When it comes to securing a spot in a prestigious MBA program, timing is everything. That’s why understanding MBA deadlines is a crucial first step to plotting a successful application strategy. Crafting a savvy plan for which target schools you will apply to and when helps you map out your timing. That, in turn, helps you manage all the tasks you’ll need to check off before each deadline.
We’ve gathered the MBA application deadlines for top schools here to guide your planning. Please check this page often, as we update MBA deadlines frequently as they are announced. We also explain different rounds and types of deadlines and how each one works. Understanding and tracking the MBA program deadlines is an important step towards planning a successful application process.
Most business schools use a system of admission rounds, with two to four rounds of deadlines in an application cycle that typically runs from September well into spring. MBA deadlines are usually announced in June and July for programs starting the following year in August or September.
♦ Round 1 MBA application deadlines are usually in September or October. This is when the top schools receive the most — and sometimes the strongest — applications and when admissions committees make most of their decisions, making offers to fill up to half of the class.
♦ Round 2 MBA application deadlines are usually in January. Candidates applying in this round have taken advantage of a couple of extra months to polish and perfect their applications, so most of the remaining slots are offered in this round.
♦ Round 3 and 4 MBA deadlines, the last chance to apply for the upcoming academic year, are in March or April. At this stage, admissions committees at the most competitive US schools are looking for hidden gems – candidates with unique profiles who will bring something special to the class. Some MBA programs, like the London Business School, save slots for these final rounds to allow themselves some flexibility to round out and balance the overall class profile. Getting admitted in late rounds can be tough, but with a sound strategy and a profile that really stands out, it's still possible to win a spot in the class.
Deadlines for the most competitive schools tend to come first in the cycle. Usually, HBS’ first deadline falls in the early days of September. The Wharton MBA deadline is around the same time; the Stanford GSB deadline is just a few days behind, along with LBS and other ultra-selective schools.
Some MBA programs (including Fuqua and Darden) offer early action deadlines, usually in September or October. Those opting for these deadlines are considered first and are notified of admission weeks before the rest of the class. However, selecting the early action option at Fuqua requires a binding commitment; if you are accepted, you must attend that school.
A few business schools (including HEC Paris, Rotman and Babson) offer rolling admissions, meaning they review applications as they receive them and make decisions on a continuous basis. Applying early in rolling admissions can be advantageous, as there are more seats available early in the cycle. Columbia Business School was one of the most prominent schools using both rolling admissions and early decision, but it ended both in 2023. Columbia MBA deadlines now follow the common system of three rounds, with decisions delivered after the deadline.
Deferred MBA enrollment programs are designed for applicants who are in their final year of undergraduate or graduate studies and who would like to pursue an MBA after typically two years of professional experience. Usually there is one deadline for deferred enrollment applications and in most cases it falls in April.
Columbia Business School offers a “J-Term” which is a cohort that starts in January and follows an accelerated path, graduating in 16 months. Some international b-schools also offer MBA programs that start in January — these include INSEAD, HEC Paris, IMD and IE. INSEAD and IE also have a cohort that begins in the more traditional start to the school year in August or September. January intakes have their own set of deadlines on their own cycle. These programs can be a great option for candidates who decide in the spring that they want to attend business school but find they are too late for the majority of schools which start in September. If you find yourself in this situation and have a high GMAT score with options for strong recommendations in hand and you’re eager to jump into your program as soon as possible, you might want to consider a January start.
If you have your heart set on the most highly selective schools, you’ll want to apply in Round 1 and put your very best effort into your application. But most candidates find that it’s too difficult to submit thorough, polished applications to multiple schools at the same time, with MBA program deadlines just days or weeks apart.
This is why it’s critical to time your applications strategically. We suggest prioritizing and dividing up your list of target schools by round and deadline, so you can give your maximum time, attention, and energy to each school. Put your best effort into your top target schools first, and apply to a few more strong contenders later.
If you’re not ready when the first MBA program deadlines roll around, don’t rush. It won’t serve you well. Admissions directors can spot an application that was thrown together to make the deadline and one that was given plenty of thought and reflection.
It’s better to wait for a later round if the extra time will allow you to deliver a more thoughtful application. And if you don’t get the offer that you hoped for at the start of the admissions season, you still have time to polish applications to more schools before subsequent deadlines.
At Fortuna we are a team of expert coaches and admissions professionals who have made thousands of admissions decisions as members of the top schools’ admissions committees. We know what adcoms are looking for and how you can stand out from the crowd. Book a free 30-minute consultation today to learn how we can help you plan your optimal MBA application deadline strategy.