Applying to business school can be confusing with so many different application deadlines and rounds. Here is our guide to the 2022 MBA application cycle for the top programs, to help you keep track of your MBA timeline.
Read our more general guide to the MBA timeline here: A Comprehensive MBA Application Timeline–With Chart.
Overview of the Admissions Cycle
The MBA application is usually divided into several rounds with different deadlines for each round. Some schools offer an early decision round for students which allows them to apply and hear back earlier. Generally, the MBA application cycle begins in September and October for the first round and continues until March or April. Interviews go out by invitation only and decisions are released in the middle through the end of the summer.
There are certain steps that need to be taken before beginning the application process. For example, many students start studying for the GRE/GMAT long before starting the rest of the application. It’s a good strategy to take the GRE/GMAT at least three months before applying because it gives you time to retake the test should you not get the target score. Starting early also gives you time to think about the essay and receive feedback, budget for application fees, polish your resume, and reach out to mentors for letters of recommendation.
While students can, and should, apply to different rounds, there is a strategy to maximize your chances of acceptance. For your top schools, it’s best to apply to either early decision or the first round during which the least amount of places has been claimed. For safety schools, you can apply to the later rounds where your application will be more competitive. This division of rounds will also allow you to optimize your time so that you’re not overwhelmed by completing multiple applications at the same.
To learn more about the different rounds, read An Overview of the MBA Admissions Rounds: When to Apply to Business School.
After you have submitted your application, it is time to start preparing for the interview. Interview invitations are usually sent 3-4 weeks after the application deadline to about 20-40% of the applicants. The interview is the last step in the MBA application process. After it, all that’s left is to wait for decisions to be released.
2022-2023 MBA Application Deadlines
This chart lays out the application deadlines for a fall 2023 matriculation timeline for the M7 and top 25 business schools.
See our article on the acceptance rates and class profiles of the top 25 US MBA programs here.
Deferred MBA Application Deadlines
Deferred programs have become a lot more popular in recent years. Now, almost every top program offers some alternative route to an MBA for college seniors. For more info on deferred programs, head to: Top 10 Deferred MBA Programs—and How to Get In.
Here are the 2023 deadlines for the best deferred programs in the US, along with their decision notification date.
To give yourself the best chances of acceptance into a top MBA program, we highly recommend working with an admissions coach. They'll be able to provide expert insight personalized to your background, budget, and goals. Here are some of our top coaches, browse all of them here.
