MBA?

Our research shows that in the next 10+ years there is a need for specialized training. Thunderbird’s Master of Global Management’s secret sauce is that we treat you like diplomats and train you on global politics, economics, leadership and business from a global perspective. You are uniquely trained to help organizations cross-analyze global markets in industries of choice. We offer 5 specialized certificates if you would like to add a deeper concentration in a particular area of international business.

The MGM program is offered on campus, online or on weekends. If you want a taste of Thunderbird classes before going into a master's program then you must check out our new, free online courses! These courses can even be applied toward credits in our Online MGM.

2. What type of scholarships/financial assistance do you offer?

For qualified full-time students, Thunderbird offers merit-based and alumni referral scholarships, as well as fellowships for Returned Peace Corps Veterans. For students who come from under-represented countries that do not offer financial aid, we have the SHARE Fellowship (full scholarship). ASU offers more scholarships and fellowships for graduate students as well. Military students love us! We have designated advisors to help with military benefits at the ASU Pat Tillman Center and we offer a Thunderbird-exclusive veteran scholarships funded by a generous alumnus. After all, Thunderbird stems from military roots.

3. I'm an international student. How long does it take to get an I-20?

All international students that study in the United States need a Form I-20 to schedule their visa interview at their local U.S. consulate. ASU's International Students and Scholars Center requires students to complete a financial guarantee form and attach their scholarship or sponsorship letter along with a bank statement to obtain their I-20. It typically takes less than 2 weeks to process the form if all documents are in good standing.

4. What are the application deadlines?

Thunderbird provides ongoing admissions to prospective students. The sooner you apply the better for admission and scholarship consideration. Because deadlines vary for each program, visit our Graduate Degree Programs page and choose your program of interest to find application deadlines. Remember, Thunderbird has enrollment advisors like me to help you apply so take advantage of this free resource!

5. What are your TOEFL/IELTS requirements?

We set up our international students to not only enter Thunderbird but also successfully graduate. If your scores fall in this range—TOEFL: 80 - 99 / IELTS: 6.5 – 7.0 / PTE <68—you will be invited to take our Business English Communication courses 1-2 months before beginning your master's program so that are prepared to start the curriculum with firm training in Academic & Business Writing Skills, Business Presentation Skills, Critical Thinking through Case Studies & Reading Strategies, American Business & Cross-cultural Communications.

6. I am a Veteran. What options do I have?

Thunderbird School of Global Management was established by Lt. General Barton Kyle Yount in 1946 as an educational institution committed to preparing leaders who could bridge cultural gaps through ethical, culturally astute business practices. In his memory, and in recognition of your service, we offer US military applicants the following exclusive benefits:

• One-on-one enrollment and admissions counseling
• Application fee waiver
• Customized support services
• Military service scholarships/financial assistance

Thunderbird offers a scholarship opportunity in partnership with the Hinrich Foundation exclusively for military members. Additional scholarship and financing resources are available through the Pat Tillman Veterans Center.

7. What percentage of students are successful in obtaining an internship?

It depends on the student and his or her area of interest. Thunderbird is a professional program that offers a wide variety of applied learning, hands on projects that prepare you for international business. We have 5 different types of Applied Learning Projects that give students the opportunity to put classroom learnings into real-world practice. Internships are just one option available to our students to get real-world experience working for an international organization. Depending on your timeline for each option, you may or may not opt-in for the internship because you have a consulting gig or global field seminar that better aligns with your career goals. Millennials like options and we have them!

Can We Answer More Questions for You?

I hope these questions/answers have helped answer some of your pressing Thunderbird questions. As noted, our team of enrollment advisors are available to walk you through the information-gathering, application and admissions process, so you will always have a resource in us. I encourage you to contact an enrollment advisor at admissions.tbird@asu.edu or email me directly at Sogol.Homayoun@thunderbird.asu.edu.