Application Information

Hello and thanks in advance for listening in to our podcast series on Application Tips. We are looking forward to sharing this valuable content in a brief, bite-sized format; ideal for the busy, executive-level applicants our program attracts. Each member of our Admissions team will share top tips and advice for putting together your best application, from resume, to recommendations, and beyond. In July, we welcomed the MBA for Executives Class of 2024, which means it’s time to start our next application cycle. The application for the MBA for Executives Class of 2025 has opened, and we are looking forward to getting to know you. Here is some advice from our team to consider as you prepare your application.

Applicants must have a minimum of seven years of post-undergraduate, full-time work experience as we seek to build a class with deep industry knowledge. Candidates with fewer years of work experience may be considered if they have demonstrated significant leadership experience through their employment or other experiences.

If you are considering pursuing our MBA for Executives program, there is an Admissions process and a timeline to keep in mind. We have three rounds and for any of these three rounds, your first step will be to start and then submit an application by one of the round deadlines, the first of which will be on November 1, 2022. At that time, the Admissions Committee will review your application and decide whether you will move forward to the next part of our process, which is an invitation to interview. 

If you are invited to interview, we will look forward to seeing you for a fun, informative, and comprehensive interview day. The feedback gathered during your interviews with a member of the Admissions Committee, alumni, and other staff will be returned to the Admissions Committee to complete the review process. 

Finally, we will render our decision and share with you one of three possible outcomes; Admitted, Waitlisted, or Denied. Admitted students will be invited to join additional events as they make their enrollment decision. If waitlisted, know that we maintain a short, active waitlist and do appreciate your continued contact and sharing any relevant updates to your candidacy. If you’re denied admission, we invite you to consider applying in a future round. We look forward to seeing your application soon!

Each year, through a blend of both art and science, we build a dynamic and diverse class. We carefully consider each candidate as an individual, while also thinking about how they will contribute to the greater cohort. As you prepare your application, be sure to focus on the unique voice and perspective you bring to the cohort? Make us aware of your leadership experiences, career trajectory, academic exposures, management style, personal values, and interests. Successful MBA applicants describe and share about themselves through the application process with measured detail and clarity. Within the application, it is important to convey both how the program would positively impact you and how you would add value to your potential classmates.

We recommend submitting a current resume that is only 1 to 2 pages in length. Please note that you must have a minimum of seven years of post-undergraduate professional experience as we seek to build a diverse class with deep industry knowledge.

Your resume is a suitable place to start your application and showcase your skills and work experience to the admissions committee. Plan to keep your resume to one or two pages. One possible exception would be for someone applying for admission to the Healthcare Area of Focus, as we acknowledge that residencies and related experiences may add some length. It is important to provide your professional history and trajectory but keep this part of your application succinct. Use your resume to tell us about your work; feel free to briefly include other experiences, such as volunteer work, committees, or activities, that shape who you are on a more personal level. Be sure to proofread and check spelling and grammar before you submit!

We require two essays, as well as a shorter piece on your intended area of focus, with the following prompts:

• What is your motivation for applying for an Executive MBA at this point in your career? Please discuss your interest in the Yale SOM MBA for Executives program, your area of focus, and your professional and personal goals. (500 words maximum)
• Cite a statistic that you find shocking. As a leader for business and society, what actions could you take to address this challenge, and what would be your guiding principles and values? (500 words maximum)
• Why have you selected this area of focus? Please describe how your current professional role relates to your chosen area of focus. (Word count: 150-250 words)

There is also an optional essay, with the following prompt:

• If any aspect of your candidacy needs further explanation (unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, academic performance, promotions or recognition, etc.), please provide a brief description here. (200 words maximum)

We require two essays, as well as a shorter piece on your intended area of focus. The two main essays have a 500-word limit. The first prompt presents an opportunity for you to expand on why you are interested in pursuing the MBA for Executives program at Yale SOM. One piece of advice when crafting this essay would be to have a friend or family member read it, not knowing what the prompt is, and see if they can determine what the prompt was. Doing so can help to ensure that you’ve addressed the prompt in a clear, concise, and complete way. 

The second essay provides an opportunity to highlight a matter relating to current events that has grabbed your attention, an interesting trend or topic as it relates to your current work, or an issue that may be close to your heart or something you are passionate about. Take your time in selecting a topic and use this to reflect for the committee on your process, and value system, in solving for it. 

The final essay prompt addresses your chosen area of focus and asks, “why have you selected this area of focus?” While this prompt seems self-explanatory and will be for some, this brief prompt offers an opportunity to vividly illustrate your interest in your chosen area of focus and how your current professional role relates to that area.
There is also an optional essay, which offers a great opportunity to offer clarity around any number of points related to your candidacy, such as unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, or information related to your academic performance. This is truly optional and should only be used if something is unclear within the application. 

