application letter for an mba program

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How To Write An MBA Cover Letter

Introduction.

One of the most daunting parts of the MBA application is writing an effective cover letter. An MBA cover letter is an important supporting document in your MBA application. Along with being a required component of your application, the cover letter for MBA programs provides valuable insight to admissions committees.

It is your opportunity to make your case as to why they should admit you to the program. The cover letter and your resume are often the first parts of your application to be read by the admissions committee, and a strong cover letter is key to making a great first impression. This article will tell you everything you need to know about how to write a cover letter for MBA programs and outline the dos and don’ts for creating a top-notch MBA cover letter.

What is an MBA Cover Letter?

An MBA cover letter is a short letter — generally one page in length — that accompanies your MBA applications. This letter should provide a short summary of what you will bring to the MBA program in terms of your academic background, qualifications, and experiences.

The MBA cover letter should elaborate on some of the skills and experiences listed on your resume as opposed to simply repeating them. The MBA cover letter is also your chance to showcase your personality.

Resumes are very straightforward and fact-based, and don’t really show much personality. Your cover letter has much more space for writing and, therefore, can better display your writing style and thought processes, which can help admissions committee members gain some insights into your personality.

Purpose of the MBA Cover Letter

The purpose of the MBA cover letter is to give the admissions committee an idea of who you are. Similar to the cover letter you would write when applying for a job, the MBA cover letter is your opportunity to demonstrate why you would be a good fit based on your skills, goals, and personal traits. MIT Sloan recommends highlighting how you’ve made an impact in your recent professional roles when describing your professional experiences in your cover letter. However, you are limited in how much space you have to convey this information.

The exact word or page length of the cover letter will vary by school, so it’s crucial you check the cover letter requirements for each school before you start writing. Typically, you can expect your cover letter to be one page in length, and this limited space requires your writing to be concise.

The cover letter is also your chance to demonstrate your knowledge about the MBA program and the business school itself, which is also similar to what you would do if you were applying for a job. Showing what you have learned about the program and how it has informed your decision to apply will demonstrate to the admissions committee you have done your research and are serious about attending the school.

It can also be a helpful way to tie in how your skills, experiences, and characteristics suit the program’s mission and values, along with the types of candidates they are seeking.

Step-by-Step Guide on Writing a Cover Letter for MBA Programs

Step 1: format your letter..

Laying out the framework for your letter allows you to see how much space you’ll have to work with once you’ve included basic information. First, start by setting up your header. Your cover letter should have the same header and font as your resume.

You want them to look like a set and not like completely separate documents. If your resume header is aligned with the right-hand side of the page, your cover letter should mirror this. Your header should contain your full first and last name, your phone number, and your email address.

Business schools will have their own criteria for the font size and spacing for MBA cover letters. You can generally expect to write your letter using a 10 to 12 point font size and single spacing, but it is vital to check each business school you are applying to for their specific guidelines and make note of these requirements.

Step 2: Include the date your letter will be sent and the name of the recipient.

The first line following your header should be the date on which you will send your letter. This should be written out in full (April 14, 20XX) and not as a short form (04/14/XX nor Apr. 14, 20XX). Leave a space between this line and the next line, which will contain the name of the person to whom your letter is being sent.

Since your letter is going to an admissions committee and it would take up far too much space to include the name of every committee member, your letter should be addressed to the head of the admissions committee. Both the dateline and the address line should be aligned with the left-hand side of your page.

Classically, prefixes have been used when addressing your letter recipient, such as Mr., Ms., Mrs., or Dr. However, it is no longer easy to assume which of these prefixes — or one of many others — a person uses. It does not make for a good first impression to address the head of the admissions committee incorrectly, so it is best not to put a prefix in front of someone’s name unless you know with absolute certainty the specific prefix they use. Simply use their first and last name.

Step 3: Include a salutation.

The salutation is the greeting that signals the start of your letter. The most commonly used salutation by native English speakers is “dear”, but “greetings” is also a suitable choice. Following your salutation, you will put in the name of the person to whom your letter is addressed. This should be the same person indicated in the previous section. 

Step 4: Demonstrate the research you have done about the program.

The first paragraph of your cover letter should demonstrate the research you’ve done about the school’s MBA program. This will show the admissions committee you are a serious applicant because you have taken the time to learn about the program and its community.

You can refer to materials you’ve read, alumni you may have spoken to about the program, or a campus tour or class visit. While you demonstrate your research, you should also indicate how this research influenced your decision to apply to this particular program. This can include how your goals, current skills and areas for improvement, and career aspirations align with the program.

Step 5: Pitch yourself.

The second and third sections of your cover letter should discuss how your profile of skills, experiences, achievements, and leadership potential make you a good fit for the program. This can be done in either a narrative or bullet format. A narrative format is likely the way you have written cover letters in the past. In this format, you write in full sentences to tell the story of how you’ve gotten to where you are, where you want to go, and how the MBA program will help you get there.

With the bullet format, you'll still include an introduction and conclusion paragraph written in the narrative style. The middle section is where the bullet format differs from the narrative format. Instead of using full sentences to communicate information about your skills, you will use a list of bullet points. Each bullet point will speak to a specific skill you’ve used in the workplace.

Depending on your industry, this could range from developing financial strategies for your organization to crafting creative briefs for clients and anything in between. These bullet points will look similar to the structure of bullet points you may have used in your resume to provide details on your responsibilities and accomplishments at the jobs you listed.

You will have to balance the information needs of the admissions committee and the space constraints, regardless of the format you choose to use in the middle section of your cover letter. Using the STAR method will help you to write in a way that both conveys relevant information to the admissions committee while keeping it short and sweet.

• Situation - This is the who, what, where, and when of it and sets the scene for your reader (a.k.a., the admissions committee). For instance, this might start a sentence and look something like “While working as a financial analyst at XYZ Company.”
• Task - What were you responsible for doing? This should be a very specific aspect of your job responsibilities and should also be something you excelled at in your role. Following the situation outlined above, it may add on like this: “While working as a financial analyst at XYZ Company, I was responsible for compiling data for quarterly reports.”
• Action - How did you complete the task? Adding this to the situation and task already mentioned, it may look like this: “While working as a financial analyst at XYZ Company, I was responsible for compiling data for quarterly reports. I created a new reporting system which increased the efficiency of data collection.”
• Result - What was the outcome of the action(s) you took? This will show the importance of your actions and what you accomplished. Your final statement may look something like this: “While working as a financial analyst at XYZ Company, I was responsible for compiling data for quarterly reports. I created a new reporting system which increased the efficiency of data collection. This drastically increased the visibility of our clients’ revenue and expenses, and its adoption throughout the department resulted in a 14% increase in our own revenue one year after implementation.”

Since the cover letter is only one page long, it is a good idea to only discuss a small portion of your skills and experiences. You could describe two or three key elements from your resume if you follow the narrative format in your letter, but in the bullet format, you would be able to describe three or four elements.

The skills and experiences you choose should be the best examples of your knowledge and abilities, as these will be your best opportunity to set yourself apart from the competition. It’s not necessary to restate everything on your resume in your cover letter. The cover letter should provide some additional insight into a couple of items on your resume with the goal of standing out.

Step 6: Summarize your letter.

In your concluding paragraph, it is important that you summarize the contents of your letter. This is your last chance in your cover letter to establish yourself as a strong applicant, so restating how your educational background and professional experience make you the right fit for the program is crucial.

Thanking the person for reading and considering your application is a common courtesy in both professional and academic cover letters. This is critical for you to do at the end of your letter since its absence will be noticed by the admissions committee and will reflect poorly on you. Your final sentence should include a call-to-action for the next steps you want to take. This is usually a request for an interview or conversation about your fit for the program.

Step 7: Sign off.

The final part of writing your cover letter is to sign off. You should include a complimentary close, which is a polite way to close a letter. This is usually done by using “sincerely” or “yours truly,” and there is a line space separating it from your final paragraph.

Although phrases like “best wishes” or “kind regards” are other commonly used complimentary closes, they are better suited for situations where you are on a first-name basis with the recipient. You likely will not be on a first-name basis with the head of the admissions committee, so it is best that you use a more formal option such as “sincerely” or “yours truly” in your cover letter.

Following your complimentary close, you will include your first and last name. The way you write your name here should be the same as it appears on your resume and in the header of your cover letter. Your name will also be separated from your complimentary close by one line space.

You may also want to insert your signature above your name. This can be done by handwriting it, taking a picture of it, and scanning it onto your computer to insert into your letter, or by including an e-signature. Including your signature adds a professional touch to your letter and will be noticed by admissions committee members.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

As has been covered so far in this article, there are a lot of things you should do when writing your MBA cover letter. There are also a number of pitfalls you will want to avoid in your cover letter, as these can cause admissions committees to not move forward with your application. Some of the common mistakes to avoid include:

1. Writing one general cover letter and only changing the names.

Admissions committee members will be able to tell the letter wasn’t tailor-made for their program, and a generic letter will come across as lazy.

2. Stuffing your cover letter with everything on your resume and not giving yourself enough space to detail the experiences that matter the most.

Your resume already shows all your work experiences and skills. Do not waste valuable cover letter space by putting your whole resume into it.

3. Forgetting to change the name of the school or admissions committee member to whom the letter is addressed.

Reviewers will notice this immediately. They will see it as a lack of attention to detail and this mistake could result in your application being rejected.

4. Not following the basic format requirements set out by the business school.

The admissions committee won’t be keen to admit you if you demonstrate that you cannot follow instructions.

5. Neglecting the principle of “show us, don’t tell us.”

You want to show the admissions committees the impact you had as a result of your combined skills and experiences, not just that you possess certain skills or had particular experiences. 

6. Using the wrong prefix to address the recipients of your letters.

As stated earlier, it is best not to assume your recipient’s prefix and instead omit it altogether. Your recipients will not appreciate being addressed incorrectly, and it could negatively impact your chance of being admitted.

7. Sending in a cover letter with grammar, punctuation, or syntactical errors .

A letter containing errors shows you didn’t take the time to proofread and shows poor attention to detail. Make sure you take the time to make sure your letter is perfected before you send it, or have someone else review it to catch any errors you may have missed.

MBA Cover Letter Example

Here is an example of a cover letter written by a successful applicant to the MIT Sloan MBA program. As you will see, this applicant used the narrative format to describe how they started a blockchain currency transfer in response to seeing first-hand the amount lost due to transfer fees.

The narrative format allowed this applicant to tell a story about a relevant experience that demonstrated to the admissions committee their strengths and accomplishments, and to a lesser extent, what they would bring to the program.

The introduction sets the scene and explains why the applicant chose to apply to MIT Sloan by relating what they’ve learned about the school and the way their skills meet the program’s goals.

They do this in a way that’s not pushy or boastful but rather have found a way to weave these facts into their narrative. The conclusion summarizes what was discussed in the cover letter, including restating the applicant’s interest in Sloan. Finally, the applicant ends the letter with their name and signature.

1. What should I put in my cover letter? Do I write about everything that’s on my resume?

Your cover letter should focus on key items from your resume that are the best representation of what your skills and abilities have enabled you to accomplish at this point in your career. It’s important to keep in mind that your letters of recommendation will provide far greater insight into your performance in specific roles, so you don’t need to describe those same roles at length in your cover letter since your recommenders will already be providing those details.

2. How do I know whether I should use a narrative format or bullet point format?

This decision will ultimately come down to which one will best help you tell your story. If you have two main things you want to discuss in your cover letter, the narrative format will enable you to provide more details about these items. It will also be the best way to use the available space since you don’t want to leave a noticeable amount of blank space in your letter. 

If you have three or four items you want to discuss in your letter, using the bullet format may be the more suitable choice for you. This will allow you to make shorter notes without having to worry about transitioning between sentences, which can eat up valuable space. The choice between formats is based on your preference and which one you believe will help you produce a convincing cover letter.

3. How do I know if my cover letter is tailored to the program enough?

The easiest way to tell whether your cover letter is tailored to a specific program enough is to ask yourself: “Could I send this letter to another school and get into their MBA program?” If the answer is yes, you will need to make some revisions to make the letter relevant to only that program.

Although you may wish to discuss similar aspects of your profile in many of your letters, you will need to make adjustments depending on the school’s mission, values, and the focus of the program.

For instance, if a program values innovation, such as MIT Sloan, your cover letter should emphasize your ability to think critically and creatively solve problems. If a program values ongoing learning, such as Berkeley Haas, you should highlight your curiosity and times when you’ve challenged yourself to learn a new skill.

4. What skills and experiences should I write about in my cover letter?

The aspects of your profile you choose to emphasize in your MBA cover letter will vary depending on the school. Paying close attention to the mission and values of each school you’re interested in will give you insight into who the school is looking to admit, and how to show that your skills and experiences align with their mission and values, demonstrating that you’re a good fit for the program.

The curriculum and learning outcomes established by the business school will show you more specifically what’s important to the school. Knowing details about these aspects will further help you to customize your cover letter.

5. How do I format my MBA cover letter?

Formatting varies by program, but typically you can expect to use a 10 to 12 point font size in a common font (Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri). Page margins should be set to one inch on all sides. Your header should contain your contact information and be consistent with the style of your resume.

6. How can I be sure my MBA cover letter is error-free?

There are a lot of different programs out there that will check for spelling and grammar errors. Most word processors have spelling and grammar check functions built into them, and running these a few times will help to catch basic errors. Reading your cover letter out loud will also allow you to pick up on errors as well as identify any spots where the sentence flow isn’t natural or where the meaning of what you wrote isn’t clear.

It is best to consult an expert to get a more holistic review of your cover letter to ensure it is error-free and that you have pitched yourself in the best way possible.

Writing a cover letter can be an intimidating process, but it doesn’t have to be. Doing research about the programs that interest you will help you understand the types of students who are admitted and which of your personal qualities you should emphasize in your letter. Each school has a unique mission, so it’s essential that every cover letter you send is customized to each specific program.

When writing your letter, be mindful of your format and show the committee the outcome of your experiences and how they prepared you for your future as an MBA student and graduate. Now that you know how to write a cover letter for MBA programs, you’re ready to begin writing your winning cover letter.

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MBA Letter of Intent Example

With writing tips and a step-by-step guide.

Featured Expert: Hassan Awan, MBA

Are you looking for an MBA letter of intent example? You're in the right place. Reviewing examples of MBA letters of intent is a good way to understand what precisely this admissions document is supposed to accomplish so that you can write one that will improve your odds of admission to an MBA program. Whether you've got your eyes set on one of the  Ivy League schools  like  Harvard Business School  or you're still not sure which MBA program you want to apply for, it is important that you be prepared in case your chosen school requires one of these challenging admission components. This blog gives you a step-by-step guide to help you write a compelling MBA letter of intent and share an example to help inspire you. 

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 8 min read

What is an mba letter of intent.

An MBA Letter of Intent (sometimes referred to as a  statement of Intent  or an LOI) is an admissions essay written in a letter format that is supposed to tell the admissions committee why a candidate has decided to pursue an MBA and why specifically in their institution. To do that, your MBA letter of intent should discuss your goals, motivations, and what you intend to do in order to achieve those goals. 

