From the Admissions Office
January 23, 2008

Researching and applying to business school can be a time-consuming process. As you’re making this decision, it’s also important to think about how you’re going to finance your MBA. While many schools offer scholarships and other financial support, for most students business school is a significant financial investment. Here are a few tips to help you get a head start on the financial aid process:

• Check your credit report — You don’t want any surprises when you begin the loan application process, so it’s important to know in advance where you stand with the credit rating agencies. The Federal Trade Commission encourages everyone to request a free credit report once a year to fight identity theft and stay on top of your finances.
• Research federal and private loan options — There are a lot of different loan programs, so it’s important to find the one that offers the best rates and is the best fit for you. If you have additional questions about financial aid options, please visit our web site. 
• Plan ahead — If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, it’s best to file your Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as you have your tax information. It may take up to a month for the application to be processed and the information to be sent to your school. You’ll also need to keep a copy of your 2007 tax return to submit to the financial aid office if you’re applying for federal loans.
• Research scholarships and industry-specific programs — There are several scholarship search engines that will help you find organizations that may help you fund your MBA. If you’re planning to work in nonprofit or public management after graduation, Yale SOM provides a generous loan forgiveness program.

We hope this information is helpful. Next month we will discuss the topic of admissions interviews.

Admissions Office
Yale School of Management
135 Prospect Street
Box 208200
New Haven, CT 06520-8200
203.432.5635, Admissions Office
203.432.6380, Visitor Center
fax 203.432.7004 
mba.admissions@yale.edu