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.
Prepare to Apply for 2026!
It's never too early to focus on your business school plans for next year. Simon offers the opportunity to get feedback on your candidacy before you apply, which will give you the tools you need to submit your most competitive application when it opens in September. Additionally, check out the Simon Admissions Blog for a sneak peek at the application requirements, Admissions Committee tips, and more.
- No GMAT/GRE score required
- Merit-based scholarships available
- Apply early to maximize your chance for admission
- Streamlined application requirements
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 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
- Online application form
View online application here.
- 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.
- 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).
- Video essay (optional)
The video essay is an optional component of the full-time MBA 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.
- Standardized test scores
GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment (optional):
Simon Business School offers the option to apply without a GMAT/GRE/Executive Assessment score! We share the same goal: for you to submit a standout application—but we know figuring out how best to proceed based on your individual candidacy can raise some questions. Check out our standardized test score page for more information and answers to common questions to aid in your decision making.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.
*Explore your eligibility for a waiver »- $90 application fee*
Simon waives the application fee for active-duty military members and veterans and other eligible full-time MBA applicants.
- 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.
*Waiver available.
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.