Not all MBA programs ask for a letter of intent, but it carries a lot of weight for those schools that do request this application component. For example, the  University of Alberta  business school requires all MBA applicants to submit a statement of intent. On their website, the school compares it to a cover letter and states that the letter of interest serves to make a first impression on the admissions committee. In other words, if you have been asked to submit an LOI, you need to make sure you are writing one that is compelling.

Students often confuse the letter of intent and the  MBA statement of purpose , but while these two documents have similarities, they are also quite different. It is important to understand the difference between them if you want to write either of them adequately. This is especially true for applications that require both a statement of purpose and a letter of intent. 

The first way in which they differ is also the most obvious: format. The statement of purpose is an essay, while the MBA letter of intent is a letter addressed to the admissions committee. These two application components also cover suitableness for an MBA program differently. Where a statement of purpose is a general essay focused on your suitability for your chosen MBA program, a letter of intent is more detailed. In your letter of intent, you need to talk about how you intend to make use of or learn from specific program features.

Check out our tips for a stellar MBA resume:

Furthermore, even though you discuss your past experiences in both application components, the way you do it is different here too. In your statement of purpose, you discuss your experiences and connect those past experiences to your long-term career goals. You need to take things a step further in your letter of intent. The program committee will want to hear about the specific skills that you learned from these experiences. 

Now that you know what an MBA letter of intent is, you need to know how to write one that will convince the admission board that you are the right candidate for their program. Written application components like the  MBA personal statement , MBA statement of purpose, and letter of intent require time and effort to prepare. That is why we recommend giving yourself at least six to eight weeks to compose a compelling essay. That is enough time for you to thoroughly research the program in question and gather all the information that could be helpful to you before you start to draft, redraft, and finalize your letter of intent.

For an MBA letter of intent to be effective, it needs to discuss specific details about the school and the MBA program you are applying to. You can't do that if you don't have information. That is why it's important to take the time to research and learn as much as possible about the school in question. Write down everything about the curriculum, the culture, and the overall program that interests you. For example, if you find out that one of the instructors at the university you're applying to has a research project that you would like to be a part of, or if you are researching  Wharton business school,  and you like that their program is supposed to be very collaborative, then you should write these things down. The aim of this exercise is to keep track of all the things that make this school a great fit for you. 

Keep in mind that you also need to show the admissions committee that you are a good match for their program. So, in addition to writing down the details about the school, you should also think about your grades, background, past experiences, and career goals and how they align with your chosen school's values and goals. 

To help with the brainstorming process, you can ask yourself the following questions: 

• How will an MBA program help me achieve my goals?
• What valuable experiences did I have during my undergraduate/ working years?
• How did those experiences inspire my interest in an MBA program?
• What are some problems in my field/ organization that I want to fix?
• What do I find intriguing about this school and the experience it provides?
• Is there anything particularly appealing to m about this school’s curriculum? The campus of this school? Any professors at this school?
• What resources does this school offer that can help me? 
• Why should they admit me?
•  What values do I have that the school is seeking?

Step 2: Plan/structure your essay

When you have done enough research on the school and answered some of the questions above, you should have enough to talk about in your letter. Now, it's time to organize your thoughts and structure your letter. You can do this by creating an outline and writing down the key points you want to cover in each paragraph of your letter. This will allow you to check that your letter has a good flow and that it will be easy to follow. 

The word count for your MBA letter of intent will depend on the specific school you're applying to. Generally, the limit ranges between 250 to 1000 words. You will need to verify the information provided by the admissions team and tailor your statement as per their requirements. Keep in mind that some schools may also request a specific format or stylistic guideline, so make sure that the structure you are using follows those too.

Once you are satisfied with the outline of your letter, you can start to fill in the gaps and write your actual MBA letter of intent. The exact information you provide in these paragraphs will depend on your reasons for pursuing an MBA and your motivation to attend this school in particular. 

Talk about the experiences that have prepared you for this program and the most significant factors that influenced your decision. While you do not want to get too personal, these paragraphs should be genuine, and your personality should shine through. Use short anecdotes and specific examples to achieve this. It will also have the added benefit of showing instead of just telling the admissions committee about your strengths.

Have you started preparing for your MBA interviews? This video can help: 

Step 4: Proofread and edit

Your first draft will probably not be the one you submit with your MBA application. Like with your other application components, your  MBA resume  or MBA personal statement, for example, you need to make sure that the letter of intent is free from grammatical errors and typos. It should also be easy to read, concise and compelling. We recommend reaching out to an  MBA essay consultant  so that they can review your letter and make sure it is up to par. A consultant can help you identify the strengths in your letter and give you the tools to improve on the weaker points in your MBA letter of intent. 

Dear [University] admissions committee, 

I want to start by thanking you for taking the time to review my application and this additional letter. I'm applying to the [University] MBA/MA International Studies Program because I believe that the rigorous curriculum it offers covers everything that I need to learn about business management and international studies to achieve my career goals. 

I was fortunate enough to be born in a family that values and encourages education. My parents moved from Ghana to the United States when I was seven years old, and one of my earliest memories in my new country was a day trip to DC, where we visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture. It was during that trip that I first started asking questions about history, politics, and how different countries interact with each other. 

Over the years, my interest in political science and international studies has grown. So much so that I pursued a bachelor's degree in the subject. I have become particularly interested in money and technology's impact on politics and international relations. My goal is to learn as much as possible about the management of resources like money, technology, and labor, in today's interconnected world and use that knowledge to help companies and non-profits that are trying to help underdeveloped nations.

I have been working as a project manager for one of those nonprofit companies for just over five years, and I feel that one of my duties is to stay informed and keep up with the newest research and developments in business management, economics, and international relations. That is how I came across the research that Dr. Elaine Thomson from your MBA/MA International relations department is conducting. 

I have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Thomson in the past as a teacher's assistant, and I know that she is very passionate about bridging the financial gap between "first world" and "third world" nations. Something that I also care about deeply. So, when I found out that she was exploring the impact of globalization on the international economic order, I was intrigued, and I wanted to learn from her once more. She is one of the many brilliant professors in the department that I hope to have the opportunity to learn from and, one day, maybe even work with again. 

 My experience as a manager for a non-profit company has allowed me to learn a great deal about business management, but I know that there is a lot more that I do not understand yet. I believe that my passion for both of these fields, dedication, and work ethic make me a great fit for your program. Furthermore, my work and research experience, along with my academic background, have prepared me for your curriculum. 

I am not only eager to learn, but ready to do so. I genuinely hope that you will give me the opportunity to do so come September. 

Sincerely, 

James Kweku

Writing an MBA letter of intent is no easy task. You need to give yourself enough time to research the school you are applying to (specifically their MBA program), brainstorm, structure your letter, and then you can start writing and editing until it is polished and ready to submit. If you follow the step-by-step process outlined above, you are well on your way to writing a solid MBA letter of intent. Furthermore, you can always reach out to an MBA admissions consultant for additional assistance.

MBA programs can be pretty challenging to get into. For example, some business schools, like Stanford business school , have acceptance rates as low as 6%. So, if you want to get an offer of admission, you need to create an application that stands out.

Your MBA letter of intent is supposed to tell the admissions committee what you intend to do in their program and afterward. Your statement should discuss your reasons for choosing their MBA program and your career goals.

No, it is not. The statement of purpose is a general admissions essay, and your letter of intent is a more detailed letter that focuses that requires specific details about your reasons for pursuing an MBA at your institution of choice.

Your letter of intent is technically an admissions essay, so you should only write and send one to schools that specifically ask for one.

You should address your letter of intent to the admissions committee of the MBA program to which you are applying.

The school will likely give you a word count, but if that is not the case, make sure that your letter of intent is not longer than one page.

You can take some time to research the school so that you can be specific about your reasons for choosing the school. You should also use specific examples as proof for any claims you make about yourself.

You can invest in  MBA admissions consulting , and an essay consultant can review and help you edit your letter of intent to make it more effective.

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How to Apply to the MBA Program

What’s your story? What experiences have shaped who you are today? We want to know. We are on a quest to find curious, passionate, analytical candidates who will enhance the collaborative community here at MIT. Our goal is to create a vibrant learning environment rich in diverse ideas and life experiences. That's why we welcome applicants from all over the globe, and from all areas of study, including the humanities, the social and physical sciences, business, and engineering. Above all, we seek thoughtful leaders with exceptional intellectual abilities, determined to make their mark in the world—people who value dignity and respect. Here’s how to get started!

Register your Interest

Application Deadlines for August 2024 Entry

The Admissions Committee reviews all applications and will notify applicants of their decision on or before these deadlines. Please note that in the interest of confidentiality, we will only deliver official decisions via your online application.

All applications are due by 3:00 p.m. EST on the deadline date. The deadline is for both application materials and recommendation letters. All decisions will be released by end of day on the decision release day.

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MIT Sloan MBA Application Tips

A complete 2024 application entry requires:

Cover letter.

MIT Sloan seeks students whose personal characteristics demonstrate that they will make the most of the incredible opportunities at MIT, both academic and non-academic. We are on a quest to find those whose presence will enhance the experience of other students. We seek thoughtful leaders with exceptional intellectual abilities and the drive and determination to put their stamp on the world. We welcome people who are independent, authentic, and fearlessly creative — true doers. We want people who can redefine solutions to conventional problems, and strive to preempt unconventional dilemmas with cutting-edge ideas. We demand integrity and respect passion.

Taking the above into consideration, please submit a cover letter seeking a place in the MIT Sloan MBA program. Your letter should conform to a standard business correspondence, include one or more professional examples that illustrate why you meet the desired criteria above, and be addressed to the Admissions Committee (300 words or fewer, excluding address and salutation).

Please submit a  one-page  resume. This will help us easily track your academic and career path. Try to focus on your work results, not just your title or job description. Here are some pointers on formatting: 

• One page limit
• Times New Roman font
• Size 10 font
• Word or PDF formats only

Provide the following information in reverse chronological order:

Education: Please include relevant awards, scholarships and professional societies

Work Experience: Please include company name, title, results-oriented bullets that demonstrate your skill set, and dates

Additional information: Please include extracurricular activities/community service, technical skills/certifications, and special skills/interests, and languages spoken (if applicable)

Video Statement

Introduce yourself to your future classmates. Here’s your chance to put a face with a name, let your personality shine through, be conversational, be yourself. We can’t wait to meet you! Videos should adhere to the following guidelines:

• No more than 1 minute (60 second) in length
• Single take (no editing) 
• Speaking directly to the camera
• Do not include background music or subtitles

Note: While we ask you to introduce yourself to your future classmates in this video, the video will not be shared beyond the admissions committee and is for use in the application process only.

One Letter of Recommendation

A detailed recommendation can tell us a lot about you. Make sure you select an individual qualified to speak about your results as a professional and your potential as a leader. Some important details:

• MBA applicants must submit  one letter of recommendation .
• A recommendation from a professional contact is preferred, ideally a manager or supervisor.
• We do not accept recommendations from family members.
• Your letter of recommendation must be received by the deadline date for the round you are applying (see above for our deadlines.) It is your responsibility to remind your recommender to make sure it is submitted on time.

You will be instructed to add your recommender's contact information and they will be sent instructions on how to submit their letter. You should choose a recommender who can answer the following questions:

• How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant?
• How does the applicant stand out from others in a similar capacity?
• Please give an example of the applicant's impact on a person, group, or organization.
• Please give a representative example of how the applicant interacts with other people.
• Please tell us anything else you think we should know about this applicant.
• Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant's response.

Additional References

We want to make sure we give you the best chance to show us your strengths, so please provide us with contact information for two additional professional references. If we still have questions after reading your application, we might reach out to one or both of these references. Similar to your recommender, these additional references should be able to speak to your professional and/or academic background. These two individuals should be different from your recommender.

Organizational Chart

To help us better understand your current role and the impact that you have on your team and department, please submit an organizational chart. We should be able to clearly understand the internal structure of your organization, where you sit in your organization, and your line of reporting.

Organizational charts should not be more than two pages and keep the following in mind:

• Give us as much detail as possible (names, titles, etc.) but it’s ok to redact names if you need to.
• Please circle your role in red so that your position is easily identifiable.
• Make sure we can easily identify where you are, to whom you report, and if applicable, who reports to you.
• If your recommender or references are on your organizational chart (they may not be, and that’s ok!), please highlight them for us.
• If you are a consultant, entrepreneur, or affiliated with the military review our  FAQs  for suggestions on how to approach the organizational chart.

Click here to view a sample organizational chart.

Transcripts

Please scan and upload your transcript(s) from all colleges and universities you attended or are currently attending. If you are currently earning a degree, please upload your most up-to-date transcript.  We review transcripts carefully, please double check that what you have uploaded is legible; if you can’t read it, neither can we!

Some important details:

• All applicants to the program must hold a four-year undergraduate degree or three-year equivalent undergraduate degree from outside of the U.S, by time of matriculation.
• Do not mail any hard copies of official academic records or transcripts.  
• If you received an undergraduate degree as part of a Master's program, please include an undergraduate entry in addition to your Master's degree.
• If your transcripts are not in English, please scan and upload both the original and the certified translation.
• We cannot accept “digitally signed” or encrypted transcripts. If you’re having difficulty uploading your document, this may be the reason. Print out your transcript, scan it, and upload the PDF.
• We do not accept transfer credits. Any MIT classes taken pre-matriculation cannot be counted toward your degree at MIT Sloan

Once admitted to the program you will be required to provide an official signed and sealed transcript from all schools attended. Any discrepancies between the scanned transcripts and official transcripts may result in a candidate’s rejection or a withdrawal of our offer of admission.

Test Scores

Standardized tests, specifically the GMAT and GRE are a critical component of the application process and play an important role in our holistic evaluation process. The MIT Sloan Admissions Committee expects that you will submit a GMAT or GRE score to be reviewed as part of your application. Both the remote and in-person versions of these exams are accepted with no preference. If your current situation prevents you from being able to submit a test score, you may request a test waiver explaining the situation; the Admissions Committee will take your request under advisement and let you know if the waiver has been approved. If the waiver is approved, and you are admitted, the Admissions Committee reserves the right to offer conditional admission such as, but not limited to, receiving a certain score on the GMAT or GRE or taking a supplemental class. To request a test waiver, please start your application and navigate to the Test Scores section; you can submit your request there. Once submitted, you will receive a response by email as soon as possible.

We will accept self-reported test scores by the application deadline, and welcome either traditional or online version of exams. Test scores must be valid by the application deadline. Official scores should also be sent using the following school codes:

• To share your GMAT score, please enter Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - MIT Sloan School of Management
• GRE School Code: 3791

For the 2023-24 admission cycle, we will accept all versions of the GMAT or GRE, including remote or in-person.

Relevant Coursework & Professional Certifications

We welcome applicants from many types of academic backgrounds and do not have any academic prerequisites. That being said, we want to understand what relevant coursework you have already completed in order to assess how prepared you are for our core MBA courses.

In the application, we ask you to tell us which courses (if any) in the following subject areas you have taken. We’ll also ask what grade you received in each course.

• Communications
• Linear Algebra
• Microeconomics
• Organizational Behavior
• Probability

Additionally, if you earned special certifications or took professional development courses in your spare time, please tell us about them! Feel free to submit academic evidence not already on your transcripts, such as: professional certifications CFA, CPA, ACCA, among others; non-degree coursework such as MITx MicroMasters, CORe, edX, MBA Math, or any other non-degree coursework you completed.

