In this race to complete graduation and get accepted in colleges for further studies, more often than not we end up neglecting a few options. Options which hold the potential to open a window to a variety of opportunities. One such scope is that of deferred MBA programs.
Traditionally, MBA applicants already have a few years of work experience before they apply to business schools. But there exists another road that is less-traveled: applying directly from college and then deferring admission for a few years in order to gain experience in an internship or job.
So, why should one even apply for deferred admission in an MBA program? Having the flexibility to try out a career path, knowing that you already have been admitted to a premier business school, is a fortunate place to be in. It gives you the freedom to take risks, without much risk at all, since the worst thing that can happen is that the current venture you are rooting for, flops and then you have the option of joining your chosen school.
“No one comes to the HBS classroom without full-time work experience,” says Dee Leopold, Harvard’s managing director of MBA admissions and financial aid. “Our students are expected to jump into the shoes of case protagonists and make decisions. Analytical tools and techniques aren’t enough; a real world perspective is essential to a meaningful class discussion.”
Along with GMAT and/or GRE, TOEFL, IELTS or PTE are also taken, if the candidate is an international applicant attending a non-English-speaking undergraduate university.
After the clearance of these exams, the aspirant stands eligible to apply for a deferred MBA program. The applicant must request a deferral before he/she accepts the place in the class and pays the respective deposit. A complete application is to be submitted to avail the offered program.
Some of the colleges/universities which offer such deferred admissions are:
- Harvard Business School (2+2 Programme)
- Yale University’s School of Management (Yale Silver Scholar Programme)
- Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business
- IESE Business School, Spain
- Indian School of Business (Young Leaders Programme)
The average GMAT score of students is generally greater than 700 and the colleges look for excellent profiles making it all the more difficult and challenging to get into these universities. The average GPA of the selected students also tends to be high. Nevertheless, the course offers great opportunities with high security. It is an option that MBA aspirants must explore!
