Cornell / Johnson MBA Deadlines 2024-2025
The Cornell MBA deadlines at the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management for the 2024-2025 admissions season are below.
The Johnson MBA admissions committee is conducting its admissions process in three rounds this season. The adcom provides two notification dates for each round. The Initial Decision will be one of three possible outcomes: an interview invitation, waitlist without interview, or denial of admission. Candidates who complete an interview will receive an admit, deny, or waitlist decision by the final notification date.
For the upcoming season, Cornell notes that all application materials should be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
| Round | Application Deadline | Initial Notification | Final Notification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | September 18, 2024 | November 1, 2024 | December 6, 2024 |
| Round 2 | January 9, 2025 | March 14, 2025 | April 4, 2025 |
| Round 3 | April 10, 2025 | May 16, 2025 | May 30, 2025 |
For candidates planning to apply through the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, the 2024-2025 Johnson MBA deadlines are October 15, 2024 and January 5, 2025.
Admission Requirements
Johnson provides both one- and two-year MBA programs, applicants may apply to only one. Full-time work experience is not required, however, at least two to five years of full-time work prior to enrolling is the norm. A small number of outstanding applicants with less than one year of full-time experience are admitted. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree.
The completed online application form must include a Goals Statement and responses to essay questions, resume, list of activities, GMAT or GRE scores (test waiver request available), one professional letter of recommendation (second optional), and a non-refundable $200 application fee. Fee waivers can be granted to candidates who meet specific criteria. Non-native English speakers must submit either TOEFL or IELTS exams to demonstrate proficiency.
Applicants must provide transcripts from all coursework and proof of graduation. Unofficial copies are accepted with the application, official copies of transcripts and test scores from enrollees must be received by the official documentation deadline for that round.
How does Cornell / Johnson Conduct Interviews?
Interviews are required for admission and are by invitation only. After the initial application review, candidates will receive either an invitation to interview, an invitation to join the waitlist, or a denial of admission. Interviews should be scheduled within seven days of receiving the invitation and must be completed by the interview deadline for that round. Admissions interviews are conducted by staff and/or trained second-year MBA students. Interviews may be in person in Ithaca, NY, or via Skype. Some interviews may be conducted in the applicant’s local area. The adcom does not have a preference for interview format.
MBA Applywire
Currently working through time as an army recruiting commander. I am very adaptable since I have managed teams across combat arms, IT/communications, as well as recruiting. I have higher education in the form of a M.S. in International Relations from Liberty University as well as cybersecurity certifications such as CompTIA SEC+ and CySA+. Involved in community with Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion aiding veterans and military outreach. My desired post-MBA career paths include project management, IT/cybersecurity management, or consulting in those two fields.
I’m planning to apply for MBA programs in the U.S. for Fall 2026, and I’d really appreciate your thoughts on my profile, program fit, and any chances for scholarships.
Highlevel Profile :
Education: B.S. in Mathematics with a concentration in Data Science. Graduated: Spring 23 with GPA: 3.5 (from a Private Christian university in Tulsa)
Research: Participated in two data science research groups during junior and senior years. One project was published on the Human Kinetics Journals site in December 2022.
Nationality: International student from Japan
Work Experience: Currently working as a Strategic Analyst at a lead gen marketplace startup (featured on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies), based in Tulsa, OK. I work extensively with SQL, Excel, Tableau, and occasionally do projects/work (data science) in Python and own data-driven strategies for a revenue-generating business category, translating insights into operational improvements and stakeholder decisions. Will have 3 years of full-time experience by Fall 2026.
GMAT/GRE: Just started studying a month ago. Aiming for a GMAT ~700. Haven’t taken the test yet.
Why MBA ?
Originally started thinking about grad school as a backup plan after not getting selected for H-1B. I may have another chance next year, but as I reflect more, I see this as a great opportunity to pivot more into a strategy or product-related role, expand my network, and strengthen my leadership skills.
Would love your thoughts on chances, scholarship possibilities, and any other program recommendations I should consider. Thank you!
