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If you’re a college student considering business school, look at MBA deferred admission programs. There are many benefits to deferred MBA programs. For example, you’ll save a spot at a top MBA program.
In this article, we’ll talk about MBA deferred admission. We’ll discuss the requirements for deferred MBA programs, the benefits, and who should consider deferred MBA admission. We’ll also share alternatives and answer FAQs.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- What Is a Deferred MBA Program?
- The Benefits of Deferred MBA Admission
- Who Should Consider a Deferred MBA?
- What Are the Requirements for Deferred MBA Programs?
- Top Deferred MBA Programs
- How to Apply
- Alternatives to Deferred MBA Programs
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What’s Next?
What Is a Deferred MBA Program?
Deferred admission MBA programs offer college students early access to top business schools. These candidates can secure a spot in a future MBA class. In other words, they will not enroll immediately upon graduation. Instead, candidates gain 2–5 years of work experience before enrolling.
The application process for deferred admission MBA is similar to the traditional application process. However, not all programs offer deferred MBA admission. In this article, we’ll discuss which business schools offer deferred MBA programs.
KEY FACT:
Deferred admission enables college students to save a spot in a future MBA class.
The Benefits of Deferred MBA Admission
The benefits of deferred MBA admission include:
- A spot in a future MBA class: Deferred MBA candidates can plan for the future. As MBA admissions become more competitive, this opportunity enables candidates to apply early.
- Access to programming: Deferred MBA candidates gain access to special programming opportunities. Specifically, this includes career development, mentorship, and more.
- Networking opportunities: Deferred enrollment MBA candidates gain access to networking opportunities. Specifically, programs provide resources that help candidates succeed in their early careers.
- Flexibility: Deferred MBA candidates may start whenever they choose. Generally, candidates enroll in MBA programs within 2–4 years. However, it is entirely up to the individual to decide when.
TTP PRO TIP:
Consider the benefits of a deferred MBA program and decide whether they make sense for your goals.
Who Should Consider a Deferred MBA?
There is no standard candidate for deferred MBA programs. Generally, MBA programs that accept deferred candidates recruit a diverse mix of students. Here are a few of the characteristics that these programs seek:
- High-achieving college students: Deferred MBA programs seek college students with a track record of achievements. These achievements can be in professional or extracurricular activities.
- Students with strong potential: Deferred MBA programs seek students with a desire to make a difference. Specifically, potential is measured through internship experience and extracurricular involvement.
- Non-business students: Deferred MBA programs recruit diverse cohorts of students. Specifically, non-business students are welcome to apply. This is because MBA programs are enriched when diverse professional viewpoints are represented.
- Women and underrepresented groups: Deferred MBA programs seek women and candidates from underrepresented groups. These groups provide much-needed perspectives to MBA cohorts.
KEY FACT:
You don’t need to be from an underrepresented group to gain admission to a deferred MBA program.
What Are the Requirements for Deferred MBA Programs?
Most MBA deferred admissions programs require candidates to be college students without full-time work experience. Additionally, these candidates must complete MBA applications.
The application requirements include:
- an online application
- a resume
- standardized test scores
- essays
- letters of recommendation
- transcripts
These are common application elements for MBA deferred admissions programs. However, you must review each program’s application individually.
Top Deferred MBA Programs
Several schools offer MBA programs for college seniors. Let’s look at some of the more popular choices:
Harvard Business School 2+2 Program
Harvard Business School was among the first to offer deferred MBA admissions. Harvard’s deferred admission program, the 2+2 Program, includes at least two years of professional work experience. Subsequently, students enroll in the full-time MBA program.
Per the Harvard deferred admission MBA website, “The 2+2 program is designed to create a pathway to the MBA for high-potential college students.” HBS invites candidates from lower socio-economic backgrounds, first-generation students, and those working in underrepresented industries and functions. The Harvard deferred MBA program also welcomes entrepreneurs and individuals in technically demanding roles.
Click here for more information about HBS’s 2+2 program.
TTP PRO TIP:
For expert guidance with HBS’s 2+2 program application, reach out to TTP’s experienced MBA admissions consultants.
Stanford GSB Deferred Enrollment
Stanford’s Deferred Enrollment program is designed for students without full-time work experience.
Per the Stanford MBA deferred admission website: “Our deferred enrollment program provides a path for eligible candidates to apply now, take one to four years to gain professional experience, and then embark on their MBA journey.”
