Mr. Semiconductor Engineer

Most of the deferred admission programs at business schools are a relatively new admissions device. MIT Sloan began its program little more than a year ago. Harvard Business School is virtually alone in publishing a fairly detailed class profile for its 2+2 program. Otherwise, we’re pretty much in the dark. The official word from Sloan, based on our interview with admissions, is this: “We’re looking for students who have demonstrated leadership and an impact on their community, whether it is in the classroom, clubs, athletics, or internships. Thriving in a collaborative team environment, these are students from a diversity of majors who will enhance the MIT Sloan community with their intellectual abilities, drive and experiences.”
You have a profile and the basic stats that hits on all of these requirements. So I would think you are an excellent candidate for Sloan’s program. If there is one issue you face, it’s the same issue all every Asian or Indian engineer faces. You are in a part of the MBA applicant pool that is over represented. So the competition for you is especially fierce. Somehow, I think you will stand out.

Hi there! This is Kate Richardson, Senior Admissions Consultant. As John pointed out, we don’t have data on acceptance rates for deferred programs, especially the new ones like MIT’s, but my experience is that these programs are very selective. Based on that experience, I find it hard to put your odds above 50%. That being said, I think you have a great profile. Your GMAT / GPA stats are excellent, and I can see a deferred program fitting you well since you have an engineering background combined with some strong internship experiences that have drawn you to the business side. You also sell yourself well! “Shattering the previous year’s record…” “…with the click of a button…” – I love that phrasing to show you are making an impact. Keep that up and if you don’t make it into a deferred program now, I think you’ll be a strong applicant in a few years.

Hello Mr. Engineer, I’m Lisa Cummings, a former adcomm at MIT Sloan. The new 2+2 programs are super competitive but someone has to get in right? You are from a competitive slice of the pool but your stats are solid, you have a quant grad degree and some good work experience. It sounds like you have made great contributions at work and improved processes. Sloan likes applicants who have made an impact at work and/or in their extracurriculars so this will play in your favor. I like that you have also been a tutor and a mentor. Your short blurb here is well written, be sure to bring that style to your applications. Best of luck!