Curious about a) my candidacy for target schools, and b) if I should consider taking the GRE once more or if it's better to focus now on essays / applications
Currently in life science/pharma consulting and interested in staying in healthcare post-MBA, but working AT a life science company in a commercial role (rather than consulting), ideally in biotech at some point. Target school list focuses on programs with relatively high healthcare placement/reputation (not considering Duke due to geography, although I know they have a great healthcare program). Hoping to land in the Northeast
GRE: 326 (V164, Q162)
Undergrad @ Top 5 Public University (per US News rankings)
Major: Biology and Spanish
GPA: 3.58 (slightly lower than averages at target schools, but with STEM undergrad major)
Extracurriculars/Awards (high-level): President of academic organization, new student orientation leader, Girl Scout troop leader (volunteer), grant-funded genetic research, merit scholarship (small $amt but given to 1 student/year)
Work Experience: 5 years (FTE)
Current Role (1yr): Engagement Manager @ boutique life science consulting firm
Prior Full-Time Roles (4yrs): Consultant (2yrs) & Analyst (2yrs) @ same boutique life science consulting firm
Prior Part-Time Roles (during undergrad): Product Management & Marketing intern at life science products company; undergraduate genetic research
Current Extracurriculars
Girl Scout troop leader
Board Member of local chapter of global organization supporting women in healthcare careers
Youth running coach
Captain, co-ed volleyball and flag football team
Demographics
Female, 26 years old
Hi all, I’m hoping to get some feedback on my chances at M7 and Top 15 MBA programs. I come from a pretty nontraditional background and would appreciate any advice.
Background:
Male, Canadian citizen, first-generation immigrant (moved from South Asia at a young age)
First in my family to attend college
Engineering undergrad from a Canadian university (not target but solid reputation)
Certificates: Professional Engineer (PE), PMP, Scrum Master, and Certified Energy Manager
Work Experience:
8+ years of experience in municipal government (City level) in progressive engineering roles
Lead teams of engineers and unionized staff; act as liaison between public agencies and private companies
Currently a Senior Engineer leading multimillion infrastructure and sustainability projects (EV-readiness, clean energy deployment, etc.)
Personally selected by leadership to develop and lead a Diversity & Inclusion strategy for operational departments—raised engagement from 2% to 20% through targeted outreach
Extracurriculars:
Mentor junior engineers through Canada’s professional engineering association (help with licensing, goal-setting)
Lead a small team that funds and delivers infrastructure projects (wells, homes, schools) in underserved villages abroad—inspired by family roots and personal stories
Stats:
GRE: 337 (Q168, V169)
GPA: 2.9 overall ( Last 2 years/upper division: 3.5)
Age: 33
Goals:
Short term: Transition into MBB or top-tier strategy consulting
Long term: Focus on sustainable infrastructure investing or advisory—especially in equitable, climate-resilient urban development
Appreciate any honest feedback—especially around GPA and age concerns, how to frame my story, and school fit. I know I come from a nontraditional background (public sector + engineering), but I’m hoping to bring a unique perspective. Thanks in advance.
Demographics: 26F, Asian American, LGBT
Undergrad: BS Info Systems & Stats minor from Top 5 public undergrad program
Work Experience: Pretty standard data and analytics consulting experience. One promotion. Engagements have spanned the entirety of data and analytics spectrum from master data management implementation to data visualization and descriptive analytics to machine learning. Leadership experience includes leading two workstreams and overseeing team of offshore resources on a long term engagement, technical project manager for data integration project with 30+ internal and external resources for another engagement.
Extracurriculars:
Undergrad
-Senior photojournalist for 3 years for largest news publication in the county
-Pro Bono digital transformation consulting services during for a state congressional caucus and a small business with $1M+ revenue
Post undergrad
-Team Lead for 4 years for local LGBT nonprofit. Essentially oversee planning for one of the largest Pride events in the South (200k+ visitors). Serve as main POC for 200+ vendors and lead a team of 6 people. Inaugural recipient of "Volunteer of the Year" award
Why MBA & Why Now: Want to pivot to a leadership role where I'm owning something & providing strategic direction instead of simply in an advisory role. After 4 years I've built up my skillsets in analytics and cross functional communication and am ready to use what I've learned to drive longer term value. I want to transition away from consulting and broaden my network.
Post-MBA Goals: Tech PM, PMM
MBA LiveWire
Applied 5/25/2025
Interviewed 6/7/2025
5 YOE at the same software company with two promotions and one lateral move
Applied last October but I received no updates on my application from the Adcom until the middle of May when I got the interview invite. I also received an $80k merit scholarship award.
This was a very straightforward process for me and the school really just wanted to understand why I was applying in round three (I have a fellowship that UVA is in that has a final deadline of round two, so they knew I had applied to other schools earlier). It really felt like the school only waitlist you if they want to convert you, but they were incredibly generous with scholarship $$$