Optional Short Answer Question

Applicants are invited to expand on their background by responding to the following  optional  250 word short answer question:

How has the world you come from shaped who you are today? For example, your family, culture, community, all help to shape aspects of your life experiences and perspective. Please use this opportunity if you would like to share more about your background.

This is an opportunity for you to share more about yourself with the Admissions Committee, should you choose to do so.

Application Fee

The non-refundable application fee of $250.00 USD must be paid online prior to submitting your application.

In addition to the list below, attendees of some recruitment events and conferences where MIT Sloan is present may qualify for an application fee waiver. If you are in attendance at one of these events, you will be notified at the conclusion of the event and the payment section of your application will reflect the waiver automatically.

Please note that we cannot grant retroactive fee waivers if the application fee has already been paid online. If you are submitting a request, please wait to hear back from us.

You may be eligible for a fee waiver if any of the following apply:

• Current Peace Corps Members
• Current Teach for America Members or Alumni
• Forte MBA Launch Participants
• Veteran or Active Duty U.S. Military Personnel
• Paying the application fee will result in insurmountable financial hardship

Participants from the following list of programs, conferences, and fellowships are also eligible for an application fee waiver:

MIT Sponsored Programs

• MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP General)
• MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP Biology/BCS/CBMM)
• On-Campus MIT ACCESS Program
• MIT Media Lab Open House Travel Grant Recipients
• MIT OME Laureates and Leaders
• MIT OME The Standard
• MIT Emergent Behaviors of Integrated Cellular Systems (EBICS)
• Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology (HST) Summer Institute

Fellowship Programs

• APSA Diversity Fellowship Program (APSA DFP)
• Emergent Behaviors of Integrated Cellular Systems Research Experience for Undergraduates (EBICS REU)
• Gates Millenium Scholars Program
• Leadership Alliance Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP)
• Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)
• Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC)
• McNair Scholars Program
• Mellon Mays Minority Undergraduate Fellowship Program (MMUF)
• Morehouse College Dr. John H. Hopps Jr. Defense Research Scholars Program Hopps (HOPPS)
• National Association of African American Honors Programs (NAAAHP)
• Questbridge
• Ralph Bunche Summer Institute (RBSI)
• Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement Program (RISE)
• The National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science (GEM)
• University of Baltimore Maryland County Meyerhoff Scholars Program
• Woods Hole Partnership Education Program

Events and Conferences

• ACM Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing
• American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
• Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS)
• California Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education
• Emerging Researches National Conference in STEM (ERN)
• FIU McNair Scholars Research Conference
• Georgia Tech Virtual Graduate Showcase
• Grace Hopper Celebration Conference
• Howard University Research Month
• Institute on Teaching and Mentoring (SREB)
• Ivy Plus Puerto Rico
• MC-STEMP Graduating Engineering Minorities (GEM) GRADLab
• National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE)
• National Organization of Minority Architects
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP)
• Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
• Spelman College Research Day
• The National GEM Consortium

Instructions for Dual Degree Applicants & Reapplicants

Lgo applicants.

The LGO program at MIT Sloan allows you to pursue two degrees from the MIT School of Engineering (SoE) and the MBA program at the MIT Sloan School of Management. To learn more about the LGO program and read about the application requirements please visit the LGO website .

LGO Applicants are automatically considered for LGO and MBA. You may not submit separate applications to LGO and MBA. If you are unsuccessful in gaining admission to LGO, you will still be considered for MBA.

Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) Applicants

The MIT Sloan MBA program and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government (HKS) offer a dual-degree program that can be completed in three years:

• One year in residence at one school
• A second year in residence at the second school
• A third year with one semester at each school

Applicants who wish to pursue the dual degree option must receive:

• Concurrent admission to the MIT Sloan MBA program and the Harvard Kennedy School; and
• Permission from MIT Sloan to pursue the dual degree option in three years

Applicants intending to pursue the dual degree option with the Harvard Kennedy School of Government (HKS) should follow the MBA applicant instructions above. All applicants intending to apply for the dual degree program must be applying concurrently to HKS and MIT Sloan and submit their application to MIT Sloan in Round 2.

Concurrent applicants to MIT Sloan and HKS must notify MIT Sloan immediately if accepted into HKS so that we can review and approve you to pursue the dual degree program.

Reapplicants

For applicants who applied for entry in a previous year, we require that you complete and submit a new and complete application. We strongly encourage you to submit new application materials and emphasize what has changed since you last applied. Reapplicants may submit their applications in any round, and will have an opportunity to highlight changes since their previous application in a short-answer question. LGO reapplicants must submit their applications by the LGO deadline. You can find more information in our FAQs .

MIT Department of Urban Studies (DUSP) Applicants

This program allows students to pursue an MBA and a Master in City Planning (MCP) in three academic years.

• Concurrent admission to the MIT Sloan MBA program and DUSP; and

All applicants intending to apply for the dual degree program must be applying concurrently to DUSP and MIT Sloan and submit their application to MIT Sloan in Round 2.

The Interview Process

Interviews are by invitation only. They are a required step in the process. An invitation to interview signals that your application has reached an advanced stage of consideration, but it does not guarantee admission. Those invited to the interview will be asked to respond to two additional questions prior to the interview. Details for submitting your essay will be included in the interview invitation.

Interviews will be conducted virtually and will be scheduled in local Boston time. Please adjust your calendar to reflect the correct time if you are located outside of the Eastern Time Zone. 

Interview Tips with Dawna Levenson, Assistant Dean of Admissions

In this video, Dawna Levenson, Assistant Dean of Admissions, walks you through the interview process and shares some tips to help you prepare.

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Your MBA Applications Roadmap

MBA Cover Letter

A cover letter is often the first thing that an MBA admissions committee reads when they receive your application, so it’s important to make a good impression with it. Your cover letter should tie together all of the pieces of your application so the committee can get a sense of your overall qualifications for the program.

If there are any parts of your application that require an explanation, such as a gap in education or employment, this is your chance to let them know. Your cover letter should be brief and to-the-point, and leave the reader wanting to find out more about you from the other parts of your application.

A good cover letter won’t make up for a mediocre application packet, but it can get the reader on your side, looking for the positives in your application.

How Important is an MBA Cover Letter?

Each MBA program has its own requirements, and may or may not call for a cover letter. Some programs may ask you to answer essay questions or write a Statement of Purpose instead of or in addition to a cover letter. Always check your school’s admissions criteria to make sure your cover letter is the right length and style for your program.

For example, the Sloan School of Management at MIT asks for a cover letter of no more than 300 words in the form of “standard business correspondence.” It should have “one or more examples that illustrate why you meet the desired criteria” for the program. They also ask for a 1-minute Video Statement introducing yourself and explaining why you want to attend MIT. They don’t require a separate essay or Statement of Purpose.

The Hankamer School of Business at Baylor University doesn’t require a cover letter, but has guidelines if you choose to submit one. It should be no more than 1 page and should “include reasons why you are qualified for a place in the graduate degree program, how your participation will add value to the graduate degree program, or explain any other information useful to the admissions committee.”

Some schools in Europe have begun to require video essays instead of written cover letters, such as the SDA Bocconi School of Management. This allows the admissions team to recognize names and faces out of hundreds of applications.

So, how important your cover letter is depends on what other materials are requested. If your cover letter is the only space you have to introduce yourself, then use it wisely. This is especially important if you have an unusual resume or education that doesn’t fit neatly into the boxes of a typical MBA application.

But if your application includes one or more essays that already provide an overview of your resume and career goals, it may be less important. If your program doesn’t specify the criteria for a cover letter, then it’s best to keep it short and professional and let your resume and other materials provide the information the admissions team needs.

What They’ll Be Looking For

When the admissions committee reads your cover letter, they’ll be trying to get a sense of who you are as a candidate and if you’re likely to be a good fit for their program.

Think of it like the summary on the back of a book: you’ll need to read the whole book to get the whole story, but the summary lets you know what to expect and whether it’s likely to be a match for your interests and reading preferences.

Your cover letter serves a similar purpose. It gives the admissions team an idea of who you are, which is then expanded on by the other parts of your application. In a way, it’s about personalizing your application.

A good cover letter shows that you can follow directions and have done some research into the particular program you’re applying for. The admissions team wants to see that you understand what the program is about and what you can bring to it.

This is also your opportunity to manage expectations. If your GMAT score is lower than the school’s average, or you don’t have a lot of work experience yet, you can highlight other strengths that you bring to the table.

That way, when the team turns the page to your resume or test scores, they won’t be surprised by what they find, and are more likely to give you a fair assessment.

You can also use your cover letter to mention anyone who has agreed to write a Letter of Recommendation for you, so the admissions team knows what other documents to look forward to in your application packet.

Tips for Writing an MBA Cover Letter

The length and format of your letter will depend on what your program requires, but there are several tips that apply to all cover letters. If you’ve ever written a cover letter to apply for a job , then you should have a general idea of what a cover letter looks like.

A typical cover letter has 3-4 paragraphs and is written on standard letter-sized paper in 12-point font and with 1-inch margins. The letter should include the date and recipient’s address at the top left and your name and signature at the bottom.

Here are a few more tips that apply specifically to cover letters for MBA programs:

Write a unique cover letter for each program

Don’t use the same cover letter for every application. Show the admissions team why you want to attend this particular program . Some of the information you include will be the same for each school, but the letters shouldn’t be identical.

Highlight any experience on your resume that aligns with the school’s focus or values. If there’s a particular course or professor you’re interested in, mention it. Also make note of any other connections you have to the school, such as a visit to campus or conversation with a recent graduate that influenced your decision to apply.

Address the letter to the right person

Avoid starting off your letter with a generic “To Whom It May Concern.” If the application instructions don’t say who to address the letter to, then look up the name of the Dean of Admissions or another faculty member who is likely to read your application.

Your letter should be more formal than an email. Addressing the letter properly shows that you understand the conventions of professional business correspondence. It may seem simple, but it’s an easy way for the admissions team to tell a serious candidate from someone who just put a cover letter together at the last minute.

Don’t forget to introduce yourself

Your cover letter should get the admissions team interested in you as a candidate, but it shouldn’t leave them guessing. Remember, this is your introduction, so let them know a bit about who you are and your work and educational background.

Instead of vague statements like “as you’ll see from the work experience on my resume,” mention your “5 years of employment in the financial services industry.” Specific names and numbers are more likely to get the reader’s attention.

Biographical details, such as your country of origin or the time that you spent studying abroad, are also useful to present a well-rounded picture.

Advocate for yourself (and back it up)

The cover letter is an opportunity to sell yourself as a qualified applicant, and that means explaining any inconsistencies in your application. Did you change your course of study in the middle of your degree? Did you take a year off of work to volunteer overseas?

Gaps or inconsistencies in your resume may make perfect sense once you explain them. Ideally, you’ll have a strong Letter of Recommendation to back up your claims. A shift in your career path or education may make more sense if you have a supervisor who is able to vouch for your abilities and on-the-job work experience.

That said, don’t exaggerate or make things up. A clever cover letter won’t get you into an MBA program if you don’t meet the minimum admission requirements.

MBA Cover Letter Example

Let’s take a look at an example to see what a standard cover letter should look like. This letter was submitted as part of an application for an MBA at West Coast University. The letter is only around 150 words in all, making it a very clear and concise example.

The letter starts off with a standard greeting “To Members of the Admissions Committee”. You can address your letter to an individual if you know the name of the Dean, but this is an effective introduction and is more specific than “To Whom It May Concern”.

Next, the applicant clearly states the purpose of the letter and goes on to reference a personal connection to the school in the form of an alumni interview. The information includes a specific name and date if the admissions committee wants to verify it.

“This letter expresses my interest in applying for admission to the School of Management’s Fall 2003 MBA Program. On December 21, 2002, I had the pleasure of interviewing with your alumnus, Mr. Stephen Meeker, a meeting that solidified my decision.”

Then, the applicant mentions what it is about the program that they’re drawn to. They show the research that they’ve done and highlight some of the program’s features:

“After comprehensive research into your program, I was pleased with your educational policies and the culturally diverse environment in which I can learn much from both professors and students of many nations.”

This paragraph is short, and could include a little bit more information on the specific focus of study or likely career path, but it gets the job done.

Next, they bring up their resume as evidence of their qualifications. Without going into too much detail up front, they mention a few skills and experiences that the admissions team can look out for in other sections of the application:

The enclosed resume provides my inclusive and accomplished background, including:

Seven years of experience in international banking.

Strong quantitative and analytical skills.

Fluency and solid communication capabilities in English, French, and Italian.

Inspirational leadership in a cross-cultural environment in France and Italy.

While they don’t mention much about their educational background, their skill in three different languages is likely to make them stand out from other applicants.

Finally, they go on to mention future steps they will take to further their investment in the program, including an upcoming visit to campus. They provide contact info so that they can easily be reached for the next step in the application process:

“I will be visiting West Coast University during the second week of February to audit classes and interact with the students. Should you require additional information, I can be reached at the number above.”

This is a relatively short cover letter, but it includes all of the important information in a clear and straightforward way. The applicant could have offered more details on their education, for example, but chose to highlight their overseas experience instead.

In general, a cover letter is less detailed than a personal essay or Statement of Purpose, so it’s best to stick to a single page and 3-4 paragraphs. If your program asks for a longer letter or a personal essay, you can go into more detail about your current employment or career goals, but don’t repeat the same info too many times in your application.

If you’re asked to submit a video introduction instead, you can cover the same points in your video as you would in your cover letter. Your video should appear casual and less formal than a cover letter, but it’s a good idea to make some notes and rehearse it a few times to make sure you don’t forget to include anything.

A cover letter isn’t the most in-depth part of your application, but it lets the admissions team know what to expect from you. Just like the preface to a book, it can set the tone of your application and influence whether the admissions team looks at the rest of your documents with a hopeful or a skeptical eye.

A good cover letter will help the admissions team see a real person, not just a resume and a GMAT score, when they consider your application.

If you’re not sure what to say in your cover letter, don’t worry. Whether your MBA program requires a standard cover letter, a personal essay, or a video, we can help you figure it out. We’ll make sure that you’re clear on the application requirements and submit the right type of cover letter for your program to increase your chances of success.

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Applicants to HBS must have the following:

A degree program at an accredited U.S. four-year undergraduate college/university or an international equivalent (unless you are a college senior applying to our 2+2 Program ). Equivalent programs include international three-year bachelor degree programs.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test taken in the timeframes on the chart below. The GMAT or GRE is a prerequisite for admission. We will accept the new, shorter GRE beginning September 2023. We will accept the GMAT Focus beginning with the 2+2 round in April 2024.

A TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson Test of English (PTE), or Duolingo English Test is required if you did not attend an undergraduate institution where the sole language of instruction is English. If you completed a graduate degree which was taught in English, it is recommended you submit one of these tests, but it is not required.

Written Application

To apply to Harvard Business School, we ask you to assemble and prepare a variety of materials that will help us assess your qualifications. Remember, all materials must be submitted to HBS online by the application deadlines. The following serves as a preview of what you need to prepare.

Candidates must have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (unless applying through the 2+2 program — please see information for college seniors). Degrees from international universities offering three-year baccalaureate degrees are valid equivalents.

