Admissions
We take the time to get to know each applicant personally.
Our admissions team takes the time to work directly with every applicant. We encourage you to reach out to us early so we can guide you through the admissions process, including helping you strengthen your application and identify scholarship opportunities. In addition to the deadlines below, we also accept applications on a rolling basis. The sooner you apply in any of the rounds, the sooner you’ll hear back from us.
Next application deadline:
March 31
*By 11:59 p.m. ET
We are accepting applications for 2025 entry! Simon has rolling admissions, which means we are not only accepting applications, but we’re also reviewing applications as soon as we receive them. If you apply earlier in a round, you're likely to receive your decision before the notification deadline for the round you're applying. We look forward to reviewing your candidacy!
- No GMAT/GRE score required
- Merit-based scholarships available
- Receive your admission decision by May 15*
- Get a jump-start on important Simon onboarding activities
- Have the chance to enter the on-campus housing lottery held in May
- International students can get an earlier start on the I-20 process
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.
- 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 a business master’s program.
- Academics
We seek candidates committed to academic excellence. GMAT or GRE exam scores are optional, but if submitted, we will 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 required essay.
- Information for International Applicants
Every enrolling MS student must successfully demonstrate excellent English communication skills. We highly recommend a minimum TOEFL score of 100 with sub-scores in the mid-20s, a minimum IELTS score of 7.5 with sub-scores of at least 7, or a minimum Duolingo English Test score of 125 with sub-scores of at least 120.
In addition to required ESL test scores, Simon applicants will complete a required video essay along with their application, which is another opportunity to showcase English language skills.
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 |
GMAT/GRE Waiver
Simon Business School offers the option for candidates to apply without a GMAT or GRE 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
Required, as it will take the place of your formal admission interview.
- 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 or GRE scores*
Official test taker copy/score report for GMAT or GRE (including analytical writing assessment, if applicable), 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 MS 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, 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.View online application here.
Scholarships made easy.
More than 90% of our incoming MS students receive merit-based scholarship support. Our Admissions Committee determines scholarship awards when reviewing your MS program application, so there’s no need for an additional application to be considered for scholarships. We’ve also partnered with institutions across the US to create opportunities for students to pursue graduate business education.
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 MBA program in approximately half the time. MS graduates have three options to complete the Simon MBA:
The Full-Time MBA Program, which allows you to immerse yourself in student life in Rochester, NY, and intently focus on academics, an intensive career search, and enriching co-curricular activities. Alumni who have graduated from a Simon MS program within the last five years are eligible to apply to the Full-Time MBA and complete the MBA in one year.
The Professional MBA (PMBA) Program, which allows you to continue working while you complete your degree with weekday evening courses. The PMBA program’s in-person classes are self-paced, which means you can take as many or as few courses as you'd like each term to match your personal and professional goals and obligations. Alumni who have graduated from a Simon MS program within the last five years are eligible for the PMBA.
The Executive MBA (EMBA), which features career resources, professional development opportunities, and global immersion projects to create a truly transformative leadership experience. The program’s part-time, high-flex format allows you to complete the program online or with a combination of online and in-class learning—making going back to school more manageable for working professionals. All Simon MS alumni are eligible to apply to the EMBA, regardless of graduation year.
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.