When you apply to the Kelley Full-Time +Flex MBA Program, it can start your path to almost anywhere. Our MBA admissions team is eager to learn about your career experiences, education, and perspectives—and partner with you to see if the +Flex fit at Kelley is right for you.
First step to +Flexibility: MBA application requirements
Full-Time +Flex comes with time to decide
Unsure if you want to spend two years on campus or complete your MBA online with classes in the Kelley Direct Online MBA Program? No problem.
- You can wait until the end of your first year to decide.
- One application is all you need, no matter what or when you decide.
International students should review visa implications if considering the +Flex pathway online.
MBA admission requirements
Your academic potential is a significant component of your application—and it doesn’t require an undergraduate degree in business. Our students are military veterans, former teachers, scientists, as well as business professionals. Whatever your background, we 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:
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 US bachelor's degree.
You can submit your scores from either the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
Candidates may self-report unofficial scores during the initial phase 1 application, but official test score reports will be required from candidates during phase 2 of the application process. You should have your official scores sent directly to us. We cannot accept scores that are more than five years old at the time of application. If you take the exams more than once, we’ll consider your best scores and look for a balance of verbal and quantitative ability.
GMAT test takers: Send scores to the Kelley Full-Time MBA Program (code 8ZG-41-37).
GRE test takers: Send scores to Indiana University, Bloomington (code 1324).
The curriculum for the Kelley Full-Time +Flex MBA Program is academically rigorous. We typically require the GMAT or GRE as one aspect of demonstrated quantitative and analytical capability. However, candidates may apply with a waiver of this requirement and submit other evidence of their academic potential. In evaluating candidates without test scores, we focus on strong academic achievement in prior undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with particular attention to quantitative and analytical coursework. Holding a CPA, CFA, or other quantitatively based certification (or international equivalents) can also serve to demonstrate academic potential; these should be included on your resume.
While applying without test scores does not necessarily have a negative impact on an application, strong scores can help differentiate a candidate in a competitive applicant pool. Some employers in industries such as management consulting and investment banking have asked for standardized test scores as part of the recruiting process.
We do not require a separate test waiver application; you may simply indicate this within the phase 1 application.
Most of our applicants are at least two years into their career. Your resume should detail your responsibilities, skills, accomplishments and leadership aptitude.
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.
We want to get to know you better! Take this opportunity to shine while demonstrating your:
- Communication skills
- Unique background
- Career goals
Let us know what you bring to the Kelley Full-Time +Flex MBA Program and how joining the Kelley family will benefit you.
We require one 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 MBA deferred admission 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 +Flex MBA Program before you finish college. You can enter the workforce knowing your opportunity to get an MBA at a top-ranked school is secure.
With the Kelley Accelerated Admission Process (KAAP), qualified applicants are offered admission to the MBA program on a deferred basis, with the expectation that you'll gain at least two years of full-time, professional work experience prior to enrollment. KAAP is open to US citizens and US permanent residents.
Application information
Submit a complete application, including GMAT or GRE scores, during your senior year.
Check out: "How to Apply"
KAAP application deadline: June 1
| Round | Phase 1 deadline | Phase 2 deadline* | Deposit due |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | October 1 | October 15 | February 1 |
| 2 | December 15 | January 5* | April 15 |
| 3 | February 15 | March 1 | April 30 |
| 4 | April 1 | April 15 | May 30 |
*Given the competitiveness of the applicant pool, international candidates should apply no later than round 2.
Check Frequently Asked Questions for information about applying through The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, and other admissions topics.
A Consortium School
As one of three founding schools of The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, we work to expand access and broaden representation in business education.
Promoting women in business as a Forté Foundation Member School
As a Forté Foundation member school, all admitted MBA candidates are eligible to be named Forté Fellows each year.