We require uploaded transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate academic institutions that you have attended (full- or part-time).

You may upload an "unofficial" or student copy of your transcript; however, we will request an official copy for verification purposes should you be admitted to HBS.

When the Admissions Board looks at your transcripts, we are looking at the whole picture — not just your GPA. We take into account where you went to school, the courses that you took, and your performance. We understand the structures of different grading systems worldwide. There is no minimum GPA to apply, although our students usually have strong undergraduate records. Undergraduate academics are just one factor the Admissions Board uses to evaluate a candidate.

• There is no minimum GMAT or GRE to apply and we do not have a preference toward one test or the other. If you look at our class profile , you can see that we have a range of GMAT and GRE scores in the current first-year class.
• We will accept the new, shorter GRE beginning September 2023. We will accept the GMAT Focus beginning with the 2+2 round in April 2024.
• When submitting your application, you may report the unofficial GMAT or GRE score given on the day of the test, or your official score if you have received it. Every applicant must request that the testing agency sends an official score report directly to HBS. We accept online versions of the GMAT or GRE.
• We require you to complete the AWA portion of the exam; however, you do not need the results in order to submit your application. Note: If you took the online version of the GMAT prior to the addition of the AWA section (i.e. before May 20, 2021), we will accept those test scores without the AWA as long as they have not expired.
• Be advised that in order to apply for admission, scores must be dated as follows:

Please note that the HBS code for the GMAT is HRLX892 and the HBS code for the GRE is 4064.

• A TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson Test of English (PTE), or Duolingo English Test is required if you did not attend an undergraduate institution where the sole language of instruction is English.
• If you completed a graduate degree which was taught in English, it is recommended you submit one of these tests, but it is not required.

HBS does not have a minimum test score to apply, however, the MBA Admissions Board discourages any candidate with a TOEFL score lower than 109 on the IBT, an IELTS score lower than 7.5, a PTE score lower than 75, or a Duolingo score lower than 145 from applying.

HBS only accepts the Internet-based (IBT) version of the TOEFL. Please note that the HBS code for the TOEFL is 3444.

There is one question for the Class of 2026 application:

As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program? (900 words)

We invite you to share personal or professional experiences from your background that give you a unique ability to contribute to HBS. Try to remember to not overthink or overwrite in this essay; it is best to answer the question in clear and concise language that those of us who don't know your world can understand.

You will need to have two recommendations submitted online by the application deadlines. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all recommendations are submitted online by the deadline date for the round in which the applicant is applying.

Use your best judgment on who you decide to ask - there is no set formula for who should be your recommenders. We know it is not always possible to have a direct supervisor write your recommendation – we would not want you to jeopardize your current position for the application process. Look at the questions we are asking recommenders to complete. Find people who know you well enough to answer them. This can be a former supervisor, a colleague, or someone you collaborate on an activity outside of work. How well a person knows you should take priority over level of seniority or HBS alumni status.

Recommender Questions

How do the candidate's performance, potential, background, or personal qualities compare to those of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Please provide specific examples. (300 words)

Please describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant's response. (250 words)

This can be your standard business resume or CV. You do not need to have it in any special format. You can use whatever you would use to conduct a job search. Note: The HBS MBA Program is designed for students who have full-time work experience. While it is important for candidates to assess their own readiness to apply, the Admissions Board recommends that applicants have at least two years of full-time work experience (prior to enrolling).

• There is a nonrefundable application fee (credit card only) of $250 USD* to offset the cost of reviewing applications. All active duty military applicants do not have to pay the application fee.

If your annual income at your current or most recent place of employment is $65,000 USD or less, the need-based application fee waiver will automatically apply. If you do not automatically qualify but would like to request a fee waiver due to financial hardship, you may apply for a need-based application fee waiver after starting your application.

*Applicants to our 2+2 Program have a reduced application fee of $100.

After your written application has been submitted and reviewed, you may be invited to interview. Interviews are 30 minutes and are conducted by an MBA Admissions Board member who has reviewed your application. Your interview will be tailored to you and is designed for us to learn more about you in the context of a conversation.

The interview is a positive indicator of interest, but is not a guarantee of admission; it serves as one element among many that are considered as we complete a final review of your candidacy. All interviews are conducted by invitation only, at the discretion of the Admissions Board. If invited, however, you must participate in order to complete the application process.

Interviews may be scheduled on campus, in domestic or international hub cities, or via Zoom. Neither the timing of your interview invitation nor its format, whether in person or via Zoom, implies anything about the status of your application or affects your candidacy.

Post-Interview Reflection

Within 24 hours of the interview, candidates are required to submit a written reflection through our online application system. Detailed instructions will be provided to those applicants who are invited to interview.

MBA Application Tips Video Series

Every HBS MBA student has been where you are right now. In this video series, we hope to help you learn how to break down your application into small, actionable steps so that you can submit a successful application that is true to you and your journey.

Joint Degree Programs

Applications for both Harvard Business School and the partnering Harvard graduate school must be submitted as explained on these overview pages:

• MS/MBA Engineering
• MS/MBA Life Sciences
• MPA-ID / MBA

Special Instructions

• Student Applicants  (2+2)

Texas McCombs MBA Insider

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The Full-Time MBA Cover Letter and Optional Statement

Mba cover letter.

The application cover letter is a critical means of learning who you are as an applicant and assessing your communication and writing skills. Here is the prompt to help guide you in writing the application cover letter:

Please write an application cover letter summarizing your aspirations, qualifications, personal and professional experiences that make you a strong candidate for the Texas Full-Time MBA program. (max 500)

MBA Optional Statement  

Please provide any additional information you believe is important or address any areas of concern that you believe will be beneficial to the MBA Admissions Committee in considering your application. (e.g. gaps in work experience, choice of recommender, academic performance, or extenuating personal circumstances) (250 words)  

Honestly, the most important piece of advice we can provide you on the optional statement is to remember that it is just that– optional. Only applicants who feel some of their profile deserves more explanation should submit an optional statement. This section of the application is not to designed for you to tell us more about your extracurricular activities or expand upon the essay prompt . While we love to see how excited you are to share additional information with us, there are other ways to let the Admissions Committee know about additional projects or passions. Your resume and the video assessment are better forums for these additional details. Optional statements should focus on filling gaps or answering questions we are likely to have about you.  

Our Tips for Writing Your Cover Letter

• Be patient with yourself. Take time to reflect, brainstorm, rewrite, and EDIT. It will likely take more than one draft to realize your final submission.
• Don’t copy and paste. Do not use the same content for multiple business schools. We can always spot recycled content.
• STAY ON PROMPT. We actually want your submission to be in cover letter form! Approach this as you would drafting a cover letter for a job – who are you, why do you want to come to McCombs, and how will you contribute to the program?
• Be honest. The cover letter is a way to learn more about you. Our community values authenticity and we look for submissions that reflect your authentic self.
• Have someone you trust read over your cover letter. Those closest to you can provide valuable insights, feedback, and perspectives as you highlight your personal gifts and qualities.

We hope these insights into the written portions of our application give you some ideas to think about and some points to revisit as you write (and rewrite) your cover letter. Good luck, and happy applying!

If you have any questions during the application process,  we’re here to help . Please visit  our website  for details on applying to each program and  follow us on Instagram  for an inside look into the Texas McCombs MBA.  

Full-Time MBA , Full-Time MBA Application Tips

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• Youth Program
• Wharton Online

What You Need to Apply

Applying for the wharton mba: application & admission requirements, below you will find full details on prerequisites, application fees, essay topics, gre/gmat test scores, references and other details you’ll need to satisfy the wharton mba admission requirements. however, the most detailed instructions are included in the application itself. remember, you must complete the online application to be considered for the mba program. if you’re looking for deadline information and an overview of the application process, please see application timelines and deadlines ., mba application checklist & prerequisite requirements.

A complete application will consist of the following items:

Background Information

Application fee.

• Transcripts (unofficial or official)
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• GMAT or GRE Score
• English Language Test Score

Essay Questions

Transcripts, letters of recommendation, english language test.

• Contact information (e.g., mailing address and phone number)
• Date of birth
• Beginning with your high school, please complete the Education and Transcript section for all of your academic experiences, including your bachelor’s or bachelor’s-equivalent degree, study abroad, summer school, and post-baccalaureate classes. If you have more information than the three forms will allow, please use the Microsoft Excel  Multiple Transcript Template  to record your additional education.
• To ensure the quick processing of your application, we are no longer accepting mailed transcripts at the time of application. Instead, please submit your transcript(s) as a scanned document or use the Transcript Template  found here. Use the upload feature, provided at each school listing, to submit your self-reported transcript(s).
• If admitted, you will be required to provide official transcripts of all previous academic work to verify the information provided in the uploaded documents. If there are discrepancies between the self-reported academic work and official records, your offer of admission will be withdrawn. Offers of admission are not binding until academic records are verified.
• Beginning with your most recent position, please complete the Employment section with your full-time experience, including military and entrepreneurial experiences. You can also include any significant part-time or summer employment since the beginning of college.
• The Employment section allows you to list your four most recent employments; however, all employment experience is important to us. Feel free to use the optional essay to explain any gaps in employment.
• Please note that we will see all of your answer to the Reason for Leaving question, whether or not it is fully visible on your application when you print it using Adobe Acrobat PDF.  This field is fully visible in our review system.
• Family information
• If you have ever been convicted of or plead guilty or no contest to a felony or misdemeanor (excluding minor traffic violations), you must report this information. Failure to disclose this information may result in the withdrawal of any possible offers of admission. Answers will be reviewed by the Wharton MBA Admissions Review Officer. This information will not be provided to the admissions committee as part of the regular academic review process.

The application fee for Wharton’s MBA program is $275 and non-refundable. It can be paid by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express), with your application.

Essays for the 2023-2024 Application Cycle

The Admissions Committee wants to get to know you on both a professional and personal level. We encourage you to be introspective, candid and succinct. Most importantly, we suggest you be yourself. For additional essay writing resources, see the  essay tips article!

Essay 1 : How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)

Essay 2 : Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

Required Essay for all Reapplicants:  Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)

Optional Essay: Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. (500 words)

Please note:

• First-time MBA applicants and re-applicants are required to complete essays 1 and 2.

Transcripts of all academic work completed at the baccalaureate/undergraduate level and beyond, whether or not for credit or a degree, are required to apply for the MBA program. When submitting your transcripts, you can do one of the following:

• Upload unofficial transcripts OR
• Self-report grades on our Online Transcript Template

Please note: Official documents are required upon admission and matriculation .

The Letter of Recommendation component of our application will be broken into two sections:

• A selection of positive personality characteristics. Recommenders will be asked to choose two characteristics from a list of ten that best describe the candidate they are recommending.
• Please provide example(s) that illustrate why you believe this candidate will find success in the Wharton MBA classroom. (Word count: 300)
• Please provide example(s) that illustrate why you believe this candidate will find success throughout their career. (Word count: 300)

We require two letters of recommendations from individuals who are well acquainted with your performance in a work setting, preferably from a current or former supervisor.

The title or position of the recommender is not as important as his/her ability to comment knowledgeably and specifically about you. Submit recommendations from people who can speak directly about your aptitudes and capabilities.

We require all recommendations to be submitted electronically. After you have contacted your recommenders, please complete the form on the Recommendations page.

After selecting your recommenders, it is possible that you’ll need to alter this selection. If a recommender has not begun their recommendation, you can delete them and assign another recommender.  Please note that your new recommender will not appear on the recommendation page of your application, however we will see the new listing when you submit your application.

If you or a recommender have questions, please reach out to [email protected] .

All applicants must submit results of either the Graduate Management Admission Test (older version or Focus Edition, both now referred to as GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

We accept scores from tests taken at a test center or at home/online. All at-home tests are monitored by a human proctor online. Scores may be self-reported; when self-reporting your score(s) in the application please list your highest score first. Should you receive an offer of admission, official scores will then be requested for verification.

The GMAT code for the Wharton MBA Program is G56-97-73.  The GRE code is: 6802.

Results from one of the following tests is required for non-native English speakers with limited exposure to English:

• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE)
• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

All international applicants whose native language (language first learned and spoken at home) is not English, or who did not complete a degree from an institution where English was the language of instruction, are required to take the TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS. If you earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an institution at which English is the language of instruction, the test may be waived.

TOEFL –  The code for the Wharton MBA Program is: 2926.

PTE –  Report your scores directly to The Wharton MBA Program

Please upload a one-page resume. We are interested in your functional job skills, breadth and depth of experience, demonstrated leadership and management skills, and your potential for growth. We are more concerned with what you have learned in your positions than we are with the length of time you’ve been in the workplace.

• Only scan the important parts of your document. Do not scan pictures, graphics and unnecessary text.
• Save the scanned object as a .pdf file with the proper 3-letter extension. Please do not attempt to upload a document that is password-protected or that contains macros. This will cause the process to fail.
• Close the .pdf file.
• Check the size of your file. It should not exceed 10 MB.
• Upload your file using the buttons.
• Make sure scanned documents are clearly legible. Illegible documents will not be accepted and will delay the evaluation of your application.

Francis J. & William Polk Carey JD/MBA Program Requirements

The Carey JD/MBA Program is a joint-degree program and therefore shares admissions requirements with the Wharton MBA Program. In addition to the elements of the full-time MBA application, the Carey JD/MBA application includes a Law School section that requests additional information specific to the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School JD program.

Note: You may not apply to the Carey JD/MBA Program and simultaneously apply individually to the Wharton MBA Program and/or the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School JD Program in the same application cycle. Once you have submitted an application for the Carey JD/MBA Program, you cannot switch to the other degree programs or vice versa.

For additional questions about the Carey JD/MBA Program, please contact [email protected]  or visit the Carey JD/MBA Program website .

Application Eligibility Requirements

All applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree to be eligible to enroll in the Juris Doctor (JD) program. Applicants who are admitted to the Carey JD/MBA Program are admitted for the fall semester on a full-time basis only. All applicants must take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is not required. If an applicant takes the LSAT, they must also take the GRE or the GMAT. Regardless of test format, all applicants must register with the LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and all test scores must be reported. (See Standardized Tests and LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS) information below.)

Regular Decision

If you submit and complete an application for Round 1 or Round 2, you will receive a decision according to the Wharton MBA Admissions decision release timeline. Regular Decision applicants who are taking the LSAT should take the LSAT no later than September of the application year for Round 1 and November of the application year for Round 2.

Early Decision (Binding)

The Carey JD/MBA Program’s Early Decision option is designed for applicants who have thoroughly researched their law school options and determined that the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School is their first choice. Our Early Decision program is binding. Applicants who wish to be considered for early decision must commit to matriculate in the Carey JD/MBA Program if admitted. If admitted, you must withdraw your applications from all other law schools and refrain from initiating new applications. You may not submit an early decision application to more than one law school.

Note: Applications must be submitted through Wharton no later than September 6, 2023, for Early Decision Round 1 and no later than January 4, 2024, for Early Decision Round 2. Early Decision applicants who are taking the LSAT should take the LSAT no later than September of the application year for Round 1 consideration and no later than November of the application year for Round 2 consideration.

