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If you’re applying for business school this season, you must follow MBA application deadlines! To stay on track, we recommend that you create an MBA application schedule. Top MBA programs have different deadlines and evaluation processes. As a result, many top MBA programs assess candidates in application “rounds.” However, other programs offer rolling admissions.
In this article, we’ll provide dates for MBA application deadlines for Fall 2024, focusing primarily on the two-year MBA application deadlines. In addition, we’ll also discuss when to apply and answer frequently asked questions.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- What Are the MBA Application Deadlines for This Season?
- What Are Rolling Admissions?
- What Are Deferred MBA Admissions?
- International Deadlines
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- When are the typical MBA application deadlines for top business schools?
- Is it better to apply in Round 1, Round 2, or Round 3 for MBA programs?
- What happens if I miss the MBA application deadline?
- Can I request an extension for an MBA application deadline?
- Are MBA application deadlines different for international applicants?
- Should I submit a last-minute application or wait for the next deadline?
- What’s Next?
Let’s begin by examining application deadlines for the 2024-25 season.
What Are the MBA Application Deadlines for This Season?
MBA admission deadlines start each fall, generally in September. Then, the admissions season generally concludes each spring, by March or April. However, this does not mean you should wait until the last minute to apply; we’ll discuss why later in this article. Below, we share important MBA admissions deadlines and considerations.
Early Decision and Early Action Deadlines
Some MBA programs offer early decision or early action deadlines. These deadlines are created for candidates who have a top choice MBA program. So, what’s the difference?
Early action is generally non-binding. That is, candidates apply early but do not have to accept offers of admission. This process enables candidates to apply to other MBA programs.
Here are some of the deadlines for early action:
| MBA Program | Early Action Deadline | Notification Date |
|---|---|---|
| Duke – Fuqua | September 4, 2024 | October 18, 2024 |
| Georgetown – McDonough | September 9, 2024 | October 30, 2024 |
| Notre Dame – Mendoza | September 5, 2024 | October 18, 2024 |
| Ohio State University – Fisher | October 13, 2024 | November 15, 2024 |
| University of Virginia – Darden | September 5, 2024 | October 16, 2024 |
Early decision, on the other hand, is generally binding. This means that candidates must accept their offers of admission. Early decision also requires candidates to withdraw other applications.
Here are some of the deadlines for early decision:
| MBA Program | Early Decision Deadline | Notification Date |
|---|---|---|
| University of Virginia – Darden* | September 5, 2024 | October 16, 2024 |
| University of Wisconsin | September 26, 2024 | TBD |
| *Darden offers early action –non-binding and binding. The binding early action program is similar to the definition of early decision. | ||
TTP PRO TIP:
If your top choice program offers Early Action or Early Decision, take advantage of the opportunity to signal to the admissions committee that you’ll attend if admitted.
To summarize, candidates who have a top choice among MBA programs offering early action or early decision rounds are encouraged to apply in those rounds. This signals strong intent to MBA admissions committees that the candidate plans to attend. In some cases, this may improve a candidate’s chances for admission and ability to earn a scholarship.
KEY FACT:
For candidates with a top choice program, applying during early action or early decision signals strong intent to attend.
Round 1, 2, 3+ deadlines for top MBA programs
The majority of top MBA programs in the U.S. evaluate candidates across 2-3 application rounds. However, some programs have more than 3 application rounds.
Here are the top MBA program deadlines:
| MBA Program | Round 1 Deadline | Round 2 Deadline | Round 3 Deadline | Round 4 Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon – Tepper | October 1, 2024 | January 6, 2025 | March 3, 2025 | May 5, 2025 |
| Columbia Business School | September 10, 2024 | January 7, 2025 | April 1, 2025 | N/A |
| Cornell – Johnson | September 18, 2024 | January 9, 2025 | April 10, 2025 | N/A |
| Dartmouth – Tuck | September 26, 2024 | January 6, 2025 | March 26, 2025 | N/A |
| Duke – Fuqua | October 10, 2024 | January 9, 2025 | February 20, 2025 | April 30, 2025 |
| Georgetown – McDonough | October 1, 2024 | January 6, 2025 | April 2, 2025 | N/A |
| Harvard Business School | September 4, 2024 | January 6, 2025 | N/A | N/A |
| MIT – Sloan | September 30, 2024 | January 14, 2025 | April 7, 2025 | N/A |
| Northwestern – Kellogg | September 11, 2024 | January 8, 2025 | April 2, 2025 | N/A |
| NYU – Stern | September 16, 2024 | October 16, 2024 | January 16, 2025 | April 16, 2025 |
| Stanford GSB | September 10, 2024 | January 8, 2025 | April 8, 2025 | N/A |
| University of California, Berkeley – Haas | September 12, 2024 | January 9, 2025 | April 3, 2025 | N/A |
| University of California, Los Angeles – Anderson | October 1, 2024 | January 6, 2025 | April 7, 2025 | N/A |
| University of Chicago – Booth | September 19, 2024 | January 7, 2025 | April 3, 2025 | N/A |
| University of Michigan – Ross | September 9, 2024 | January 6, 2025 | March 24, 2025 | N/A |
| University of Pennsylvania – Wharton | September 4, 2024 | January 3, 2025 | April 2, 2025 | |
| University of Texas – McCombs | October 15, 2024 | January 15, 2025 | April 1, 2025 | May 15, 2025 |
| University of Virginia – Darden | October 2, 2024 | January 7, 2025 | April 2, 2025 | N/A |
| Yale School of Management | September 10, 2024 | January 7, 2025 | April 8, 2025 | N/A |
What Are Rolling Admissions?
