When Admission Starts for MBA Programs

Last Updated on November 22, 2023

Wondering when admission starts for MBA programs? Understanding your timeline for applying to business school is essential not only for ensuring that you submit your business school applications on time, but also so you can properly plan when you’ll complete different aspects of the MBA admissions process. If you haven’t strategized your MBA application timeline, you could end up scrambling to pull together your application materials at the last minute in order to meet deadlines.

For example, one common scenario is that students get bogged down with writing application essays while they’re trying to study for the GMAT (often while working full-time as well), a recipe for stress. Another common scenario is that students find themselves in a race against time to get recommendation letters.

On the other hand, if you’re informed about business school application deadlines, and you thoughtfully plan your MBA application schedule, you’ll both minimize your stress throughout the application process and give yourself every opportunity to place your effort and energy where it really belongs: in making your business school applications the absolute best they can be.

So, in this article, we’ll:

• look at MBA admissions deadlines in general and at top 25 schools
• explore differences between business school application timelines in the U.S. and other countries
• provide tips for applying to EMBA programs and “non-standard” MBA programs or situations
• answer common questions about when admission starts for MBA programs

and more.

Here are all the topics we’ll cover:

• Typical MBA Application Cycles
• 2023-2024 MBA Admission Deadlines: Top 25 U.S. Schools
  • Deadlines for EMBA and Other Types of MBA Programs
• 2023-2024 MBA Admission Deadlines: Top International Schools
• Navigating the Admission Process for MBA Programs
  • Should I Work With an Admissions Consultant?
• Key Takeaways
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  • When does the MBA admission process typically begin for most universities?
  • In which month does MBA admission start in the US?
  • Are there multiple intake periods for MBA programs throughout the year?
  • Are there early bird admissions or early decision rounds for MBA admissions?
  • When is the earliest I can submit my application for an MBA program?
  • How do the admission start dates vary for domestic and international students?
• What’s Next?

To start, let’s discuss what the MBA application cycle typically looks like. Note that unless otherwise specified, our discussion will focus on full-time MBA programs in the U.S.

Typical MBA Application Cycles

Full-time MBA programs in the U.S. typically accept applications in three rounds during the fall and spring. However, there are exceptions. Some business schools, such as Darden and NYU Stern, have four rounds. Others, such as HBS, have only two.

Additionally, some schools allow MBA early bird applications before Round 1 begins. For example, Duke Fuqua kicks off its MBA application cycle with an early bird deadline followed by four rounds.

Another thing to know about MBA application cycles is that they’re generally spaced about three to four months apart, though again, there are exceptions. For example, NYU Stern’s Round 1 and 2 deadlines are only one month apart, though the school does revert to the every-three-months timeline for its remaining two rounds.

As we’ve already seen, business school application deadlines depend on the school and the specific program you’re applying to. That said, schools generally try to minimize confusion for applicants by adhering to similar MBA application schedules. In other words, there is an “MBA application season,” which runs from September through April, roughly.

Here is what the MBA admissions timeline generally is:

Again, these dates are rough guidelines; every school follows a slightly different MBA application schedule. With that said, let’s look at the application deadlines for the 2023-2024 MBA application cycle at U.S. top MBA programs.

KEY FACT:

Full-time MBA programs in the U.S. typically accept applications in three rounds spaced out from September through April. However, there are exceptions.

2023-2024 MBA Admission Deadlines: Top 25 U.S. Schools

The following table shows the MBA application deadlines at U.S. business schools in the top 25 of the U.S. News 2023-2024 Best Business Schools rankings.

2023-2024 MBA Application Deadlines

Note that while the exact date of a deadline may change slightly from year to year (for example, a September 5 deadline one year could be September 7 the next), schools maintain basically the same MBA admission calendar each year. So, you wouldn’t expect to see a school change its Round 1 deadline from, say, September 5 one year to October 12 the next, and then to September 20 the following year.

Nevertheless, it’s always good practice to check the websites of your targeted programs to ensure you have current application deadlines. Follow this advice whether you’re applying to top business schools in the U.S. or any other business school.

Also, keep in mind that schools generally list a specific time of day by which applications are due. For example, a program may specify that applications during any round must be submitted by no later than 12 p.m., or no later than 5 p.m., on the due date. So, be sure to note that detail when you’re checking your deadlines on program websites.

Additionally, schools generally do not allow prospective students to apply during more than one round per application cycle. So, if you get rejected in Round 1, don’t expect that you’ll be able to try again in Round 3 of the same cycle. Almost certainly, you’ll have to wait until the next application year.

