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Deferred MBA

What is a deferred MBA?

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

How should I decide if I should apply to deferred MBA Â鶹Éçs? 

Deciding to apply to a MBA Â鶹Éç 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 Â鶹Éçs offer a deferred MBA, however, please find popular options below. You can find corresponding admissions information for the 2024-2025 academic year here:

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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 Â鶹Éç carefully. Many Â鶹Éçs encourage students across all academic backgrounds to apply while some schools may preference applicants with a STEM or non-business background.  

For additional Â鶹Éç on MBA Â鶹Éçs, 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 Â鶹Éç undergraduate student applying to the Kellogg  Future Leaders Â鶹Éç, 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 Â鶹Éç 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”.