Covid-19 and MBA Admissions: Should I Enroll or Should I Defer? 5 Steps to Help

MBAConcierge

Getting an MBA is an expensive undertaking. This year, the average total cost to attend an MBA program is $ 196,067, up from $ 185,747 last year — and up from about $ 168,000 three years ago. (P & Q)

Although, the Covid-19 situation is still very fluid, many schools are preparing to potentially remain online comes fall. One of the most important value propositions of an MBA is the professional network you will build for yourself during your time on campus. If relationship building is on the top list of the reasons why you decided to pursue a graduate business degree, the idea of ​​losing out on this aspect this fall can be a deal breaker. If you are an international student, embassies closure worldwide may not give you any other option but to attend classes online this fall.

Truth is, online courses, even well designed will never be a substitute for an immersive campus experience.

If you received a letter of acceptance to your top MBA choice, congrats! If the optics of going online this fall is an issue and you are reconsidering your plans, here are a few steps you can take to help you decide on the best course of action:

1.  Negotiate the deposit deadline

For many schools deposit deadlines are firm and non-negotiable. However, given the unusual circumstances, B-Schools may consider granting deposit extensions to prevent an enrollment melt down the road. It doesn't cost anything to ask, it will buy you time so you can make an informed decision.

2.  Check-in regularly

As we are drafting this article, the situation is still very fluid and schools are waiting to hear back from government entities regarding visas for international students and the evolution of the pandemic to decide whether they are going online or not. Decisions will likely be released in April / May. Stay in contact with your admissions office!

3.  Inquire about deferral policies

From one school to the other, deferral policies vary greatly. Speak with your admissions representative about the implication of deferring your admission to fall 2021. Will your spot be guaranteed in the program? Will you keep your scholarship award? This information is likely to be critical in your decision making process.

4.  Inquire about recruiting events and internships

If the announcement to go online is out, make sure you inquire about the school's plans regarding recruiting events this fall, are they going online? If so, how many events have been scheduled? Who will be attending? Are these events specifically for MBA students ? By now, most schools should have secured their speakers and dates. Same goes for internships, make sure you inquire about their game plan.

5.  Make your decision ASAP

Once you have all the information in hand and if you make the decision to defer, make sure you let your school know as soon as possible. The sooner you request a deferral, the more likely it is to be granted. Safe to assume that if embassies are not able to grant visas, B-schools will experience a wave of deferral requests over the course of the summer. Make sure you are ahead of the curve!

The Admission Concierge is a MB and MS Admissions consulting service based in the US and founded by former director of admissions. We specialized in top ranked US schools admissions.

The Admission Concierge

www.admissionconcierge.com