Deferred MBA

“In a world that’s changing quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.”– Mark Zuckerberg

We have heard numerous trite remarks on how taking risks in your early career will completely change your life. However, this can be a hard decision, primarily when you hail from a middle-class family, and your livelihood is at stake. Considering the current pandemic situation, it is even more challenging to let go of the safest option and take a risk.

If you are considering pursuing an MBA later, and at the same time, are also worried about getting stuck in a 9-5 job, there is a solution for you - Deferred MBA.

Usually, MBA programs involve a considerable amount of work experience; however, for Deferred MBA, the case is different. A Deferred MBA program will allow you to secure a seat before gathering work experience, and you can start the program after fulfilling the requirement.

This flexibility is a blessing that allows you to experiment with diversified career choices because you have an admission letter from the university to secure your future.

To help you get started with the application process here's the list of the top universities that provide courses through Deferred MBA process are:

1. HBS 2+2 Program

2. Stanford GSB Deferred Admission

3. Wharton MBA Advance Access Program

4. Chicago Booth Scholars program

5. Yale SOM Silver Scholars Program

6. Darden Future Year Scholars program

7. MIT Sloan MBA Early Admission

8. The Columbia Business School Deferred Enrollment Program

Typically, you’ll need the following documents to apply for a Deferred MBA Program:

1. Background Application: A Background Application depicts an overview of your work history and performance, structured in a way that it portrays your candidature for the program. The admission committee can ask this information in the form of an essay, cover letter, personal statement, or a short answer. An important document required by the authorities is a Statement of Purpose. It depicts a reflection of your personality. Make sure you make it look as professional as possible.

For more tips on how to write an effective SOP, click here.

2. Application fees: It is the fees which is required for you to pay at the time of filling the application. Some business schools do not have any admission fees for the deferred MBA application and some universities, for example, Harvard decrease or waive off the application fees if you write them an email discussing your financial condition. To avail of these benefits, you must apply early and prepare well.

3. 1 or 2 Letters of Recommendations: An LOR is a document written by your faculty or supervisor to provide a holistic review of your profile from a different point of view. Business schools usually ask for either an academic LOR or business LOR to give insights on if you can fit in with the rest of the class or workplace. It is a validation and evidence for the qualities you claim to have in your CV and SOP and thus, extremely crucial to increase your chances of selection.

For a more precise understanding, you can check out our blog, which can provide you with some commendable approaches for an LOR.

4. GMAT/GRE Score: Your GMAT/GRE score is an essential element and a requirement for you to get accepted in your dream university. The structure of these two exams consists of essay writing, quantitative reasoning, as well as verbal reasoning. The mode of both examinations is online. However, in the case of GRE, the exam is conducted offline in areas that are not able to support online mode tests. These scores are valid for five years.

5. English Language Test Score: The most widely accepted exams for English are IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). These exams help the college understand your level of proficiency in English based on your speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills.

6. Resume: A resume is a document created by a person to present their background, skills, and accomplishments. Submitting an updated resume counts is hugely crucial in the selection procedure, and therefore, you must devote enough time to this document.

For a better understanding of how to create a strong resume, especially during the lockdown caused due to the pandemic, you can click here.

The application process for a program as good as this, which enables you to secure a seat before acquiring pre-requisites and certifies you with a ticket to a highly professional world, can be tricky. Thus, make sure your profile stands out and explains your motivation behind pursuing this program.

In case you require personalized counselling, feel free to contact us. We are just one call away! For a better understanding of the services we provide, you can check our carefully curated and customizable packages here.