TTP PRO TIP:

Always check the websites of the specific programs you’ll apply to in order to ensure you have the current application deadlines.

Now, let’s discuss applying to an EMBA program or other type of MBA program.

Deadlines for EMBA and Other Types of MBA Programs

EMBA and standard MBA application dates generally differ. So, make sure that you look at the correct application deadlines if you’re interested in applying to Executive MBA programs. Furthermore, don’t assume that EMBA applications will be due around the same time as regular MBA applications at a school.

Another thing to keep in mind is that, while some EMBA deadlines operate in the same way as MBA deadlines–for example, a school with 3 rounds for MBA applications also has 3 rounds for EMBA applications–you may see a different type of EMBA application schedule.

For example, NYU Stern has two EMBA program application windows (March 1-May 15 and October 1-November 15) during which you can apply, rather than four rounds, as it has for its regular MBA program. Duke Fuqua’s Global Executive MBA program has application deadlines every month from October thru May, and then accepts applications on a rolling basis for the remaining months of the year.

As with EMBA programs, if you’re looking at accelerated, part-time, weekend, or online MBA programs, you’ll likely have different application deadlines than applicants to a school’s standard full-time MBA program have.

Furthermore, if you’re interested in deferred enrollment or a dual-degree MBA program, you’ll probably have a separate application schedule. Moreover, there will likely be just one deadline each year, rather than multiple application rounds per year. Additionally, in the case of dual-degree programs, you may have to apply to both programs separately (as is the case at Yale SOM). So, you may have two different application deadlines for the same admissions round.

Also if you plan to seek a test waiver from a program, make sure to check whether there is a separate (generally earlier) deadline to apply for that waiver.

Now, let’s discuss schools outside the U.S.

2023-2024 MBA Admission Deadlines: Top International Schools

Many top MBA programs abroad offer students ample opportunities to apply. Let’s look at some examples of MBA application schedules at top business schools based outside the U.S.

HEC Paris has 10 rounds for its January 2024 intake and 11 rounds for its September 2024 intake. There is an application deadline just about every month, generally falling around mid-month.

Cambridge Judge has five admissions rounds that run from the end of August through the beginning of May, with an application deadline roughly every two months. Those deadlines are:

Round 1: Aug. 29, 2023
Round 2: Oct. 3, 2023
Round 3: Jan. 8, 2024
Round 4: Mar. 11, 2024
Round 5: May 7, 2024

INSEAD has four admissions rounds clustered fairly close together:

Round 1: Mar. 7, 2023
Round 2: Apr. 18, 2023
Round 3: Jun. 27, 2024
Round 4: Aug. 8, 2024

IESE Business School also has four rounds, though they’re a bit more spread out over the course of the year:

Round 1: Sept. 19, 2023
Round 2: Jan. 9, 2024
Round 3: Mar. 21, 2024
Round 4: May 13-31, 2024

London Business School follows a similar schedule to U.S. top MBA programs, with three admissions rounds that run from the fall to the spring:

Round 1: Sept. 8, 2023
Round 2: Jan. 3, 2024
Round 3: Mar. 25, 2024

Oxford Saïd’s MBA application schedule is very similar to LBS’s:

Round 1: Sept. 27, 2023
Round 2: Jan. 5, 2024
Round 3: Mar. 20, 2024

KEY FACT:

Some top business schools based outside the U.S. have five or more MBA application rounds throughout the year.

Now that we’ve explored the MBA admission deadlines at various top schools and types of programs, let’s discuss a few tips for navigating the admission process.

Navigating the Admission Process for MBA Programs

Knowing MBA application deadlines is just a first step in navigating the–let’s face it–stressful process of applying to business school. Whether you’re applying to just one or multiple MBA programs, it is critical to map out an MBA application timeline for yourself. This timeline should include deadlines that you set for yourself to gather and complete the various application materials you need.

By when will you reach out to people for recommendation letters? How much time will you set aside to prepare for the GMAT, GRE, or EA? When will you focus on your application essays? What about updating your resume? These may seem like small tasks, but trust me, when you have to do several of them at once, they don’t feel small!

In order to map out a realistic timeline–hopefully one that gives you a nice cushion of time in case anything unexpected comes up–it’s best not to leave big decisions to the last minute. For instance, if you wait too long to decide whether to apply during Round 1 or Round 2, well, at a certain point you won’t have a choice, and you may be disappointed that you’re not prepared for your preferred application time.

Similarly, why not figure out earlier rather than later whether to take the GMAT or the GRE? Studying for either of those tests when your application deadlines are just around the corner could put you in a bad spot if you don’t earn the score you need on your first test attempt.

