Enrollment: 682
Average GMAT: 681.00
GMAT Range (25-75%): 640-720
Average Undergrad GPA: 3.42
Rolling Admission: No
School Type: Private
Average Age: 27.00
Average Work Experience (months): 47

Part Time Program: No
Evening Program: Yes
Executive MBA Program Offered: Yes
Total Faculty: 111

Average Starting Salary: $90,775.00
Hired Consulting: 12%
Hired Finance: 39%
Hired Operations: 5%
Hired Marketing: 29%

In-State Tuition: $40,500.00
Financial Aid Deadline: 07/07

2010 Entrepreneurial Programs: Business Schools

Students Say - Academics
Offering the unbeatable combination of a strong reputation, small class sizes, and a dedicated and talented teaching staff, students at Washington University's Olin School of Business say theirs is the "best and most recognized business school in St. Louis." Get ready to hit the ground running: "Since the MBA program is front loaded with many classes," the first semester can be "very challenging." In fact, during the first semester, students complete all but two required core courses, which comprise a third of the required units for the MBA. After that, students can take advantage of the flexible curriculum to tailor their studies through ample elective course work, including a "strong program in international business and brand management."
Despite the "grueling schedule which doesn't seem to let up," Olin's decidedly "collaborative atmosphere" and consistently small class sizes make the experience both manageable and intimate. At Olin, students have "the ability to truly learn and get involved in the learning process, both from fellow classmates and the professors." As one current student explains, "After completing each class I can truly say that I have learned something new and useful, which makes the grueling schedule bearable." A diverse and talented faculty, Olin professors "each bring a unique perspective and personality to the classroom," teaching material that is "contemporary and relevant to the business world." Boasting a student body that is "hardworking, competitive, driven, and opinionated," fellow students play a very large role in the Washington University experience, especially in the beginning of the program. Employing a cohort study system, "The first semester is based largely on loads of group work with a pre-selected group of four to five students." These groups are selected by the administration to ensure a diversity of background and experience amongst team members, which most students find extremely edifying. At this small, private school "The entire program is very student-centered," and the "administration is extremely open to student suggestions." Program administrators even handle all the red tape, "taking pressure off students for items like financial aid, course selection, or other issues that may take away from time that can be used for course work." Even in the classroom student concerns are taken seriously, and "Teachers issue evaluation forms every 6 weeks so that they can adapt teaching styles midway through their courses if students feel it is needed."

Students Say - Admissions
Olin looks for self-directed, disciplined professionals who will be highly involved in the MBA community as demonstrated by their academic proficiency, leadership potential, communication skills, and history of participation in extracurricular activities. To apply to Olin, students must submit a completed application form (which includes several essays and a resume), official transcripts from college, two letters of recommendation, GMAT scores, and, for international students, TOEFL scores. Though there are no official minimums for entry into the program, last year's incoming class had an average GMAT score of 681 and an average GPA of 3.42. There is also no minimum work requirement, though the average work experience for students in last year's entering class was 4 years.

Students Say - Campus Life
With a student body that is "friendly, eager to learn and approachable," it's easy to fit in at the Olin School of Business. A current student raves: "They're a great bunch, whether in class, in our cohort groups, or relaxing at the bar!" Despite the challenging course material, the average Olin student "works hard but realizes that every sane and normal person should put the books aside for a while to have some fun." A first-year student explains, "You could study here 24/7 if you wanted to but most students are able to find a nice balance." On weekends, business students enjoy a weekly get-together with free food and a keg, thanks to the school-sponsored "Friday Afternoon Clubs."
On campus, the environment is both pleasant and stimulating, as "The facilities are top-notch, and the school is always buzzing with activity, from conferences to club meetings." As one current student explains, "Our day actually starts when we get out of class as we meet with our groups, go to speaker events, company info sessions, club events, work on practicum projects, and much more." Located next to Forest Park in the center of St. Louis, Missouri, "There are tons of restaurants and bars very close by, and housing is VERY affordable in the area."

Students Say - Careers
At Olin, the focus on career planning and placement begins in the first semester, during which all first-year students must take a course entitled Olin's Professional Development Program, which helps refine their career goals through expert panels, self-assessments, and instruction in "soft skills" like emotional intelligence. Thereafter, the Weston Career Center offers a host of resources, including an alumni and corporate database, advising by professional career counselors, skill-building activities, and workshops on topics such as interviews, evaluating offers, and cover letter and resume editing. Some feel "The school could bring more recruiters to campus" but appreciate the fact that "alumni are always happy to help and the Career Center does an excellent job making sure that [students] are positioned to talk to recruiters even if [they] have to go to their city." In 2008, graduates from Washington University received a median base salary of $90,775, with an average signing bonus of $18,745. Over half of students (53 percent) took positions in the Midwest. Jobs in financial services, consumer products, and manufacturing drew the most students, at 21 percent, 15 percent, and 14 percent respectively. Top employers included IBM, Johnson & Johnson, AT&T, General Mills, Merrill Lynch, and Samsung.

Emory University
Georgetown University

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