Sneak Peek at 2026 Full-Time Application Requirements

August 1, 2025 | Simon Admissions Team
 

Big news! Our full-time MBA and MS application for Fall 2026 opens September 1, 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
• Two Required Essays
• Video Essay
• TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test* (international applicants only)
• $90 Application Fee*
• Optional: GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment (EA is for MBA only)

*Waiver available.
 

Essays

Our application has two mandatory essays and one optional essay. When you are preparing your responses, make sure you fully answer the question, stay within the word count (250–500 words), and run your responses 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 essays 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:
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 belonging during your time at Simon? (250–500 words)

Essay Three (Optional):
Feel free to take this opportunity to provide any additional information that you believe is important for the Admissions Committee to consider in evaluating your candidacy. (500-word limit)

Video Essay

The video essay is a required part of the application and gives you a chance to show us who you are beyond what we see on paper. We read every résumé, transcript, and written essay carefully, but the video helps us get a fuller picture—how you communicate, your presence, and what makes you, you. It’s a valuable complement to the written components because we get to see your personality shine.  

Upon submission of your application, your video essay link will appear in your applicant status portal. You will have 5 days to complete your video essay (you will not have access until you submit your application).

Review our step-by-step Video Essay Guide with visual aids, which includes helpful reminders and considerations ahead of recording your video essay.
 

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, register for our webinar, “Why Simon?” 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!