Prospective Students

Make your career move with
The Consortium

Of the 10,000 MBA students who graduate every year from top-tier business schools, fewer than 8 percent are African American, Native American or Hispanic American. We believe the best way to increase the representation of these groups in American business and education is to celebrate and uplift those who have dedicated their lives to inclusion.

If you have worked hard to promote diversity in your community or your workplace, we invite you to apply to The Consortium as a starting point toward achieving your career goals.

Are You Thinking About an MBA Now?

Save time and money by applying through The Consortium’s common application, which allows you to apply to the country’s leading MBA programs. The application deadlines are October 15 and January 5. Review application instructions for more information.

Thanks to our supporters, each year we award hundreds of merit-based, full-tuition fellowships to some of the country’s top MBA programs. Typically, we are able to offer these fellowships to 70 percent of those admitted.

Our benefits go beyond fellowships. As a Consortium Fellow, you’ll join a community with representatives from our 90+ corporate partners at our annual Orientation Program & Career Forum. Many of students leave this conference with early internship opportunities, which often lead to jobs after graduation.

Are You Considering an MBA Down the Road?

We’ve guided thousands of students toward their MBAs over the years. Our experience shows us that early planning is critical to a student’s success.

Even if you’re still an undergraduate, take steps now to save time and money – and lay the foundation for future success. Consider taking these steps even five or more years before you apply.

Keep in mind that the average applicant to The Consortium has three to five years of work experience — a key part of a strong business school application.

Junior/senior year (or five years before applying)

Take the GMAT or GRE.

Build your experience.

As soon as you can, take the GMAT or GRE. The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is still the standard and accepted at all schools. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is increasingly being accepted at more schools; all of our Consortium member schools accept it.

Take the GRE or GMAT before you graduate or soon after, while you’re still conditioned to study. Plus, as a full-time student, you’ll be able to get discounts on prep materials and courses – or even a free practice test.

Use the five years before applying to business school to get a job, internship or even a volunteer position in your industry. Explore your interests and get the experience you need.

Two to three years before applying

Build your brand.

Make a financial plan.

Keep track of your accomplishments. Be able to demonstrate the impact you’ve had professionally and personally.

As you move forward in your career or change jobs, keep in touch with supervisors and co-workers. They can become key references later. Keep them updated with your progress, and they’ll be better able to help when you need a recommendation.

Remember, to be admitted to The Consortium, you must demonstrate a commitment to our mission and the communities we serve.

Plan ahead for expenses. An MBA can be expensive; the cost can vary widely. Preparing and submitting your application can come with significant expenses, including:

Required costs

  • Application: The Consortium’s application has a tiered fee system that depends on the number of member schools added to an individual’s application. View our application fees here.
  • Standardized testing: GMAT, GRE, EA

Recommended Costs

  • School visits: $550 per school
  • Test prep courses: $500 to $5,000

Optional costs

  • Admissions consultant: $1,000-plus

One year before applying

Research schools.

Prepare your application.

Connect with references.

Research financial assistance.

Select the school that’s best for you. The earlier you start researching schools, the better. This will give you the chance to find the school with programs that match your specific interests.

As you identify your favorite programs, connect with admissions officers. Let them know you’re interested. Ask intelligent questions and demonstrate knowledge and enthusiasm as it can make a difference in the long run.

As you prepare your application, take your time. Plan to take two to three months to write the essays and collect the information you need. This may be your one chance to make an impression on the admissions committees. Make it count.

Reconnect with your references before you submit your application. They’re doing you a favor by sharing their perspective. It is important to keep them in the loop before, during and after you submit your application.

Finally, research financial assistance. Although The Consortium Fellowship covers up to full tuition and required fees for MBA studies, you will have other additional expenses along the way. Be sure you fill out the FAFSA form and have a conversation with the financial services departments at your chosen schools to help make business school more affordable.