MIT Sloan Early Admission Deferred MBA Program: What You Need to Know
Considering applying to Sloan's EA Deferred MBA Program? Look no further! In this guide, we delve into important information about the program, key deadlines, and tips for maximizing your application.
Posted January 10, 2024
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The Sloan EA program is designed for college seniors or recent graduates who are interested in pursuing an MBA degree in the future but want to gain work experience before starting their MBA studies.
The basic idea of deferred admission MBA programs like Sloan EA is to allow high-potential candidates to secure a spot in the MBA program while they gain practical work experience for a certain number of years (typically 2-5 years). During this deferral period, candidates work in various industries and roles to build their skills and gain insights into the business world.
Deferred MBA programs like Sloan EA provide several benefits:
- Early Assurance: Participants are guaranteed a spot in the MBA program once they complete the deferral period and meet any specified requirements.
- Work Experience: Candidates can gain real-world work experience before starting their MBA studies, which can enhance their learning during the program and provide valuable insights.
- Career Progression: The work experience obtained during the deferral period can contribute to career advancement and make participants more competitive in the job market.
- Networking: Participants can expand their professional network by connecting with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals during their work experience.
- Tailored Learning: With work experience in hand, participants can better understand their career goals and tailor their MBA experience to meet their specific needs.
Read our full Sloan MBA guide here for an in-depth look into the school and application process: MIT Sloan School of Management — MBA Program & Application Overview
Admit Profile (2021-2022)
Committed Applicants: 101
Undergraduate Institutions Represented: 40
Underrepresented Minority: 28%
Countries Represented: 25
International: 20%
Women: 51%
Median GPA: 3.88
Median GMAT: 750
GRE Quant Range: 161-169
GRE Verbal Range: 157-167
Application Details (2023-2024)
Application Deadline: April 19, 2024
Decision Notification: June 13, 2024
Application Requirements:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Video Essay 1
- Video Essay 2
- Letters of Recommendation
- Academic Transcripts
- Test Scores
- Relevant Coursework/Certifications
- Optional Short Answer Question
- Interview
Please note that there is no application fee to apply to MIT Sloan’s EA program.
Eligibility
The application process for Early Admission to the Sloan MBA program is accessible to all candidates who meet the criteria outlined below:
Undergraduate students who:
- Are in their final year of undergraduate studies; and
- Graduate between August 2022 and September 2023; and
- Will not enroll in an MD, JD, or PhD program immediately after completing an undergraduate program; and
- Have not had any prior full-time work experience with the exception of internships or co-op experiences
Graduate students who:
- Are in their final year of a graduate program; and
- Graduate between August 2022 and September 2023; and
- Started graduate school immediately after obtaining their undergraduate degree; and
- Have not had any prior full-time work experience with the exception of internships or co-op experiences; or
- Are currently enrolled in their final semester of either the MIT Sloan MFin or MBAn program
Who is Sloan Looking For?
The Sloan adcom typically looks for a combination of qualities and attributes in its prospective students during the admissions process:
- Thoughtful leadership with the ability to inspire others
- A collaborative spirit and focus on community
- Exceptional intellectual abilities, intellectual curiosity and analytical strength
- Creativity to generate new solutions to existing challenges, with determination to put their stamp on the world
Take a look at this video from MIT Sloan on top application tips for the EA program:
Coach Recommendations
The best way to nail your deferred MBA applications is to work one-on-one with an admissions coach. They'll be able to provide in-depth, customized guidance based on your personal background, budget, and goals. Below are some of our most popular admissions coaches, browse all of them here.
Why Sloan?
MIT Sloan offers a unique and transformative experience that resonates with aspiring leaders and innovators worldwide. Nestled in the vibrant innovation hub of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Sloan thrives at the intersection of academia and real-world impact. Its emphasis on experiential learning through initiatives like the Action Learning Lab and the Entrepreneurship Lab empowers students to turn classroom theories into tangible solutions for today's pressing business challenges. This dynamic environment fosters a culture of curiosity and ingenuity, attracting those who dare to disrupt the status quo and forge new paths.