The Stanford deferred MBA program helps candidates prepare for certain industries. Specifically, these industries include PE, consulting, and biotech. Finally, the program also helps candidates expand their networks.
Click here for more information about Stanford’s Deferred Enrollment program.
KEY FACT:
Stanford’s deferred enrollment program helps candidates prepare for industries such as PE, consulting, and biotech.
Wharton Moelis Advance Access Program
Wharton’s Moelis Advance Access Program provides a guaranteed path to a Wharton MBA.
Per the Wharton MBA deferred admission website: “The program seeks students who are ambitious, innovative, and prepared to use a sense of professional liberty to maximize their early career experiences while impacting the world. Students from all academic fields and disciplines are encouraged to apply, and the program accepts a highly selective cohort of students, named Moelis Fellows, whose academic and career interests expand the traditional notions of business education.”
The Wharton deferred MBA program provides support for professional development. Additionally, it offers mentoring, networking opportunities, and access to Wharton’s MBA Career Management team.
Click here for more information about Wharton’s Moelis Advance Access Program.
KEY FACT:
Students from all academic fields are encouraged to apply to the Wharton Moelis Advance Access Program.
Chicago Booth Scholars Program
The Chicago Booth Scholars Program is open to college seniors. Specifically, Chicago Booth Scholars may enroll in a full-time or part-time MBA after 2–5 years of professional experience.
Per Chicago Booth’s website: “Our MBA deferred admission program gives you the freedom to explore careers after college. Once you’ve received your admittance to our deferred MBA program in your final year of undergraduate school, you can focus on what interests you instead of worrying about business school applications and GMAT prep.”
The Chicago Booth deferred MBA provides access to Booth’s network, a full-time or part-time MBA, scholarship consideration, and early career development.
Click here to learn more about the Chicago Booth Scholars Program.
KEY FACT:
Chicago Booth Scholars can begin a full- or part-time MBA after 2–5 years of work experience.
MIT Sloan Early Admission
MBA Early is MIT Sloan’s deferred admission program. Specifically, MBA Early candidates gain 2–5 years of work experience before enrolling.
Per the MIT Sloan MBA deferred admission website, the program is for “ambitious and forward-thinking students who want to secure a seat in a future MIT Sloan MBA class.”
Additionally, the MIT deferred MBA program facilitates networking, virtual and regional events, and annual check-ins.
Click here to learn more about Sloan’s MBA Early program.
TTP PRO TIP:
TTP can help you shape a competitive application for MBA Early and answer all of your questions.
How to Apply
Deferred MBA candidates must apply for a full-time MBA. In other words, the application process is the same for traditional MBA candidates.
Alternatives to Deferred MBA Programs
Alternatives to MBA deferred admission include other master’s degrees, part-time MBAs, and applying to MBA programs later. Specifically, you might consider a Master of Finance or a Master of Marketing degree. Alternatively, you could apply for an MBA program after acquiring work experience.
There are many opportunities to explore which MBA is right for you —and when. So, if you aren’t selected for an MBA deferred admission program, you have options!
Key Takeaways
Deferred MBA admissions programs offer college students a unique opportunity. Additionally, deferred admission also unlocks access to networking and professional development programs. Candidates have nothing to lose by applying for deferred admission MBA programs.
If you’re a college senior interested in pursuing an MBA, explore this option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where should I apply?
If you’re interested in MBA deferred admission programs, explore programs with this option. To start, review the programs discussed in this article.
Which programs offer MBA deferred admission?
Some of the best deferred MBA programs are discussed in this article. Additional programs include the Haas deferred MBA, Kellogg deferred MBA, Columbia deferred MBA, Yale deferred MBA, and Darden deferred MBA.
What if I don’t get accepted?
If you don’t gain admission as a deferred MBA candidate, you can always apply later.
Will applying for deferred admission hurt my chances?
Applying for deferred admission will not hurt your chances. In fact, you’ll be more prepared to apply later on.
What if I’m not sure about getting an MBA?
If you’re not sure about getting an MBA, you don’t need to apply for deferred MBA admission. You can apply to an MBA program in a few years.
Additionally, if you accept an offer of admission, you are not obligated to attend.
What’s Next?
Deferred MBA admissions programs are extremely competitive. Navigating this process alone is challenging. Target Test Prep’s experienced MBA admissions consultants will help you create competitive applications.
