Early Access MBA Prep Applicant FAQs

Apply to Business School Early

The Early Access MBA Prep application is now open! Apply by January 6, 2025. 

Note: All applications will be considered if submitted by 11:59 P.M. PT on each application deadline.


Application Deadlines & Requirements

When can I apply?

The Early Access MBA Prep has two application deadlines: 

  • Deadline: January 6, 2025

How do I apply?

You can access the Early Access MBA Prep application once it is available in the fall. 

How much is the Early Access MBA Prep application fee?

There is no fee to apply to the Early Access MBA Prep program.

How much does participation in the Early Access MBA Prep program cost?

The Early Access MBA Prep program fee is $150 and will be required within one week of receiving your EA offer.



Eligibility Requirements

What are the requirements for Early Access MBA Prep?

MLT’s Early Access MBA Prep program is open to candidates who meet these requirements:

  • Citizenship: U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, DACA or TPS participant
  • MLT Affiliation: Career Prep Fellow (in good standing)
  • Educational Status: College senior graduating in Winter 2024 or Spring/Summer 2025; Applying to a domestic, full-time deferred MBA program at an MLT partner school
  • Test Results: Official GMAT or GRE of 600+ (or equiv.)
  • Academic Achievement: Bachelor’s degree by Spring of the year you’re applying, demonstrating strong academic performance, ideally a GPA of 3.5+ 
  • Work Experience: No minimum requirement; however, the strongest candidates have completed a professional summer internship.
  • Post-graduation Employment: Have accepted a full-time job offer
  • Leadership: Demonstrated leadership experience through community involvement, participation with community service organizations, academic organizations, or professional/work associations 


The Selection Process

How is my acceptance determined?

The Early Access MBA application evaluation process is very similar to the deferred MBA admissions review process. It is holistic, meaning readers have access to and concurrently review all components of your application before making an assessment.

Do you offer test prep help?

Yes! Visit the Test Prep Coaching page for more info.

What happens after I complete Early Access MBA Prep?

After Early Access MBA Prep, there is a natural transition after the deferral period (usually 2-5 years) into MLT’s MBA Professional Development (MBA PD) program. The MBA PD program is for individuals who are accepted to business school, as it focuses on pre-MBA internship and full-time recruiting, as well as further career exploration during the spring and summer before entering their MBA program. If an Early Access Fellow does not receive an offer, they are eligible to apply for the traditional or accelerated MBA Prep program in the future. 

*To be eligible for deferred MBA programs, Early Access MBA Prep applicants must not be pursuing graduate school immediately after completing undergrad. 


The Program

What is Early Access MBA Prep?

For nearly 20 years, MLT has furthered its mission of closing racial wealth gaps by helping thousands of Black, Hispanic, and Native American professionals navigate their MBA journeys.

MLT’s Early Access MBA Prep programs provide individuals who have experienced inequitable access to career-accelerating resources, including Black, Hispanic, and Native American individuals, with personalized guidance and effective tools to successfully navigate the deferred MBA application process and gain early admission into a top program.

How long is the Early Access MBA Prep Program?

The standard offering lasts about 6 months (January to July) 

What is Early Access MBA Prep’s b-school acceptance rate?

The Early Access MBA Prep program was launched in 2022. Since then, 75% of EA Fellows have been accepted into a deferred program at an MLT partner business school.

Who are the Early Access MBA Prep coaches?

Scroll down to the bottom of the MBA Prep page to learn more about our MBA Prep coaches.

Are there any Early Access MBA Prep events I can attend?

Check out our events page regularly for any upcoming events.

Why do I need Early Access MBA Prep?

Admission to deferred MBA programs tend to be even more competitive than applying as a traditional candidate with several years of work experience. When you compare MLT’s Early Access MBA Prep program to private admissions counseling organizations and consulting groups, the choice is clear. The access MLT offers directly to top business schools, industry partners and incredibly talented peers is unparalleled. The MBA Prep program is designed to change and enhance your career trajectory, but it’s also designed to change YOU.

Who are MLT’s Business schools partners?

MLT has more than 30 business school partners, many of which are top 10, top 25, or top 5 schools. A number of these programs offer deferred MBA programs. Our Early Access MBA Prep Fellows have opportunities to connect with members of their Admissions Committees as they prepare for application success. Visit the Partners page to view a list of our Graduate Business School Partners.


Want to learn more about our MBA Prep programs?   Sign up for an event

Return to Early Access MBA Prep Program for additional info, testimonials, and more.