FAQ’s – IMBA
Language Proficiency
1. What is the OPI?
The OPI is the oral proficiency interview that is required as part of the admissions process to the IMBA program. It is a 30 minute phone interview. The evaluation is conducted by an American Council of Teaching Foreign Languages (ACTFL) instructor.
2. What does Intermediate High mean?
Intermediate High speakers are able to converse with ease and confidence when dealing with routine tasks and social situations. They are able to successfully handle uncomplicated tasks and social situations requiring an exchange of basic conversation. These speakers can generally be understood by native speakers unaccustomed to dealing with non-natives, although interference from another language may be evident (e.g., use of code-switching, false cognates, literal translations), and a pattern of gaps in communication may occur. [Source: ACTFL]
3. How can I prepare for the OPI?
Many students feel a little nervous about their spoken language skills if they have been out of practice. Before your OPI you may wish to take a course, try a language exchange, join a conversation group or read aloud to yourself to get used to speaking again.
4. What happens if I don’t pass the OPI?
If you are unsuccessful it is possible to schedule another attempt. If this second attempt is unsuccessful then your application may be considered for the MBA program.
5. Which languages are acceptable for the IMBA?
Any language that can be tested by the American Council of Teaching Foreign Languages (ACTFL) can be considered for the IMBA. The language should be one of the business languages in the region in which you choose to pursue a work term. Examples include French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish and English (for students from abroad). For a complete list, please review the ACTFL website.
IMBA Class of 2014 Profile
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26 Average Age
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660 Average GMAT
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B Average GPA
IMBA Class of 2014 Profile
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2 yrs Average Work Experience
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6:4 Male:Female Ratio
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52% International Students
Delivery Method
1.Is the IMBA program offered online? Unfortunately, distance-education is not offered.
2.Is the IMBA offered part-time? Are there plans to offer the program part-time?
The IMBA program is only offered in a full-time format. At this point there are no plans to offer the program part-time.
Specializations
1. Can I specialize in the Schulich IMBA?
Yes. In the second year of your IMBA, you can choose to specialize in one of our 18 different areas of specialization in addition to a specialization in International Business.
2. How do I pick a specialization? What are the admissions requirements?
You do not have to pick a specialization until you have completed all of the year 1 IMBA core courses. When you start the second year (third term) of the IMBA program, you can declare your specialization.
Regardless of which area of specialization you choose to pursue, all of the IMBA admissions requirements are the same. You are applying to the IMBA, not to the specialization.
3. Do I have to pick a specialization?
No, it is not required for Schulich students to choose a specialization.