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Since 1988, the Pre-MBA program has aimed to prepare international students for admission and successful study in competitive American MBA programs.
In this program, students will:
- “Polish” their communication and debate skills
- Improve their business presentation skills
- Prepare to take the GMAT or GRE exam
- Learn how to analyze business case studies and to present and defend their ideas
- Develop a business plan
- And more!
By developing these skills, Pre-MBA students are more prepared to succeed in their future MBA program! Pre-MBA courses are available online or on campus.
Program Overview
Our Pre-MBA program helps international students to be admitted to U.S. graduate programs by offering the following services:
- GMAT preparation
- Admissions interview training
- GMAT and application essay writing development
- Assistance in identifying MBA programs that match your professional goals and academic profile
- Cooperation with MBA programs that offer conditional admission.
To help ensure your success once you gain admissions, our Pre-MBA program provides:
- Training in case study analysis
- Development of effective oral presentation and seminar intercultural communication skills
- Development of critical reading and writing skills required for MBA programs
- Exposure to economics, management, and finance vocabulary and concepts
- Workshops and lectures by entrepreneurs and MBA faculty
Workshops
Resume Writing Critical and Analytical Thinking
How to read the Wall Street Journal
Additional services
Two visits to area corporations
Personal counseling on MBA program choice
Application preparation and application essay revision
Letters of recommendation
Tutoring for GMAT or GRE
Admissions requirements
Pre-MBA students must all have high advanced levels of English, as measured by the ELI’s placement test.
Students who take the placement test and are placed below Level 6 will be expected to take courses within the Intensive English Program until they reach Level 6, at which time they can begin their Pre-MBA curriculum.
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Prepare to earn your MBA in the USA.
Pre-MBA Courses
Listening/Speaking
Advanced Business Case Studies
In this course, students focus on developing their academic English vocabulary and listening/speaking language proficiency skills as they discuss, analyze, synthesize, explain, report, and present case studies. The case study method is widely used for instruction in MBA programs, and this course offers students practice with the methodology using Harvard Business School Field Case Study materials.
Entrepreneurship and the Business Plan
With instructor guidance, students in this course work in teams to create a small business. Teams research, prepare and present a business plan with operational business and competitive and marketing strategies and a statement of cash flow. The Delaware Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides speakers for the class and online workshops on aspects of business planning. At the end of the course, the teams make a formal presentation of their plans and are questioned by the Director of the Delaware SBDC.
Reading/Writing
Reading and Writing for Graduate Programs
In this course, students develop their ability to read and write graduate-level texts. Each student conducts in-depth library research into a topic of interest in their graduate field of study and writes an analytical literature review. The course also includes a comprehensive review of academic written English grammar.
GMAT/GRE Preparation
Students develop their reading and writing skills and apply these skills for the purpose of meeting the admissions requirements of the MBA or other graduate programs. The course focuses on test taking strategies to score well on the GMAT, when English is the applicant’s second language, academic and business vocabulary, and analytical essay writing.
Upcoming Dates
Academic Year 2024
| Orientation dates | Semester dates |
|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | |
| August 21-23, 2024 | August 26 - December 13, 2024 |
Price
Academic Year 2023-2024
The following pricing is for each session of study (2 months):
| Item | In Person Price | Online Price |
| Tuition | $4,327 | $4,327 |
| Room and food (estimate) | 2,400 | — |
| Health insurance | 315 | — |
| Books (estimate) | 250 | 250 |
| Student Wellness fee | 176* | — |
| Total estimated fees (2 months) | $7,468 | $4,577 |
Notes about prices
- All prices are in U.S. dollars and are subject to change without notice.
- 2022-2023 prices are effective for each session attended from August 31, 2022.
- The Student Wellness fee is lower for Session 5 ($132) and Session 6 ($88).
- Important note about insurance: All students who are not sponsored by a governmental organization are now required to purchase the ELI’s health insurance plan. Students may not purchase their own insurance policy to replace the ELI’s plan. Health insurance fees are non-refundable.
Additional fees
Some additional fees may apply, including:
| Item | Description |
| Application fee: $100 |
|
| Express Mail fee: $65 |
|
| Airport Transfer fee: $100 – $200 |
|
| Late Orientation/Arrival fee: $100 |
|
| Late Housing fee: $100 |
|
| Late Payment fee: $50 |
|
Excursions and Cultural Activities
All on-campus ELI programs offer a variety of excursions and cultural activities. These activities are an important part of each student’s cultural experience while in the USA, and we encourage all of our students to attend. In addition, most activities are included in the price of the ELI program!
Excursions
Each session, we offer excursions to Washington, D.C. and to New York City. In addition, we often offer excursions to Baltimore, Philadelphia, Delaware Beaches, and to other local tourist attractions.
Cultural Activities
The ELI offers cultural activities during nearly every week of our programs. These activities include picnics, parties, sports days, trips to University sporting events, dances, ice skating, and more.
In addition, many ELI teachers sponsor special activities and clubs. For example, the ELI’s Student Academic Support Hub (The Hub) offers the ELI Book Club, where students can read and discuss literature.
Learn more about student activities >
Housing and Dining
Program participants are housed near campus at with a homestay host, at the Innternationale or in off-campus apartments. Each housing type includes access to a kitchen and/or is conveniently located near restaurants and cafes off and on campus.
There are several dining options for ELI students. Some students buy a university meal plan, while others will eat with their homestay families. Some students choose not to buy a meal plan and will instead cook their meals or purchase them in many cafes in the Newark area.
Ask a question about the Pre-MBA
Thank you for your interest in the Pre-MBA program! Please enter your question in the form below. We will respond to you within 1-2 business days.
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