Rolling admissions deadlines are ongoing. Consequently, there are no deadlines until the end of the season —when no more applications are reviewed. This means that MBA programs read applications continuously while closely monitoring their intake. However, just a few top MBA programs in the U.S. use a rolling admissions format.
KEY FACT:
MBA programs using rolling admissions evaluate applications on a continuous basis.
Which MBA Programs Use Rolling Admissions?
Some programs in Europe and Asia use rolling admissions. This system enables admissions committees to evaluate candidates continuously, and MBA admissions deadlines vary.
What Are the Rolling Admissions Deadlines?
The top MBA programs offering rolling admissions include IE and SDA Bocconi (up to January 13, 2025).
Other programs based in Europe, like HEC Paris and ESADE, have monthly application deadlines that are similar to rolling admissions.
For example, HEC Paris offers 4 admissions deadlines across consecutive months:
- August 19, 2024
- September 16, 2024
- October 14, 2024
- November 12, 2024
In contrast, ESADE offers 9 admissions deadlines:
- October 3, 2024
- November 21, 2024
- January 14, 2025
- February 20, 2025
- March 20, 2025
- April 24, 2025
- May 15, 2025
- June 5, 2025
- June 20, 2025
What Are Deferred MBA Admissions?
Some MBA programs invite high-potential college seniors and graduate students without full-time work experience to apply. If accepted, candidates secure a spot in a future MBA class. Harvard Business School’s 2+2 program was a pioneer of deferred admissions programs. However, other top MBA programs have followed suit.
KEY FACT:
MBA programs offering deferred admissions allow candidates to gain acceptance to a future MBA class, rather than the incoming class.
Which Programs Offer Deferred Admissions? What Are the Deadlines for Deferred Admissions Programs?
Here are some of the top deferred admissions programs in the U.S. and their deadlines:
| Program | Deadline/s |
|---|---|
| Chicago Booth: Scholars Deferred Program | April 29, 2025 |
| Columbia Business School: Deferred Enrollment Program | April 15, 2025 |
| Harvard Business School 2+2 | April 23, 2025 |
| MIT Sloan: Early Admission MBA Program | April 18, 2025 |
| Northwestern Kellogg: Future Leaders Program | April 23, 2025 |
| Stanford GSB Deferred Enrollment | April 8, 2025 |
| University of California Berkeley Haas: Advance Access Program | April 24, 2025 |
| University of Pennsylvania Wharton Moelis Advanced Access Program and Wharton Advanced Access Program | April 23, 2025 |
| University of Virginia Darden: Future Year Scholars Program | April 7, 2025 and August 4, 2025 |
| Yale SOM: Silver Scholars Program | April 8, 2025 |
International Deadlines
Business school admissions deadlines consider international candidate needs. In other words, top MBA programs have an earlier deadline for international candidates. Specifically, international candidates for top U.S. MBA programs should generally apply by the January round. For example, international candidates for CBS should apply for the Columbia MBA Round 2 deadline.
TTP PRO TIP:
Apply by the January deadlines if you’re an international candidate.
Why Are International Candidate Deadlines Important?
International candidates have to apply for student visas. Unfortunately, student visa processing takes time —sometimes several months. As a result, international applicants must have an offer of admission by spring. Having an offer enables accepted students to apply for and receive a student visa in time. This holds true not just for students coming to U.S. programs, but also for international students at programs abroad.
KEY FACT:
International deadlines allow time for accepted students to secure student visas before enrolling.
Key Takeaways
Tracking business school application deadlines is critical! Candidates should be strategic when they apply to top MBA programs. Careful planning helps applicants optimize their chances for admission to top MBA programs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When are the typical MBA application deadlines for top business schools?
The MBA admissions season starts in the fall (generally September) and finishes in the spring (in March or April). There are no universal dates —each program has its own MBA admission deadline.
Is it better to apply in Round 1, Round 2, or Round 3 for MBA programs?
The MBA application process is the same, regardless of the round. The chances for admission are generally equal across Rounds 1 and 2. However, a benefit of applying in Round 1 is that applicants receive a decision sooner. Additionally, a denial in Round 1 gives candidates time to apply in Round 2. Typically, there are fewer spots remaining at top business programs in Round 3.
What happens if I miss the MBA application deadline?
It depends! If you miss the first application submission deadline, there’s always another opportunity. Depending on the program, there will be one or more chances to apply. If you miss the last MBA application deadline, you must wait until the following application season.
Can I request an extension for an MBA application deadline?
Generally, you cannot request a deadline extension. Instead, you must wait for the next deadline or application season.
To avoid this situation, create an MBA application timeline and stay on top of application due dates.
Are MBA application deadlines different for international applicants?
International applicants are often advised to apply earlier. For example, for top U.S. MBA programs, international applicants should apply by the January deadlines. If admitted, this timeline enables international candidates to secure visas.
Should I submit a last-minute application or wait for the next deadline?
A last-minute application depends on the application round. We generally do not advise that you wait until the last minute to apply to top MBA programs. However, our advice is tailored to different situations.
For example, we do not recommend that you apply in Round 1 if your application is not ready. If you haven’t taken the GMAT or GRE, the application cannot be rushed. In most cases, you need a test score to complete your application. Take note that some programs offer waivers for the GMAT and other standardized tests.
What’s Next?
If you’re serious about creating winning MBA applications, partner with one of Target Test Prep’s MBA admissions consultants. Your consultant will help you create an MBA admissions timeline and applications that shine. Request a free consultation with one of our expert admissions consultants to discuss your goals and learn more.
