MBA for College Seniors: Which One to Choose?

Last week, two more top business schools—Kellogg and Berkeley Haas—joined the growing list of those positioning the MBA for college seniors through deferred enrollment programs. Did you know the consulting team at SBC has several deferred MBA program experts? This includes no less than the former HBS associate director of MBA admissions who helped launch the 2+2 Program.

Similar programs include the Chicago Booth Scholars Program and the MIT Sloan MBA Early Admission program. Columbia Business School also has a deferred enrollment program, as does Stanford Graduate School of Business. The HBS 2+2 Program has been around since 2007. Meanwhile, the Yale Silver Scholars program is even older, having launched in 2004.

(Take a look at our quick comparison chart to see the schools that target the MBA for college seniors, either as deferred admits or direct from undergrad.)

So, how do deferred MBA admissions programs work? 

You apply to these programs in the spring as a college senior (undergrad or grad). If accepted, you then work for two to four years to gain professional experience before starting the program.  Deferred MBA program admits can often access valuable networks and engage career resources within the university during the pre-MBA phase.

Now, what does it take to successfully apply?

College senior MBA applicants must demonstrate a high level of talent, academic strength, and promise if they hope to persuade a top-tier MBA program to take a chance on them. The key is to demonstrate maturity, highly focused career goals, leadership skills, and enough life experience to contribute to an incoming class.

Interested in learning more about deferred MBA programs for college seniors? Most deadlines hit in April. We are happy to offer a free initial evaluation to discuss your future business school plans. Get in touch and tap into the comprehensive, up-to-date industry insight the SBC consulting team provides.