There are 2 types of students, the first type is not clear and in the exploration phase, but the second type is clear about their MBA goals, so If you are certain about your MBA dream, then get an admit now and study after 2 years in any of the deferred MBA programs across the globe. For most of the deferred MBA programs, 2 years is the condition, but for some deferred MBA programs, it’s in between 2-4 years. The deferred MBA programs are for high potential college students without work experience but with an outstanding contribution to academics, leadership, and community. The program gives the flexibility to explore, take risks, and build your profile before joining the MBA program, with a secured MBA seat for the future. In this blog post, we will cover all the relevant aspects of deferred MBA programs such as eligibility, average profile, top colleges, the application process, and benefits of applying to deferred MBA programs.
What are deferred MBA programs and the eligibility?
- In deferred MBA programs, the student can apply in the final year and if selected, then the student will have to work for 2-4 years, depending on the school requirements.
- Students who are in the final year of Bachelor’s or Master’s program
- Students should not have any work experience (0 years of work experience)
- Students will have to work for 2-4 years after an admit, depending on the school (Mandatory condition)
- Internships, live projects, etc. are not considered as work experience
Average Profile for Deferred MBA programs
- STEM background (60-70%), Humanities/Social Sciences (15-17%), Business/Economics (17-20%) – The program is definitely dominated by STEM background students because applications are also in the same proportion.
- International students – 25-30% – This differs from school to school, but overall the class is very diverse. In Stanford’s program, the proportion of international candidates is very high as compared to other schools.
- Female Candidates – 40-45% – A very strong gender diversity is maintained over the years and that makes these programs and learning experience unique in itself.
- Average GMAT – 730+, The GMAT score is at par as compared to their regular full-time MBA programs and too much variation is not seen in GMAT scores, unlike the full-time MBA program.
- Average GPA – 3.7, This is definitely challenging, so if you are planning to apply, then you will have to focus from the first year and you can’t slip till the time of your application.
- Acceptance Rate – 8-11%, The acceptance rate is even low as compared to the regular MBA program for some schools such as Harvard.
Top Colleges for Deferred MBA programs
- HBS 2+2 program
- Stanford GSB Deferred Admission
- Wharton MBA Advance Access Program
- Chicago Booth Scholars program
- Yale SOM Silver Scholars Program
- Darden Future Year Scholars program
- MIT Sloan MBA Early Admission
- The Columbia Business School Deferred Enrolment Program
- Indian School of Business Young Leaders Program
- The IESE YTP
- Deferred MBA Program – University of Iowa
- The Rollins Early Advantage MBA
- The University of Buffalo 2+2
Application Process for Deferred MBA programs
The application process is similar to the regular MBA program for all the schools. These are the steps and requirements for Deferred MBA programs:
- A valid GMAT or GRE score in the last 5 years
- English language proficiency test score if English is not your first language. The score requirements are also pretty high such as for IELTS (nothing less than 7.5) and for TOEFL (nothing less than 109).
- Academic transcripts – The transcripts will be unofficial, as most of the students are in the final year
- Two-letter of recommendations – Since the students have no work experience, so they can take the letter of recommendation either from their professors or from the supervisors/managers if they have done any internships or live projects with any company.
- Admission Essays – Generally 2 essays are required and it should cover your MBA goals, leadership potential, a contribution so far and future plans, etc.
- Professional Resume – Most of the schools provide the format, but focus on achievements while crafting your resume and highlight the impact that you have created in diverse settings.
- Interview Process – The questions again revolve around your leadership potential, achievements, and contribution so far, plan for the upcoming 2 years, MBA goals, school-related questions, and future career planning as well.
- Scholarship Essays if required
Benefits of Deferred MBA programs
- The biggest benefit is that a student can take risk and explore, as you will get an admit for your future MBA. In the interim, a student can start his/her own venture or can build their profile through a variety of options such as working on diverse projects, taking risks in their current role, or doing some courses/certifications aligned with the future.
- Secondly, the course is offered by only the best business schools across the globe, so it’s always your dream school for the MBA program.
- Another benefit is for humanities, business, and economics students. Generally, in the job market, STEM candidates get good opportunities post-bachelors’, so a regular MBA with work experience becomes more competitive for humanities and economics background students. The deferred MBA programs are definitely very competitive, but specifically for these graduates, competing at this stage becomes slightly easy, if you have an outstanding profile.
- Lastly, there is nothing to lose. You can always have another shot in the future as well, even if you are rejected at this moment. In fact, you will understand a lot about your profile and how to prepare for the future.
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How to get into these deferred MBA programs?
Well, this is the most difficult and easy to answer simultaneously. As we mentioned, the three pillars or areas you need to focus on: academic background, leadership, and community contribution. You have already seen the average GPA and GMAT scores, so it’s for people with strong academic credentials. Apart from that, your leadership potential can be showcased through a variety of activities on and off college and that will include all your competitions, debates, sports, community work, or anything else. These are only pre-requisites, and even after that, you really need to craft strong application essays, letters of recommendation, and solid interview performance, to sail through the process.
The crux of the story is that if really want to get into any of these deferred MBA programs, then start your planning from day 1 of your college. Grab as many internships, live project opportunities, participate in activities, organize events, seminars, etc. and needless to mention, don’t lose focus on academics.
Feel free to connect with us in case you need any assistance with the application process. We would be happy to help and guide you in the desired direction. So, book your free consultation now!
