Full Videos: Deferred Enrollment MBA Application Insight Series
Do you have your sights set on Deferred Enrollment MBA programs? We hosted a few events in February 2023 on how to amp up your application for these special pathways to b-school. See the full video recaps below.
In each 60-minute panel event, we spoke with representatives from leading MBA programs to learn about their deferred enrollment opportunities. During the panels, we covered:
- Program structures and admissions requirements
- An overview of the application process
- Characteristics of strong deferred enrollment applicants
- Application advice direct from the schools
Panelists from Berkeley Haas, Carnegie Mellon Tepper, Wharton, UVA Darden, Yale SOM
On Wednesday, February 1st, we welcomed five representatives to discuss their respective deferred enrollment programs. Panelists included Verse Gabrielle, Sr. Associate Director, Accelerated Access at Berkeley Haas School of Business; Gina Cecchetti, Associate Director of Master’s Admissions at Carnegie Mellon University; Daniel Pérez, Associate Director of Diversity & Inclusion at Wharton School; Katherine Alford, Director of Admissions, Future Year Scholars Program at UVA Darden; and Kate Botelho, Senior Associate Director of Admissions at Yale SOM.
Watch the video below to catch up on the February 1st session:
Panelists from Chicago Booth, Columbia Business School, Harvard Business School, MIT Sloan, & Stanford GSB
On Wednesday, February 8th, we welcomed five representatives to discuss their respective deferred enrollment programs. Panelists included Noah Ward, Assistant Director of Admissions and Recruitment at Chicago Booth; Jordan Blitzer, Director of Recruiting at Columbia Business School; Gretchen Brown, Marketing Manager, College Outreach at Harvard Business School; Rachel Ferreira, Assistant Director of Evaluation, Admissions at MIT Sloan; and Christine Friedman, Deferred Enrollment Director at Stanford GSB.
Watch the video below to catch up on the February 8th session:
Interested in learning more about Top Deferred Enrollment Programs? Check out Clear Admit’s helpful guide here.
MBA Applywire
Veteran. Company sponsored.
BA in Sociology, Saint Petersburg State University (2022)
MRes in Sociology, Sciences Po Paris (2024)
Languages: English, Russian, French.
My motivation
For a long time, I aimed for an academic career in sociology, but after my master's (for which I traveled to Paris), I realized the academic world wasn't for me, and I wanted something bigger. And more lucrative.
I started working in data/business analytics and research at smaller Russian consulting agencies. But as a russian expat who lives in Georgia, I can only work remotely. And even though I love the work, it is not doing much for my long-term career.
After some thinking, I decided that an MBA is an excellent way to (1) grow my skills in business and finance, (2) grow my network, and (3) get my foot in the door of the European job market. My childhood dream is the UK, but I also consider France or Spain.
My experience
I started with research roles back in university around 5 years ago. After graduating from master's 2 years ago, I started working as a Data Analyst at a rather small research and consulting firm in Russia. Marketing, go-to-market, competitive analysis for large IT infrastructure products — that sort of things.
I moved up rather fast from a junior to a middle and middle+. Then moved to a different company to a comparable position. But now it was less IT and more real estate planning.
In both places I not only did the analysis but also proposed and implemented a range of AI-powered tools for lead generation and knowledge base.
International experience
After leaving Russia in 2022, I've lived in Turkey, Georgia, France and Spain. In France I did my studies, in other countries I simply lived and worked remotely, mostly for Russian-based employers.
Application process
I have already applied to IESE in R1. Now I'm waiting for R2 in LBS, and the January intake in INSEAD.
My problems
I realize that my greatest weaknesses are problably a short work experience and a low GMAT. I can retake the GMAT, and I'm counting on a score around 650. But with work experience nothing can be done quickly.
I want to get to school as soon as possible because right now my work does not do much for my career and does not advance me towards Europe where I want to live. I do not count much on the scholarships, but naturally it would be nice to get them.
My questions:
1. How competitive is my profile at these schools, and how much does a GMAT retake from 595 matter for admission?
2. My real estate experience is on the market/consumer research side, not deals or finance. Is the real estate narrative credible, or should I lead with consulting?
3. Does my nationality, or having worked mostly for Russian-based employers, hurt me in admissions or in EU/UK recruiting?
4. Are there other schools I should add or swap in given my priorities?
I am 30 years old and have recently been promoted to Manager at KPMG Ghana. Outside of work, I enjoy playing tennis on weekends, work occasionally as a DJ, and volunteer my time mentoring underprivileged children at a school near my home.
Looking ahead, my ambition is to transition into strategy consulting at a leading MBB firm, with the longer-term goal of becoming Head of Strategy for a Fortune 500 company in the United States. At the same time, I am intentional about pursuing opportunities that align with my broader life priorities. As a father of two young daughters, I want to build a successful career without compromising my ability to be actively present in their lives and contribute meaningfully to their growth and development.
MBA LiveWire
Vet