Admissions
Here’s what it takes to succeed as a Kelley MBA.
We want to make sure Kelley is a good match for you—that’s why the admissions review process for our top-ranked Full-time MBA Program is selective. You don’t need an undergraduate business degree for success at Kelley—just great academic potential. We do expect you to:
- Understand algebra
- Know your way around a spreadsheet
- Have a baseline knowledge of statistics
As we look at applications, we’ll evaluate your:
Academic record
You’ll need to provide transcripts with your cumulative grade point average from each institution you've attended and final transcripts certifying you’ve earned an undergraduate degree.
International students: You’ll also need to document that your degree is the recognized equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree.
GMAT or GRE scores
You can submit your scores from either the Graduate Management Admissions Test or the Graduate Record Exam. If you take the exams more than once, we’ll consider your best scores and look for a balance of verbal and quantitative ability.
Professional experience
Most of our applicants are at least two years into their career. Your resume should detail your responsibilities, skills, accomplishments, leadership aptitude, and existing business acumen.
Leadership ability
Kelley has a culture of collaboration, recognizing that successful leaders are also successful team members. Your community service, campus involvement, and career trajectory should demonstrate that you understand both what it takes to lead and how to work well with others.
Essays
We want to get to know you better! Take this opportunity to shine while demonstrating your:
- Communication skills
- Leadership experience and
- Career goals
Let us know what you bring to the MBA Program and how joining the Kelley family will benefit you.
Letters of recommendation
We request two letters of reference to gain a more complete understanding of who you are. Your recommenders should be people who can comment meaningfully on your professional performance.






