Admissions

Here's what it takes to succeed as a Kelley MBA.

We want to make sure Kelley is a good match for you and your career change—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 (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). If you take the exams more than once, we’ll consider your best scores and look for a balance of verbal and quantitative ability.

The Kelley School’s Full-Time MBA program admits high-potential applicants into our academically rigorous curriculum. We typically require the GMAT or GRE as one demonstration of quantitative and analytic capability. In light of the recent challenges associated with taking standardized tests, candidates may apply for a waiver of this requirement and submit other evidence of their academic qualifications. We expect to award a limited number of waivers to candidates with otherwise strong qualifications. In evaluating waiver requests, we consider many factors, including rigor and achievement from previous undergraduate and graduate degrees, evidence of work experience requiring analytical and quantitative skills, and post–bachelor’s degree career growth including demonstration of leadership. 

To request a GMAT/GRE waiver, you must complete the following two steps:

  1. Complete and submit our online information request form (to ensure that we have your most current contact information); and
  2. Submit via email (iumba@indiana.edu) a current professional resume, your unofficial or official undergraduate transcripts (and graduate school transcripts, if applicable), and a brief statement (300 words or less) summarizing why you believe you qualify for a waiver.

You should receive a response to your request within one week of submission.

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
  • 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 one letter of recommendation to gain a more complete understanding of your professional performance. Your recommender should be someone who can comment meaningfully on this. A current or recent supervisor is preferred.


Kelley Accelerated Admissions Program for college seniors

Why wait? We'll save you a spot.

If you are a college senior and know an MBA is in your future, apply for deferred admission to the Kelley Full-Time MBA Program before you leave college. You can enter the workforce knowing your opportunity to get an MBA at a top-ranked school is secure.

Qualified candidates will be offered admission to the program on a deferred basis, with the expectation that they gain at least two years of full time, professional work experience prior to enrollment.

 

Application Information

As you finish your senior year, submit a complete application, including GMAT or GRE scores, by July 1. The Kelley Accelerated Admission Program is only open to US citizens and US permanent residents.

Kelley Values

Learn more about what drives Kelley MBA students and the values that shape our culture.

Application Deadlines

Domestic and International Applicants

 DeadlineNotification
FirstOctober 15By December 20
Deposit due 
March 1
SecondJanuary 5By March 15
Deposit due 
May 1
ThirdMarch 1By April 30
Deposit due 
4 weeks 
after notification
FinalApril 15By May 31
Deposit due 
4 weeks 
after notification

A Consortium School

As one of three founding schools of The Consortium, we strive to enhance diversity in business education. Eligible applicants should complete the Consortium application instead of Kelley’s application to be considered for a Consortium fellowship covering full tuition and fees.

Forté Foundation Member School

As a Forté Foundation member school, Kelley works to increase the number of women business leaders by awarding multiple Forté Fellowships to women entering our MBA Program each year. No need to apply—you'll automatically be considered.

Kelley 2021 Class Profile

Class size: 135
Women: 33%
Minorities: 24%
International: 36%
Average age: 29
Average work experience: 5.6 years
Percent with full-time work experience: 99%
Average GMAT: 666
Average GPA: 3.34