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Deferred MBA

What is a deferred MBA?

Business schools typically require work experience to apply to their MBA Áñ—†ÊÓƵ. However, the ‘deferred MBA’ or ‘early-career MBA’ application process allows students who are completing their undergraduate Áñ—†ÊÓƵ to apply before they Áñ—†ÊÓƵ work experience. Students apply during their senior year and, if admitted, will defer their enrollment in the MBA Áñ—†ÊÓƵ for 2-5 years while they work and gain professional skills.  

How should I decide if I should apply to deferred MBA Áñ—†ÊÓƵs? 

Deciding to apply to a MBA Áñ—†ÊÓƵ is a complex decision. Consider the following:

1. Your professional goals. What do you hope to accomplish in the next 2-5 years (in the deferral period)? What do you hope to accomplish in the long term? 
2. How a professional MBA aligns with your long-term career goals. Students who apply to business school are hoping to accelerate their career advancement or pivot to a new field. 
3. The time and financial commitment.  

Choosing what schools to apply to? 

Not all MBA Áñ—†ÊÓƵs offer a deferred MBA, however, here are a few popular options for students:

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  • The Yale Silver Scholars Program is unique. If admitted, you will complete the first year of your MBA directly after you graduate with your bachelor’s degree. After the initial year, you will work for 1+ years and then return for your second and final year of coursework. 

Please note: Please read the eligibility requirements for each Áñ—†ÊÓƵ carefully. Many Áñ—†ÊÓƵs encourage students across all academic backgrounds to apply while some schools may preference applicants with a STEM or non-business background.  

For additional Áñ—†ÊÓƵ on MBA Áñ—†ÊÓƵs, check out:

The application and timeline:  

Deferred MBA application deadlines vary but are typically in Spring of your senior year (April). For more information on deadlines, see

Application components may include the following: 

• Online application
• Test Scores (the GMAT or GRE)  
  • If you are Áñ—†ÊÓƵ undergraduate student applying to the Kellogg  Future Leaders Áñ—†ÊÓƵ, test scores are not required 
• Professional resume  
• Essays, short answers, or a cover letter 
• Video essay/interview 
• Letters of recommendation 
• Academic transcripts 
• After submitting your application, you may be invited to a live interview 

Information on the GRE and GMAT 

• For more information on the GRE,  visit
• For more information on the GMAT, visit
• Can’t decide which test to take? Read more here:   
• Prep materials:  offers free resources and they also Áñ—†ÊÓƵ a number of print volumes on permanent reserve. To find these, go to the advanced search on and click on the “course reserve” button, and then do a keyword search for “gmat” or “gre”.