Maricopa-ASU Pathways Program

W. P. Carey School of Business
Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is a MAPP?
    MAPP is an acronym for the Maricopa-ASU Pathways Program. As a student enrolled in the program, you will follow a prescribed sequence of classes (often referred to as your MAPP) at the community college to prepare for your desired degree at ASU. In the process of completing your MAPP, you will also complete the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC-B) and your associate degree (ABUS).
     
  2. Why should I follow a MAPP?
    There are several benefits. (1) The MAPP provides an efficient pathway whereby all courses transfer and apply to your specified ASU degree and major. (2) Additionally, students who complete all requirements for their MAPP (which include GPA requirements and standardized test scores) within three years of signing up are guaranteed admission in to the specified ASU program. (3) MAPP students who are Arizona residents receive a reduced tuition rate. (4) MAPP students may receive transfer advisement and other pre-enrollment services from ASU staff, even while they are at their community college. (5) MAPP students are eligible for specific scholarship programs.
     
  3. How do I get started on a MAPP?
    See your community college advisor for information and to sign up for the program. It is strongly suggested that you seek academic advisement each semester to ensure you are staying on track and completing the appropriate courses.
     
  4. What are the differences between the MAPPs for the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) through the W. P. Carey School of Business?
    As a W. P. Carey undergraduate student you can choose from two business degree programs, a B.S. or a B.A.:
    The Bachelor of Science degree combines rigorous academic course work in traditional business disciplines to prepare you for rewarding business careers and graduate studies. Students who pursue a B.S. degree can choose from among several majors: Accountancy, Computer Information Systems, Economics, Finance, Management, Marketing, Supply Chain Management.

    The Bachelor of Arts in Business is an innovative interdisciplinary program that combines a high-caliber business education with courses outside of the business school. The BA degree allows you to learn from top experts in the W. P. Carey School and in other areas of ASU. This education gives you a distinct edge by preparing you to apply business skills in a variety of careers. Students who pursue a B.A. degree can choose from one of several concentrations: Communication, Global Politics, Law, Sustainability, Tourism Management, Urban Policy.

    If you examine the B.A. and the B.S. MAPPs in business, you will notice that there are several important differences.

    • Admissions standards: The admission standards for the B.S. are higher than for the B.A. For example, the requirements for fall 2010-2011 are as follows:
      • B.S. Degree: Requires an SAT combined score of 1160 or higher, OR an ACT composite score of 25 or higher, OR a high school class ranking in the top 8 percent.
      • B.A. Degree: Requires SAT or ACT scores, but there are no cut-off scores.
      • Both the BA and BS degrees require a minimum transfer GPA of 3.0 or higher for admission.
    • Concentration and majors: There are different areas of concentration available for the B.A. and majors for the B.S.
    • Courses: There are different courses required for completion of the different degrees.

      It is recommended that students consult with an academic advisor if they cannot decide which degree to pursue.

  5. Why is the grade point average (GPA) requirement for admission so high?
    Students in the W. P. Carey School of Business receive a top-ranked business education taught by world-renowned faculty who pride themselves on excellent teaching and outstanding research productivity. The School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). As one of the top business programs in the country, the W. P. Carey School attracts the best and brightest students who are sought after by quality employers, thus admission standards are very high.
     
  6. What if I didn’t take the ACT or SAT in high school? What if I took these standardized tests but my scores were not strong?
    If you have never taken these tests, you can register for these exams and arrange to have your test scores sent to ASU.

    If you have previously taken these tests, you can arrange through their websites to have a copy of your scores sent to ASU. You may also retake the tests, as needed, to obtain higher scores.
     

  7. I heard that my community college and ASU calculate GPA differently. How can I know my cumulative transfer GPA?
    Because ASU computes GPAs differently than the Maricopa Community College District, of which your college is a part, admission to the W. P. Carey School of Business can only be granted after ASU calculates and certifies the GPA. Once each semester, ASU will provide your college with a report of your current cumulative transfer GPA, so that you and your advisor will know if you meet the business school’s GPA requirement.
     
  8. If I take all of the course work on the MAPP document, have I met all of the requirements for admission to the W. P. Carey School of Business?
    No. It is important to remember that a student must complete all MAPP requirements in order to be admitted. For example, the 2010-2011 MAPP requirements include completing all of the course work with a grade of “C” or better, achieving a cumulative transfer GPA of at least a 3.00, and submitting the required standardized test scores or class rank.
     
  9. Can I switch between the B.A. and the B.S. MAPPs in business?
    If you examine the B.A. and the B.S. MAPPs in business, you will notice that there are several important differences, which are addressed above. Students should determine as early as possible in their college career which program is right for their needs. Students may switch between the B.S. and B.A. MAPPs in business by consulting with their community college advisor. However, students should make every effort to decide on their appropriate major within their first year of study at a community college, so that they take the correct courses. There may be consequences to switching that need to be examined in consultation with an advisor.
     
  10. When do I select my major or area of concentration?
    Students must select a degree (B.S. or B.A.) in order to sign up for the MAPP. However, you will notice that there are several concentrations listed on a single Business B.A. MAPP. Since these concentrations share the same lower division preparation, you may select between the concentrations upon transfer to ASU. There are also several majors listed on a single Business B.S. MAPP. These majors share the same lower division preparation and you will select your specific major upon transferring to ASU. As mentioned earlier, students should make every effort to identify their degree program (B.S. or B.A.) within their first year of study at the community college.
     
  11. What happens if I want to switch my major to an area outside of business?
    There is a specific MAPP for various degrees and majors at ASU. If you change your major to one offered by an ASU school or college other than the W. P. Carey School of Business, you will need to reset your MAPP start date, which may affect your tuition cohort and three-year MAPP completion period.
     
  12. Can students take business courses at all four ASU campuses?
    The W. P. Carey School of Business offers a variety of undergraduate degrees at all four ASU campuses, making it convenient for you to enroll in one of our programs. Students may take course work at any campus, however, not all business courses are offered at each ASU campus. We recommend that you check with the W. P. Carey School for course section availability at each campus, each semester.
     
  13. Does guaranteed admission mean that I don’t have to apply?
    No, MAPP students are guaranteed admission to ASU and their specific ASU degree program only upon the completion of all requirements (e.g., course work, GPA, standardized test scores) and
    MAPP, W. P. Carey School of Business, Frequently Asked Questions, as of 8-12-10 Page 4 of 4
    verification of their MAPP. Though admission is guaranteed, you must submit an application to ASU and any necessary additional materials that your major may require.
     
  14. When should I start talking to someone at ASU?
    We recommend that you begin speaking with an ASU representative at least one year before attending ASU, although you can do so earlier if you choose. The admission process can take some time; in order to stay ahead of financial aid and enrollment priority dates it is suggested that students make contact with an ASU transfer representative at least one academic year before ASU enrollment.

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