By Jim Holmen | Director of Admissions and Financial Aid
By Gale Nichols | Executive Director of the Kelley Full-Time MBA
You may think applying for an MBA program requires a lengthy lead time, but for many people, that’s not the case. Because of our responsive and supportive culture in the Kelley School of Business Full-Time MBA Program, we see late-cycle applicants achieve great success.
In fact, we’re still accepting applications and merit-based financial aid is still available (more than 90% of our students typically receive this). If you applied late in our cycle or thought it was too late to apply, continue reading to see how it’s possible to begin your MBA career path in August as a Kelley MBA.
How often do students transition this quickly, applying in April or later and beginning your program in the fall?
It’s not uncommon for students who apply late in our cycle to matriculate and thrive—even students leaving non-business careers. Alyssa Poticha, for instance, is graduating with her Kelley MBA in May and will join Deloitte in Denver as a consultant. She applied to our program late in the admission cycle and has been extremely successful academically as she pivots her career from teaching choir and show choir to middle and high school students (watch her video). Other later-in-cycle applicants have moved from careers in entertainment, data management and research, finance and accounting, arts management, and engineering into careers in brand management, consulting, financial planning and analysis, and more.
What enables them to transition quickly at Kelley?
Because of our responsive and supportive culture, candidates can move from applying to onboarding as a student in a matter of a few weeks. If a candidate is considering applying this time of year, we respond quickly to answer questions and schedule time to talk if needed. We also can make admission decisions more rapidly because fewer applications are in the pipeline. Once admitted, these students hear from our faculty, current students, and alumni who share information about our Academies, MBA career paths, and the Kelley experience. Our student services and career services teams work throughout the summer and help students with everything from finding housing to updating resumes for networking sessions.
Do they miss out on important activities? Do they get the same value of an MBA?
Students don’t lose out by applying later in cycle! They still take part in our signature Me, Inc. professional development program in early August, along with the prework that prepares them for Me, Inc. Depending on the timing of their application, they may also still be able to participate in the summer programs held by Forté and employer-sponsored pre-MBA programs and boot camps.
Is financial aid still available?
Yes, merit-based financial aid is still available. All candidates offered admission are automatically considered for financial aid, so no additional application for aid is required. More than 90% of our students receive such aid from Kelley.
Are there challenges like taking the GRE that aren’t the obstacle people may think?
Yes! Here are examples:
- They haven’t taken the GMAT/GRE. Kelley has an easy waiver application process that provides an opportunity for many applicants to apply to Kelley without taking one of these tests. Importantly, they are just as likely to be admitted and to receive financial aid.
- They have an employment gap or some lower-than-average undergrad grades. If applicants worry that something may be a “red flag”, we encourage them to explain any unusual situations or circumstances in their optional essay. Kelley takes a holistic view of candidates—a “blip” at work or school typically is not a problem.
- They don’t know who to ask for a recommendation. Kelley requires just one recommendation, and it doesn’t have to be from a current supervisor.
What if they can’t decide which direction to take a career in business?
Our program is designed for career exploration. In Me, Inc. students spend several weeks reflecting on their interests, skills, values, and goals, and it typically results in more clarity around the kinds of job opportunities the students want to investigate. Students also spend time learning about our six Career Foundation Academies and choosing which one to join. In their Academy, they learn about different career paths, industries, and companies. At Kelley’s corporate recruiting events, students meet alumni and employer reps and gain additional perspective about MBA job opportunities. All of this helps students narrow down their options.
If someone is interested in applying now, what steps should they take?
Potential students should look at our Kelley MBA website to learn more about our program. They can schedule a counseling appointment with a member of our admissions team to talk about their application. They can easily find our admissions requirements and move forward with a GMAT/GRE waiver application first if desired. Contact us at iumba@indiana.edu with any questions—we’re here to help!