How to Apply

As an applicant to the Carey JD/MBA Program, you are required to submit your application through Wharton Round 1 or Round 2. Please do not fill out nor submit the Fall 2024 – First Year JD application through the LSAC Electronic Application service. Once you have submitted your application through Wharton, the MBA application process is conducted independently by each school but the evaluation and decision-making are conducted jointly. The Law School will begin processing Carey JD/MBA applications in early October.

You are strongly encouraged to answer the application essay questions in relation to the Carey JD/MBA Program as opposed to only the Wharton MBA Program.

Standardized Tests and LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS)

All applicants to the Carey JD/MBA Program must take the GRE or the GMAT. We will accept at-home GRE, GMAT, and LSAT scores. The LSAT is not required. If an applicant takes the LSAT, they must also take the GRE or the GMAT. We will accept LSAT results from any exam taken from June 2017 or thereafter for the class entering in fall 2023. GRE or GMAT test dates must align with the Wharton MBA test date requirements for the appropriate application round. If you take a test more than once or take more than one testing format, all scores will be considered and must be reported in the application form. All test scores should be submitted in the JD/MBA application as directed. In addition, you must request GRE and/or GMAT official score reports from ETS and/or GMAC to be sent directly to the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School’s school code is 4122 for GRE score reporting and G56-RV-81 for GMAT score reporting. The Law School will not accept test-taker score reports directly from the applicant nor can we accept score reports transferred from Wharton.

Regardless of the testing format you choose to use, each applicant must also register with the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and arrange to have all transcripts sent to LSAC from each college or university attended. When the Law School receives your application from Wharton, the Law School will request your CAS report, and LSAC will send it directly to the Law School. Please note that your CAS report will not be released by LSAC until all required transcripts have been received and processed by LSAC. In addition, if you have not or will not take the LSAT, please select the GRE/GMAT only checkbox in the LSAT section of the Test Information section.

The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School requires that any international transcripts be submitted through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service for applicants who completed any post-secondary work outside the US (including its territories) or Canada. You must use this service for the evaluation of your international transcripts. The one exception to this requirement is if you completed the international work through a study-abroad, consortium, or exchange program sponsored by a US or Canadian institution, and the work is clearly indicated as such on the home campus transcript. This service is included in the Credential Assembly Service registration fee.

Recommendation Forms and Letters

You must submit two recommendation letters through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service. If you have obtained two letters of recommendation to be used for the Carey JD/MBA application, these letters can satisfy the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School requirement but you must have your recommenders submit duplicate copies of these two letters to LSAC. Your CAS report will not be released to us until at least two letters of recommendation are on file with LSAC and assigned to the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. This service is included with your Credential Assembly Service registration. You and your recommender must use the letter of recommendation form available online through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service for each letter submitted to LSAC.  Please do not send letters directly to the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.  Note that we will accept up to four letters of recommendation through LSAC; however, your application is deemed complete with two letters of recommendation.

Carey JD/MBA Interview

Carey JD/MBA interviews are granted by invitation only. If you are invited to interview, you are required to complete the Wharton Team Based Discussion as well as a Carey JD/MBA interview.

Application Status/Questions

The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School Admissions Office is committed to serving our applicants as efficiently and effectively as we can during the MBA application process. Please be advised that it may take approximately two weeks from the date that we receive the Carey JD/MBA application from Wharton to process and complete the applicant file. We will notify you of the date upon which we receive your application from Wharton and inform you of any missing documents upon receipt of your Credential Assembly Service report. We will also notify you of the date upon which your application is complete.

You can check the status of your application at any time using Application Status, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School’s online status checker. To access the online status checker, please visit https://www.law.upenn.edu/admissions/jd/ .

For additional Law School application instructions, please visit  https://www.law.upenn.edu/admissions/jd/how-to-apply.php .

Tuition and Financial Aid

For detailed information on Law School tuition and financial aid, please visit https://www.law.upenn.edu/admissions/financing/ .

Wharton/Lauder Institute Joint-Degree Applicants

The Lauder Institute offers a joint-degree MA in International Studies in tandem with the Wharton MBA or JD programs at Penn. The Lauder Institute shares MBA program requirements with the Wharton MBA program, and the application is reviewed in its entirety by both the Lauder and Wharton Admissions committees. Accepted Lauder MBA/MA students are admitted jointly into both programs, not independently into each. Lauder applications are accepted in all 3 application rounds.

In addition to the Wharton MBA application, Lauder requires that you complete a language assessment called the Oral Proficiency Interview(s), one Lauder essay, and answers to supplemental questions regarding international/cross-cultural experience. You will be prompted to submit these items in the online application.

For any questions you have about the Lauder/MBA application process, please contact the Lauder Admissions office at [email protected]

Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)

An Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) is required of all Lauder applicants and must be scheduled and completed with Language Testing International (LTI). To schedule an OPI, complete and submit LTI’s online application . When scheduling your OPI(s), please be sure to register as a Lauder applicant with LTI. There is no need to forward your scores to the Admissions Committee—Lauder OPI scores are available for the Admissions Committee to review through LTI’s online portal.

The OPI may be completed any time after July 1, 2023 to count for the current admissions cycle, but it must be completed by September 6, 2023 for Round 1 applicants or January 4, 2024 for Round 2 applicants. OPI ratings are valid for a single application cycle, and reapplicants to the Lauder program will need to retake the OPI(s). If you have any questions about scheduling the OPI please contact LTI by phone at +1-914-963-7110 (extension 115 or 127) or by email at [email protected] . Please consult with the Lauder admissions office if you have questions regarding the language requirements for Lauder.

For applicants to one of Lauder’s five Programs of Concentration : An OPI in the proposed language of study is required. The ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines for the OPI range from Novice to Distinguished, and an Advanced rating is the expected level for admission to Lauder.

Educated native speakers of Romance languages* [such as French, Italian, Spanish] will be considered for the Latin America/Portuguese program without prior knowledge of Portuguese. These applicants should test in their native language and are required to submit a Superior-level OPI rating for that language. In addition, educated native speaker applicants who speak some Portuguese should take an OPI in Portuguese even if the expected rating is at or below Advanced.

Educated native speakers in Romance languages* [such as French, Portuguese, Spanish] will be considered for the Europe/Italian program without prior knowledge of Italian. These applicants should test in their native language and are required to submit a Superior-level OPI rating for that language. In addition, educated native speaker applicants who speak some Italian should take an OPI in Italian even if the expected rating is at or below Advanced.

* a person who speaks that particular language as a first language AND whose formal education was delivered in that language through high school.

For applicants to Lauder’s Global program: One OPI in a language other than English is required of all applicants to the Global program. Applicants to the Global Program must test at the Superior level. Applicants may test in their native language provided it is not English.

For applicants to Lauder’s General Track Africa Program  of Concentration:  Candidates applying to the General track Africa Program must demonstrate Superior-level proficiency on the OPI in any language other than English. Applicants may test in their native language provided it is not English.

Lauder Essay

Discuss why you are applying to the Lauder Institute, detailing specific reasons, experiences, and background for choosing your Program of Concentration, as well as your interest in further study in that Program. Applicants to Programs of Concentration involving language study (Africa-French; East and Southeast Asia; Europe; Latin America; South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa) should also discuss what they hope to gain from advanced language and cultural education, as well as describe how they have learned the language they will study (e.g. undergraduate courses, undergraduate major, etc.). Finally, please describe how you see yourself benefiting from, and contributing to, the Lauder community.   (800 words)

Lauder Interview

Lauder interviews are granted by invitation-only, based upon a full review of your submitted application. Typically, the Lauder interview is conducted remotely or on-campus with a current Lauder student. If you are invited to interview, you are required to complete the Wharton team-based discussion as well as a Lauder interview.

The Lauder Institute is committed to supporting candidates who are admitted to the Lauder Institute. In fact, nearly all of our students receive some kind of financial support for the graduate degree in International Studies. Please visit our website for more information on Lauder fellowships, tuition and financial aid .

Lauder applicants may also apply for the University of Pennsylvania’s Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships program .

Interviews for the MBA program are offered by invitation only. If you have been invited to interview, then you will participate in the Wharton MBA Team Based Discussion (TBD). Visit the Interview Process for more details and tips.

Admissions Decisions

After you apply to an MBA program, all decisions are released via Online Application System. Decisions released include:

Admission to the Wharton MBA

We offer clear admission to highly qualified candidates pending confirmation of official academic transcripts and test scores. Admissions are made on an individual basis & all applicants are measured against both the MBA admissions requirements & in the greater context of all applicants.

Conditional Admission

We offer conditional admission to candidates who clearly demonstrate significant potential for success both within the Wharton MBA program and post MBA, but whom we feel need additional preparation before beginning the Wharton MBA program. Conditional admission is typically based on the need for strengthening a candidate’s analytical background or improving English communication skills.

Candidates can expect to remain on the waitlist until the previous round of decisions are released. There is no rank order to the waitlist, and we are unable to offer feedback to candidates while they remain on the list.

The committee welcomes important updates that you believe add significant value, growth, or development to  your application since submission.

International Applicants

Requirements for the MBA program are the same for both international students and U.S. citizens. Recognizing the special challenges that international students face, both Wharton and the University of Pennsylvania provide information and resources to help you navigate the MBA application process, and we assist international students with issues like obtaining a visa and relocating to a new country.

Academic Requirements

The MBA Admissions requirements are as follows: a college-level education equivalent to a four-year American undergraduate or baccalaureate degree (the same as a first university degree). Several universities around the world offer three-year undergraduate programs. If you received a bachelor’s degree upon completion of one of these undergraduate programs, you are eligible to apply to the MBA program. Many candidates from three-year programs have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required.

When applying, list all of the post-secondary educational institutions you have attended, including technical and professional schools. Use the full names of the institutions attended, and provide the titles of all diplomas or degrees earned.

Please submit only official academic records from educational institutions. Official records are defined as original documents issued by the institution that bear both the actual (not photocopied) signature of the registrar and the institutional seal. Records issued only once by institutions should be photocopied and certified as official copies by school officials or legal authorities, such as embassies or public notaries. Please do not send the original copy of an academic record that cannot be replaced.

If you have attended more than one institution, submit official records from each institution, except study-abroad programs that are listed on your official undergraduate transcripts. If academic records and diplomas are not issued in English by the institution, submit both the official record and an authorized English translation.

All translations should be complete and literal renditions of the original record. Records should show the date of enrollment, courses taken, units of credit or time allotted to each subject during each term or year, your marks or ratings in each subject, and, if available, your rank in the total class or group.

The institutional grading scale (or other standards of evaluation, including minimum passing and failing marks and the definitions of grades between them) should appear on official records, or you should provide them as an attachment. For more information on the general MBA Application process, see the ‘ Application Checklist ‘ section above.

English Language Examinations

• Pearson PTE

You may waive an English test if you have earned an undergraduate degree or master’s degree in an English-speaking country or from an institution at which English is the language of instruction. You must provide evidence to support the waiver. If your test score is more than two years old (from the date of the exam to the date of application arrival), you must retake the test.

How to take a test:

• The TOEFL iBT is offered at more than 3,000 authorized TOEFL iBT test centers or from the privacy of your own home and monitored online by a human proctor.
• The PTE is offered at 400+ test centers in 117 countries or at home.
• The IELTS is offered in test centers or at home.

Wharton only accepts official scores for English language tests.

Student Visas

Should an offer of admission be extended and accepted, you are eligible to apply for either an F-1 or J-1 visa. To meet the eligibility requirements for a student visa, you must show proof of equivalent academic documents (diplomas), results from the TOEFL or PTE examination, and financial resources to pursue your course of study. Detailed information regarding the requirements and application process to obtain a student visa is sent to admitted students in the spring.

Interdisciplinary Program Applicants

Interdisciplinary study is central to our curriculum, with a wide array of dual and joint-degree options. In general, a dual-degree requires one  less year than it would take to pursue the two degrees separately. Joint degrees are fully integrated with the Wharton MBA curriculum and use a shared application. We offer two joint-degree programs: The Lauder MBA/MA in International Studies and the Carey JD/MBA .

Two programs combine the Wharton MBA with graduate study at other institutions; others combine a Wharton MBA with University of Pennsylvania biotechnology, design, engineering, law, medicine, nursing, and social work masters degrees.

Applying for Interdisciplinary Programs

You must apply to both Wharton and the second school or program. This means that the appropriate standardized test scores (e.g., LSAT, GRE, or MCAT), a completed application form, your transcript(s), and your letters of recommendation must also be sent to the partner school.

Admission decisions are made independently by each school, and you may pursue a dual-degree program only if admitted to both schools. Unless otherwise indicated, you may apply to both programs simultaneously. However, if you are admitted to both programs and do not want to begin at Wharton, you will need to request a deferral and will be subject to our deferral policy.

If you are already enrolled in a program, you may apply to Wharton in the fall semester following commencement of study in the co-sponsoring school. If you are applying to a three-year program, you may apply in the fall of your second year. If you are enrolled in the MD, DMD, or VMD program, you may apply to Wharton to start during any August up to and including the August following the third year of enrollment in the medical program.

To satisfy the MBA program requirements of the dual-degree program, you must take at least 15 courses at Wharton. Courses taken at Wharton prior to admission and matriculation into the Wharton MBA program may not be applied toward the degree requirements of the MBA.

Applicants to the three-year Carey JD/MBA Program must apply via a shared application. Given the unique nature of the program, applicants may not, after receiving an offer of admission, decide to enroll in one school and not the other (i.e., an applicant may not choose to only attend Wharton and not Penn Law, or vice versa, after a joint decision has been rendered). Applicants are encouraged to apply prior to matriculation in the Law School. However, since the first year of the three-year JD/MBA program takes place at Penn Law, Penn Law students have the option of applying during their 1L year, during Round 1 or Round 2 of the Wharton MBA admissions timeline.

Also, the joint-degree Lauder Program application is reviewed in its entirety by both the Lauder and Wharton Admissions Committees, and you must apply via a shared application. Accepted MBA/MA students are admitted jointly into both programs, not independently into each.

Reapplication

If you applied to a program and were not admitted, we encourage you to reapply for the next academic year. Reapplications make up approximately 10% of our applicant pool in any given year. The most important thing is that you demonstrate through essays, subsequent career growth, and/or academic preparation that you are a stronger candidate. We recommend you review the MBA Prerequisites before re-submitting an application to ensure they have not changed since you last applied.

Reapplication Essays

If you are reapplying, you are required to complete the requisite application essays plus the optional essay. Please use this space to explain how you have reflected on the previous decision on your application and to discuss any updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). You may also use this section to address any applicable extenuating circumstances. (250 words)

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Expert Tips for Letters of Recommendation

Your business school letter of recommendation (LOR) is essential to your graduate business school application process. These five expert tips, as well as a convenient LOR template, give you what you need to be a standout candidate for an MBA program.

1. Go with a pro

While an academic LOR is an asset to a graduate school candidate, your business school letter of recommendation should come from a professional. As our experts suggest , your ideal LOR would be from someone directly above you who has worked with you in a professional environment for at least one year. These professional contacts can best attest to the characteristics and competencies that make you a successful leader.

2. Ask in advance

Professionals who provide LORs are busy people. Give them enough time—at least one to two months—to give you a thoughtful and sincere business school letter of recommendation. It’s also more effective to make an in-person request for your LOR. Grab lunch or coffee so you can express why you’re excited about applying to graduate business school, and candidly discuss your strengths and weaknesses.

