How to succeed at Kelley: MBA application requirements
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
MBA admission requirements
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.
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:
Complete and submit our online information request form (to ensure that we have your most current contact information); and
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 and leadership aptitude.
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.
MBA essay
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 MBA Program and how joining the Kelley family will benefit you.
Letter of recommendation for MBA
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 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 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.
Application deadlines
Domestic and international* applicants
Round
Deadline
Notification
First
October 15
By December 20 Deposit due March 1
Second
January 5
By March 15 Deposit due May 1
Third
March 1
By April 30 Deposit due 4 weeks after notification
Final
April 15
By May 31 Deposit due 4 weeks after notification
*Given the time necessary to secure a visa, international applicants are highly encouraged to apply by no later than January 5, the second round deadline.
Kelley 2025 class profile
Class size: 96 Women: 38% Minority: 21% International: 58% Average age: 30
Average years of work experience: 6.4 Percent with full-time work experience: 100% Average GMAT: 685 Average GRE: 322 Average GPA: 3.40
As one of three founding schools of The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, 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.
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.