Q&A: Gigi Gaul and Her Mission to Find Graduate Domestic Students

Being a graduate admissions representative is a challenging job that requires a tenacious personality to identify and recruit qualified students for growing graduate programs. 

Gigi Gaul, the College’s Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions, is aware of the need students have for finding the right graduate program to upskill or acquire new knowledge to make a career pivot. In a recent conversation with the Financial Aid Office, Gigi highlighted the uniqueness of her daily interactions with students and community partners. She’s thoughtful in her responses regarding what sets Goldey-Beacom College’s graduate program apart from peer institutions, especially for undergraduate students contemplating the 4+1 MBA program. In addition, her expertise on the MACP program will soothe any concerns a prospective student may have about enrolling in the College’s most distinctive graduate program. Gigi also divulges on a new way for prospective graduate students to “preview” their educational journey at Goldey-Beacom College with Grad Admissions Preview Days kicking off in the spring 2026 semester. These highlights demonstrate the Graduate Admissions Office’s commitment to connecting with students in 2026 and beyond. 

Gigi’s ability to connect with others is evident in her daily conversations with students and community partners who may be interested in learning about the College’s graduate programs. Her willingness to conduct far-reaching travel to meet the next generation of students is another example of her desire to help students achieve more with their educational needs. Most recently, Gigi completed a trip to Puerto Rico this past August. In our conversation, Gigi notes the rising popularity of online degrees for this population of students. 

The Financial Aid Office recently spoke with Gigi about her role at the College and what Graduate Domestic Admissions is planning for 2026. An edited version of the conversation follows.

Financial Aid Office: What’s your typical day like in graduate admissions?

Gigi Gaul: This is a great question – a typical day is never the same! When I’m not processing graduate student applications, I might be meeting with a prospective student to discuss the benefits of continuing their education or planning for an Admissions event or webinar. On some days, I travel locally to events in Delaware to share more about Goldey-Beacom College and attend graduate school fairs, where I may meet prospective students considering an online program or relocating to Delaware for one of GBC’s programs. No two days are the same, but that’s the fun part of working in Admissions!

How can a student apply to the graduate program at GBC?

It’s straightforward: visit Apply – Goldey-Beacom College. Submit your completed application, along with an official transcript showing your bachelor’s degree conferral. Requirements vary by program, so be sure to review the specific details for your chosen program. Beginning this spring, applications for business programs will be processed through BusinessCAS, a centralized application system used nationwide. BusinessCAS provides a streamlined experience that allows you to create an account, upload your transcripts and resume, and submit your application through a user-friendly platform.

What’s the admission criteria like for graduate admissions?

Admission requirements include conferral of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Depending on your program, there may be additional requirements; however, we do not require the GMAT or GRE for admission. I like to remind students not to let the GPA requirement discourage them from applying. Many applicants have taken the time to gain work experience before returning for a graduate degree, and that experience can enhance their learning experience in a graduate program. If you’re unsure about starting a complete program, consider beginning with a short-term certificate to explore graduate-level coursework and build confidence.

Explain the 4+1 program process. What makes GBC’s fifth-year MBA program unique?

This program provides a valuable opportunity to complete two graduate-level courses while completing your undergraduate degree. As a senior, you can substitute two undergraduate classes with two graduate courses. Since all MBA and MS programs require 12 courses, completing two early means you’ll have 10 remaining that can be completed in one more year. Even better, you can use your undergraduate financial aid to cover the two courses at a lower tuition rate than you would pay during your fifth year. Plus, your graduate credits never expire, so if you choose to take a gap year, you’ll still retain those credits. Visit this webpage to learn more about the program. I completed my MBA immediately after earning my undergraduate degree, and looking back, I’m glad I did. It kept my momentum going in school and was feasible working full-time, too!

What’s the most memorable part of your job so far at GBC?

The opportunity to recruit in Puerto Rico this year! It was enjoyable to join their graduate school tour, and I learned a great deal at the schools we visited.  We traveled to four to five different college campuses in PR to talk with students about their program interests and share a bit about what makes GBC a unique graduate student experience. Our online MBA and MA in Counseling Psychology programs were both really popular!

How does the MACP admissions process work at GBC?

The MACP Program application is exclusively processed through a centralized application system called PsychologyCAS. Similar to BusinessCAS, students create an account and submit the following: a completed application, official transcripts with the conferral of a bachelor’s degree, a resume, three letters of recommendation, and a 1-2 page personal statement. The MACP program is cohort-based, so we enroll every fall for the cohort year. This year, the application due date is July 1, 2026, and we are offering a special grant, known as the MACP Choice Grant. Students who are accepted and enroll by June 1, 2026, can qualify for a $1,000 renewable award towards their program.

Why is there an orientation for the MACP program? Is it worth my time as an enrolled student?

The Orientation for MACP is a great way to kick off your grad program at GBC. First, you’ll get to connect with two of the faculty members – Dr. Hoefling & Dr. Kelly to learn more about their work in psychology, the program classes, and practicum requirements. We also have members from various departments on campus attending, including Advising, Financial Aid, the Library & Academic Excellence Center. This past year, we also welcomed alums from the program to share their experiences, discuss their current work, and offer insights on achieving success over the next two years in the cohort. I’d say it’s something you won’t want to miss as a new student!

I hear Grad Admissions Preview Days are coming to GBC. What can prospective students expect from that event?

Yes! This spring, we’re launching two new ways for prospective students to engage with GBC and learn more about graduate programs and certificates. The first event will be a Graduate Campus Visit & Brunch, where prospective students can preview what it might be like to start a graduate program at GBC. This event will be on February 28 – stay tuned for an invitation soon! The second option will include choosing from one of three virtual information sessions (January, March, and April). Tune in for a webinar to learn more about why it’s the perfect time to kick off an MBA or stackable certificate and the unique benefits you’ll have by pursuing a program at GBC.

Thank you, Gigi.