TTP PRO TIP:

Map out an MBA application timeline for yourself that includes deadlines for gathering and completing the various application materials you need.

For many MBA applicants, enlisting the help of an admissions consultant can help ease the burden of navigating this rocky terrain. Let’s discuss.

Should I Work With an Admissions Consultant?

Many MBA applicants find admissions consultants very helpful because an experienced MBA admissions consultant has in-depth knowledge of the MBA admissions process at various schools and in general. Thus, a knowledgeable consultant can answer your questions, provide guidance about what is realistic for a student with your profile, and help you put your best foot forward depending on your goals and target schools.

An MBA admissions consultant can also help you create smart timelines for getting things done along the way and ensure that you aren’t missing any important deadlines.

Another great thing about admissions consultants is that you can enlist their help at any time. For example, a TTP MBA admissions consultant can work with you from the start of the MBA application process to day 1 of your MBA program. However, our admissions consultants also work with MBA applicants seeking help for specific aspects of the application process. For instance, many applicants want help preparing for their interviews or crafting compelling application essays.

So, from advising you on when to apply for MBA programs and what schools offer, so that post-MBA they’ll be in a great position to meet their career goals, to informing you about how applying in different rounds will affect your scholarship opportunities at different schools, to simply helping you make your resume look as impressive as possible, an admissions consultant can be a fantastic resource for any MBA applicant. 
Still not sure whether working with an MBA admissions consultant is right for you? Schedule a free, no-risk consultation with a TTP admissions consultant. We’d be happy to discuss your situation with you!

TTP PRO TIP:

Consider enlisting the help of an MBA admissions consultant, either from start to finish of the admissions process or for help with specific aspects of your applications.

Key Takeaways

If you’re planning on applying to business school, remember these key facts:

• Business school application deadlines depend on the school and the specific program you’re applying to.
• The typical “MBA application season” of full-time MBA programs in the U.S. runs from September through April and includes three admissions rounds. However, there are exceptions.
• Some top business schools based outside the U.S. have five or more MBA application rounds throughout the year.
• Business schools generally do not allow prospective students to apply during more than one round per application year.
• MBA programs generally specify a time of day by which applications are due.
• EMBA, dual-degree, accelerated, part-time, weekend, and online MBA programs, as well as deferred enrollment applications, generally each have their own application deadlines that are not the same as a school’s full-time MBA application deadlines.

Also, keep these tips in mind:

• Always check the websites of the specific programs you’ll apply to in order to ensure you have the current application deadlines.
• Map out an MBA application timeline for yourself that includes deadlines for gathering and completing the various application materials you need.
• Consider enlisting the help of an MBA admissions consultant, either from start to finish of the admissions process or for help with specific aspects of your applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When does the MBA admission process typically begin for most universities?

September is generally considered the beginning of MBA application season in the U.S.

In which month does MBA admission start in the US?

MBA first-round application deadlines vary from school to school and program to program. That said, you’ll find that the Round 1 deadline at most MBA programs is in either September or October.

Are there multiple intake periods for MBA programs throughout the year?

Most commonly, there are three MBA application intake dates (called “rounds”) each application year at business schools in the U.S. However, some MBA programs have two or four intake periods each year.

Additionally, MBA programs outside of the U.S. may have numerous intake periods each year, with MBA application intake dates every month or two.

Are there early bird admissions or early decision rounds for MBA admissions?

Some, but not all, business schools have MBA early admission deadlines. You should be able to find information about whether a program accepts MBA early bird applications and when they’re due on the program’s website.

When is the earliest I can submit my application for an MBA program?

Generally, you can submit an MBA application for a particular admissions round at any point after the previous round has ended and before the current round ends. However, depending on the program you’re interested in, there may be a specific MBA program application window (for example, March-May) during which you must apply. Check the program’s website for up-to-date information about application deadlines.

How do the admission start dates vary for domestic and international students?

Not all business schools have separate deadlines for international students. For example, Indiana University’s Full-Time MBA at the Kelley School of Business has the same deadlines for its four admissions rounds for both U.S. and international students.

That said, for many U.S.-based MBA programs, international students are not eligible to apply during as many rounds as U.S. students are. For example, a program with four application rounds may allow international applicants in only the first three rounds. Likewise, a program with three application rounds may allow international applicants in only the first two.

That said, generally speaking, the Round 1 application deadlines for domestic and international students are the same.

What’s Next?

Get more expert tips and advice on applying to business school in the Admissions section of our blog.

Plus, check out this guide to selecting a GMAT test date.

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