Haas has expanded its Accelerated Access program beyond UC Berkeley students, according to Haas’ Newsroom website. Accelerated Access enables students to apply for deferred admission to Haas’ full-time MBA program.
Accelerated Access was introduced in January 2020 as a pilot program open to UC Berkeley students only. It was hoped that, if successful, the program would be expanded beyond UC Berkeley students. Its great success is evident in the decision to now allow all undergrad seniors or final-year grad students from any college to apply.
According to Eric Askins, executive director of full-time MBA admissions, “We wanted to provide a new opportunity for young professionals who are planning to make an impact earlier in their careers through earning an MBA. Deferred admissions is the perfect option for many of these students, and we’re looking forward to meeting them.”
Accelerated Access allows undergrad and masters students in their final year to apply to the MBA program. Students are granted a conditional admission, enabling them to enroll following a 2–5-year deferment. This time will be used to expand their professional experience and to “do work that aligns with their passions with the reassurance that they will be able to return to a top-ranked MBA program within a few years,” Askins stated.
It is hoped that opening the program up to students outside of UC Berkeley will increase the diversity of the class. International students and those studying outside the traditional pre-MBA track are encouraged now to consider pursuing a Haas MBA. The chance to acquire 2–5 years of professional experience will provide these non-traditional students with the business foundation needed for their studies.
[READ: No Work Experience. Want MBA. What Should You Do?]
Once admitted, students will be able to join a Slack community, meeting with other deferred students to keep up with the admissions process and bond with future classmates. They will also meet yearly with an admissions officer to ensure they have the necessary support.
Accelerated Access’ first admissions deadline is April 5, 2021. Applicants must submit a resume, two letters of recommendation, two short essays, undergrad transcripts, and either GMAT or GRE test scores. There will be an interview as well.
Non-traditional students may not be able to demonstrate work experience, but this will not keep them from being admitted. According to Askins, “We’re looking for strong academic indicators paired with clarity of purpose. If you know an MBA will be useful in your future goals, it means you’ve thought about a plan. We are looking for clarity on that plan.”
The Accelerated Access Program was also discussed in the recent Admissions Straight Talk interview with Eric Askins. For more of his perspective on that program and what Haas is seeking in Accelerated Access applicants, click here.
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