WashU Olin MBA Deadlines 2025-2026
The St. Louis Olin Business School of Washington University has released the 2025-2026 MBA deadlines for applicants targeting the Class of 2028.
All applications are due by 11:59PM Central Time on the deadline date. Admissions are rolling after the Round 5 deadline.
| Rounds | Application deadline | Notification On or Before |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | October 5, 2025 | November 7, 2025 |
| Round 2 | November 1, 2025 | December 12, 2025 |
| Round 3 | January 5, 2026 | February 27, 2026 |
| Round 4 | March 1, 2026 | April 17, 2026 |
| Round 5 | April 15, 2026 | May 15, 2026 |
Required Materials
The completed online application must include unofficial copies of all academic transcripts and self- reported GMAT or GRE scores (optional), with official score reports sent directly to the university. Applicants are also required to submit a current, one-page professional resume and the essay(s). There is no application fee and, while applicants will provide contact information for one recommender, a recommendation is not required either.
Applicants may choose to submit an application without a standardized test score. The adcom notes that they will consider the following in lieu of a test score:
- They have a strong undergraduate GPA from a US institution.
- They have demonstrated quantitative skills in prior academic coursework and/or professional experience.
- They have earned an advanced or terminal degree (JD, MD, PhD or quantitative MS degree).
- They have earned a quantitatively oriented professional certificate (CPA, CFA).
- They hold (or have held) an officer’s rank in the military.
- Performance on an expired GMAT or GRE.
International applicants whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. However, there are waiver conditions available based on citizenship or education.
Official transcripts and official test scores must be submitted two weeks before orientation begins.
The Interview
WashU Olin issues interview invitations. As part of the application process, applicants also complete a video interview.
MBA Applywire
I'm a GCC national at MBB in the region. Mostly worked on large-scale government projects, and hoping to continue in government after graduation (also a woman, not sure if that makes a difference but I see fewer women from my country applying to MBAs).
322 GRE (162V 160Q)
3.0 GPA from US T30 school (this one is painful but I had a strong upward trend after switching majors)
5 years experience (boutique + currently MBB)
Hey everyone,
I’d really appreciate an honest profile review and advice on how to best position myself over the next 4–5 years before applying to MBA programs (targeting M7 / T15, ideally with strong scholarship outcomes).
Background:
• 23M, URM (Latino, immigrant background)
• Graduated December 2025 from a non-target state school (Honors College)
• Major: Finance
• GPA: \~3.7–3.8
Work Experience:
Incoming: Management Rotation Program (Audit track) at a large U.S. financial institution (starting mid-2026)
• Rotational program with exposure to risk, capital markets, and enterprise functions
Current: Financial Analyst (Controls / Risk) at a large global tech company (co-op + full-time transition before MRP) not FAANG but similar
Prior internships:
A) 6 months internship Internal Audit – Housing Finance / Mortgage-related institution (Fannie/freddie)
B) 1 year internship and 1 year contract Risk & Compliance – Fixed Income / Debt Issuance organization (~$800B issuance exposure)
Exposure to MBS, capital markets, and financial risk frameworks
C) Summer experience for a regulatory agency (Pcaob, SEC, GAO)
Leadership & Extracurriculars:
• Director of Data Analytics – professional Latino association (2-5K members)
• Committee Member – State CPA Society (content + events)
Certifications / Plans:
Sitting for CFA Level I (May) → plan to complete CFA within ~3–4 years
Planning to complete CPA (150 credits + exams) within ~4–5 years
Short-Term Goal (pre-MBA):
Move from audit → capital markets / risk / transaction-related roles internally
Potentially pivot into roles closer to banking, valuation, or strategy
Long-Term Goal (post-MBA):
Investment Banking (M&A / Capital Markets) or potentially strategy consulting as backup
⸻
Questions:
1. How competitive is this profile today for M7 / T15 (assuming a strong GMAT, targeting 740+)?
2. What matters more in my case over the next few years:
• Internal mobility into capital markets–related roles?
• External jump (e.g., consulting, transaction advisory)?
3. Will CPA + CFA actually help for MBA admissions + IB recruiting, or is that overkill?
4. How can I best differentiate coming from a non-target + audit background?
5. What would you prioritize if you were me for the next 4–5 years?
I am a European 28-years-old engineer (automotive and oil&gas background) preparing my MBA applications. GMAT Focus 695 (97th percentile), IELTS 8/9, ~3 years of work experience.
4.1 GPA from a T10 university in STEM planning on doing entrepreneurship post college during the deferred years.