Accelerated Access

Apply now. Pursue your passion. Enroll later.

Applying to Haas through Accelerated Access

Are you a undergraduate senior or graduate student in your final year of study? Accelerated Access was created just for you...

Undergraduates who are considering an MBA in their future can now apply to the top-ranked full-time MBA program at Berkeley Haas. Accelerated Access allows you to complete the MBA application process while in your final year of study, gain conditional admission, and then start your study at Berkeley Haas after a two to five year deferment period for professional experience.1

During this time, you are encouraged to pursue employment that enhances your leadership profile and prepares you to contribute to the mission-driven business community at Berkeley Haas. You choose when to return to business school, and at that time become eligible for scholarships as well as consideration for our dual degree programs.

Learn more about deferred enrollment

Who is Eligible

Accelerated Access is available to:

  1. Undergraduate students in their final year of study, with a graduation date between July 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.
  2. Graduate students without full-time employment who enrolled in their graduate program immediately after completing their undergraduate studies, with a graduate degree graduation date between July 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024.

Students from diverse backgrounds and academic disciplines are encouraged to apply.  The admissions team takes a holistic approach to application review and seeks to understand all aspects of a candidate’s character, qualifications, and experiences. 

We welcome applications from international and domestic students.

Explore the Class Profile for the full-time MBA Program.

How to Apply

1. CREATE AN ONLINE APPLICATION
Applying begins with our secure online application. Begin by creating an account where you can save your work.

2. SUBMIT THE APPLICATION 
A complete submission will consist of the following items:

  • Copies of university transcripts
  • Resume
  • GMAT, GMAT Focus, or GRE
  • 2 required short essays
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • Application form

We have created this step-by-step guide, in order of priority, to help you on your application journey.

3. INTERVIEW PROCESS

Interviews are granted on an invitation-only basis after the evaluation of a submitted application and are required for admission.

Please note that completing an interview does not guarantee admission.

4. ADMISSION DECISION

All candidates are informed of admission decisions on the posted notification date. Selected applicants will be conditionally admitted to the Berkeley Haas Full-Time MBA Program.

Terms of conditional admission include, but are not limited to:

  • Final transcript grades do not materially deviate from prior academic performance, as submitted in the application.
  • A minimum of two and a maximum of five years of post undergraduate full-time work experience prior to enrollment.
  • Maintain employment that enhances your leadership profile and prepares you to contribute to the mission-driven business community at UC Berkeley.
  • Professional and personal conduct that aligns with Berkeley Haas culture.
  • Adhere to required check-ins with a Berkeley Haas advisor and/or career coach.
  • Payment of fees according to the schedule provided at time of admission.
A follow-on review may be conducted prior to the intended enrollment cycle to ensure terms have been met. Additional details will be communicated to students at the time of conditional admission.

5. DEPOSITS

Conditionally admitted students who wish to secure their spot in a future full-time MBA class must pay a non-refundable $500 commitment fee, plus nominal annual fees to continue to reserve their spot in a future class. During the deferment period, students will receive access to select Haas benefits and resources. Additional details will be communicated to admitted students.

6. MATRICULATION

Conditionally admitted students must defer matriculation in the full-time MBA program for a minimum of two and a maximum of five years. Admitted students should notify Haas of their intended matriculation date in the cycle prior to their intended Fall start date. All conditionally admitted students are subject to a secondary review to ensure that the terms of conditional admission have been met.

At this time, students will also be required to submit final and official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate studies.

Additional details will be communicated to admitted students.

Upcoming Events

Thank you for your interest in Berkeley Haas Accelerated Access. Check out our events calendar to view and register for upcoming events. To find Accelerated Access tailored events, you can filter under "Event Type."

To receive updates, please submit a Request Info form and indicate interest in Accelerated Access.

Scholarships

All admitted students will be eligible for scholarships and other financial aid at the time they plan to matriculate.

Additional details and timing will be communicated to admitted students.

Questions

Questions about applying to Berkeley Haas through Accelerated Access? Contact us by email at mbaadm@haas.berkeley.edu

Some Frequently Asked Questions:

1. I followed a non-traditional path to undergrad and have already accumulated several years of work experience. Am I still eligible?

If you worked prior to receiving your undergraduate degree you are still eligible. If you have any post-undergraduate full-time work experience then you are encouraged to apply directly to the full-time MBA program. 

2. What is the difference between Accelerated Access and the Full-time MBA program?

Accelerated Access is a deferred admissions application, not a distinct program. Graduating students can apply and gain admissions now to the full-time MBA, then matriculate after 2-5 years of work experience. 

3. I'm ready to apply. Where do I begin?

We have created this step-by-step guide, in order of priority, to help you on your application journey.

Learn more about the Full-time MBA Program: 

2024 Application Deadline

Deadline: April 25, 2024
Decision: June 20, 2024

The application process is very similar to that for the full-time MBA program and requirements include a resume, two letters of recommendation, two short essays, undergraduate transcripts, and either the GMAT, GMAT Focus, or GRE. An interview will be required for admission.

 


1. Through Accelerated Access, successful applicants will gain conditional admission, subject to adherence to specific terms and a follow-on review prior to enrollment.