3. Know what’s expected

Make the process as streamlined as possible for the professional writing your business school letter of recommendation by advising them on what they’ll need to provide in your LOR. The letter should have three sections, including:

• Section 1: The letter writer’s personal information.
• Section 2: A leadership assessment grid where they’ll evaluate and group your competencies and character traits into five main categories.
• Section 3: Recommendation questions that relay information about their professional interaction with you and your performance.

Seeking more advice on letters of recommendation? Check out this article on letters of recommendation made easier.

4. Include supporting materials

Give your recommender other materials that will accompany your MBA application, such as your MBA resume and application essay. Give as much guidance on the LOR process by including a common LOR template  that conveniently includes all the elements your business school letter of recommendation needs. Also, encourage them to give specific examples or anecdotes that promote your strengths and leadership qualities.

5. Say “thank you”

Remember, these are busy people and the time they give you is valuable. Reciprocate that by taking the time to acknowledge their efforts. Send your recommenders a handwritten card or thoughtful email and keep them posted on your acceptance status.

From recommendation to MBA application

You have the tips and tools to make your business school letter of recommendation exceptional, but what about other facets of your MBA application? Consider these valuable ways to create a standout business school application . Want more? Sign up for an mba.com account to stay up-to-date with your business school goals. 

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How to Craft the Perfect MBA Recommendation Letter (Sample)

Asking for a letter of recommendation is always a daunting task—even more daunting when you’re the one tasked with writing it.

If you’re hoping to be accepted into a high-quality MBA program at a respected university, you’ll need letters of recommendation. Read this guide to know what to expect from someone who can write a letter of recommendation for you. Even better, share this guide with anyone you want to write a great letter of recommendation for you.

Navigating exactly how to write a letter of recommendation for business school—or any school for that matter—can be quite confusing.

Here we’ll provide you with a few MBA recommendation letter tips, provide specific examples and anecdotes, and help you craft the perfect recommendation letter for your applicant.

Skip to a section:

Crafting the Letter

• The Student’s Goals
• Directions for Submitting

An Overview of the Letter

• Example MBA Letter of Recommendation
• MBA Letters of Recommendation Templates

What is an MBA Recommendation Letter?

Before you get into the writing, you need to know the exact purpose of the letter of recommendation . Submitting a strong reference letter is a vital part of their application process.

Typically, when your student asks you to support them in this way, the ultimate goal is to have someone of a specific level of academic authority add credibility to the student’s application.

You are likely to have a strong relationship with the student who you will be writing for. This is necessary for you to communicate your support in a genuine manner.

In the letter of recommendation, you will need to focus on aspects of your student’s character that, based on your professional/academic relationship, you have observed to be most commendable in their discipline. Also use examples of their past work as a foundation for why they would excel in a Master of Business Administration program.

How do MBA Applicants Choose Reference Letter Writers?

The student’s choice of who they request a letter of reference from is entirely dependent on the relationships that student has fostered and how those relationships have affected their academic and professional career.

If you work or otherwise interact with this student often, you can bet you’ll be chosen to write a recommendation letter. This is especially important for those students who are not coming fresh out of their undergraduate experience, but who have reached the stage of accumulating work experience .

Typically, prospective MBA students need an average of two or more years of professional experience. This will have given them a significant amount of time to not only showcase skills they will need to excel in their MBA program but also identify relationships that will be most conducive to their future academic and professional success.

Now that you have a better understanding of why this student has selected you to write them a letter of recommendation, you can build on that information and relationship to construct it.

Before You Begin

Your student will need the letter of recommendation to match the tone and message of their personal statement in order to compose a cohesive application. What better way to achieve this than to have it written by someone who spends ample time with them?

With this in mind, the keywords for a letter of recommendation need to be directly related to:

• The student’s relevant experience : Have they demonstrated leadership, critical thinking, analytical, or communication skills? Take the time to observe them at work and be reminded of their most applicable traits to be highlighted in this recommendation letter.
• The influence of their work and academic experience on their future goals : Was there a particular course or work assignment they excelled in? How does that relate to their eligibility for the prospective MBA program?

Your natural relationship with the student will determine whether or not they request a letter of recommendation from you and the type of information that will need to be included in the business school letter of recommendation.

Below, we’re going to lay out an MBA recommendation letter template to guide you in constructing the perfect recommendation letter for your future MBA student.

Understand the Student’s Goals

To write the best possible letter of recommendation for a master’s in business leadership (or any type of MBA program), you need to tailor your information around the following subjects:

• Your applicant’s transcripts/academic credentials : Whether good or bad, examine your student’s academic record and find where their academic performance shined. Based on your experience with the applicant, how do their best course grades, extracurricular activities, or teaching assistant experience relate to their ability excel in the MBA program?
• Know the MBA applicant’s purpose or end goals : In the MBA recommendation letter samples below, you will see how to connect the student’s professional and academic history to their ultimate goals in their prospective MBA program.
• Identify points of the applicant’s history you can accentuate or relate to : This is directly related to the previous point. Remain aware of how the applicant’s past academic and professional experiences play into their eligibility as a prospective student and what aspects of their history can strengthen the overall student body of the institution in question.
• If necessary, ask about which universities the applicant is applying to : This will allow you to understand your audience. What qualifications is the institution looking for? What information is required in application packages, and how does that influence the content of your recommendation letter?
• Discuss points of interest with the applicant: What do they want to emphasize?
• Remain formal throughout the letter : Refrain from discussing casual anecdotes, as this will detract from the focus of the letter.

It may look like an overwhelming amount of information to consider but don’t worry; that is why we’re providing a MBA recommendation letter sample below to guide you. Your priority in this letter, and what you will see in the MBA recommendation sample, is to highlight the skills and qualifications of the applicant that you have directly observed and how that fulfills (or exceeds) the MBA program requirements.

Review the Directions for Submitting

Your student should provide you with any submission instructions you may need. Most likely, this recommendation letter will not be submitted through the student. You will have to submit the letter of recommendation directly to the university’s administrative staff.

Should you feel uninformed on the process of submission, despite the information provided by the applicant, you may want to ask the following questions:

• Should the recommendation letter be submitted directly through the university website or received by email?
• What are the submission requirements? (Is a standard business letterhead/format necessary?)
• Is the letter being sent by mail or fax?
• What is the deadline for submission?

Ideally, this is information you should have before you even begin the writing process.

Here are the individual sections of a proper letter of recommendation for an MBA program example. The letter of recommendation as a whole should fill one page and consist of an introduction, at least two body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

The body of the recommendation letter should include:

• An explanation of how you, the recommender, know the MBA applicant
• A brief description of the applicant and their best qualities as they relate to the program and their future goals
• Specific examples of the applicant’s skill set; provide real-life, concrete examples of your student’s excellence

If you are struggling to find the proper tone of the letter of recommendation, you may want to review an MBA recommendation letter sample from a professor, manager, or other leadership figure to guide the language used in the letter.

Introduction

In any business school letter of recommendation template, the following aspects need to be included in the introduction:

Paragraph One

Once you get into the body of the recommendation letter, the balance of tone gets a little tricky. You will need to describe the candidate’s qualifications and positive attributes without being overly complimentary. Try your best to maintain a formal, objective tone, while still representing your personal relationship with the applicant.

In this portion of the letter, it is best to discuss your student’s problem-solving abilities within a professional setting, work ethic, leadership skills, and any stellar academic qualities the applicant may possess. Take a look at the executive MBA letter of recommendation samples below to get a feel for how this portion should be constructed.

Paragraph Two

Further into the body of the letter, ideally in the second paragraph, you need to go more in-depth regarding the applicant’s character. Provide specific examples of how they manage responsibilities and why this trait contributes to their eligibility for acceptance to the MBA program.

Keep in mind that the purpose of the letter is to honestly review why the applicant is the best choice for acceptance into the MBA program. That said, mild criticism (if applicable) can go a long way in terms of objectivity and credibility when coupled with your praise of the applicant.

For example, you can describe how the candidate responded to an adverse situation or criticism if their response was negative in nature. Make sure to follow this up with how they are improving on this trait.

In the conclusion of your letter, summarize why you are recommending the applicant for acceptance in the MBA program. Briefly reiterate your observations of the candidate throughout your relationship and their strongest qualifications for acceptance.

Finally, leave the university an invitation to contact you should they require further information, and finish the letter of recommendation with a formal sign off—your printed name and signature beneath it.

Letter of Recommendation for MBA Program Example

Here is an example of a strong letter of recommendation for an MBA program applicant.

Dear Augsburg University MBA Program:

I am writing this letter to recommend Jane Doe for the MBA program at Augsburg University. I have directly supervised Jane for the past three years at [Name of company]. In my time working with Jane I have personally witnessed her dedication and hard work for the organization. Jane is responsible for capital purchases, information technology equipment, and pediatric care equipment.

Jane’s interest and ability in learning news tasks have allowed her to be very knowledgeable in many of the procurement procedures that exist. She always volunteers for new assignments and demonstrates an ability to learn and retain information quickly and accurately. Jane is always willing to do what it takes to get the job done and truly lives up to the company ideals.

I believe Jane will be very successful in your MBA program and is well equipped to handle the challenges and learning experiences that Augsburg can provide for her. She is fully capable of balancing the workload between her job responsibilities and school. The knowledge she will gain from the MBA program will serve her well and will prepare her for promotional opportunities in the near future. I believe Jane is a great candidate for the MBA program and will be very successful in your program. 

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

[Your name] 

More MBA Letter of Recommendation Templates

To further assist you in writing the recommendation letter, it is advised that you review MBA reference letter templates.

Below are some letter of recommendation samples for MBA programs that demonstrate an effective letter of recommendation format, and further, specific examples of how to write from different perspectives. A letter of recommendation for MBA programs from a professor will look different than one written by an employer or manager; however, it may be difficult to find an MBA recommendation letter sample from a professor.

• As an employer, you may face the opposite challenge of many writers in that you may be inclined to communicate a little too formally. This business school recommendation letter example will help you to relax your tone to produce the best letter of recommendation possible.
• This is a great example letter of recommendation for an MBA program. It is not often that peers, rather than employers, managers, or professors, are chosen to write reference letters. As a peer, this sample will guide you in balancing impartiality while highlighting the strengths of the applicant.

With these guidelines and MBA recommendation letter examples, you’re ready to write the perfect recommendation letter, such as a letter of recommendation for a master’s in business leadership, entrepreneurship, or other concentrations, and make your applicant shine.

With these resources available, there’s no reason you shouldn’t improve a worthy candidate’s chances of gaining admission with a powerful letter of recommendation.

If you’re an MBA applicant : Share these templates with the person you’re hoping will write a recommendation letter for you. These examples and insights will make it as easy as possible for the author, especially if they’re unfamiliar with writing a letter of recommendation.

Explore our MBA blog to learn about other specializations or find out more about the requirements for applying to Augsburg’s MBA degree program. Get started today!

Letters of Recommendation for MBA Applicants

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MBA applicants need to present at least one recommendation letter to admissions committees, and most schools ask for two or three. Letters of recommendation are typically used to support or strengthen other aspects of the MBA application. For example, some applicants use recommendation letters to highlight their academic record or professional accomplishments, while others prefer to highlight  leadership or management experience .

Choosing a Letter Writer

When choosing someone to write your recommendation , it is very important to select someone who is familiar with you and your accomplishments. Many MBA applicants choose an employer or direct supervisor who can discuss their work ethic, leadership experience, or professional achievements. A letter writer who has seen you manage employees or overcome obstacles is also a good choice. Another option is a professor or a fellow student from your undergraduate days. Some applicants also choose someone who supervised their volunteer or community work.

Sample MBA Recommendation

Below is a sample recommendation for an MBA applicant. This letter was written by a supervisor for her direct assistant. The letter highlights the student's strong work performance and leadership ability. These traits are important for MBA applicants, who must be able to perform under pressure, work hard, and lead discussions, groups, and projects while enrolled in their program. The claims made in the letter are supported by very specific examples, which help reinforce the points the letter writer is trying to make. Finally, the recommender outlines the ways in which the subject could contribute to an MBA program.

To Whom It May Concern:

I would like to recommend Becky James for your MBA program. Becky has worked as my assistant for the last three years. During that time, she has been moving toward her goal of enrolling in an MBA program by building her interpersonal skills, honing her leadership ability, and gaining hands-on experience in operations management.

As Becky's direct supervisor, I have seen her demonstrate strong critical thinking skills and the leadership capabilities necessary for success in the management field. She has helped our company achieve many goals through her valuable input as well as a persistent dedication to our organizational strategy. For example, just this year Becky helped to analyze our production schedule and suggested an effective plan to manage bottlenecks in our production process. Her contributions helped us achieve our goal of minimizing scheduled and unscheduled downtime. 

Becky may be my assistant, but she has risen to an unofficial leadership role. When team members in our department aren't sure what to do in a given situation, they often turn to Becky for her thoughtful advice and support on various projects. Becky never fails to assist them. She is kind, humble, and seems very comfortable in a leadership role. Several of her fellow employees have come into my office and expressed unsolicited compliments in regards to Becky's personality and performance.

I believe that Becky will be able to contribute to your program in a number of ways. Not only is she well-versed in the field of operations management, she also has a contagious enthusiasm that encourages those around her to work harder and achieve solutions for both personal and professional problems. She knows how to work well as part of a team and is able to model appropriate communication skills in almost any given situation.

For these reasons I highly recommend Becky James as a candidate for your MBA program. If you have any questions regarding Becky or this recommendation, please contact me.

Allen Barry, Operations Manager, Tri-State Widget Productions

• 4 Recommendation Letter Samples That Get It Right
• Sample MBA Leadership Recommendation Letter
• Sample Business School Recommendation Letter
• Getting the Best MBA Recommendation Letters
• Sample Recommendation Letter for Graduate School
• Sample Recommendation Letters for College Applicants
• What Should Be Included in a Recommendation Letter?
• How to Write a Letter of Recommendation
• Meeting MBA Work Experience Requirements
• A Guide to Writing Recommendation Letters
• Details to Give Recommendation Letter Writers
• A Sample Letter of Recommendation
• 3 Types of Recommendation Letters
• MBA Essay Tips
• How to Write and Format an MBA Essay
• How Much Do MBA Application Fees Cost?

LERNER BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Applying to the MBA

Thank you for your interest in the Lerner MBA. We look forward to receiving your application. We read every application individually and use a portfolio approach. This means that we consider your whole application and no single factor will guarantee or disqualify you from admission.

Our typical applicant has:

• The equivalent of a 4-year U.S. bachelor’s degree.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills through their prior academic work and/or recent professional experiences. GMAT/GRE scores are not required.
• Five years of professional work experience. However, all applicants are considered even if they have limited work experience.

Begin assembling your required application materials as electronic documents before completing the online graduate application . Do not mail any documents.

Applicants are considered for admission on a rolling basis.

Suggested Application Dates Applications are accepted at any time. You may begin in the fall, spring or summer. Applicants are considered for admission on a rolling basis.

We recommend full-time program applicants interested in merit-based funding consideration apply early as those awards are distributed on a rolling basis typically at or close to the time of admission.

