Admissions Overview
We take the time to get to know each MBA applicant personally.
We encourage you to reach out to us early to help you strengthen your application and identify scholarship opportunities. We’re ready to help you every step of the way. In addition to the deadlines below, we also accept applications on a rolling basis. And the sooner you apply in any of the rounds, the sooner you’ll hear back from us.
Final call for Fall 2025!
Apply Now
We’re still accepting applications, but seats and scholarships are limited.
If you hold an F-1 visa, apply now to stay on track for onboarding.
If you don’t yet have a visa, email us at admissions@simon.rochester.edu so we can discuss your options.
- No GMAT/GRE score required
- Merit-based scholarships available
- Apply now to maximize your chance for admission
Planning for business school in 2026? Let’s connect.
Now’s a great time to start exploring your options. Send us your résumé or CV (and test scores, if you have them) and we'll provide you with feedback about your candidacy for your program of interest before you even start your Simon Business School application.
Admissions Criteria
We take a holistic look at every application. We’re not just looking at your standardized test scores and transcripts. We’re also considering your professional experience, leadership skills, and community involvement.
We want to make sure you’ll thrive at Simon.
Qualities |
Academics |
Goals |
Leadership |
- Personal Qualities and Leadership Potential
At Simon we value well-developed communication skills in our applicants. We seek self-motivated individuals who believe that graduate study will significantly enhance both their technical and personal skill sets. Additionally, we seek evidence of team experiences and leadership skills, shown through extracurricular experience and/or on-the-job projects.
We use the admission interview, combined with your résumé, essays, and references to assess these qualitative aspects of your application.
- Work Experience and Goals
When making admission decisions, we consider work experience to include both internships and/or post-baccalaureate experience. The quality and quantity of experience, combined with career goals, are equally evaluated. Your decision to pursue graduate study should be consistent with the career goals typically offered for this program.
- Academics
We seek candidates committed to academic excellence. We review GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment exam scores and consider the overall results, as well as your quantitative and verbal distribution on the exam. Additionally, we evaluate all undergraduate and graduate coursework that has been completed prior to applying. Specific review of business, accounting, and math grades are considered in addition to your cumulative GPA. Applicant concerns on any dimension of the academic profile should be briefly addressed in the optional essay.
- Information For International Applicants
Every enrolling MBA student must successfully demonstrate excellent English communication skills. We highly recommend a minimum TOEFL score of 100 with sub-scores in the mid-20s or a minimum IELTS score of 7.5 with sub-scores of at least 7.
- Helpful Hints
The admission interview is an important two-way communication and you should treat the interview as you would a job interview. Dress professionally, arrive a little ahead of schedule, and come prepared to discuss your background. We recommend you also prepare a few questions that will allow you to learn more about Simon and the admissions process.
Fall 2025 Application Deadlines
*by 11:59 p.m. ET
| Round | Application Window | Deadline* | Decision By* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | September 1–October 15 | October 15 | December 15 |
| Round 2 | October 16–January 5 | January 5 | March 31 |
| Round 3 | January 6–February 15 | February 15 | April 20 |
| Round 4 | February 16–March 31 | March 31 | May 15 |
| Round 5 | April 1–May 1 | May 1 | June 15 |
You can apply without a GMAT or GRE score.
Simon Business School offers the option for candidates to apply without a standardized test score! Interested? Explore your options and learn how to submit your most competitive application for admission.
Application Checklist
- Résumé and work history
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.
- Two required essays (250–500 words)
When you are preparing your responses, make sure you fully answer the question and stay within the word count.
- Video Essay (optional)
Not required but strongly recommended, a video essay is a great way to help us get to know you.
- College transcripts
School-issued official transcripts, scanned and uploaded for each college attended. Please provide all transcripts—both from undergraduate and graduate school (if applicable).
- GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment scores*
Official test taker copy/score report for GMAT or GRE (including analytical writing assessment, if applicable) or your official test taker copy for the Executive Assessment, scanned and uploaded.
- References
As part of the online application, you will be asked to supply contact information for two references. If the Admissions Committee decides to contact either of your references during the application review process, you will be notified. We strongly suggest listing references who are familiar with you in a professional capacity.
- $90 application fee (waived for qualifying candidates)
Simon waives the application fee for active-duty military members and veterans and other eligible full-time MBA applicants.
- TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores* (international applicants)
Test results for TOEFL or IELTS, scanned and uploaded. Find Simon’s school codes here. If you took the Duolingo English Test, enter your scores on the Test Score screen and send us your certified results.
Important note: the GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment, and TOEFL iBT are temporarily being offered from home in certain locations, and the TOEFL ITP Plus for China is now available in mainland China. If you are able to take advantage of any of these options, we suggest you register for and complete your exam as soon as possible.- Online application form
View online application here.
- Special instructions for Consortium applicants
Permanent residents or US citizens who demonstrate significant and active contributions to furthering the mission of The Consortium may apply to our Full-Time MBA program through The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management.
The Consortium application has different deadlines than Simon Business School. To complete the online application, visit the Consortium website. Do not apply directly to Simon if you intend to pursue admission to both Simon and Consortium Membership.
For additional information about The Consortium, please contact us at admissions@simon.rochester.edu or (585) 275-3533.
Partnerships
Simon is dedicated to inclusive, welcoming education. We partner with leading nonprofit organizations to provide scholarship support, a streamlined application process, and comprehensive networking and professional development opportunities.
Simon MS to MBA
Did you know Simon MS graduates can apply for admission to the Simon MBA? If admitted, a significant portion of prior MS credits will transfer, which means you’ll complete the program in approximately half the time.
Admission to the Simon MBA requires a 3.1 cumulative GPA in the Simon MS degree, as well as meeting other standard admission criteria. The Admissions Committee will use all previously submitted MS application materials, in addition to the MBA application, to make a final decision regarding admission.
Reach out to the Admissions team with any questions you have—we’re here to support you every step of the way.
