Sneak Peek at 2026 Full-Time Application Requirements

August 15, 2025 | Simon Admissions Team
 

Big news! Our full-time MBA and MS application for Fall 2026 opens in September, and we can’t wait to see yours come through! At Simon, we’re all about clarity, uncovering insights, and making data-driven decisions—elements that also go into a thoughtful, well-prepared business school application. Whether you’re polishing your résumé or fine-tuning your goals, the info below will help you get a head start and hit submit with confidence.

Application Requirements

You’ll need the following to apply to one of Simon’s Full-Time MBA or MS programs:

• Online application
• Transcripts (undergraduate as well as any graduate transcripts)
• Résumé
• Required Essay(s) - MBA has two essays and MS has one
• TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test* (international applicants only)
• $90 Application Fee*
• Optional: GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment (EA is for MBA only)
• Optional: Video Essay (for MBA candidates only; not included in the MS application)

*Waiver available.
 

Essays

Our application has two mandatory essays for MBA applicants and one mandatory essay for MS applicants. When you are preparing your response(s), make sure you fully answer the question, stay within the word count (250–500 words), and run your response(s) by a friend or family member before submitting—if they can guess what the prompt was, chances are you did a great job addressing it! The essay(s) for 2026 entry are as follows:

Essay One:
In 250–500 words total, respond to the following prompts:

• Describe your short-term and long-term post-graduation goals.
• Given the fluctuation of economic and industry hiring trends, identify a back-up plan should your short-term goal not be immediately attainable.
• How does your past education and experience support your career objectives?
• Lastly, what aspects of your intended Simon Business School program make it a good choice for your graduate study?

Essay Two (MBA only):
Simon Business School is committed to fostering an environment that values broad access to opportunity, the exchange of ideas, and the importance of varied perspectives in developing effective business leaders. Our approach emphasizes analytical rigor, collaboration, and preparing students to navigate an increasingly complex global economy. Reflecting on your personal, academic, professional, or volunteer experiences, how have you helped create environments where a range of viewpoints and backgrounds are respected and heard? How do you hope to continue promoting fairness, open dialogue, and a sense of community during your time at Simon? There is no wrong answer—be genuine! (250–500 words)
 

Résumé

We require a business formatted résumé (not a CV) and recommend it be no longer than two pages. Focus on quantifying your accomplishments and be sure to keep the formatting clean and easy to read.
 

Transcripts

Gather your school-issued transcript or marksheets, including proof of degree conferral (e.g., degree awarded listed on transcript, diploma, or graduation certificate)* and grading scale for each institution attended. Your name, the institution’s name, all course names, grades, conferral date (e.g., graduation date), and GPA scale should be legible. If your transcripts are not in English, you must also provide a certified English translation.

*If you are currently completing your degree, you will upload your most up-to-date transcript. If admitted, you would provide proof of degree conferral at that point, after your degree is completed.

Last, if you're looking for more information, check out the recording of our recent "Why Simon?" webinar to receive an overview of our full-time programs and to learn more about what makes the Simon community so special. 

We wish you all the best as you prepare for business school! Please reach out to us if you have any questions!