Suggested Application Dates for Entry in:

• Fall Semester – August 15 (International applicants, June 1)
• Spring Semester – January 15 (International applicants, November 15)
• Summer Session – May 15 (International applicants are not generally admitted for this term.)

1. Online Application

Begin assembling your required application materials as electronic documents before completing the online graduate application. Do not mail any documents.

2. Application Fee

A $75 application fee is due when you submit your online application.

3. Bachelor’s Degree

A four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree in any academic field from an accredited college or university is required. If you have a three-year non-U.S. degree, you may request a review for determination as to equivalency by emailing [email protected] after you have submitted your application and uploaded your transcripts, resume, GMAT/GRE scores (optional) and TOEFL/IELTS scores (international applicants only).

4. Transcripts

An unofficial transcript is required with your application. You should visit the registrar’s page of your home institution (post-high school institutions only) to print an unofficial copy to create your scan. If your home institution does not provide this service, ask for a student copy to create your scan. Do not mail official transcripts during the applicant stage.

Please visit http://grad.udel.edu/apply/transcripts/ for more detailed information.

5. Personal Statement / Essay

Responses to the following prompts. We are looking for insightful, specific and brief essays.

• Outline your educational plans and career goals and discuss how your proposed plan of graduate study relates to them. What are the specific attributes of the program at UD that lead you to believe that this degree is appropriate to help you achieve your professional objectives? Within the area of study you have selected, are there areas of special interest to you?
• Getting your message across to prospective customers is a key element of a business plan. Please critique our effort to market the University of Delaware MBA programs by using specific examples of where and how you heard about our program and honestly assess how effective that vehicle was in drawing you to apply for admission. What are some strengths of these marketing efforts and what could be done better? What is the best way to reach prospective students like you?

A resume, or curriculum vitae, that documents your prior work experience, publications, honors and awards received, and a summary of your educational credentials.

7. Two Letters of Recommendation

You provide names and email addresses for your recommenders, and recommendation forms are emailed directly to them from the online application. Instructions are included as to how to return the completed forms electronically.

8. GMAT/GRE Optional

If you are not submitting a GMAT/GRE score, please select that you request a waiver on the Test Score Waivers page of the application.

If you wish to take the GMAT/GRE, application fees are waived for candidates who achieve a total score of 600+ on the GMAT Classic, 555+ on the GMAT Focus Edition or 310+ (Verbal Score + Quantitative Score) on the GRE. After receipt of official GMAT or GRE scores, the application fee will be automatically waived.

9. Work Experience

The typical applicant has five or more years of experience (work experience, volunteer work, community service, internships, significant academic projects, etc.) but all applicants are considered even if they have limited professional experience.

10. Math Requirement

To be successful in the MBA program, you must demonstrate strong analytical and quantitative skills through prior academic work and/or recent professional experience. Applicants who are otherwise qualified for admission but lacking successful coursework in non-introductory statistics, calculus, linear math classes or work experience, may be asked to complete at their expense an MBA Math course in order to be admitted to the program. This will be communicated upon the completion of the Admissions Committee’s review of the full application. Tuition & Fees All tuition rates and fees are for 2023-2024.

* Visit the registrar’s website for residency requirements .

All graduate students are responsible for mandatory fees in the Fall and Spring semesters. These fees vary based on whether a student is taking the program on a full-time or part-time basis. There are no registration fees for the online program. Please visit the Graduate Fees and Financial Aid page in the Graduate Catalog for full details. Financial Aid & Loans

The merit-based opportunities listed on this page are available to full-time MBA students. Please Note: students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 to be eligible for any type of funding.

Graduate Scholarships

The graduate scholarships (unassociated with graduate assistantships) are available for exceptionally qualified full-time applicants. These scholarships may be up to 25% of tuition and would be awarded for up to two years. No additional application is required.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are offered to exceptionally qualified full-time applicants. No additional application is required.

A graduate assistantship is an opportunity to assist business faculty while earning your degree and to receive compensation (a stipend) and a tuition scholarship in return.

Most assistantships are partial in nature and require 10 hours per week. The stipend is $5,375 per term (Fall: September 1 – December 31; Spring: February 1 – May 31) for a 10-hour assistantship. The exact working days are determined by the department to which you are assigned. For the Fall and Spring semesters during which you serve in an assistantship, the Lerner College will also provide a 50% tuition scholarship.

Graduate Internship Program

The Graduate Internship Program is an elite internship program for full-time students that gives top Lerner College graduate students an opportunity to gain valuable on-the-job experience with a corporate sponsor.

These positions pay a stipend of $11,000 per term and include a 50% tuition scholarship in exchange for working 20 hours/week for the employer. The positions are awarded based on interviews with the employer. The program is coordinated through the Lerner Career Services Department.

International students must be on an F-1 visa for at least 9 months prior to applying for a position due to visa regulations.

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International Students The University of Delaware is an ideal place for a great education in a global atmosphere. As an international student, you’ll join fellow students from over 100 countries. Nearly 30% of all the University’s graduate students and approximately 44% of the Lerner College graduate students are internationals.

International Application Requirements

As an international applicant, you must:

• Fulfill all the admissions requirements for domestic students.
• Provide translation and other supporting documents for transcripts.
• Submit a TOEFL score of 100 or higher,
• Submit an IELTS score of 7.5 or higher,
• Provide proof of having earned a college degree in a country where English is the primary language, or
• Apply through the Conditional Admission Program (CAP)

The Graduate & Professional Education office provides more detailed TOEFL information on its test scores page .

• Please note World Education Services (WES) evaluations are no longer accepted.

Conditional Admission Program (CAP)

The MBA Conditional Admissions Program (MBA-CAP) provides international students acceptance into the program without the need to take the TOEFL exam. After completing CAP at the University of Delaware’s English Language Institute (ELI) you begin your MBA coursework.

The length of time you will need to study in the ELI depends on your English skills when you enter the program. Please see the Graduate CAP Business Track page on the ELI website for more information.

Graduate Pathways

Graduate Pathways is a one-semester preparation program for international students whose language proficiency approaches the admission requirement (85-99 on the TOEFL iBT or 7.0 on the IELTS). You will take classes in English for graduate studies plus one MBA course with language support from the English Language Institute (ELI). Please see the Graduate Pathways page on the ELI website for more details.

Services for International Students

UD and the Lerner College offer many services to help you, both in class and out.

• The Conditional Admission Program (CAP)
• Graduate student organizations
• International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
• No GMAT Requirement
• MBA Specializations

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Stories about your behaviors, impact, and personal qualities told by others play an essential role in our evaluation of your application.

Your letters of recommendation should provide specific examples and anecdotes that illustrate what you have done and how you have done it.

Required: Two letters of recommendation. One recommendation from your current direct supervisor (or next best alternative) at work, and one recommendation from someone else who has supervised you.

Both letters of recommendation must be submitted by the deadline of the round in which you apply. You must not have any involvement in the drafting, writing, translation, or submission of the letters, including having any outside party review or edit the letters before they are submitted.

First Recommendation

You must obtain at least one recommendation from your current direct supervisor. We understand, however, that you may be in a situation that prevents you from providing a recommendation from your current direct supervisor. For example, you may:

• Be self-employed
• Work for a family business in which a family member is your supervisor
• Have begun a new position where your direct supervisor does not know you well
• Have not notified your direct supervisor that you are applying to business school
• Be a student

If you are unable to provide a letter from your current direct supervisor, use your judgment in finding an alternative source for your recommendation: a previous supervisor, an indirect manager, a client, a member of your board of directors, or any other individual who supervises your work.

If you don't have full-time work experience, you may use a direct supervisor from a summer, part-time, or internship position. Alternatively, you may ask someone who managed you in an extracurricular, research, volunteer, or community activity.

Second Recommendation

The strongest recommendations typically come from your workplace. You may select a recommendation from your professional, community, or extracurricular experiences. Having two recommendations from the same organization is fine. We recognize that work environments are fluid, so we give you the option of choosing the individual who can best represent your potential impact.

Choosing Your Recommenders

We are impressed by what a recommendation letter says, not by the title or background of the individual who wrote it or the writing skills of the recommender. You should choose individuals who:

• Know you well through significant, direct involvement with you within the last three years
• Will provide detailed anecdotes and examples to support their assertions
• Are sufficiently enthused to spend time writing a thoughtful letter

If you are currently a full-time student, we encourage you to select recommenders who have supervised your extracurricular activities or work, such as internships or part-time jobs.

What We Ask Recommenders

Both of your recommenders will be asked to assess you on some character traits and competencies that contribute to successful leadership and to answer three questions .

A Few Words of Advice

More is not better.

While we know there are people excited about you who may want to submit unofficial letters of recommendation, additional letters are neither necessary nor encouraged. The overwhelming majority of successful applicants do not submit any additional materials. If someone submits an additional letter of recommendation, we cannot guarantee it will be considered.

Language for Recommendations

Your letters of recommendation must be submitted in English. For recommendations from non-native English speakers, we will ignore minor syntax or grammar errors or awkward phrasing. However, it may be to your advantage to have your recommender write the letter in his/her native language and then have it translated into English.

Their Words, Not Yours

Your recommenders must be the sole authors of your letters of recommendation. Drafting, writing, translating, or submitting your own recommendation, even if asked to do so by a recommender, is a violation of our application terms. You are responsible for informing your recommenders of this policy.

Submitting Letters of Recommendation

Your recommenders are required to submit their letters through our online form by the deadline of the round in which you apply. We strongly encourage you to notify your recommenders well in advance and ensure they adhere to the deadline date. You will be able to see the submission status of each letter (whether awaiting or received) and can ask Stanford to send each recommender a reminder approximately one week before the application deadline date.

Waiving Your FERPA Access Rights

Once you are a student in attendance, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 provides you with a right of access to your education record, including letters of recommendation if they are retained by the school. The law also permits you to waive that right of access to your letters of recommendation if you so choose. Waiving your right of access to your letters of recommendation is optional; your decision to waive or retain that right will have no bearing on the handling of your application.

The recommenders whom you notify will be able to see whether or not you have waived your FERPA right of access during the letter of recommendation submission process. You must waive or retain your right of access to your letters of recommendation (using the online application system) before you invite recommenders to submit information for you. Once you submit your application, you cannot change this information.

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Home News What Are the Prerequisites for an MBA Program?

What Are the Prerequisites for an MBA Program?

Looking to take your career to the next level? Perhaps you dream of launching your own business or are striving for more of a leadership or managerial position with your current employer. Regardless, it might be time to explore a master’s in business administration (MBA) as a means of advancing your career and building crucial skills.

Are there prerequisites for an MBA? In short, yes, and by understanding the common requirements for this type of program, you can plan and prepare with confidence.

Understanding the Basics of MBA Prerequisites

One of the most essential MBA degree prerequisites that applies to all graduate-level business programs is having a bachelor’s degree already under your belt.

The Importance of a Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree (which usually entails a four-year program) is required for admission into any MBA program. That previous experience in a rigorous degree program is critical to being prepared for the coursework of a master’s degree program. Likewise, an undergraduate degree can provide you with valuable foundational knowledge that will transfer from your general education credits.

Evaluating Your Undergraduate Major’s Impact

Sometimes, a bachelor’s degree in a field related to business (like accounting or finance) may be preferred to gain admission to an MBA program; however, this is not always the case. It is not uncommon for students who majored in a subject completely unrelated to business to pursue MBA degrees, either as part of a career shift or as a means of gaining valuable business experience in their respective fields.

Standardized Test Scores: GMAT and GRE

Certain MBA programs will also require applicants to submit standardized test scores. The two most common graduate school exams are the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)—but how can you know which is right for you?

GMAT vs. GRE: Which Should You Take?

Always check with your school to determine if they require one test over the other, as this will help you make the right decision. If your school or program accepts either test, then you’ll want to consider some other factors.

Generally speaking, the GMAT is more geared toward business schools, but the GRE is becoming increasingly common as an admission requirement. Both are offered in  similar formats  and cost about the same to take, and scores for both exams are valid for five years.

Minimum Score Requirements and How to Prepare

The GMAT and GRE are scored differently, with scores for the GRE ranging from 130 to 170 in one-point increments. The GMAT, on the other hand, offers a composite score that ranges from 205 to 805 in larger 10-point increments. If the business school you’re applying to has a minimum score requirement, it will be posted on the admissions page.

The best way to prepare for the GRE or GMAT is to choose a reputable study guide and take plenty of practice exams. In addition, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to study for the exam.

Work Experience Requirements for MBA Applicants

Some business schools may also require MBA applicants to have a certain amount of relevant professional experience before they can be admitted into an MBA program.

The Role of Professional Experience in Your Application

Professional experience in the business world is key when applying to an MBA program because it will give you some of the foundational knowledge needed to succeed in an advanced program of study. Without any professional experience in business, you may struggle with some of the basic concepts throughout the program.

How Much Experience Do You Need?

The amount of work experience you need will vary from one program to the next. However, there’s a good chance an MBA program could require anywhere from three to five years of related work experience. In other instances, applicants with less experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Academic Performance and GPA Considerations

Many business schools also have academic performance and GPA requirements for MBA applicants, so how well you did in your undergraduate degree program could affect whether or not you get accepted into an MBA program.

Understanding GPA Requirements

It is not uncommon for a business school to require a minimum of a 3.0 GPA for applicants who completed an undergraduate degree in a related or unrelated field. For non-business bachelor’s degree holders, a 3.0 average will be especially essential in courses related to statistics, calculus, and English composition.

Strategies for Overcoming a Low GPA

Usually, a lower GPA alone won’t be enough to disqualify an applicant from an MBA program—but this will differ from school to school. If you had less than a 3.0 GPA in your undergraduate program (or whatever the minimum GPA for your MBA program is), the best course of action is to reach out to an admissions counselor before you submit your application.

Essential Skills and Competencies for MBA Applicants

Do you need prerequisites for an MBA? Yes, but you may also need to demonstrate that you possess some essential skills and competencies required to get through an MBA program.

Leadership and Management Skills

MBA graduates often go on to work in leadership and other management roles, so being able to bring some of these basic skills to the table is key at the beginning of your MBA program.

Communication and Analytical Skills

Additionally, successful leaders and managers need to have solid communication skills. Not only should you be able to communicate effectively in person, but those skills should translate to your writing as well. Likewise, strong analytical skills are also crucial in an MBA program and beyond.

Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills

Much of the work of an MBA program (and any future career in the business world) will require constant analytical and critical thinking. As new problems and obstacles arise, you must demonstrate that you can think quickly on your feet and confidently come up with new ideas that will forge the path forward.

Teamwork and Collaboration Experience

The future generation of business leaders will need to be able to collaborate with people, too, motivating them to work as a team toward a common goal. Ideally, you’ll be able to bring these skills to the table as you enter your MBA program.

The Significance of Letters of Recommendation

Many business schools will also require you to submit at least one, if not several, letters of recommendation as part of your application.

Choosing the Right Recommenders

Keep in mind that not everybody makes a great “recommender” when it comes time to have these letters written. In general, you should not choose family members or friends to write your letters of recommendation. Instead, you’re better off choosing a professional contact (such as a current or previous boss) or a past academic contact (such as a professor).