What truly sets MIT Sloan apart is its rigorous quantitative approach that equips graduates with a powerful toolkit for decision-making. The curriculum's emphasis on data-driven insights ensures that students not only grasp the complexities of modern business but also possess the skills to navigate an increasingly digital and analytical world. This analytical prowess is intertwined with a holistic view of leadership and collaboration, instilling in students the art of influencing, motivating, and collaborating across diverse teams. Through its diverse community and emphasis on hands-on learning, MIT Sloan cultivates well-rounded individuals who excel not only in the boardroom but also in their ability to shape industries and drive meaningful change.
Common Questions
- What is the difference between the MIT Sloan MBA Early Admission and the traditional MBA Program?
- The only difference between the two is the admissions process. Once you’re in the program everyone is an MBA student and there’s no distinction. Because of the deferred period, you will all be coming with relatively similar levels of work experience. The characteristics that we’re looking for in applicants are the same (impact, teamwork, leadership, etc.), but we’ll just look for them in different places (i.e., internships and extracurriculars vs. full-time work).
- What is the process to join the class after 2-5 years?
- Once you have indicated on the Yearly Check-In that you are ready to begin the program, you will schedule a pre-matriculation phone call with admissions. During the phone call, we will discuss your MBA readiness. If you are approved to matriculate the following year by admissions, you will be prompted to submit a brief Update Application due by early December. We cannot guarantee enrollment in the upcoming MBA class if your application is submitted after the December deadline.
- When I come to MIT Sloan, will I be part of a separate program?
- Nope! MBA Early Admission is simply an application process and not a separate program. During your deferral period, you will have many opportunities to get to know fellow MBA Early admits, and once you matriculate, you will be seamlessly integrated into that year’s MBA cohort.
- Is the program binding?
- Accepting your offer through MBA Early Admission is not binding. We understand the possibility of admits wanting to pursue other opportunities academically or professionally. We have an annual update process (we call it a “Yearly Check-In”) that asks students to keep us informed of their decision to remain in the MBA Early cohort. If an admit decides to pursue other opportunities, they can simply share that decision with us and be withdrawn from their deferred status.
- Would I need to decide whether I will work for 2, 3, 4, or 5 years when I apply? When I am admitted?
- You will have some flexibility with this decision. Once you are admitted, we’ll ask you to submit the Yearly Check-In form each August/September. This allows you to reconsider your timing each year. After two years of full-time work, you will be eligible to matriculate. That being said, most admits decide to work longer (4 or 5 years) before starting the MBA program!
- Since I don’t have full-time work experience, what is the admissions committee looking for in my resume?
- We use the resume to understand your path and to get an introduction to some of the highlights from your academic and internship experiences.
- What should I do during my deferral period?
- We would like you to utilize this period to engage in meaningful full time work experiences. Having work experience can help leverage the opportunities at MIT Sloan. Students who already have a framework of experience against which to apply their education, and who understand workplace issues, generally get more out of the program and contribute more to classroom discussions and team projects. Although students have an average of 5 years of work experience, use your own judgment in deciding the best time for you to pursue an MBA. Please note while we will look at your internship experiences during this time, it is not considered full-time employment.
- Are there scholarships available for MBA Early applicants?
- Yes! You will be automatically considered for a merit-based fellowship in the year that you choose to matriculate. Our Admissions Committee will evaluate all applicants and award fellowships to exceptional students who have shown academic excellence, professional achievements, and potential to enhance the MIT Sloan community.
Where Can I Start?
Applying to any MBA program can be a stressful, time-consuming, and costly process. That is why, here at Leland, we have lots of resources available to help you along the journey.
Read these articles to start your deferred MBA journey:
- Top 10 Deferred MBA Programs in the US–and How to Get In
- Are MBA Admissions Consultants Worth It? How to Decide (and How to Pick One)
- How to Write a Powerful MBA Essay–With Examples
- An Expert's Ultimate Guide to Building Your MBA Application
- The Top 5 Factors to Consider When Choosing an MBA Program
- A Guide to the UC Berkeley Haas Accelerated Applicants Deferred MBA Program
- UVA Darden: Future Year Scholars Deferred MBA Program
