We know you have innumerable questions about the WBB program. Below, you will find answers to the most common questions we have heard. If there is anything you’re still unsure about, please leave us a comment! We will be happy to answer any additional question you may have.
1. Why should I choose WBB?
Besides the fact that we will get 3 degrees instead of one and will get access to the alumni networks of all three schools, what makes this program significantly different from simply doing a lot of study abroad programs to these schools?
In general, what you suggest is not possible. Doing one semester abroad is feasible. Doing two semesters abroad can become tricky in terms of fulfilling all the degree requirements at your home institution. Doing more than two semesters abroad typically is not feasible. There is also a big difference in spending 3-4 months in a location versus 9-10 months or more in a location, and there are differences in what campus resources are available to you as an exchange student versus an enrolled student. There is a difference in being a member of a cohort of 45 students who know one another and for some of whom each location is "home" versus being an exchange student and arriving at a new location with few or no contacts or local knowledge. The differences run deeper than this, but these are a few of the obvious and significant ones.
Will we be able to pursue a double major or minor?
Academic exploration is encouraged, but completing an additional degree requirement may require additional matriculation time. As a WBB student, Prof. Callahan and advisors will work with you to identify the best means of satisfying your academic aspirations. However, we can't promise that your goals can be accomplished within four-years.
So, one year in each university, and then I get to choose one of the three for my final year. How much will all this cost?
Administrators can provide student-specific information approximately one week after you have completed the financial aid application and turned in all required documentation. The four-year cost of attendance in the WBB Program is approximately USD $175,000 to USD $185,000 depending on where you study in year four.
Are there different concentrations we can take within the WBB, or is there a predetermined "WBB path"?
There are not defined concentrations, but there is an opportunity to choose an area of emphasis via the choice of free electives later in the program.
Are we required to learn Chinese and Italian to graduate?
Language requirements are part of the degree requirements for HKUST and Bocconi. HKUST has a Chinese language requirement. It is part of the curriculum and based on your proficiency level. There are Chinese classes for both beginners and advanced speakers. Academic advisors will help you select the appropriate class. Bocconi has an Italian language requirement for non-native speakers or an EU language requirement for those already fluent. Academic advisors will work out an appropriate program in consultation with each student.
What if I also want to learn other languages?
Again, academic exploration is encouraged and the universities offer all types of language courses. At USC, you can take a 2-unit language class as an elective (2-unit classes are usually introductory or elementary level) choosing from here http://classes.usc.edu/term-20143/ . At HKUST, having no limit on the number of classes you can take, you have the option to attend as many additional language courses as you wish - take a look at them here http://publish.ust.hk/SISCourseCat/ShowUGCourseList.aspx?Subject=LANG&WebSite=Production . Bocconi also offers language classes that you can check out here http://didattica.unibocconi.eu/ts/tsn_ord_alf.php?anno=2015 .
Are the WBB program and USC’s Global Leadership Program the same?
No, the WBB program and the Global Leadership Program are different.
The World Bachelor in Business program is a 4 year program open to prospective freshmen, in which upon graduation, you will receive three degrees, one from each university. Students interested in applying to the WBB program through USC need to complete the following four components: the Common Application, the USC supplement, the writing prompt specific to the WBB, and the LikeLive video interview. Directions on how to submit these components can be found on the Common Application USC Supplement.
The USC Global Leadership Program is open by invitation to select first-year students in each incoming class. During spring break, Marshall freshman travel to China to meet executives from regional and international companies.
If you would like more information, please contact the USC Marshall School of Business Undergraduate Admissions Office at (213) 740-8885.
2. Cool. How do I apply?
When I apply to the WBB program at one of the three universities, do I need to apply separately to the other two?
No, you do not need to apply separately to the other universities. WBB allows applicants to choose among the three universities where they may submit an online application. Applicants may submit an online application to any one of the three schools (USC, HKUST, or Bocconi), but no more than one. All applications will be pooled for evaluation by a committee representing the three universities, so multiple applications will be voided.
Will I have a better chance of getting into the WBB program if I apply to a certain university?
Applying via a particular university has no impact on chances for admission to the WBB program. Applicants are advised to submit their application to the university where they want to be considered for the other degree programs. Applying to the WBB will not influence admission chances to any of the three individual universities or to other programs of interest.