What Your Recommenders Should Highlight

While you can’t exactly  tell  a recommender what they should write in your letter, you can (and should) provide them with some basic guidelines and insights into what your MBA program is looking for. You might consider providing them with a copy of the admission requirements to your desired MBA program, as well as a copy of your own resume or other accomplishments to which the writer can refer while drafting your letter.

Ideally, your letter of recommendation should highlight the skills, experiences, characteristics, and formal designations that make you a qualified candidate for the MBA program.

Crafting a Compelling Personal Statement

It is also common for a graduate degree program to require something known as a personal statement of all applicants. Typically, a personal statement is a one-page document where you discuss your background, why you’re interested in completing the program, and your professional and career goals for the future.

Tips for Telling Your Unique Story

Writing a personal statement can be challenging, especially for those who don’t always enjoy talking about themselves. This is where it can be helpful to create an outline narrowing down the precise points you wish to make (along with examples). If you have a unique story or anecdote that applies, this can be a great way to make your personal statement stand out as well.

Do’s and Don’ts of Personal Statements

Keep the following in mind as you craft your personal statement:

• DO focus on your strengths.
• DO ask for feedback from people you trust.
• DO connect your ideas with your own experiences.
• DON’T submit more than one page unless explicitly asked to do so.
• DON’T downplay your achievements; this is your one chance to make yourself and your application stand out from the rest.
• DON’T wait until the last minute to write one; give yourself plenty of time to draft, rewrite, and revise as needed.

Additional Requirements for International Applicants

If you’re an international student applying for admission to an MBA program in the United States, there may be additional requirements you need to complete.

TOEFL/IELTS Scores for Non-Native English Speakers

Most business schools will require international applicants to complete a standardized test that assesses their proficiency in English. Common examples of these include the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)  and the  International English Language Testing System (IELTS) . Find out exactly which test your program requires and the minimum score you must obtain to be considered for admission.

Understanding Visa Requirements

In addition to English proficiency tests, international students may also need to provide proof of a visa in order to complete an MBA program in the U.S. Specifically, an F-1 visa is the most common type of visa required for international students. The process of obtaining one can take some time, so it’s important to be proactive about applying for the appropriate visa.

Advance Your Education in Business at Marymount University

As you can see, the specific prerequisites and admission requirements for an MBA will vary depending on the exact school and program you’re considering. Still, most MBA programs will require you to demonstrate some basic competencies, as well as formal work experience requirements and standardized test scores.

Seeking an MBA program that’s built to help students succeed? Marymount University is proud to offer a  Master of Business Administration  that empowers you to meet real-world challenges while exploring specialized skills that can help advance your career.  Get in touch  with an admissions advisor today to learn more about our MBA program, or begin your application for enrollment online.

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How to Get a Great MBA Recommendation

B usiness school admissions can be competitive, and one way applicants can stand out is through strong recommendations. These endorsements can help humanize applicants and provide further context about a candidate.

"Letters of recommendation are an opportunity to add an external perspective to your application and to help bring your story to life from the point of view of someone who knows you well," Lindsay Loyd, executive director of MBA admissions at New York University's Leonard N. Stern School of Business , wrote in an email. "Put yourself in the best position for success by being thoughtful about who you ask and by approaching them early."

More than 40 schools, including NYU and other highly ranked programs , use the Graduate Management Admission Council's Common Letter of Recommendation , which is a form rather than a formal letter like an applicant may send to undergraduate school. The multipage form has various categories of questions about an applicant's work ethic , cognitive ability and personality.

The common letter also includes a leadership assessment and three open-ended questions that ask recommenders to provide further detail about the applicant, such as the most important piece of constructive feedback they gave the applicant and how the applicant responded. Schools who don't use this form often use their own internal application but ask similar questions.

Soliciting and securing strong recommendations takes strategy and planning, experts say. Here are five ways MBA hopefuls can get a great recommendation that stands out.

Understand the Goal of a Recommendation

Recommendations are an opportunity to highlight strengths and enhance the application, says Yaa Boakye, an MBA student at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business in Illinois. Each part of the application, especially recommendations, should build on other parts.

“I look at the recommendation letters as extra word count,” she says. “It shouldn’t be repeating from the website, your resume or essays, it should be heavily focused on closing any gaps in the person reviewing your application’s mind.”

Most B-schools require at least two recommendations. Some require just one, but it’s best for applicants to line up at least two recommenders in case one falls through, says Susan Cera, MBA admissions director at Stratus Admissions Counseling.

“When you have the opportunity to submit two recommendations, you should pick two people who have seen your work on different projects or different types of work so they can highlight different strengths to the admissions committee," she says. "You don’t want two people talking about precisely the same projects in the same way. That’s a missed opportunity.”

Choose Someone Who Knows You Well

A good recommendation can significantly boost an MBA applicant's chances. The best letters tend to come from those who work closest with an applicant, such as a current direct supervisor or manager, experts say.

"It is much less important to worry about getting the most senior person with the most impressive title to write a recommendation," Loyd says. "It is much more important to get an endorsement from someone who knows your work well and can provide specific examples to illustrate your strengths."

Because most recommendations are generally strong with a good amount of detail, a vague or generic recommendation with surface-level answers will stand out, says Coni Zingarelli, executive director of recruiting, admissions and student financial services at Rice University's Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business in Texas.

“The majority of letters will come in strongly," she says, "and that’s because students know they should be asking people who think well of them.”

The common letter provides an option for recommenders to select if they don't have enough information on the applicant to answer the question. Zingarelli has seen letters with such answers, and that makes the recommendation useless, she says.

“If someone knows you well and can give insight into you, your skills and abilities and the things that make you a great MBA candidate, you’re going to have a more robust and positive letter," she says.

Solicit Recommendations Early

Whether it's for undergraduate or graduate school admissions, experts routinely recommend completing important application tasks as early as possible. This is particularly true for parts of an application that require the assistance of someone else, such as a recommendation, Zingarelli says.

“It’s the one thing I can tell you on the review side that holds up the review of the application being complete," she says.

Procrastinating could result in "some unintended consequences" for both the recommender and applicant, Loyd says. A short turnaround time may prevent a recommender from writing a thoughtful and comprehensive letter that demonstrates deep knowledge of the applicant.

"For you as the applicant, the less time you allow your recommender means more self-inflicted anxiety and less time to explore alternatives if your first choice does not work out," she says.

Between four and six months prior to applying, applicants should have conversations with four to six people and gauge their interest in being a recommender, Cera says. That way if anyone falls through or can’t complete the form, it’s not a total surprise when you have to pivot to another person.

While the formal request might not come until closer to when an applicant plans to apply to business school, cultivating relationships with potential recommenders should start much earlier, Boakye says.

“The idea of starting is tied to a date in which the application is due," she says. "I actually argue the start date is the moment you work with someone, the moment you start volunteering somewhere, whatever the context or capacity. You need to build that up as soon as possible."

Don't Write the Recommendation

While those writing MBA recommendations will know an applicant better than most, experts say MBA hopefuls should still provide them with an achievement log that highlights awards, accomplishments or other noteworthy items that the recommender can speak to. Don't assume that they will thoroughly recall such things.

“Only you remember things in the level of detail that you do," Boakye says.

Providing information should be for background only, however, and applicants should tread carefully so as not to write the recommendation for them. It's typically easy for admissions officers to spot when this has happened, Loyd says.

"My best advice is to share your resume. It’s a great way to refresh your recommender on your highlight reel," Loyd says. "Then, be sure to have a live conversation with your recommender. This can be in person, over Zoom or the phone. In that conversation, you can provide some context for why you are pursuing an MBA, your post-MBA goals , and why a given program is the best fit for you. This context will help them write a stronger recommendation for you."

Follow Up But Don't Nag

Recommenders are typically business professionals with a busy schedule. Making the initial request early allows them time to complete the recommendation and gives applicants time to follow up as the deadline approaches.

This is an important step, and it's crucial that applicants navigate this process well and avoid being annoying or overbearing to those writing the recommendation. First, applicants should maintain contact with recommenders with periodic check-ins, providing necessary updates about projects completed or other noteworthy items.

“If you give your recommender three to six months and you do a lot of these milestones with checking in with them, having coffee, updating them, providing them more context, that letter is going to be so rich that there’s just no way, when someone is reading your letter, that they’re going to confuse you with someone who is slapping it together," Boakye says.

Because people have different communication preferences and working styles, applicants should ask recommenders how they prefer to be reminded, whether through email, text message, phone call or in person.

"In general, it’s probably best to create an overview of all the deliverables and due dates at the outset, then provide a reminder email one to two weeks before a given deadline," Loyd says. "When you get confirmation that a recommendation has been received by the program, don’t forget to follow up with a thank you to your recommender."

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Northeastern University Launches Performance-Based Admissions for Select Graduate Business Programs

May 9, 2024 | Online MBA

Northeastern University is proud to introduce a groundbreaking approach to graduate admissions with the launch of Performance-Based Admissions (PBA). This innovative process revolutionizes traditional admissions methods, providing a streamlined pathway for aspiring graduate students to showcase their skills and dive straight into coursework.

Eligible graduate programs currently include Online MBA & Online Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (OGCBA) .

What is Performance-Based Admissions?

Performance-Based Admissions, or "PBA ," aims to simplify the graduate admissions process. Instead of navigating through extensive application requirements, prospective students can demonstrate their capabilities directly through coursework. Upon completing a “ Fast App ”, applicants will receive a link to enroll in two required PBA courses (Pathway Courses). These courses, representing a sample of OMBA classwork, are part of the program curriculum. Students who achieve a B grade or better in both Pathway Courses will progress into the full degree program the following term. The degree program will accept all credits earned from Pathway Courses.

Why Performance-Based Admissions at Northeastern?

As a trailblazer in experiential and innovative higher education, Northeastern University recognizes the evolving needs of today's professionals. Traditional application processes, with their demands for extensive documentation and waiting periods, can be time-consuming and cumbersome. Performance-Based Admissions eliminates these hurdles, empowering adult learners to focus on what truly matters—their academic potential. By using real coursework as the admission benchmark, Northeastern University creates a fair and accessible pathway for individuals to pursue their educational aspirations.

Fast App Requirements

The Fast App process for Performance-Based Admissions is straightforward and efficient. Applicants eligible for the Fast App gain access to the two designated Pathway Courses for the upcoming term. To progress from the Pathway Courses into the full degree program, students must achieve a grade of B or higher in both courses and provide proof of a completed bachelor's degree before the Pathway Courses' completion. This streamlined approach emphasizes merit and readiness for advanced study, paving the way for a successful academic journey.

At Northeastern University, we are committed to fostering excellence and inclusivity in higher education. Performance-Based Admissions represents our dedication to creating accessible pathways for aspiring graduate students, ensuring that talent and determination are the cornerstones of success. Join us in redefining the future of graduate education—one performance at a time.

If you’re ready to take the next steps in your career, start your Fast App today . 

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Upcoming Online MBA application deadlines

Apply by August 12 to start courses September 4.

For technical support or any other inquiries, please reach out to our dedicated support team at [email protected]

The Master of Business Administration/Master of Real Estate Development dual degree program enables students to expand their skills in planning, land development, marketing, decision sciences, accounting, management, finance and economics. A more sophisticated real estate market makes this diversity of training essential for many students pursuing careers in real estate finance and development.

Completion of the MRED portion of the program requires that students have use of an approved laptop computer and demonstrate calculator and spreadsheet skills; a calculator and/or spreadsheet class is offered online.

Application

Students must apply to both the Marshall School of Business and the USC Price School of Public Policy. Please consult the Admission section of each school for specific requirements.

Program Requirements

A total of 82 units is required. Required courses include:

• all “required” courses in a Marshall MBA program (Full-Time MBA, MBA Program for Professionals and Managers, International MBA, Executive MBA, Online MBA, International Management Science MBA)
• FBE 565 Economics of Urban Land Use: Feasibility Studies Units: 3
• FBE 588 Real Estate Law and Transactions Units: 3
• additional graduate business electives sufficient to bring the total units completed in the Marshall School of Business to at least 48
• policy, planning, and development courses (34 units)

Additional Information

Dual degree program students may not count courses taken outside the Marshall School of Business toward the 48 units.

Comprehensive Examination: Students are required to complete a comprehensive examination administered by faculty members from both the Marshall School of Business and the USC Price School of Public Policy.

See Master of Real Estate Development/Master of Business Administration (MRED/MBA)    for MRED course requirements.

The MBA and the MRED degrees are awarded simultaneously upon completion of all program requirements.

Return to: USC Marshall School of Business  

Key student-debt relief programs are at risk if Congress doesn't boost Education Department funding, 25 Democratic lawmakers say

• Sen. Elizabeth Warren led a group of Democrats in pushing for increased Federal Student Aid funding.
• They said that key student-debt relief programs, like SAVE, are at risk without more resources.
• Congress has failed to boost funding for the agency over the past couple of years.

A group of Democratic lawmakers is pointing to one key thing that will help student-loan borrowers and families navigate financial aid: more funding .

On Wednesday, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren led 24 of her Democratic colleagues in calling on Sens. Tammy Baldwin and Shelley Moore Capito — chair and ranking member of the Senate appropriations subcommittee for education funding, respectively — to grant President Joe Biden's $2.7 billion budget request for the Office of Federal Student Aid in fiscal year 2025.

Over the past couple of years, Biden has requested that Congress provide increased funding to FSA to help it facilitate the return to student-loan repayment , the rollout of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid , or FAFSA, form, and a host of new repayment and debt relief programs.

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However, Republicans have opted to flat-fund the agency, and this year, they proposed funding cuts . The Democrats wrote in their letter, first viewed by Business Insider, that the lack of funding is "severely undermining FSA's ability to implement critical programs."

"FSA's responsibilities have increased to protect students and borrowers, but its federal funding has remained stagnant," they wrote. "The lack of adequate resources creates more barriers for students to start and continue their education."

Since federal student-loan payments resumed in October, many borrowers have faced a list of challenges , including hours-long hold times with their servicer, payment inaccuracies, and delayed or missing billing statements.

On top of that, the Education Department has been working to carry out a series of reforms to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, it implemented the new SAVE income-driven repayment plan , and it's in the process of overhauling the student-loan servicing system .

Each of those efforts requires more resources to implement effectively — something servicers themselves have previously acknowledged when explaining their own challenges in assisting borrowers.

When it comes to the FAFSA, both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have been highly critical of the way the Education Department has facilitated the rollout. While the department intended to create a simplified form for families and students, technical glitches delayed the form by months, and aid calculation errors followed, forcing many schools to push back their commitment deadlines.

Just one day before the Democrats' letter, a bipartisan group of lawmakers sent a letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona requesting that the department ensure the FAFSA form is ready, without errors, for students to access as they apply for aid for the next school year. The Democrats wrote in their Wednesday letter that FSA needs more funding to live up to that commitment.

Cardona also expressed the need for Congress to boost the Education Department's funding in written testimony for a Tuesday hearing before the House. He wrote that Biden's $2.7 billion request for FSA will allow the agency to "support students and student loan borrowers as they navigate these modernized financial aid application and student loan repayment processes."

The Education Department is also in the process of crafting its broader student-debt relief plan , which is currently in the public comment period . The department plans to begin implementation of the new debt relief this fall, but the presidential election — and likely legal challenges — present uncertainty to that timeline.

Watch: Why student loans aren't canceled, and what Biden's going to do about it

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