Prospective Students
Welcome! We are thrilled you are considering Berkeley Haas! Q@Haas is here as a resource for you before, while, and (hopefully) after you apply. If you have questions not addressed in the below video and FAQ, please email Manas, our VP of Admissions, and he can help connect you with the Q@Haasie best positioned to help you out. Good luck with your application and we hope to meet you on campus!
Admissions Webinar
Ben, our former VP of Communications, dragged Flor, Colin, and Cori to the admissions office to give you a taste of Q life at Haas and to answer questions from prospective students on the line. If you've got some time, check it out - we ended up having a lot of fun! You won't want to miss learning which one of us chose Haas because of the squirrels...
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some answers to questions that our LGBTQ applicants often have. For more general application questions, check out the MBA Admissions FAQ or email one of our eight Haas Student Ambassadors, some of whom identify as LGBTQ!
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What is Haas' stance on diversity?
Diversity is a strength of the Berkeley MBA program, and Haas believes that the diversity of our program should mirror the global makeup of today's business world; in fact, Haas students represent more than 40 countries! Our community also includes students from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, religious affiliations, and sexual orientations.
Haas is has many formal resources to support diversity and inclusion, including our own full-time Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and a dedicated Vice President role in our student government. You can learn more about diversity at Haas here.
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Should I be "out" in my application?
The Berkeley Haas application asks you directly if you identify as LGBTQ, but responding that question is completely optional. Q@Haas uses this application data to welcome you to Haas after you're admitted, so please let us know if you don't check the box but still want to get involved with Q@Haas!
When it comes to the application essays, we encourage you to be yourself, and that may or may not include references to your sexual orientation or gender identity. Our admissions team just wants to get to know the real you. Haas is an open, inclusive, and affirming community, where the experiences and perspectives of all people are valued, so you should have no concern that being out in your application would negatively influence your candidacy. Of course, being out is a personal choice, and you should do whatever makes you most comfortable.
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If I am out in my application, do I need to be out to the Haas community?
No. You can always opt out of Q@Haas, or remain in the club and identify as an ally. That said, some students not out prior to starting Haas have found the environment so supportive that they choose to come out during their time here. But if you aren't comfortable with that, no worries. We're always here if you want to chat confidentially - we've all been where you are.
Are there admissions events specifically for LGBTQ applicants?
Yes! For information about our on-campus Diversity Symposium and other diversity events, please click here. If you're an admitted student, look out for an email from us about Q@Haas welcome activities during Days at Haas (our admitted students weekend).
As a prospective student, how can I learn more about being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender at Haas and at UC Berkeley?
We'd love to hear from you! Please reach out to our Q@Haas Co-VP of Admissions, Manas, who can either answer your questions directly or put you in touch with someone who can.
You can also learn more about resources for LGBTQ students at Berkeley through the Queer at Berkeley portal site and the Gender Equity Resource Center.
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