A four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or the international equivalent is required. International applicants with a three-year degree from an accredited institution are eligible to apply.

Transcripts from all colleges or universities are required. Unofficial paper transcripts can be uploaded during the application process. If admitted, you will need to submit official transcripts to enroll; offers of admission are conditional on the receipt and verification of official transcripts. Non-English transcripts should be translated into English. If your institution does not provide an English translation, please obtain a notarized English translation.

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or the international equivalent is required to be considered for our program. Transcripts from all colleges or universities are required. Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded during the application process – a download from your alma mater’s alumni or registrar’s website, or uploaded photo of what you might have at home will usually do it. If enrolled, you will need to submit official transcripts. Non-English transcripts should be translated into English. For many, it may have been a while since you completed your undergraduate or other advanced degree. If you have some concerns around a challenging semester or grades that you do not feel adequately convey your level of aptitude- fear not! Your standardized test scores will likely be a helpful addition to our review of your profile and will help some to fill in the gaps in our review of your academic preparedness for the program. You can also use the optional essay to talk about the circumstances if you feel it’s important to address.

Applicants to the Yale School of Management MBA for Executives program are required to submit scores from one of three standardized tests: the Executive Assessment (EA), GMAT, or GRE. There is no minimum score to apply. Have your official score report(s) sent directly to the Yale School of Management. You can request EA score reports from www.gmac.com/ea (select Yale School of Management). You can request GMAT score reports through www.mba.com (use code 3TJ-BX-75). You can request GRE score reports from www.ets.org/gre (use code 5624).

Exam preparation is often the most time-consuming part of the application process. We strongly recommend taking the exam early, after taking a formal exam preparation course, and/or taking the practice exams online.

Exam preparation can be a time-consuming part of the application process. Applicants to the Yale School of Management MBA for Executives program must submit scores from one of three standardized tests: the Executive Assessment, GMAT, or GRE. Regardless of which exam you choose to take, we strongly recommend taking the exam early, after reviewing available test prep materials, often for low cost from the testing agency, and taking a practice exam. There is no minimum score to apply. Please have your official score report sent directly to the Yale School of Management’s MBA for Executives program. 

If you sit for an exam and feel it was not your best effort, feel free to reach out to our team directly and we will be glad to counsel you on next steps and whether a retake may be beneficial. Test scores are just one helpful data point among many, and we also review your academic records for further evidence of your readiness for an EMBA program. 

You are required to list two (2) individuals who will provide professional recommendations for you. Ideally, at least one of the recommenders should be in a position to assess your performance at your most recent job. Recommendation forms can be emailed directly to recommenders from the online application.

Identifying recommenders is often stressful for applicants. You must list two individuals who will provide professional recommendations for you. Take time to think about who knows you well and can really speak to both your character and work performance. A current supervisor who knows you professionally makes a great first recommender. Letters of recommendation offer valuable perspective on your application, so make sure your recommenders are people who can highlight aspects of your candidacy and potential that might not show otherwise.

Another important part of securing letters of recommendation is timing. The application process moves pretty quickly once we pass each round deadline; we’ll read complete applications immediately. Be sure to connect with your recommenders as soon as possible and make sure they know the application deadline, so that your application isn’t missing a critical component. Recommendation instructions are emailed directly to recommenders from Yale SOM. 

One tip is to tell your recommenders that the deadline for the submission of their letters is a few days prior to the actual deadline. When the earlier deadline day arrives, check your application status page to see if your recommendations have been submitted. If you need to send your recommenders a gentle reminder, you can do so from the status page or send a check-in email.

Designed for working professionals, the Yale MBA for Executives program aims to accelerate careers, where students can apply learning and grow personally and professionally as they progress through the program. A rich, discussion-based learning environment draws upon the real-time experience of classmates. The program, therefore, requires that students be employed or similarly professionally engaged for the entire duration of the program. Applicants are required to receive approval for time out of the office from a supervisor or HR representative prior to the admissions interview.

Designed for working professionals, the Yale MBA for Executives program aims to accelerate careers, where students can apply learning and grow personally and professionally as they progress through the program. A rich, discussion-based learning environment draws upon the real-time experience of classmates. The program, therefore, requires that students be employed during the application process and for the entire duration of the program. Applicants must receive approval for time out of the office from a supervisor or HR representative prior to the admissions interview.

We recommend laying the groundwork with your supervisors early in the application process. Our most successful and engaged students have a firm and well-established plan in place to help their teams manage their workflow when they are out of the office during their required four weeks in residency and alternating class weekends over the span of the 22-month program.

The application fee is $225 and can be paid online by credit card. You will be prompted to pay the fee after submitting your complete application.

Your application will be considered complete and ready for review once we have received your application, payment, and all supplemental materials. You can check the status of your application at any time on your status page.